Natural cosmetics: varieties and best brands

Until a few decades ago, scientists suggested that the demand for natural cosmetics would continue to grow. Not much time has passed, but these predictions have already been confirmed. Most women have opted for natural formulations because they are more beneficial to the skin, environmentally friendly and safe. The article will focus on the types of natural cosmetics and its best brands.

Since ancient times, women have strived to be beautiful and made a lot of efforts to prolong their youth. In the race for excellence, various natural herbal care products have been used - recipes have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries and laid the foundation for the creation of modern cosmetics.

Strictly speaking, the concept of "natural cosmetics" is somewhat blurred... In theory, this can include any composition that contains herbal ingredients or components of natural origin. This is often used by unscrupulous manufacturers who label the packaging of their products with the phrase "natural cosmetics", but in fact the dosage of herbal ingredients in them is very small. That is why today experts have abandoned the use of generalized expressions and introduced such concepts as organic, eco- and biocosmetics into everyday life.

Natural cosmetics are significantly different from all products that are offered in the mass market segment - in most cases, such care products are sold in specialized retail outlets or via the Internet.

The creators of natural cosmetics claim that traditional synthetic products contain harmful chemical additives. Moreover, women do not immediately notice their toxic effects, since at first such cosmetics really "perform" their functions. However, artificial additives penetrate deep into the pores of the skin, causing allergic reactions and irritation. With natural cosmetics, such consequences are minimized, the only thing that can cause an allergic reaction is the active ingredient itself.

Besides, it is extremely important how exactly the sources of raw materials are grown - international standards require that the plants necessary for the creation of care products be grown in ecologically clean areas without the use of hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and other substances potentially hazardous to humans.

Used as preservatives salicylic and benzoic acids, mineral salts and some natural oils.

Different countries have their own requirements for such funds. So, in Germany, the use of GMOs is not allowed. In France, the content of natural ingredients should be kept above 95%, and in the USA they are trying to produce 100% environmentally friendly products, and if this percentage is below 70, then the goods are completely banned for sale.

The fashion for all natural came to us in the era of hippies, but today we are experiencing a real eco-boom. Even the mass market is vying with each other to offer all new products, in the creation of which herbal ingredients are used. The explanation for this phenomenon is very simple - Such products are completely safe for people, since they do not contain carcinogens, chlorides, formaldehydes, as well as lanolin and alkalis.

However, with all the advantages of care products, it is necessary to understand that they do not give an instant effect.

Natural cosmetics also have their drawbacks. It can cause an allergic reaction. For example, citrus fruits often cause redness and irritation, so people with sensitive skin should be very careful with such formulations. In fairness, it should be noted that reactions to synthetic ingredients in creams and gels are much more common.

That is why it is imperative to test it before buying a cosmetic product. To do this, a small amount of the composition is applied to the area of ​​the wrist or elbow bend, and after 20-30 minutes, the condition of the skin is assessed.

A significant disadvantage of natural cosmetics is that she is unable to fight the signs of aging - wrinkles, "floating" face contours and loss of elasticity, since retinol, peptides and some acids used as antioxidants are prohibited for use in the creation of natural cosmetics.

The moisturizing function of the skin is also not good enough. The fact is that it is possible to add hyaluronic acid to the care complexes, but only the one obtained by the plant.The creators of such funds do not have the opportunity to resort to advanced technologies, they are unable to reduce the molecular weight of the substance, respectively, hyaluron does not penetrate into the deep layers of the dermis, but only has a superficial effect.

Many natural ingredients have pronounced pharmacy smell, which is not to the liking of the most fastidious users... Cosmetics contain a lot of oils and are often thicker than usual, so they are not as easily distributed over the skin as synthetic ones.

Many people believe that natural and organic cosmetics are identical concepts. This is not entirely true - there is a difference between them. Let's try to understand the theory of the question.

Manufacturers of natural cosmetics are allowed to add a small amount of mineral oils and synthetic preservatives to their preparations, their content should not exceed 20%. Many people doubt the effectiveness of such products, so they opt for organic ones.

In addition, there are a number of other important requirements.

• Raw materials for organic cosmetics should only be grown in ecologically clean areas and collected exclusively by hand.
• To ensure that all the necessary extracts are in your cream, when collecting, storing and processing special technologies are used.
• Organic cosmetics even packaging must be environmentally friendly - that is, biodegradable.
• The fundamental point is that organics are never tested on animals. All studies are carried out by the "invitro" method, that is, in a test tube on fragments of hairs and skin.
• The creators of organic cosmetics especially recommend it to pregnant and lactating women. Each manufacturer offers a series for newborns to protect children from the adverse effects of external factors from the very first days of life.

