Lately, almost every shampoo, face cream, soap, or makeup product features the label “natural.” Various plants appear on the packaging of cosmetics, bottles display colorful flowers, and the ubiquitous, varied green leaves are always present. More and more products are being marketed as natural cosmetics. But which products are truly natural cosmetics? Are they really better than other products that don’t appear as natural? And what do terms like organic or certified mean? We will now show you what the most commonly encountered labels actually mean.
What labels can you come across when looking for natural cosmetics?
Natural cosmetic or natural skincare At first glance, it seems enticing, but unfortunately, this label does not always mean that the product is truly made from 100% natural ingredients. The term “natural cosmetic” is not an official certification, and there are no regulations specifying what can be labeled as a natural cosmetic. It mostly depends on the cosmetic product manufacturer and their marketing department whether they choose to place this label on the product. Sometimes, this label does indicate that only natural ingredients were used in the product’s formulation. However, it can also mean that only a small portion of the ingredients are natural, and in extreme cases, the product may contain just one or two plant extracts alongside chemical additives. If you see the label natural cosmetic or natural skincare, carefully read the ingredients to ensure what kind of product you are holding.
Organic or certified cosmetics
Organic cosmetics and certified cosmetics are essentially synonymous. As a general rule, they must meet strict criteria to obtain a bio-cosmetic certification, which verifies both the composition of the product and the manufacturing process. The ingredients usually come from controlled organic farming, where no pesticides or other chemicals are used, and the products do not contain any additional ingredients. Animal testing is strictly prohibited during the production process.
Vegan
Vegan cosmetics guarantee that the products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. There is no goat’s milk in a face cream, no animal hair in cosmetic brushes, and even honey and royal jelly are excluded. Additionally, the manufacturing of vegan cosmetic products also prohibits animal testing.
Paraben-free
This label assures that the product is free from parabens, but it doesn’t reveal anything about other ingredients. Therefore, it’s important to carefully study the ingredients when purchasing cosmetics. Parabens are compounds used for preservation in cosmetics and also possess antifungal properties. Due to the latter, we used to believe they were beneficial for the skin. However, current research suggests that they can be carcinogenic in high quantities. It is therefore advisable to avoid products containing parabens rather than accumulate them on your bathroom shelf and use them daily.
In conclusion, regardless of the labels you see on cosmetics, always read the list of ingredients carefully. This way, you will know exactly what you’re applying on your skin or hair.
