Although the term organic cosmetics or natural cosmetics is not yet clearly defined and therefore not legally defined, it basically refers to care products that do not contain any preservatives and that all raw materials used should be of plant, animal or mineral origin. There are a whole range of reasons why people prefer to use natural cosmetics instead of conventional products, which are also much more tolerable to humans. The focus is on the fact that environmentally friendly and biodegradable ingredients are not always used in cosmetics during the manufacturing process.
Environmentally harmful ingredients in cosmetics
Here we havefive selected environmentally harmful ingredientssummarized in cosmetics that you have to remember and, if necessary, avoid. They are either very difficult or not at all biodegradable, combine with heavy metals and once they get into the water, they can have bad consequences for our drinking water and food in the future.
Which substances should you pay attention to?
- EDTA/Tetrasodium EDTA/Disodium EDTA is a complexing agent that has a preservative function and is used as a water softener and foaming agent.
- Polyquats/Quats (Quanterium-80, Polyquanterium-10) are ammonium compounds found primarily in hair care products, but also in fabric softeners. These improve the combability of the hair and also have an antistatic effect.
- Silicones (or substances with the ending -cone and -siloxane) are largely contained in beauty products. They provide shine and a smooth texture and also increase durability.
- Acrylates are used so that a product has the right flow properties, a good consistency and is not too thin. Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Acrylates Crosspolymer or Polyacrylamide are plastics made from petroleum.
- Conventional peelings and toothpastes contain microplastics (polypropylene, polyethylene or polycarbonate). All particles smaller than 5 mm are usually too small for the sewage treatment plant and once they rush through the drain, they end up in the groundwater. These millimeter-sized plastic particles are eaten by fish and birds and are then deposited in them.
How can you recognize real natural cosmetics?
Cosmetic products often signal that they are 100% natural and give the average consumer the impression of being completely free of chemical ingredients. Essentially, it is a cosmetic that does not contain paraffins and artificial fragrances. If you want to be on the safe side, you shouldprobiotic, organic certified conventional natural cosmeticsfor yourself and your family and pay attention to one of the most important seals.
Which natural substances are suitable for whom?
Pure natural cosmetics can achieve the same effect as synthetically produced care products, but this can sometimes occur a little later. Depending on individual requirements and skin characteristics, you should use different natural ingredients in cosmetics. We have created a list of 10 selected herbs and organic raw materials that (can) improve the complexion.
Natural substances that flatter the skin - aloe vera
Aloe Verais well known for its valuable biological ingredients. The fresh plant juice revitalizes the skin, promotes cell formation and provides moisture. For sensitive,skin prone to allergiesThere is no more suitable care than a face cream or hair shampoo with the main ingredient aloe.
Jojoba oilis aVegetable oil in wax form, which penetrates particularly quickly and deeply into the skin, yet is not greasy. Thanks to its large proportion of vitamin E, it is particularly effective for dry skin. It creates a protective barrier on the upper layers of the skin against cold, sun and dryness and keeps the connective tissue elastic. Jojoba oil is recommended for daily care and improves the complexion when used in its natural form.
Valuable oils in natural cosmetics
Olive oil, avocado oil and shea butterare valuable oils that protect the skin from drying out and make it soft and supple. They revitalize the skin's keratinization process and prevent it from drying out. As an ingredient in hair and skin care products, they provide a silky shine, improve the overall condition and have a nourishing effect.
Rose and lavender oil
The delicately fragrant onesRose and lavender oilsensure moments of well-being and caress the senses. These precious organic oils are also particularly suitable for gently cleansing the skin and have a moisturizing effect, thus preserving the skin's natural moisture. Which is why they are very effective in body care for dry skin.
Provide valuable biological raw materialsCinnamon, coconut and vanillafor smooth skin and in combination they have an intensive cleansing effect. The skin becomes soft and supple, looks smoother, healthier and younger.
Organic healing herbs
BioHerbal extractsmade from rosemary, sage, lemongrass, nettle, ginkgo, tea tree and horsetail revitalize the hair base. They cleanse very gently and refresh the scalp. Care shampoos that contain these valuable, organic herbs are particularly suitable for normal to greasy hair.
Marigoldis used as a natural ingredient in cosmetics where irritated, injured or inflammation-prone skin needs soothing. It has a deep effect and regulates blood circulation in the skin, increasing metabolism and skin tone. It can be very helpful for chronic eczema, pimples, burns and sunburn.
Particularly effective natural ingredients in hair cosmetics
Green teahas an invigorating and calming effect at the same time. As a natural ingredient in cosmetics for skin and hair, it has a very positive effect on the blood vessels. For hair that gets greasy quickly, the shampoo with green tea extract helps and soothes the stressed scalp. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it is used against acne. It should be noted that some people may have an allergic reaction to it.
Organic substances with a particularly intensive effect – Manju and effective microorganisms
Manjuis a special elixir created by the fermentation of green papaya from Okinawa, brown rice, rice bran and kelp. It contains the entire spectrum of minerals and trace elements and is characterized by its high antioxidant effect. Augmented with salt from the Pacific Ocean or other high-quality salt, such as rock salt, it can be ingested or used as bath salts. In addition, Manju has enormous regenerative power, promotes cell metabolism and releases free radicals from the cells.
EM– The effect of the raw materials and herbs used is intensified by effective microorganisms (EM) in the cosmetic products. This promotes positive, natural microflora on our skin, which protects it and promotes its condition.
The effect of the ingredients in cosmetics on the environment
The skin is our natural protective layer and requires excellent and unique care. However, this does not have to lead to damage to the environment. Only sustainability and basic ecological ideas can form a good basis for natural cosmetics.
