In recent years the use of the word "Natural" has become very fashionable and, let's be honest, we have all looked at or bought cosmetics because its characteristics included "natural”Regardless of the brand name, right?
Many companies have released "green" or natural lines, labeled bio, organic ... But really, what is the difference between all of them and how do you choose the best one for your skin and the environment?
Even with a degree in chemical sciences and a master's degree in the field, it is also difficult for me to understand the labels of all products, but it is not an impossible mission.
It is important to know the differences between the products and their ingredients so that everything is easier.
Be patient, in this article we are going to talk about those differences and similarities and what to look for before choosing a natural, bio or organic product.
Natural Cosmetics (Natural Cosmetics)
It seems that when we read this on the label we think that it comes from nature, from the natural, but it is not as obvious as you think since the law does not specify what percentage of ingredients the product must have to call it natural.
Let's take an example: argan oil is a GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) and, due to the name of the product, it makes it look natural.
On the other hand, the Petroleum that is a natural component, nobody considers it that way.
Many of the ingredients used in cosmetics and found in nature can be obtained in the laboratory. On the other hand, there are components such as natural colorants that should not be used because they contain hard metals.
It may be a bummer at first, but it's just a matter of reading the label well.
Now, let's talk about a crucial and much talked about topic on the internet: Alcohol Denat. and its presence in most cosmetics.
El Alcohol Denat. (Denatured alcohol) is simply ethanol to which an additive has been added to denature it, that is, making it unfit for oral consumption (as is the case with alcohol found in alcoholic beverages). This process of denaturing alcohol has a very low cost.
In the European Union, its cosmetic use is allowed as a solvent antimicrobial astringent (it has the ability to dissolve some active ingredients in the product, thus allowing it to reach the skin).
However, when it is listed as the main ingredient in cosmetic products, it should be avoided, as it can irritate and cause contact dermatitis. Several authors have shown that it weakens the skin barrier by eliminating lipids and proteins, to the point that it increases the transfer of other molecules.
But beyond this, the most worrying thing is that the biosafety of some types of alcohol and its metabolites is not well established.
Now, let's talk a little about Alcohol-free in cosmetics, which is used only when it comes to denat alcohol. That is, this product does not only contain Alcohol Denat.
The use of the term alcohol is very varied, there are also good and bad alcohols. So, don't panic if you see alcohol mentioned on a label, rather you should find out what type it is.
These "good" alcohols can be recognized in formulas like: Cetyl Alcohol (acts as an emollient, preventing dryness), Cetearyl Alcohol (emulsifier, used to create creams and creamy textures in certified natural cosmetics), Isostearyl Alcohol (as an emollient, that is, it softens the skin and is authorized as an ecological component) , Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, or Behenyl Alcohol.
I must say that I am not at all against using certain alcohols in cosmetics, as long as their formulations are good as a whole and they are not very concentrated.
Organic Cosmetics
The term Organic is a term strictly regulated by the FDA (The US Food and Drug Administration).
The word Organic means that the ingredients are grown organically.
Organic cosmetics guarantee that their elaboration has been carried out without the use of synthetic pesticides, without petroleum-derived or genetically modified fertilizers, and must reach a certain percentage to be legally labeled as organic. There are different levels of organic. Cosmetics labeled Made with Organic Ingredients contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
Ideally, you would buy products labeled with the word organic from a 95% organic ingredients, as you can fully trust them.
BIO cosmetics (BIO Cosmetics)
Organic cosmetics are good for you in case you are concerned both about the origin of the ingredients you apply on your skin and about the environment. In fact, they go one step beyond organic products like soil care. They must be certified by Ecocert, Cosmebio, USDA, BDIH, depending on the country of origin.
So what is the difference between natural, organic and bio cosmetics?
- Natural cosmetics are supposed to be of natural origin, but this is not regulated. Therefore, there is no guarantee until the composition is read.
- Organic cosmetics are regulated, making it one of the safest options.
- Bio Cosmetics are also certified. They have the same benefits as organic ones, but it implies that the ingredients used come from organic farms. Which means that the quality of the land where the cultivation takes place is controlled.
My advice and recommendation is that, by reading the labels a bit, you can find the best products for both your skin and the environment.
Do not forget that many beneficial chemicals for you are found directly in nature, the clearest example is water (H2O).
Emphasize that each person has a different type of skin and that it is not possible to create a cosmetic that goes well for everyone, even a natural, organic, bio product ...
It is always better to inform yourself, ask questions, read the labels and try; so you will surely find the best for your skin.
And what do you think? Have you tried or use any natural or organic cosmetic product? What do you think?
Leave your opinion or comment below and if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer you.
