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Natural cosmetics VS. Conventional cosmetics
Teresa de Miguel Miró
As we mentioned in our "Debunking the Myths of Cosmetics" post, the myths surrounding natural versus conventional cosmetics deserve their own separate discussion; and here we are. At Beldon, we advocate for dispelling this dichotomy, which we believe is unnecessary, and recommend enjoying the best of both worlds; however, it's a topic that still raises many questions. Keep reading because we're going to try to answer them all.
- What is natural cosmetics?
Products made from natural ingredients (plant or mineral) or of natural origin (for example, from the marine environment). Therefore, petroleum derivatives, synthetic preservatives, artificial colorings, and chemical perfumes, among others, are excluded.
- What is organic cosmetics?
Those whose components are of ecological origin, that is, those that come from an exemplary use of natural resources, avoiding the use of synthetic chemical products or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), preserving the fertility of farmland, energy cleanliness, care for the ecosystem and the sustainability of production in each of its stages, including packaging and final recycling.
Organic cosmetics are protected by regulations that guarantee the 'traceability' of both premises: the origin of the ingredients and sustainability.
- What differentiates ecological cosmetics from biological or organic cosmetics?
For this purpose, the terms ecological, organic and biological (bio) are synonymous and can be used interchangeably.
- Are natural and ecological (organic/bio) cosmetics the same thing?
Not necessarily. Organic cosmetics are natural by definition, but natural is not always organic.
- What is vegan cosmetics?
Cosmetics whose composition does not include animal products or their derivatives. Nor does it include additives of animal origin, some of which are more common than you might think, for example:
- E120 or Cochineal. Many are surprised to discover that carmine, or 'lip red,' is a dye created from the dried and ground female insects called Dactylopius coccus costa , or scarlet cochineal . Of course, there are other ways to achieve this color. Therefore, if the 'V' for vegan doesn't appear on the packaging of your favorite lipstick, you should know that it contains cochineal powder among its ingredients.
- E 913 or Lanolin. It is the substance that sheep secrete through their sebaceous glands, and is widely used in both cosmetics and the food industry.
- Is vegan cosmetics the same as natural and/or organic cosmetics?
Vegan cosmetics do not necessarily have to be natural or organic, although their shared values and business philosophy make it a common and coherent combination.
It's important to note that a significant percentage of conventional cosmetics are also vegan, and this proportion is increasing. Leading research laboratories worldwide have long embraced green chemistry. This isn't a fad, but rather the only sensible approach for health and the planet. It's proven that animal-derived ingredients are potentially allergenic, not to mention completely unnecessary. The highest scientific rigor supports cosmetic brands like Ayuna, Comfort Zone, and Medik8, and their commitment to sustainable quality, efficacy, and sensory appeal.
- Aside from the terminology, where does so much confusion come from when we talk about natural and organic cosmetics?
The lack of specific legislation in the European Union is a major problem. In fact, it doesn't even include the concept of "natural cosmetics," much less a definition, and instead lumps them together under the umbrella of general cosmetics. This results in a lack of labeling controls, which leads to consumer confusion.
In this regulatory vacuum, private organizations are responsible for guaranteeing the natural or organic nature of cosmetics through a validation seal. In Europe, the best-known are Cosmebio and Ecocert in France, the British Soil Association, the German BDIH, the Italian ICEA, and the Belgian Bioforum. After years of disparity, they are all working to unify their criteria and finally establish common requirements and standards for COSMOS certification.
- Is natural cosmetics safe?
Absolutely. Just as safe as conventional cosmetics. Because the manufacture of all cosmetic products sold in Europe is subject to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and is carried out in accordance with the internationally established Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards set byISO 22716. This also applies to products not manufactured in the EU but sold in our market.
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What are the advantages of natural and organic cosmetics?
- They display a more transparent INCI list, allowing you to learn the origin of the ingredients.
- They are produced under a sustainable production process.
- Its components are more compatible with sensitive skin.
- Aggressive or potentially irritating components, such as parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, are avoided from the outset.
- Other superfluous materials, such as silicones, are eliminated.
- They avoid the use of chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
- They support renewable energy sources and recycled and recyclable packaging.
- They recover ancestral botanical knowledge.
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- Are natural ingredients harmless?
Not all of them. Natural active ingredients, which offer countless benefits to our skin, must be formulated correctly to ensure safe delivery. For example, essential oils are a marvel of nature, but their use "pure," without dilution or proper formulation, can lead to very serious irritations and photosensitivity.
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- Are all chemicals harmful?
What we should really be talking about are active ingredients. Everything is chemistry. Every cosmetic product, even natural and organic ones, is formulated in a laboratory with all the necessary safety guarantees. "Chemical-free" is impossible, absurd, and a deception. Chemophobia is pointless.
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- Which is more effective, natural or conventional cosmetics?
Only one factor determines the effectiveness of any product: its suitability for meeting the specific needs of each individual's skin . At Beldon, we believe that what you put on your skin is just as important as what you nourish your body with from within. That's why it's so important to have a personalized and honest professional diagnosis that allows for an informed, responsible, and safe choice of treatment or cosmetic product.
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- Are there any trustworthy brands that are sustainable and/or natural and eco-friendly?
Of course. We've already mentioned that it's precisely the cutting edge of scientific research that's working towards a future where the cosmetics industry will either be sustainable or cease to exist. Here are some of our favorite examples:
British company Medik8 , a leader in technology and a benchmark for dermatologists, doctors, and professional skincare specialists, has set itself the goal of becoming: "the world's most sustainable professional-led skincare brand." And they look set to achieve it.
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- They have incorporated post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic into their professional bottles.
- They use 40% recycled glass.
- They do not use pure palm oil in any of their products.
- They do not use parabens, phthalates or sulfates.
- All of their formulas are 100% vegan.
- They do not hire suppliers who conduct animal testing.
- Their exfoliants are 100% natural and free of microbeads.
- In 2018 they removed all plastic inserts from their cardboard boxes - which come from well-managed forests or recycled sources - saving 3 tons of plastic every year.
- They promote energy efficiency by using cold processes during manufacturing whenever possible; and their buildings are run on 100% renewable energy sources.
Meanwhile, Dr. Barbara Sturm , the world's leading German molecular cosmetics company, refuses to distribute and sell its products in China, a country where animal testing for cosmetics is mandatory. Given the enormous potential market it is forgoing, this is clearly a statement of principle rather than a mere gesture.
The cosmetics industry is undergoing a rapid transformation based on an evolution of its values to focus on health, respect, responsibility, and sustainability. Its survival depends on this adaptation.
Have we missed any questions? Ask them in the comments. And tell us what your preferences are on this topic. You know we love to hear your opinion!
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