Natural cosmetics: This is in the care from plants
Extracts from plants, natural oils instead of mineral oil, and a slightly higher price – that's how much most people think of natural cosmetics. But then? What else distinguishes natural cosmetics? We explain when cosmetics are natural cosmetics and when it brings something to your skin.
Whether it's skin cream or shampoo, those who buy natural cosmetics and leave other products on the shelf for it, hopes for certain benefits. Good tolerance for example. Or a more beautiful skin. The question is: Do natural cosmetics meet these expectations??
It's all a matter of definition
What is in it, if the word "natural cosmetics" on it, determine only the manufacturers – because: The term "natural cosmetics" is not legally protected. The situation is different if it is Certified natural cosmetics and a corresponding seal is emblazoned on the packaging.
Associations and manufacturers want to use such seals to provide consumers with rearance and at the same time make their products even clearer from conventional cosmeticsn. The problem for the customer: There are many such seals. Although they have a large intersection of common criteria, there are definitely differences in the details.
Most common in Germany are the seals ..
On the websites of the suppliers, consumers can find out about the to different criteria of the individual certificates. A Central feature of natural cosmetics is, however: The proportion of ingredients that come from nature and not from the laboratory must be very large – for most seals at least 95 percent.
What natural cosmetics do without?
The high content of natural ingredients means that many synthetic substances is dispensed with. For example:
Synthetic preservatives: To ensure that creams and shower gels remain germ-free for a long time, natural cosmetics also need preservatives. However, these must be of natural origin (for example, plant-based alcohol) or nature-identical – that is, they come from the laboratory, but their chemical blueprint is the same as that of the original.
Kerosene and petrolatum: These petroleum-based oils are in many conventional creams, but in the opinion of all natural cosmetics manufacturers are not compatible with the criterion "raw material from nature. In addition, they harm the environment.
Synthetic fragrances and colorants: They make skin cream shimmer pink or a shower gel smell like wild berries. natural cosmetics dispense with them, because they both. Synthetic fragrances can also trigger allergies.
silicones: Silicones are synthetically produced plastics. They do not have a caring effect, but ensure, for example, that a cream is easy to apply or that the hair can be combed well after washing. They are difficult to degrade. pollute the environment as a result.
Natural cosmetics not per se bio or vegan
Even if it sounds like it: Certified natural cosmetics are in most cases not 100 percent organic. The proportion of organically grown raw materials varies from seal to seal and is subject to between 50 and 100 percent. The BDIH seal stipulates that a certain group of raw materials must in any case come from organic cultivation (including oils).
The Natrue seal distinguishes between three levels: The basic variant is not organic, the middle level half and it is called "Organic cosmetics" the organic content is at least 95 percent. Important to know: Some raw materials are not (yet) available in organic quality. The Manufacturers of natural cosmetics must therefore sometimes resort to conventional substances.
Natural cosmetics can also contain animal ingredients, such as honey. (c) Colourbox.de
Raw materials of "natural" origin – this includes animals as a source of ingredients. In natural cosmetics, for example Honey, Lanolin (wool wax) or pearl pigment from fish scales. That is why it may not be for vegans. Those who value animal-free products should either study the INCI list of ingredients carefully or look for a seal that identifies vegan cosmetics.
Is natural cosmetics better for the skin?
Cosmetics that fulfill their purpose (care, cleanse, clarify …) and does not irritate the skin or change its condition (for example, dry it out) is good for the skin – whether it is natural or not.
Natural cosmetics is not per se more compatible than conventional products. Ingredients that come from nature can also irritate the skin (for example, essential oils). In principle, however, the manufacturers of natural cosmetics do not use many substances (for example, synthetic preservatives) that could irritate the skin. In the same way, it is not only ingredients from high-tech laboratories that are effective in the fight against wrinkles or pigmentation spots. Also natural active ingredients can be highly effective and maintain or even improve the skin condition.
Many cosmeticians swear by natural cosmetics because the plant oils in them the natural skin barrier strengthen (unlike kerosene and co.) and above all dry and sensitive skin do good. However, some skin types (for example, oily skin) often find natural cosmetics too rich or cannot tolerate the waxes they contain.
Some people turn to natural cosmetics for the first time when they can no longer get a skin problem under control with conventional products – for example, when their skin is particularly sensitive to creams or very dry. Natural cosmetics can not necessarily solve these problems. Here is rather the Going to the beautician or dermatologist indicated.
Best: Testing!
Anyone wishing to try natural cosmetics should testing a range of products, to find the right one for themselves. Consistency, fragrance (which at most comes from essential oils) or tolerability can vary widely. And if you don't want natural cosmetics on your face, you can always use them on your body. If you are unsure which products suit your skin type, you can also ask a cosmetician specializing in natural cosmetics for advice get advice.