More people over the years are reevaluating their beauty routines, largely due to increasing knowledge and heightened health awareness. That explains the move towards organic or green beauty products, hoping they impact the environment positively while boosting the user’s well-being. The natural cosmetics market is already valued at $1.75 billion and, from all indications, is likely to increase in a year. Here are six compelling reasons to switch to natural beauty products.
6 Reasons To Switch To Natural Beauty Products
- Environmentally-friendly products
It’s widely known that conventional beauty products are made from synthetic chemicals and materials. These man-made ingredients are usually non-biodegradable and are responsible for the increasing environmental pollution worldwide. In many cosmetics worldwide, a synthetic material like sodium polyacrylate is used as a thickening agent and texture enhancer. The downside of this is its highly non-degradable properties. If you’re wondering how this affects the environment, consider what happens when these beauty products are washed off your body. Instead of breaking down, polymer and polyacrylates retain their original properties and do not disintegrate. This contaminates water bodies and harms aquatic animals in the long term. At this point, you can imagine how people inadvertently pollute the environment through their conventional beauty products. Fortunately, you can opt for eco-conscious principles from two angles. The first is your health, and the second is the environment, especially regarding keeping it clean for generations. The truth is that when people become more aware of their ecological footprint, creating a green planet will be more feasible.
- Transparency and ingredient awareness
Did you know that several conventional beauty products do not disclose the entire list of ingredients on their labeling? The question, therefore, is why, and how do these manufacturers go scot-free? A PIRG.org report revealed that US law does not require beauty and cosmetic companies to disclose all ingredients in their labeling. This is done under the protection of trade secrets. Upon careful observation, you will realize why this has become a weak link and a loophole in proper product regulation. The cosmetic industry may hide essential information by labeling hidden ingredients with a blanket description like ‘fragrance’ to protect its trade secrets. That can be too risky for a consumer on a health-conscious journey. It is not the same with natural beauty products, which often have transparent ingredient labeling. You can make informed decisions about the products you use on your skin. Even better, you can understand any ingredient’s chemical composition on the product label. For example, it’s easier to understand what tea tree extract is compared to ingredients like Trimethylsiloxysilicate, a synthetic element used in eyeliners and mascaras.
- Ethical and cruelty-free practices
There has been a lot of talk about ethical sourcing and cruelty-free manufacturing in recent years. This discussion is usually centered around testing products on animals and the harmful effects on these test subjects. Some cosmetic lab tests are conducted to ensure their safety for human use, but one question remains. Why subject one living thing to alleged cruel practices to save another living entity? Proponents of this practice say it has been done for decades in medical research and has saved millions of lives. While this is true, more people are speaking up against unethical and cruel practices. This is fueling compassion and ethical conduct in the beauty industry. This move has health, social, and environmental benefits you can enjoy. By switching to natural beauty products, you become an advocate for ethical and cruelty-free practices.
- Gentler on the skin
Natural beauty products are often plant-sourced and have compounds that agree more with the skin. They are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that are often the reasons for skin irritation among users committed to mainstream beauty products. Plant elements like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extracts are widely known for their calming effects on the skin. They are nourishing ingredients mostly found in natural beauty products and are used to counteract skin dryness, allergic reactions, and inflammations. If you haven’t considered switching to natural beauty products, now is the best time to rethink your cosmetic usage.
Some often argue that all-natural cosmetics are slightly more expensive, but there is a good explanation to calm your fears. Green cosmetics use higher-quality ingredients, which are more expensive and harder to source. For example, organic rose undergoes a series of processes, including the cold-press method, to extract its highly potent essential oil. It’s why organic rose essential oil costs $500, while the non-organic is usually priced between $180 and $200. The same goes for almond oil for skin, which follows a similar process. It is better to pay more for a gentler beauty product than to use more money to treat irritations that a non-organic cosmetic causes.
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- Provides long-term benefits
This is one essential reason to switch to natural beauty products. Organic cosmetic products do more than cosmetic fixes. They bind with the body’s natural processes to ensure long-term solutions to your skin problem. By addressing the root problem of the skin condition, you can be sure of a permanent resolution rather than trying different conventional products to determine which works best for you. Natural beauty product users say they notice improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging within a few weeks of using such products. Others with sensitive skin admit to drastically reduced incidents of dermis flare-ups. It is often a wise investment in your skin’s long-term health. The exciting thing is that plant-sourced cosmetic products are wholesome and have multipurpose uses.
- Supports local and small-scale businesses
Natural cosmetic companies rely on local and small-scale businesses to source organic products. Remember that these raw materials can be hard to locate or source, so it makes sense for cosmetic companies to depend on tailored businesses. In effect, patronizing natural cosmetics supports local businesses, usually made up of artisans and farmers.
You can also be sure you are using a carefully crafted natural product with health at its forefront. There are many benefits to supporting local businesses, but the main point is the sense of community it fosters. The next time you purchase a beauty product, take the time to weigh the pros and cons before using it on your skin. Aside from the health benefits, you will realize that the positives cut across many divides.
