Learn more about organic beauty ingredients and products
When we talk about “natural beauty”, we tend to think about those who wear little to no makeup, or embrace their “real” hair and skin. While it’s a broad concept, in the modern-day cosmetics industry, we’re also referring to natural beauty products.
What are natural beauty products?
These kinds of makeup and hair products include all organic ingredients, so they’re free from the common chemical ingredients you may see in standard cosmetics, such as:
- Parabens
- Ammonia
- Sodium laureth sulfate.
Natural products have all their ingredients derived from plants, fruits, vegetables or minerals. This largely makes them vegan (though there are some exceptions – see below) and they’re also kinder to our hair and skin. They’re less likely to cause natural reactions as they’re free from chemicals, fragrances and colourings.
Some examples include makeup, shampoo, hair dye and soap, and they’re available from all manufacturers who promote natural ingredients on the label.
Other benefits of organic beauty ingredients
Organic means that the products have been sourced from plants which have not been treated by pesticides. Again, this means less chemical exposure for you, and protects local wildlife.
Oftentimes, natural beauty products trade on their ethics, so for example, they may carry a Fairtrade label, which means they support sustainable farming. They may also have eco-friendly, recyclable packaging, made from organic ingredients like beeswax or untreated paper. This makes them biodegradable and kinder to the environment.
Finally, natural beauty products are often the work of independent retailers. By investing in these smaller brands, you’re not lining the pockets of a multi-national. You’re helping small business owners feed their families.
Are there any exceptions?
If you want to be really conscious about your purchases, look out for red flags such as palm oil. Strictly speaking, palm oil is a natural ingredient. However, it implies questionable ethical practices. For example, many rainforest habitats are destroyed to harvest palm oil. For this reason, many vegans consider products with palm oil to be non-vegan, despite the fact they do not actually contain any animal derivatives.
Why are natural beauty products better for me?
When we consider the health benefits of organic beauty ingredients, we can categorise by parts of the body and product. For example:
- Foundations and primers/toners: many synthetic foundation products contain polymethyl methacrylate, which has been linked to cancers. Organic skin products reduce irritation and do not leave us exposed to potential carcinogens.
- Shampoos and body wash: high street brands contain sodium laureth sulfate, a foaming agent which can dry out the skin and potentially lead to dandruff.
- Sunscreens: organic sun protection does not contain oxybenzone, which has been linked to hormone problems.
- Hair dyes: natural ingredients like henna help to maintain stronger follicles and a shinier appearance.
From improving your health to taking a step towards a greener future, investing in natural beauty is the best way you can look after yourself and others.