Natural cosmetic products offer an effective way to nourish your skin while avoiding harsh chemicals found in many conventional skincare products. Before making the switch, however, some important points must be kept in mind.
Keep an eye out for products with ingredients like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and phthalates (hormone-disrupting chemicals linked to infertility) which are free from these hormone-disrupting chemicals as well as fragrance-free formulations without synthetic colors or preservatives.
Less Harmful to the Environment
The beauty industry utilizes synthetic ingredients that are harmful both to our environment and us, especially when they end up in landfills. Chemical residues left behind pollute soil and water resources near where they are dumped, and may even harm wildlife that come in contact with them.
Avoiding these chemicals by choosing natural cosmetics certified by COSMOS is one way to do it. Be wary of products with unknown ingredients like sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates and petrochemicals as these could contain these dangerous toxins.
Choose cruelty-free brands and use sustainable packaging made of recyclable natural materials like wood. Third party certifications like ECOCERT or EWG provide additional assurances of product cleanliness.
Gentler on the Skin
Many products labeled natural, clean or organic boast being more gentle on your skin than their non-natural counterparts. Unfortunately, however, this isn’t always the case: A 2023 study discovered that most “natural” skin care products in its survey contained ingredients known to trigger contact dermatitis – an allergic reaction which causes redness, itchiness and dryness on contact.
Assuring your natural product is safe for your skin starts by choosing products made with botanical extracts and essential oils, such as Centella asiatica’s wound-healing properties due to chemicals that increase blood supply and strengthen skin structures – look out for it in creams and serums!
Opt for natural cosmetics that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals like parabens that disrupt hormones, have been linked to infertility, cancer and more. When selecting products certified COSMOS ORGANIC or EcoCERT this ensures they’re free of synthetic ingredients and pesticides.
No Artificial Colors or Fragrances
Brands claiming to be natural often make vague promises that they do not use synthetic chemicals, yet no commercial cosmetic product can ever truly be considered natural. Even organic skincare must comply with specific USDA organic standards as well as FDA labelling and safety requirements.
When selecting nontoxic beauty ingredients, look for clean options free from fragrances and colors. Natural pigments typically derived from plant extracts – cold-pressed oils, tinctures or powders can provide natural colorants – that have numerous additional skin and hair care benefits such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Paprika, for instance, not only creates beautiful red or purple colours, but it’s also packed with capsanthin, an amazing compound that stimulates blood flow to increase in both your scalp and skin promoting healthier complexion. Merit provides skin-loving essentials free from 1,400 potentially harmful ingredients like plant-based squalane, vitamin B5, kaolin clay and sea daffodil extract for an alternative approach to skincare products.
More Effective
As many know, natural skin care regimens can do wonders for your complexion. Many natural cosmetic products contain ingredients rich in essential nutrients that will improve the condition of your skin while decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.
Conventional cosmetics contain numerous synthetic chemicals, including parabens which have been linked with hormone changes and breast cancer. Furthermore, these chemicals prevent your skin from breathing properly resulting in dry and flaky patches on its surface.
When choosing between natural and synthetic cosmetic products, it is also important to factor in cost and effectiveness. Your decision ultimately boils down to what works for your skin type and needs; natural/organic cosmetic products tend to cost more than synthetic counterparts but provide long-term value through healthier skin, reduced environmental pollution and less waste produced than their synthetic counterparts do.