Natural cosmetics usually contain several essential ingredients.

• Extracts of medicinal plants and herbs. In most formulations, the active ingredients are extracts from chamomile, nettle, sage, wheat germ and lavender.
• Natural preservatives - here the ingredients are beeswax, rosemary extract, propolis, citric acid and vegetable alcohols.
• Nutritive oils. These ingredients provide nutrition, hydration and softening of the skin. Typically, natural cosmetics include base oils (coconut, argan, sea buckthorn, almond, olive), a little less often shea butter, jojoba and macadamia oils are used.

In addition to these products, natural cosmetics also include:

• vitamin A - it has a general tonic effect, increases the elasticity of tissues and promotes their rejuvenation;
• vitamin E - slows down age-related changes, removes toxins and toxins, effectively evens the skin surface and moisturizes the dermis cells;
• panthenol - belongs to the group of B vitamins, relieves dryness and flaking, provides deep nutrition, relieves irritation, eliminates inflammation, soothes the skin;
• vegetable hyaluronic acid - maintains water balance in the epidermis, creates on the surface a thinnest film that does not allow moisture to evaporate, due to which the skin acquires a well-groomed appearance, turgor and elasticity return to it;
• allantoin - this component softens the cells of the epidermis, promotes a pronounced anti-aging effect and relieves irritation from dry and sensitive skin;
• fruit acids - obtained from plant components, used to effectively exfoliate the stratum corneum.

In the composition of the base components, there is no place for such ingredients as:

• GMO;
• chemicals;
• refined products;
• synthetic fragrances.
• dyes.

If the care product is made in Russia, then its composition will be indicated in Russian, all organic components are usually indicated with one or two asterisks "*, **". The composition should be studied from top to bottom - the higher the line, the greater the content of the substance in the cosmetics. If the ingredients are located below the 6th line, then you can not pay much attention to them.

There are several types of natural cosmetics.

These formulations are based on the use of minerals and salts that nourish and enrich the skin and hair with a large number of beneficial trace elements. At the production stage, stones and minerals are crushed into dust, obtaining particles that are 9 times finer than the components of the powder. Water is taken only mineral, thermal, with silver ions or silicon.

In most cases, the series is represented by medicinal cosmetics, which are created to solve a variety of skin problems. Semi-precious or even precious stones are often introduced into its structure, which are natural antiseptics. The formulations effectively treat acne, relieve irritation, and reduce the appearance of acne.

All the differences in such cosmetics are due to precisely by the presence of minerals. On the one hand, it is a good basis for creating peels and scrubs, since mineral powders contain natural acids and absorb sebum well. On the other hand, solid particles do not dissolve in water, so it is not easy to achieve a homogeneous product - they can still be felt in cosmetics.

This is the most numerous category of cosmetic formulations. Care products are created using infusions, decoctions and extracts of stems, roots, flowers and petals of medicinal herbs. All phytocosmetics can be roughly divided into two groups: the first is created from herbs growing in Europe, and the second - from Asian and exotic plants.

The advantages of phytocosmetics include the fact that it is produced only from those plants that have been studied by pharmacists for several centuries. Among the disadvantages is the risk of allergic reactions, especially when it comes to exotic herbs - their effect on the European human body is not fully understood.

In essence, these are the same mineral oils and herbs, but only the manufacture of cosmetics takes place in accordance with the traditions of the Indian folk system of health and beauty. The advantages of such funds include centuries of experience of use and a pleasant mystical halo.

Among the most sought-after brands of natural cosmetics several brands can be distinguished.

• REN. For the production of such cosmetics, environmentally friendly products are used, thanks to which the skin is maintained in a healthy, well-groomed and radiant form. All cosmetics are approved and confirmed by clinical trials, do not contain toxic and synthetic additives.

• Nude... Treatments without sulfates, parabens, fragrances and preservatives. Organic ingredients help keep skin looking good and healthy.

• Bare Escentuals. A mineral cosmetics brand whose products make women look more well-groomed and youthful. Does not cause irritation and allergic reactions.

• Stella McCartney CARE... This is a relatively young brand that represents the highest quality care products.

