How to recognize genuine natural cosmetics

How to recognize genuine natural cosmetics?

Pure and chemical free natural cosmetics are becoming more and more popular. The shelves of the stores are full of green products and well-known brands are launching their ecological product lines. But there is a problem here: natural cosmetics are not legally defined. Some companies use unethical marketing and brainwashing, which I call greenwashing. In this article I will discuss the ethical choices to be made as a consumer on a daily basis, the characteristics of natural cosmetics, and I will advise you on how to recognize genuine natural cosmetics.

 

 

 

Ecological and responsible choices

 

We often want to make more environmentally friendly and responsible choices in our lives. One wants to be vegan and use a product that does not contain any substance of animal origin. The other wants to reduce the chemical load on the products used. Some consumers are interested in renewable, organically produced ingrediences and sustainable production methods.

 

Nowadays, many people are thinking about the contents of their shopping carts and the effects that cosmetic ingredients can have on the planet. In the UK, for example, sales of organic and natural cosmetics increased by almost a quarter in 2019, Euronews reports.

 

"Greenwashing" in cosmetics marketing and advertising

 

Many large cosmetics brands have also jumped into the market for natural cosmetics. Unfortunately, some of those brands use unethical techniques in their advertisements aim to claim that the products they offer are natural or organic. In reality, a product claimed to be a natural cosmetic may contain only a fraction of some of the organic ingredients. The packaging may be attractively crafted to inspire consumers' ideas about nature and green values, but the ingredients are full of parabens, phthalates and other substances that have nothing to do with nature. Such companies sell their products through image marketing.

 

Fully synthetic products can be called natural without penalty because there is no definition of natural cosmetics in the EU law. Also, the consumer may unknowingly make bad choices when looking for an organic product. Vegan cosmetics do not mean that the products are free from synthetic ingredients. Vegan cosmetics are free from ingrediencies of animal origin. If you, as a consumer, are deceiving, the question arises of how to recognize genuine natural cosmetics.

 

Recognize Genuine Natural Cosmetics

 

Organic ingredients are preferred in genuine natural cosmetics. Their origin must be traceable. The use of synthetic perfumes, oils, fats and coloring agents is prohibited. Silicones and mineral oils such as paraffin and petroleum jelly are also prohibited. Animal fats and proteins such as lard, fat and animal collagen are not allowed. Beeswax and lanolin, or wool grease, are permitted. The use of ingrediencies of animal origin shall be prohibited where the procurement of the raw material causes injury to the animal.

 

 

 

Features of natural cosmetics:

 

  • Use of certified organic materials,

endangered plants are not used;

  • the use of genetically modified raw materials is prohibited;
  • the use of mineral oils is prohibited;
  • The extraction of raw materials must not destroy the landscape or pollute the environment.

 

Genuine natural cosmetics are recognized by certification. Organizations specializing in the certification of natural cosmetics already exist worldwide. Many of these organizations cooperate and strive for common criteria. Ecocert Cosmos and NaTrue, as well as Soil Association, AIAB, BDIH, are the most widely used certificates in the European cosmetics market. The composition and methods of the product are controlled by an independent certifier. Eligible products may use the logo issued by the certifier. The certified product must meet the requirements of the certifier, both in terms of its ingredients and packaging. For example, paper and plastic packaging must be made from recycled materials only. Certificates and labels for natural cosmetics help make better choices for ordinary users and professionals.

 

A 2020 report from the Cosmos brand states that more than half of people are beginning to realize that everything that looks like an eco-product may not be. People are increasingly looking for logos and certifications that help make cosmetic shelves or online stores make informed choices.

 

If you are not sure if the product is an eco-product, you can always ask the seller.

 

Wishing you ecological moments,