Organic cosmetics, for a more natural beauty

Ecological cosmetics

Green cosmetics, natural, eco-friendly, all these terms appear more and more on the packaging of cosmetics. And it is that green is already settled in our society, and significantly influence decisions of consumers. Opt for the use of the organic cosmetics also carries a double philosophy. On the one hand, they are products whose ingredients, naturally, do not contain artificial substances (aluminum, paraben or synthetic perfumes) which accumulate in the body, and improves skin functions in a healthy way. On the other hand, its use makes us partakers of a cosmetic whose active principles, derived from plant extracts, have been obtained through ecological farming systems, free of GMO and pesticides, looking for minimal environmental impact.
In addition, the major brands of organic cosmetics developed policies on fair trade, protecting farmers and promoting the development of the communities on continents and countries where are crops of vegetables to create their formulas. Companies of organic cosmetic products used for the preparation of creams the minimum transformation processes, and used recycled materials in packaging methods.
When tested for the first time, striking that organic cosmetics are more liquid and oily than conventional ones, because do not contain in their agents formulas derived from petroleum, such as Silicones, or other thickeners. On the other hand, are found a number of plant extracts that come from the traditional use of plants and essential oils. By its high quality and the sense of well-being that produce are, increasingly, a real alternative to traditional cosmetics.

How to distinguish an organic cosmetic

With the boom of ecological cosmetics many brands and products have wanted to join the movement of the natural and green, adding these terms on the labels of their products. It is easy to be confused when selecting one, because there is a common international certificate. There are also products, both local businesses and multinational eco-minded and who practice fair trade, that having a high level of natural composition cannot afford investment posed to get these seals. When you approach to search any follow these clues, and you can't go wrong

• Formulations are not usually as long as the conventional cosmetics and the more simple is also more likely to be natural.
  
• The list of ingredients in these products tend to be of vegetableorigin, and plants being names are in latin. Thus, the Latin name followed by the terms appears first aqua, water, oil, destilated or extract.
  
• The order of the list of ingredients between which has highest proportion toward containing less. If you are looking for an essence in particular, look at that appears first.
  
• The colors of the organic cosmetic products tend to be soft, since they obtained from minerals and plants away from artificial tones.
  
• They never include syntheticingredients, such as preservatives (parabens) or aluminium, whose health safety is still a subject of controversy, as well as not genetically modified or irradiated.
  
• Organic cosmetics products follow a strict policy of respect for the animals, so it does not contain ingredients of animal origin, except for the beeswax, or are tested on animals.

Certified organic cosmetics in the world

The use of the expression 'natural cosmetic ' differs from one country to another, and the same thing happens in regards to the guidelines applicable to the manufacture, marketing and labelling. What is meant by an ecological or natural cosmetic is different according to each country, as well as the rules on ingredients, methods of manufacture and labelling.
In Europe there is currently a standard that unifies criteria or international form to certify these products. So far, the companies that have been dedicated to manufacture organic cosmetic products have resorted to national certifying bodies to secure them. But although they have levels of different demands, and the parameters that handle when granting a seal certifying vary, all are guarantee of quality products based on the philosophy of respect for the environment and human health.
The certified ecological cosmetics most important are:

BDIH (Germany)

It is formed by an Association of industrial enterprises, which include pharmaceutical, food and dietary products and organic cosmetics. Certified natural, but not organic cosmetics. They demand that the vegetable ingredients are organic (with exceptions), and don't allow the animal if they are vertebrates. Awarded the seal "Controlled natural cosmetic product" and are evaluated by an independent laboratory.

Soil Association (United Kingdom)

Since 2002, he is the most important body which grants certificates to products who want to be called ecological in England. For this reason, only enforces its seal to be of organic origin and whose ingredients and minimal processing appear reflected clearly in the labels.

ECOCERT (France)

Although it is of French origin, it is the main certifying body in Europe and has offices in more than 50 countries around the world. A level that is more rigorous than the usual regulations on organic products, with two natural cosmetic and organic cosmeticlabels. They establish norms of protection of the environment throughout the chain of production, including the distribution.

AIAB (Italy)

Among the conditions for awarding your certificate is a restrictive list of 350 elements, which does not include formulations, and also strict rules for the packaging and labelling of the products that aspire to achieve this.

DEMETER (International)

This non-profit association based its certificate on the endorsement of ecological agriculture and seeks international cooperation, as evidenced by its members, who come from Europe, America, Africa and New Zealand. It has three levels of labelling, being the medium and high that have more restrictive lists of prohibited ingredients. It is the only entity that has established an international network to grant certificates of organic cosmetics through independent agencies.
In the United States.UU. There are no federal laws governing the composition of the organic cosmetics. Therefore, manufacturers looking to carry on the label the certificate that grants the national program for organic agriculture (USDA) when 95% of their ingredients come from organic farming.
Other agencies that also grant certificates of great prestige in the world are Cosmebio (France) and CCPB (Italy) and Eco Garantie Bioforum (Belgium).

Where to find organic cosmetic products

If initially was scant brands that offered organic cosmetics, now, in parallel to the development of large multinationals that they have opened road in this sector, also have emerged a large number of local enterprises in almost all the European and American countries that sell them. Thus, currently ecological cosmetic products are not only at specialized centers in sustainable beauty but also, and increasingly, on the shelves of supermarkets, competing as equals with conventional products.
In recent years, some brands have opened a large number of establishments devoted exclusively to the sale of organic beauty products. In them you can find all kinds of products eco, from creams, soaps, shampoo, hair treatments, or masks, make-up formulated the principles of ecological cosmetics.
On the other hand, also seen a boom in the opening of centres and spas that apply these products for more complex treatments and specific problems such as cellulite, and ecological manicures. If you still doubt, remember that it is easy to find them and that use these products not only promotes the concept of natural and healthy beauty, also makes us participants of local development and sustainable growth.

Benefits of organic cosmetics and contraindications

The first benefit derived from an organic cosmetics that dispenses with artificial chemical substances is the quality of its products. Increasingly, those who stop to read the ingredients of cosmetics that use and single, well because they offer greater tolerance on the delicate skin, either because they opt to choose the natural in all aspects of life.
For the skin, the largest organ of the human being, is the use of natural cosmetics healthy and assimilates it better than one that is formulated with a high percentage of concentrated chemicals and synthetics that they play the role of conserving and texturizing product. They have no harmful side effects to health such as skin irritation and other adverse reactions to the chemicals of traditional cosmetics.
Instead, in this type of cosmetic eco Yes you can see the benefits of the effects fungicides and bactericides, among others, of the plants, as well as the regenerative and moisturizing propertiess of oils, which can be used both for massage therapy to the treatment of the nutrition of the skin. Suitable for most, especially indicated in all cases of intolerant skins, because their formulas are free of components that typically give reaction.

Contraindications of ecological cosmetics

In principle, ecological cosmetic products minimize the risks of allergies, but occasionally problems may occur by intolerance to any of the components of the formula. That is why it is important to read the INCI list of labelling where all components of the product must appear. They must refrain from using these creams ecological persons who suffer from rosacea or diagnosed inflammatory acne that requires specific treatment.

Article contributed for educational purposes