Natural cosmetics are in fashion due to their characteristics and benefits, but what exactly is it? Broadly speaking, we can say that a cosmetic is considered natural when its composition uses ingredients extracted from nature.
For this reason, these formulations are usually free of synthetic ingredients, chemicals or compounds considered dangerous due to their toxicity at high levels.
However, not every product created with organic ingredients is natural, and all cosmetics created under this premise must comply with a series of standards in order to be marketed. Thus, a series of national and international organizations are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of the final formula.
Benefits of Natural Cosmetics
Have you heard of sulphates or parabens ? Well, with natural cosmetics you don't have to worry about them.
As we have already mentioned, this type of cosmetic does not include chemical or synthetic ingredients in its formulas. Instead, they include active ingredients of natural origin , originating from flowers or minerals. Thanks to this characteristic, these ingredients are completely environmentally friendly.
Another benefit of natural cosmetics is that they are also kind to the skin of those who consume them. Therefore, whatever type of skin you have, you don't have to worry about anything. Why? Because these types of products are completely safe and suitable for even the most problematic or sensitive skin .
To finish with the benefits of these cosmetics, we must continue with their respect for the environment . And it is that, normally, these products are sold in biodegradable containers, made with recycled or recyclable elements.
What do people think about natural cosmetics?
Natural cosmetics are gaining more and more followers every day, although it is true that there is currently a bit of controversy on this subject. In general, people have a very good opinion of this type of cosmetics, thanks to the multiple benefits that they present and which we have already told you about.
The problem arises when a feeling of rejection is created by brands, which abuse their power to create fear of consuming traditional cosmetics . Both types of cosmetics are completely safe and the only difference is the origin of the ingredients.
Therefore, what we as consumers must do is choose what we want consciously and without being afraid of certain ingredients. Of course, we must always take into account the benefits of natural cosmetics compared to traditional ones.
Difference between Natural and Organic Cosmetics
Are natural and organic cosmetics the same thing? Although it is generally believed that they are, the truth is that there is a subtle characteristic that differentiates them.
When we talk about natural cosmetics, we are referring to all those products that use ingredients of natural origin in their formula. Examples of this include aloe vera , shea butter or argan oil .
In this sense, it is important to look at the INCI or list of ingredients of the product, since this reflects each of its components. For cosmetics to be considered natural, it is essential that all of its ingredients have their origin in nature.
Another effective way to know if a cosmetic is natural or not is to check if it has any certification in this regard, such as the Ecocert seal , the NATRUE seal, the BDIH certificate or the seal of the Spanish Association of Ecological and Natural Cosmetics .
Organic cosmetics , on the other hand, go one step further than natural cosmetics. This is because this type of cosmetics, also known as organic, contains ingredients from organic farming in its formulation.
This means that these components have been produced without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which means greater respect for the environment.
Another of its characteristics is that, normally, in organic cosmetics the ingredients are extracted cold and unrefined. This means that the ingredients are more effective , maintaining all their properties.
In fact, to ensure that a product is organic, its formula must contain at least 90% of ingredients that come from organic farming .
Cosmetics tested on animals
If there is one thing that characterises natural cosmetics in Spain, it is that they are not tested on animals. In fact, it would be contradictory if a type of cosmetics that aims to respect the environment did not respect animals.
Therefore, no animal testing is carried out for the marketing of this type of product.
However, the same does not happen with some mass-market brands that, when selling in international markets where this practice is required, continue to test on animals.
Cruelty Free Cosmetics
We have already talked to you about animal testing, but we also want you to know what it means for a cosmetic to be cruelty-free , as this goes far beyond what happens in laboratories.
For a cosmetic to be considered cruelty free , or have the CCF (Choose Cruelty Free) seal , it must meet a series of requirements .
The first of these is that no animal may be mistreated in order to extract an ingredient, which is closely linked to avoiding suffering or pain. Nor are products used allowed to come from the leather industry or from companies that kill animals to manufacture cosmetics.
Going even further, it is also about avoiding ingredients of animal origin since, in one way or another, using them for this purpose can cause unnecessary harm to animals. In this case, we would be referring to vegan products , of which fortunately there is already a wide range available on the market.
Natural cosmetics are here to stay and every day there are more people concerned about the origin of the ingredients used in this industry. Opting for more sustainable options is possible and the best of all is that they are adapted to any skin need , which they care for and respect from day one.
If you want to know more about natural cosmetics, we have articles on how to cure sunburn and prevent wrinkles on our blog so you can continue learning from our experts.