Seven top reasons why you should choose a natural skin care/cosmetic/body care product over one that contains toxic chemicals.

 

1. They are not harmful

Many people don’t like to read labels on the back of the products, which is completely understandable. There are too many complicated ingredients and, unless you have a major in chemistry, it’s difficult to know what’s that all about. The thing is, many of these products have harmful ingredients because they are cheap and widely used everywhere. Some of them can be beneficial since they’re used as preservatives or softeners, but once accumulated in the body, they can lead to cancer, thyroid issues, and skin irritation.

Natural skin care and cosmetics may use superfood plants like acai and goji berries, and natural and organic essential oils.

2. Natural products can also be organic

There’s a common misconception that natural and organic products are the same. In fact, natural refers to products that contain natural ingredients that can be either a plant, a mineral or from an animal. Organic products, on the other hand, cannot contain anything that’s grown with pesticides, growth hormones or fertilizers. Therefore, organic products are usually suitable for all skin types.

3. Natural is often vegan and cruelty-free

Most of the individuals are not fussed over cruelty-free products, but luckily, that’s slowly changing.

Since natural brands don’t use dangerous chemicals, that also means that crafting them is made with love and care. In recent years, there’s been a rise in demand for vegan and cruelty-free skin care and cosmetics, because people have become aware that a quality skin cream doesn’t need to contain animal products or to be made in inhumane conditions in order to work. Unlike mainstream brands that slap cruelty-free/vegan labels, natural cosmetic manufacturers make sure that nothing is tested on animals.

Note: Find a company that offers transparency, sustainability, and is sourced responsibly.

4. Ingredients are just better

Parabens, phthalates, sulfates, PEG compounds, petrochemicals, mineral oils, ethoxylated ingredients, and GMO-free, as well as synthetic fragrances and colors are unsafe! Most of these are banned in a number of countries due to their link to many diseases. Even some ingredients that aren’t dangerous can cause redness and irritation.

Natural brands use better alternatives, like shea butter, coconut, lavender, argan, almond oil, and jojoba, Because of that, it can take a little longer to notice the effects, but in return, it’s much healthier to use skin care and cosmetics that are natural and therefore, more gentle. More brands are going to great lengths to use the best organic ingredients in their skincare and cosmetic products.

5. The smell is more pleasant

Synthetic products often use fragrance which gives a strong and sometimes so-called nice smell. The reason behind the use of the strong smell is to hide the true smell of chemicals used in the making process. Fragrances can cause skin inflammation. It’s also important to know that ingredients are placed in order of quantity, so if the perfume is high on the list, then its concentration is much bigger. Natural brands use much less of it, which makes the smell less aggressive, but more pleasant.

6.  They are eco-friendly

Mass-produced cosmetics are heavy with chemicals that can have a negative effect on our environment. Harvesting farms use pesticides which in return, pollute the soil. The later stages of manufacture use many chemicals that, once released into the air, contribute to air pollution and global warming. Organic brands use clean methods of processing and harvest their ingredients in organic farms. Once more people start buying eco-friendly products, more manufacturers will have to drop their non-organic practices in order to please their customers.

7. Natural skincare is also great for babies and children

Kids have more sensitive skin, and unfortunately, many parents who are too busy to check the product labels on food will be too busy to check for the right ingredients in children’s bath products. As a result, babies and children can suffer skin rashes and irritations. Non-synthetic brands can offer much better care for babies and children. Some essential oils, beeswax, vitamin E may soothe their children’ skin. Also, some body lotions and creams could be used by adults, too!

 

Summary

I usually like to check my products at the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website. They list what ingredients are suspect and which are okay and then give the product an overall health rating.