Natural Cosmetics

By Alison Cole

Applying makeup

What is natural and organic should be better, right? For the most part it should, but as many skin care users are discovering, the use of terms like 'natural' and 'organic' is more than skin deep.

Experts believe that while awareness about the adverse effects of synthetic skin products is growing, the cosmetics industry is cashing in on the trend to advertise their products as natural, when in fact they may not be. Should we be worried? Yes, because makeup, though applied on the outside soaks into the skin and is absorbed by the body in varying degrees. In fact, research has demonstrated that close to 60% of what is applied on the skin could be absorbed into the circulatory system. So what comes out of that foundation jar may actually be toxic. Some natural ingredients have been reported to cause skin rashes that develop when in contact with these products. These include jojoba oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, coconut oil and in some cases even vitamin E. Experts advice to users is simple - read the label carefully, cut through the promotional hype of the department store, check for short and long-term effects and make an informed choice. Manufacturers are legally bound to mention ingredients on the label in descending order of the quantity used in the product. With the US Department of Agriculture having decreed that products that are labeled organic should contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients, a vigilant user need only check the label. All said and done, natural cosmetics that are relatively free of synthetic extracts and are derived naturally from plant oils, wax, essential oils, flower extracts, spices and n are a safer and healthier choice. There's also a wide range of products available in natural options like scrubs, moisturizers, exfoliating agents, massage oils and mouthwashes. While natural astringents made from white vinegar and rose water or creams with olive oil, chamomile and beeswax, lotions with cocoa butter and aloe vera will help you glow if made naturally, consumers will do well to read the fine print. Dermatologists advise that skincare be seen as health care, thus not only aesthetically pleasing but necessary to health.

Mineral Cosmetics provides detailed information on Cosmetics, Mineral Cosmetics, Natural Cosmetics, Permanent Cosmetics and more. Mineral Cosmetics is affiliated with Canadian Drug Stores.

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