In recent years, there has been an incline in demand for natural products for skincare and there is a good reason for that. Natural products are considered a safer and gentler alternative to commercial beauty products and skincare lines. Also, many companies are actively participating in sustainable production which contributes to preserving the planet.
The idea of sustainable practices appeals to a large number of individuals who are trying to take a step towards more conscious consumerism. Regardless, there are many reasons to embrace natural skincare as a part of your daily routine. If you want to experience the positive benefits of natural ingredients, explore the available options of natural cosmetics and test their transformative power.
What Does Natural in Cosmetics Mean?
Everybody wants to know the answer to the question” What is a natural cosmetic? Natural means that the product is free of synthetic colours and fragrances, and instead contains natural fragrances. It also does not contain petrochemicals, or parabens, so it’s toxin-free. Often, the production and packaging are eco-friendly too.
The natural cosmetics are formulated with ingredients derived from plants, minerals and animals. The ingredients are processed into a formulation that is free of synthetic chemicals.
People often confuse the term natural with free of chemicals. Natural does not mean no chemicals. Even water is chemical. Everything around us is chemicals. In other words, the term natural refers to everything that is derived from natural sources and is not produced in a laboratory. Meaning, there are no artificial substances present in the product.
Is There Such a Thing as 100% Natural?
When you hear the term 100% natural, it generally means that 95% to approximately 100% of the ingredients in the products must be of natural origin. However, achieving 100% natural can be pretty challenging due to the complexity of the formulation and the company or brand’s definition of natural.
Sometimes, the nature of the product requires the use of some types of preservatives to ensure the product’s safety and longevity. However, those preservatives are still of natural origin and may need to be chemically processed to harness their antimicrobial properties.
Although it’s possible to find a product that claims to be 100% natural, each country may have different regulations regarding what ingredients they classify as natural. To make sure you’re paying for what the product claims to be, always check the ingredient list and verify if the brand has certifications to back up its statement.
Is Organic and Natural Cosmetic the Same?
Here is another misconception regarding the terms “organic” and “natural”. People often use interchangeably these two terms, but they are not the same thing.
Organic cosmetics mean that the natural ingredients used in the product are organically grown, without the use of pesticides. Organic refers to ingredients that have not been genetically modified and they have not been grown with the help of chemical fertilisers.
It’s possible to find beauty products that are both natural and organic as much as it is possible to find natural beauty products that are not organic. For instance, minerals are considered natural ingredients that are commonly used in natural beauty products. However, they are not considered organic, because they are not cultivated, but instead directly sourced from the earth. This means that mineral cosmetics cannot be classified as organic.
Can I Use Natural Skincare If I Have Super Sensitive Skin?
The good news about natural cosmetic products is that they are suitable for all skin types, from oily and sensitive to dry and mature. Due to the fact that these products are toxin-free and do not contain laboratory-made harsh chemicals, the formulation is pretty gentle on the skin, which makes it safe to use if you have sensitive skin.
There are also natural beauty products developed specifically for super-sensitive skin that have anti-inflammation properties. As such, they soothe the redness, itchiness and any other sensitivity, and reduce the inflammation. There are specific formulas targeting skin prone to acne as well, to help restore the skin’s health and barrier.
Can I Find Natural Cosmetics that Are Vegan and Cruelty Free?
Natural products do not automatically mean vegan and cruelty-free. Many natural ingredients found in some natural beauty products come from animal origin such as beeswax, lanolin, collagen, squalene, and cholesterol, to name a few, although collagen can also be derived from plants.
However, many companies actively participate in the contribution to raising awareness for the ethical production of natural skin cosmetics. There are many companies that are certified vegan and cruelty-free brands, which means all of their ingredients are of plant-based origin and they do not test on animals.
To confirm if the brand stands behind what it says, check the brand’s website to see if they state they are vegan certified and if they have the bunny logo or bunny ears with the text underneath “cruelty-free certified”.
Is Natural Cosmetic Safe for The Planet?
Given the fact that natural products do not contain synthetic chemicals and toxins that are often found in commercial cosmetics, they are inherently better for the planet’s health.
Although not all natural brands make their cosmetics equally, most companies practise sustainable production and packaging. Many natural cosmetic brands prioritise eco-friendly packaging which helps minimise waste reduction and reduces their carbon footprint.