The situation with natural cosmetics mirrors that in the food industry. While no one forces a switch to natural nutrition, its benefits are proven and emphasized by leading nutritionists.
Every customer is free to choose the type of cosmetics that suits them. We, in turn, can explain the characteristics inherent to both. Synthetic cosmetics often use a number of components dangerous to human health. These include mercury, dioxane, polyethylene, ammonium sulfate, isopropyl alcohol, and others.
The continuous use of synthetic cosmetics poses a threat to consumer health. The aforementioned ingredients enter the body through the skin and gradually accumulate. Initially, their impact is imperceptible, but gradually toxins begin to spread throughout the body, harming internal organs. Few are aware of this hidden action of synthetic cosmetic products.
The Negative Impact of Synthetic Cosmetics
Let's delve deeper into substances commonly used as ingredients:
- Propylene Glycol – a compound of petrochemical products. It can cause allergies, and in particularly dangerous cases, eczema.
- Stearalkonium Chloride – typically used in hair conditioners and creams. A toxic substance that causes allergies.
- Synthetic Dyes – used to give products a marketable appearance. They can be recognized by the D&C labeling.
- Synthetic Fragrances – contain over 200 components that manufacturers do not disclose, preferring to simply use the word "fragrance." In some cases, fragrances can cause allergies, dizziness, coughing, nausea, and hyperpigmentation.
- Vinylpyrrolidone and Vinyl Acetate Copolymers – compounds based on petroleum products. Contraindicated for people with sensitive lungs.
- Laureth Sulfate – used in shampoos as a cleansing and foaming ingredient. Its main characteristic is its low cost, hence its popularity. Laureth sulfates cause allergic reactions, scalp flaking, and irritation.
- Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine – used as emulsifiers. Cause allergies, dry hair, and skin. When combined with nitrates, they form carcinogens.
- Parabens – used to extend product shelf life. These substances can cause rashes and allergies. Ethylparabens are absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the body.
- Germall II and Germall 115 – strong preservatives that cause contact dermatitis and allergies.
- Phenoxyethanol – capable of provoking oncological diseases.
Finding all these ingredients in a single cosmetic product is rare. Some experts claim that negative effects only occur with large doses of these substances. However, in some cases, even a small dose of a certain product is enough to trigger negative processes in the body.
The Benefits of Switching to Natural Cosmetics
For protection, one should carefully study the ingredients of each cosmetic package. However, this alone won't fundamentally change the situation. Determining the benefits and harms of all substances used in cosmetology is a complex task, and their number is constantly expanding.
A more radical and effective method could be to switch to natural cosmetics. Chemical substances are not used in them. This, in turn, positively affects the user's health. Scientists have recorded cases where people who abandoned synthetic cosmetics quickly restored their skin and hair with the help of natural ones.
The effectiveness of cosmetic products directly depends on the level of active substances. This indicator is quite low in synthetic cosmetics – only 5%. In professional cosmetics, the level of active substances is 70-80%. At the same time, in natural cosmetics, this indicator is close to 100%.
Another positive aspect of rejecting synthetics is the duration of the obtained effect. Artificial cosmetics provide quick results, but they don't last long. Natural cosmetics ensure a longer duration of this effect because they participate in metabolism.
Thanks to active components and comprehensive skin impact, natural cosmetics are recognized as one of the best means for combating age-related changes.
Additionally, there are advantages such as eco-friendly packaging made from biodegradable material. Manufacturers of natural cosmetics do not test products on animals.
Why are the "drawbacks" of natural cosmetics actually good?
At the same time, experts highlight a number of supposed disadvantages of natural cosmetics. All of these stem from its positive aspects. We will consider the most well-known ones to demonstrate that even the perceived drawbacks speak in favor of natural cosmetics.
The first is a high price. A significant portion of potential natural cosmetics buyers face this problem. The explanation is quite simple – the production of natural cosmetics is not cheap. For example, eco-friendly raw materials for products must be grown in specially designated regions.
The next point is a comparatively short shelf life. This indicator directly depends on whether preservatives are used in the cosmetics. In the 21st century, almost everyone knows about the harmfulness of preservatives. Some natural cosmetic brands use preservatives to extend shelf life. This practice is not particularly supported, which is quite logical – natural cosmetics and preservatives are incompatible.
Causes allergies – one of the most controversial statements. Intolerance to individual components can indeed cause allergies. But synthetic cosmetics are much more allergenic. There is only one way out of this situation – carefully check the components on the packaging and ask consultants about the presence of allergens in the products.
The choice between natural and synthetic cosmetics is one everyone has to make. Each manufacturer strives to sway the buyer to their side. The buyer, in turn, needs to understand what will bring more benefits in the long run and what the pursuit of cheap artificial products will mean for them.
