Natural skincare products can help keep your skin supple and radiant. However, not all organic products are created equal; some contain ingredients which could cause skin irritation or more serious health complications.
As “natural” is unregulated, different brands may interpret it differently and therefore how can you ensure you’re buying safe skin care products?
1. Look for Natural or Organic Ingredients
Natural skincare products tend to be free from parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, as well as usually being made up of botanical oils that have therapeutic effects for your skin – like jojoba oil for relieving inflammation or rosehip oil for fade scars and stretch marks.
Many of the top natural skincare products are created by small-time operators who take great care and attention in making each batch, knowing every component that goes into their formulas. This ensures top-of-the-line quality.
There are many different definitions of what makes a product “natural” or “organic”, so it is wise to do your research and see exactly what is in any products you consider before making a final decision. Some popular natural products may appear gentle but contain harmful substances like parabens and sulfates which could irritate skin or even be linked to health concerns like endocrine disruption or cancer.
2. Read the Label
Unfortunately, not all products labeled “natural” live up to their reputation due to an open and loose interpretation of this term by the FDA and can often be misconstrued; for example, some labels may claim non-comedogenic status even though it contains ingredients known to clog pores.
To ensure an informed purchase, it’s essential that you can decipher a skincare product’s ingredient list. Ingredients are listed according to their concentration; those appearing first have greater presence. Common names for each component are also provided for easy recognition.
At first, it can be helpful to become acquainted with the symbols found on skincare products that indicate organic, cruelty-free or vegan status. Also be wary of any product containing potentially hazardous chemicals or irritants such as fragrances, parabens or preservatives; additionally its label should provide information regarding shelf life and usage instructions.
3. Check for Allergies or Sensitivities
Be mindful that just because something is natural doesn’t guarantee its allergy-free status. Each year, the American Contact Dermatitis Society recognizes an Allergen of the Year to raise awareness about natural substances known to cause allergic reactions such as lanolin (wool grease), eucalyptus oil and essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, ylang-ylang clove and cassia oil.
Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience skin allergies or sensitivities; they will be able to identify the source of your symptoms and recommend appropriate skincare products. However, with proper research and guidance it is possible to enjoy natural skincare that’s both nourishing and effective without allergenic risks – just read ingredient labels carefully, seek medical advice as necessary, and don’t underestimate patch tests! Your skincare routine should serve as an opportunity for holistic self-care and should never become an allergenic risk!
4. Take Your Time
If you’re switching over to natural versions of all of your tried-and-true products, it’s important not to overburden yourself at once with too many unfamiliar things. Replacing all your products at once with natural options could cause more harm than good; so start off small. Replace body cream first before progressing onto soap and make-up so your skin has time to adapt without being overwhelmed by too many new ingredients.
Natural and clean skincare products use natural ingredients and avoid artificially harsh chemicals that could potentially cause side effects, such as pore clogging, irritation and allergic reactions. They also avoid hormone disrupting chemicals like phthalates, parabens and other hormone disruptors commonly found in synthetic products.
While there is no universal definition for what constitutes “natural” or “clean” skincare products, generally they can be understood to mean those that contain no potentially hazardous chemicals. Many natural and clean skincare products come from small boutique operations which take pride in creating high-quality, effective and beautiful skincare solutions.
