Natural cosmetics: features and advantages

Based on practice, our skin reacts better to cosmetics creates from natural components: water, pure minerals, plant oils and extracts. During the long evolution, the metabolic processes of the skin and the whole body have adapted specifically to such natural substances: because they are completely absorbed and involved into biochemical reactions, exerting the necessary effect.

Herewith, most of the available modern cosmetics are made from products of petrochemical industry and chemical synthesis. Mineral oils are most often used as the fat base of creams, artificial glycols and other synthetic compounds serve as emulsifiers and thickeners, silicones are lubricating agents, parabens are preservatives, and the chemical formulas of flavors are striking in their complexity.

If the skin were an absolutely inert structure, and cosmetics would affect it only physically, perhaps artificial components would not create any special problems. In fact, by using synthetic creams and lotions day after day for a long time, the skin is forced to interact with substances foreign to it. This causes a constant overstrain of the local immunity and detoxification system. And if in youth the skin most often tolerates such an overload imperceptibly, then with age its functioning deteriorates: it often becomes duller, lifeless, pores become clogged, microinflammations occur, hypersensitivity may increase. We often associate this with the processes of inevitable aging. However, the transition to natural cosmetics at any age, as a rule, causes quite noticeable positive changes in the skin: regular irritations disappear, the texture is smoothed, minor problems such as flacking, expanded pores, black dots, etc. are solved. The overall appearance becomes fresher, the tone is more even, the texture is velvety. So, the skin begins to function as intended by nature. It's like changing the diet: instead of fast food, which satisfies hunger, but does not give real health, we start eating full and varied food, while feeling better and more energetic.

The advantages of natural cosmetics are due to its production from the purest and selected raw materials. Plants are grown and harvested under strict control, without harm to ecological systems. Processing is carried out by strictly defined methods. At the same time, modern natural cosmetics are not just a mixture of basic ingredients such as water, plant oils and extracts. Many "green" components are derived from natural raw materials, which allows to create truly effective formulas with excellent textures and pleasant aromas.

To be sure that we really have natural cosmetics in front of us, it is worth paying attention to the special signs on the packaging - certificates of naturalness. Today, the most reputable international certification system is COSMOS – Cosmetic Organic Standard. It combines older European certification systems (BDIH, ECOCERT, Cosmebio, etc.). Within the framework of COSMOS cosmetics can be certified as natural (COSMOS Natural) or as organic (COSMOS Organic), in the latter case formulas must contain at least a certain proportion of organic raw materials. Organic agriculture means the cultivation of plants and animals under special control, away from industrial production, without mineral fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides. Wild growing species are harvested also in ecologically clean places, without harming local communities.

Certified natural cosmetics must meet strict requirements not only in the cultivation of raw materials, but also in production, packaging, and sale. Substances of artificial origin, in particular, products of petrochemical synthesis, are excluded from the set of ingredients. The main raw materials are plants, which are valuable as a source of biologically active substances useful for the skin. It is clearly established which chemical reactions can be used in processing. The manufacturing and transportation of goods should not cause damage to wildlife, preference is given to closed production cycles using renewable energy sources and raw materials. Production waste, the products themselves and their packaging should be as biodegradable as possible. Animal testing of cosmetics is excluded. The company's social responsibility is taken into account: for example, by growing or purchasing raw materials in developing countries, approaches such as preserving traditional crops, local communities and ecosystems, providing local residents with stable jobs and fair pay are considered priorities.