More and more women are turning to selected organic products to care for their bodies and faces. Organic is clearly in vogue, and there is no sign of a break in the organic cosmetics wave. No wonder, because our skin loves to be gently cared for with natural raw materials. Natural cosmetics have been available on the market for many years. While in past decades mainly certain customer groups were interested in natural cosmetics, for a few years now there has been a real rush for organic cosmetics. The new awareness of body care with organic products has also made itself felt in the industry: numerous companies offer cosmetics that bear the name organic or eco.
Is organic cosmetics really organic?
But beware, not everywhere that says organic on it, is really organic in it. Important to know: Natural cosmetics are not defined by law and there is also no binding uniform quality seal. On the other hand, a large number of organic quality labels invented by the industry adorn various cosmetics and care products, which can easily mislead consumers. Instead of ingredients from controlled organic cultivation, these products often contain a hodgepodge of chemicals.
Seal of quality in organic cosmetics
However, in the course of recent years, seals have also emerged that are trustworthy and correspond to the original idea of organic cosmetics, both from the cultivation of the raw materials to the processing of the ingredients. These include the “NaTrue” quality seal from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association and the “Controlled Natural Cosmetics” seal from the Federation of German Industrial and Trading Companies. Likewise, a high-quality mark for organic cosmetics indicates “EcoCert,” a French organization dedicated to the control and certification of organic products.
The plus of organic cosmetics
Because “real” organic care is characterized by two plus points: Due to exquisite raw materials, these cosmetics are better tolerated by our skin than conventional products – at the same time, they are more environmentally friendly. The traditional manufacturers of natural cosmetics guarantee that there has been no overexploitation of nature, nor have animal experiments been carried out for the cosmetics. Thus, organic care is not only active for the balance of our skin but also for our environment at the same time.
Gentle care guaranteed
Our skin is exposed to stress on a daily basis due to harmful environmental factors and also our lifestyle. And although the skin is our largest organ and has its own defense against foreign bodies, it needs delicate handling and gentle care. Many of the chemicals contained in conventional cosmetics, on the other hand, put additional stress on the skin. With the appropriate organic care, on the other hand, our skin’s own activity can be vitalized and supported. Above all, one thing should not be forgotten: Our skin also absorbs substances from the outside, which it then transports to the inside of our body. One more reason to pay attention to what exactly we put on our skin.
Organic cosmetics: free of chemicals?
Organic skincare claims to be completely free of chemicals. As ingredients for natural cosmetics, the following substances are taboo, among others:
- Kerosenes
- Glycerols
- Synthetic dyes, fragrances and preservatives.
- Silicones
- Benzyl alcohol
Especially preservatives are known as culprits for triggering allergies. In addition, the chemical additives can clog pores and attack the skin’s own protective barrier. But you should be aware that care products without chemicals also have a shorter shelf life. In order to enjoy your natural cosmetics for a long time, it is helpful to learn how to use a spatula instead of reaching into the cream with your own fingers. Then the risk is namely relatively high to bring dirt into the cream – due to the lack of chemical preservatives, the cream could then quickly “tip over” and would thus no longer be usable.
Allergies are not excluded
Another tip for dealing with organic care: even if natural cosmetics are more skin-friendly, allergies can still occur in isolated cases. Indeed, the skin may well react directly to the natural raw materials and plant extracts. You can first apply a small amount of the new care product in the crook of the arm, here the skin is thin and sensitive.If no reactions have become noticeable on the skin after about 24 hours, you can assume that the cosmetics are well tolerated by you.