What are the characteristics of natural cosmetics and why do they stand out from conventional ones? What affects their growing popularity? The topic is undoubtedly important now that luxury brands are also interested in their production
Natural and organic cosmetics – what is the difference?
Although the names sound similar, they do not necessarily stand for the same products. Therefore, buying natural cosmetics, we should choose products of well-known brands or carefully read labels.
The main difference
The biggest difference between organic and natural cosmetics are restrictions on the use of these names. While organic cosmetics are subject to quite high requirements as a category, calling a product “natural” is not associated with very high requirements. It is not that the cosmetics are made entirely of natural ingredients, but they are there (minerals, extracts, animal products).
The need to read labels
The possibility of calling a cosmetic “natural” even when a certain number of ingredients of natural origin is accompanied by a large number of synthetic substances, raises problems. Especially in the case of cosmetics from the lower or medium-range can easily be fooled. How to deal with it? It is necessary to read the composition labels
Certificates that are reliable
This situation on the market was not favorable neither for customers nor for manufacturers of high quality cosmetics. Hence the emergence of certificates confirming the natural character of products.
Certificates
ECOCERT – 95% of natural ingredients, of which 50% comes from organic farming;
COSMEBIO – at least 95% natural products, of which 10% are organic;
ICEA – fully vegan cosmetics that have not been tested on animals, are hypoallergenic and packaged in recyclable packaging;
BDIH – a German certification that indicates a product that favors organic farming and is packaged in environmentally friendly packaging;
VEGAN – a cosmetic that is completely vegan and not tested on animals;
NATRUE – unites companies involved in the production of natural cosmetics and operates on three levels;
COSMOS – a standardized international certification that evaluates a product’s composition and its impact on the environment.
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Why are natural cosmetics better?
Here are some facts that give natural cosmetics with good composition an advantage over conventional products
plant oils present in them are similar in structure to the lipids in our skin,
active substances in natural cosmetics have a very strong effect and are present in much greater quantities than in synthetic products,
there are no controversial substances in natural certified cosmetics,
natural cosmetics are less conducive to allergies,
do not contain so many preservatives.
Luxury natural cosmetics
More and more luxury brands are choosing to produce natural cosmetics. The influence of pro-ecological trends, which are increasingly visible in the cosmetics industry, is very important. Among them there are both Polish and foreign brands. The prices, although rather high end, are not dizzying.
Examples of companies producing natural cosmetics
Lavido – an Israeli brand of natural body and face cosmetics, which have been on the market for almost twenty years. Its philosophy is based on the belief that natural ingredients are enough to give the skin everything it needs;
ALBA1913 – a company from Poznań, Poland, that has been producing medicines and cosmetics for generations. Under the slogan “health is beautiful” combines herbal traditions with modernity. Its products can be found even in Beverly Hills;
Clochee – another Polish company that bases its production on natural and high quality ingredients. Its products derive their properties from active substances contained in fruits and vegetables;
Argital – an Italian cosmetic brand that creates cosmetics based on green clay and herbs. Of course, its products have a full range of previously discussed certificates;
Balm Balm – cosmetics without the smallest amount of artificial substances. The ingredients come fully from organic farming;
Biovie – a brand offering cosmetics without GMO, phosphates, synthetic flavors and colors. No animal testing and recyclable packaging
