Technology behind Natural Makeup Cosmetics

• Natural cosmetic products are becoming more and more popular as they promise healthier looking skin and less health risks compared to their synthetic counterparts
• Since the FDA is not required to review and approve all cosmetic items put on the market, cosmetic regulations are basically nonexistent
• It’s important to check the ingredients label on organic cosmetic items, or products that claim to be all-natural before purchasing

If you’ve ever read the ingredients list on your mascara or lipstick, you may be shocked to see such a wide range of items; most of which you might not be able to pronounce or identify. Many people are now becoming concerned about the health risks associated with applying some of these items to their skin. Instead, they are turning to natural cosmetics, which typically cost more than other cosmetic items but promise healthier looking skin and less health risks. So what exactly does it mean for a product to be natural, and does making the switch to natural cosmetics make sense for you?

The Technical Definition of Natural

When you think of the term natural, you probably have a very clear definition come to mind. Unfortunately, there is no technical definition for the term. According to publications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the government regulatory body overseeing cosmetics and personal care products, the term can literally mean anything to anyone. One major cosmetic company, for example, claims to offer a natural line of cosmetics; however, an analysis of the products’ ingredients, according to the FDA, contains many ingredients that are no different than what are used in their other cosmetic lines, lines that are not labeled “natural.” This line also includes some items not added to their hypoallergenic products. This means you can’t simply assume a product labeled as “natural” is going to be an improvement over other cosmetics.

Not Everything Natural is Better for Your Skin

Think about the last time you went hiking in the woods and accidentally came into contact with some poison ivy. Was that a pleasant experience? Poison ivy is natural, but you would not want to rub it all over your skin. That means you can’t assume everything labeled “natural” is going to be good for you and that everything made in a lab is going to be dangerous. WebMD.com, for example, cites the findings of a study published by the British Journal of Dermatology, which found that people had allergic skin reactions to many natural products including lavender, jasmine, and tea tree oil. Lanolin, a natural product made from wool, is a well-known allergen.

Of course, if you are concerned about more than allergic reactions to your products, you would be better off learning more about the ingredients. Don’t just look for the word “natural.” Instead, look at the label to find natural products. According to WebMD.com, if you are concerned about the potential health risks of some common cosmetic ingredients, be sure to choose products that do not include any of the following: paraben, mercury, lead, dioxane, phthalates, or petrochemicals.

A dermatologist from the Mayo Clinic, quoted in an article in Discovery Health, suggested consumers realize that many “natural” products are padding their ingredient lists with exotic items that sound appealing and warrant a higher price tag but do the same thing as ingredients found in lower costing cosmetics. For example, glycerin is one of the humectants that help keep moisture from evaporating from your skin. Numerous “natural” cosmetics use fancier ingredients that do the same thing. The bottom line is, carefully read the labels and get information about what you’re buying before you apply it to your skin.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.