• Dr. Hauschka. A popular manufacturer of cosmetics from Germany, which uses medicinal herbs as the basis of its products. The assortment list offers the widest selection of products ranging from cuticle care products to shampoos.

• Korres. A Greek brand that quickly took the lead in sales worldwide. The hair care series is especially appreciated.

• Light organic... A brand from the USA, the distinctive feature of which is the use of jojoba, rosemary, carrot and vitamin E. All creams and serums are handmade only.

• Ojon. The main component of all cosmetics is walnut oil, which was used by the Indians. It is used in creams, shampoos, masks and sprays.

Products of companies are in demand Mi & Ko, Bielenda, Altai Herbs, as well as Lavender Land and Miss Eco.

We present a list of the most popular natural cosmetics products.

• Organic shop. Cosmetics aimed at young girls, although the assortment list offers a large number of peels, creams and serums, as well as masks. The most popular line of caring cosmetics in a black jar Organic Kitchen. Their laconic design and high efficiency coexist with an affordable price, and a recent advertising campaign involving beauty bloggers has further fueled interest in this series of drugs.

• "Spivak"... Initially, the company was organized as a soap factory, so one of the main products in the line to this day is soap with coconut oil. Today, however, the range is complemented by a variety of highly effective skin care products. Butters from this manufacturer are in special demand, many users call them the best body care products.

• Yves Rocher. A company that has been selling its health and beauty products for over 50 years. The assortment portfolio includes decorative and care cosmetics based on plant extracts. The main focus of the manufacturer is on the ethics of its technological cycle, therefore the products are not tested on animals, and the packaging is made from biodegradable eco-material. One of the best-selling products of the brand is shampoo that promotes shine to hair. This shampoo does not foam well, which directly indicates the low content of preservatives in its formula.

• Lush. The company is actively fighting against testing cosmetics on animals, this slogan is even indicated on the fabric bags that are sold in the company's retail network. All raw materials are either grown on their own plantations or purchased from suppliers with similar ethical principles. The greatest demand is for bath bombs, dry shampoos and other shower products.

• Dr. Hauschka. A cosmetic brand created over 50 years ago by a German chemist. All products from this manufacturer contribute to the maintenance of skin health, regeneration and nutrition. The product line contains deep moisturizers, formulations for atopic dermatitis, creams and serums for the face.

As you know, any popular product sooner or later faces the problem of counterfeits. Unscrupulous manufacturers make "green packaging", evoking persistent associations with nature. In fact, the beneficial properties remain the same. In order to distinguish such cosmetics from truly natural ones, we suggest using the recommendations of specialists.

• When choosing natural cosmetics be sure to ask the seller for a certificate of conformityBDIH, NaTrue, Ecocert or Soil Association.
• Please note that certificates are issued not to the brand as a whole, but to each specific product. This is often used by counterfeiters, they release one natural series, and then literally "stick out" their organicity, using the certificate in the entire advertising campaign.
• Make sure there are no chemical ingredients - carefully study the composition of the goods offered to you, usually everything that ends in "en", "ol", "an" and "at" means chemical components.
• Check the concentration of natural ingredients in a cosmetic product... Normally, they should be at least 80%, ideally - 95% and above.
• Check the expiration date. Everything natural deteriorates quickly, so the shelf life of organic cosmetics usually does not exceed 1 year, and ideally is 3-6 months. If you see that the manufacturer declares long terms, feel free to refuse the purchase.

Feedback from users and cosmetologists about the use of natural cosmetics is ambiguous. Buyers are attracted by the naturalness of the composition, environmental friendliness and ethical products. By purchasing such cosmetics, women not only help themselves to look more beautiful, fresh and well-groomed, but also participate in a socially significant cause - they protect animals, and also participate in the recycling business, thereby preserving natural resources.

The responses indicate that natural cosmetics have a good peeling effect, promotes gentle removal of the stratum corneum of the skin, stimulates regeneration processes.

The fact is that with age, the skin loses moisture, therefore it needs to regulate the water balance. At the same time, hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for hydrating the dermis, does not enter the skin in a form that promotes deep penetration. Accordingly, the cosmetic effect is superficial and therefore short-lived. Using natural cosmetics, you can achieve a smoothing of the relief and improvement of complexion, removal of traces of fatigue, but it is impossible to fight the incipient processes of age-related changes with the help of organic matter.

How to distinguish natural cosmetics from pseudo-natural, see the video below.