Though the term “natural” is widely used, it may not always be accurate. Some products that use this label actually contain ingredients known to cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Real natural cosmetic products do not use synthetic substances or ingredients derived from animal sources (like rooster combs, snail slime or shark liver oil) harvested unsustainable ways ( such as palm oil). Furthermore, they do not utilize silicones, mineral oils or perfumes in their production process.
Silicones
Silicone found in products ranging from spatulas to cell phone cases may seem harmless, but it’s actually an artificial substance created from man-made components made up of natural mineral silicon combined with oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and petrochemical methanol to form various polydimethylsiloxane formulations used extensively within cosmetic products.
These ingredients act as emollients and humectants, moisturizers, surfactants (emulsifiers), film formers, viscosity control agents, antifoaming agents, binding agents and more (1). Common examples are cyclomethicones such as octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) which are often found in shampoos, shower gels, deodorants cosmetic powders or other wash-off beauty products (1).
Consumers want effective products to help them look and feel their best, from hair conditioners that reduce shine to face creams that hide fine lines to sunscreens with increased SPF protection. The easiest way to identify whether or not a product contains silicones is to read its label; this should state which type of silicones were used.
Mineral oils
Mineral oils are petroleum-derived saturated hydrocarbons. NIVEA uses only high-grade mineral oils that have undergone rigorous refining processes to ensure safety when used in cosmetic products and meet strict purity requirements regarding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Petrolatum (also referred to as paraffinum liquidum or liquid petroleum jelly) is the go-to mineral oil in cosmetics, serving as an affordable moisture barrier that keeps skin hydrated while also serving baby lotions, cold creams and ointments well.
Mineral oil remains a controversial ingredient despite its many advantages; animal studies and acne-triggering lists have frequently included it as comedogenic. Recent research, however, has demonstrated otherwise; instead it has shown to be effective against dry skin types not prone to acne as an ingredient that increases penetration of active ingredients into skin layers.
Parabens
Parabens have long been used as preservatives in cosmetic products since their introduction in the 1920s. Due to being antimicrobial and cost-effective, parabens make an excellent way of protecting products against harmful bacteria and mold growth while increasing shelf life. Unfortunately, studies have linked high paraben exposure with endocrine disruption which may affect hormone systems leading to obesity, skin tone changes, early puberty in girls, decreased fertility rates as well as other health concerns.
Though parabens pose health concerns, they remain widely used in personal care products in the U.S. If you want to limit exposure, look for “paraben-free” labels on personal care items, or purchase those made with short-chain parabens such as methyl, propyl or ethylparaben – less likely to interfere with hormone function and contain Environmental Working Group Skin Deep database’s list of paraben-free options; but going paraben-free does not guarantee safer products since other preservatives might need added for product preservation purposes – therefore going paraben-free is no guarantee of better safety either!
Fragrances
Fragrances are complex mixtures of ingredients designed to produce an inviting aroma. Their components may include essential oils or synthetic compounds. Although fragrance chemicals aren’t completely harmless – some have been linked to disrupting hormone systems and skin irritation, while phthalates (for instance) have been implicated in health conditions like asthma and allergies (1,2).
On an ingredient list, “fragrance” or “parfum” refers to all the chemical compounds and oils that make up its fragrance. Companies are not required to list individual components as this information is considered proprietary information.
Natural cosmetic products typically contain less fragrances and foaming agents that create excess amounts of soapy foam than their conventional counterparts, making them gentler on both hair and skin. Furthermore, shower gel and shampoo made with natural ingredients such as glycerol act as moisturisers which improve barrier function (3,4).
