As awareness for holistic lifestyles grows, natural cosmetics are enjoying ever greater popularity. But what is actually behind this term and how do natural cosmetics differ from conventional products?
There is no legal definition and even if many manufacturers advertise ‘nature’, most products feature numerous man-made ingredients.
With a trained eye, however, it is not that difficult to find ‘real’ natural cosmetics. The skin is often grateful, as organic-grade or natural ingredients can be utilized by it.
In the following, we will try to explain what to look out for when planning on treating your skin to extra care while renouncing on mineral oils and silicones.
How do you recognize natural cosmetics?
Manufacturers of “real” natural cosmetics are rare and completely do without synthetic fats, oils, colors and fragrances. They rely on plant-based ingredients – if possible even from organic cultivation. Animal substances are only permitted in isolated cases, such as wax and honey. With the exception of the red dye carmine, substances from dead animals are prohibited. On the ingredient (INCI) list of natural cosmetics, this will show in numerous Latin names for different plants. The higher up they are, the higher their concentration.
What you won’t find in natural cosmetics: silicones and mineral oils
Whether dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane, whether cera microcristallina or petrolatum – synthetic oils and fats cannot be absorbed by the skin. In addition, they are difficult to biodegrade, accumulate in soil and water and pollute the environment in their production. Therefore, these ingredients are not allowed in natural cosmetics. However, it is precisely these two groups of ingredients that are often difficult to detect in the INCI. For silicones, watch out for the endings -methicone or -siloxane, mineral oils are often hidden in “Paraffinum”, but also in many waxes (Cera).
Make sure you have a high proportion of natural oils and fats
A high proportion of cold-pressed natural oils and fats is particularly beneficial for dry skin, because these lipids are very similar to the human sebum. This allows the active ingredients to be absorbed optimally and, with regular use, support the skin barrier, promote cell functions, provide moisture and help with regeneration.
Our GREEN series features luxurious natural cosmetics with hyaluronic acid and does not contain any mineral oils, silicones, preservatives or synthetic fragrances.
The moisturizing mask from our GREEN series, e.g. contains not only the anti-aging ingredients hyaluronic acid and squalane, but also features almond and jojoba oil for softer, suppler skin.