Natural vs. Chemical Cosmetics: The Key Differences
What are natural cosmetics?
If a similar question were asked in a street survey, many people would surely answer that natural cosmetics are those that come entirely from nature. This answer is far from satisfactory, as the definition of the term remains open. If the next question concerned nature itself, respondents might exclude the involvement of human factors in creating natural cosmetics.
In that case, petroleum could be classified as a “natural” product, though many people do not consider it as such. Petroleum also plays a key role in the cosmetics industry, as many substances used in production are petrochemicals. Can a natural cosmetic contain a natural ingredient of our planet, such as petroleum?
Let’s face the truth: natural products owe their origin to plants and have little to do with fossil fuels. As long as the oils, extracts, and essences used in cosmetology are of plant origin, we are dealing with a natural product.
However, this answer still leaves a lot to be desired, as we are dealing with GMO crops worldwide. Genetically modified crops should not be equated with natural products
Finally, there is the issue of extracting extracts from plants. In many cases, these processes require the use of synthetic methods, which have little to do with nature..
Following this trail, natural cosmetics are difficult to classify and create a clear definition. So, what is the problem with natural cosmetics available on our market?
Natural Cosmetics and Their Market Issues
The basic problem with cosmetics available on the market is that most of them have nothing to do with nature. The modern cosmetics industry often reaches for artificial substances that “improve” the final product. These include thickeners, preservatives, dyes, or antioxidants. 100% natural cosmetics should not contain such substances.
Why do manufacturers reach for artificial substances in creating their cosmetics? The answer to this question is relatively trivial because there is a limited availability of natural “enhancers” worldwide. Financial issues also play a role – the production of natural cosmetics is simply more expensive.
Looking at global trends, another problem arises. Namely, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not created a definition for the term “natural” or “organic”. As a result, there is trouble in the USA with labeling cosmetics as “natural” or “organic”.
This situation raises issues of dishonest behavior by some manufacturers, who want to earn additional money on the right marketing and branding of their cosmetics. By calling a cosmetic “natural”, they try to reach a target group that is looking for such products on the market.
How much truth is in all this? Maybe the entire natural cosmetics market is one big marketing ploy? Do consumers rightly pay more for a cosmetic that is “natural” only in name?
Fortunately, there is one proven method to find out about the enigmatic “naturalness” of the cosmetics we buy. You need to dive into reading the product’s ingredients list.
Ingredients Not Found in Natural Cosmetics
Do not be deceived by appearances and take matters into your own hands. A single look at the label of a cosmetic can verify its naturalness. The European Parliament and Council Regulation No. 1223/2009 of November 30, 2009, specifies which elements must be present on product labels. Cosmetic manufacturers are obliged to provide a list of ingredients that is truthful.
Therefore, it’s worth reading labels and ingredients lists to check if a product can be classified as natural. How to find your way among the complicated nomenclature, often referring to Latin names of ingredients? We advise which ingredients natural cosmetics should not contain.
SLS, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
The substance that appears on labels under one of the three names listed in the headline is one of the most widespread detergents. Its presence in cosmetics means they easily foam and deeply clean the skin’s surface. It’s worth adding that SLS is also used in the production of dishwashing liquids or floor cleaners.
If SLS is so effective, then why would it be undesirable in the composition of cosmetics? It turns out that concentrations above 1% can be harmful to health, especially for people with sensitive and atopic skin.
It’s better to avoid this substance, which also appears under names: Sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS, Sulfuric acid, Monododecyl ester, Sodium salt, Lauryl sodium sulfate, Sodium N-dodecyl sulfate, Lauryl sulfate sodium salt.
Parabens: methylparaben, phenol, propylparaben
As a type of esters, parabens primarily act as preservatives in the cosmetics industry. Their task is to combat bacteria and yeasts that may appear in the packaging of our cosmetic. Thus, they significantly extend the expiry date of a cosmetic product.
Parabens are controversial substances, widely used since the interwar period. Today, scientists argue about their necessity in cosmetics. Selected studies suggest that parabens can cause allergic reactions and negatively affect the hormonal system.
Instead of parabens, natural cosmetics can contain other preserving substances, like rose or grapefruit oil.
Silicones – PDMS, PDMCS, and others
Silicones are synthetic organosilicon compounds produced by the polymerization of dialkylsilanols. Sounds scary, right? Simply put, these substances come from silicon, which is the building block of our hair and skin. It is responsible for collagen production – the protein that affects skin elasticity.
Silicon deficiencies can be replenished internally through dietary components such as oat flakes or millet. However, it’s better to avoid silicones, as these compounds superficially support our skin in an artificial way.
On labels, one can find many names of silicones that should not be included in natural cosmetics. These include: cyclomethicone, dimethicone, lauryl methicone copolyol, simethicone, trimethicone, cyclomethicone, and PEG substances.
Why Choose Natural Cosmetics?
If you want to take care of your health, pay attention to the cosmetics you use today. Consumers who struggle with various skin problems should not use products containing silicones, parabens, or SLS. It’s worth choosing natural cosmetics, thanks to which the skin and hair will remain adequately moisturized and regenerated. It’s important that this process occurs not only superficially but also deeply and revitalizingly. Opt for natural cosmetics from trusted manufacturers who use only plant gifts in creating their products.
