Being health-conscious doesn’t stop at what we eat and drink, but it also extends to what we put on our skin on a daily basis. Both men and women use on average ten cosmetic products whether it’s for hygiene, skincare, or makeup. While they may be essential for maintaining our looks, the toxins commonly found in these products can accumulate through the largest organ of the body – the skin.

And since we have become increasingly aware of all the damage traditional products have on our health and the environment, it only makes sense to use what Mother Nature has already created.

It’s a fact that natural is better, and that goes for beauty products as well. As some would say, if you wouldn’t eat it, why would you put it on your skin? Using natural and organic cosmetics isn’t just the latest fad, it’s showing care for yourself and the planet.

The Advantages of Natural Cosmetics

There are plenty of benefits to using these kinds of products, but before we go into them, let’s make clear what natural beauty products are. The simplest definition is they are products that include active ingredients from plants, flowers and minerals, and are made with respect to the environment and the customers.

Having said that, these products aren’t necessarily organic, so some of them might contain non-organic elements. They should be also cruelty-free and eco-friendly. If you have any doubts, check the labels for certifications.

In any case, compared to conventional cosmetics, these products are safer and kinder to the people, the planet and the animals, offering a whole range of benefits like:

• Natural ingredients mean fewer chemicals and no toxins that can alter the skin barrier. They are also free from carcinogens.
• They are compatible with all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• They contain a higher concentration of active ingredients and do not use filler ingredients.
• They have better absorption and oxygenation.
• They are hypoallergenic and safe to use.
• Natural cosmetics are not tested on animals and are environment-friendly.

Since the beauty industry is trying to keep up with the demand for these products, you can find literally anything you need, whether it is basic care or glam-up makeup.

Finding the Right Natural Lipstick

While natural ingredients are important for every product we use, this is especially true for the lipstick. It will inevitably be ingested, at least partly, and you don’t want to swallow any toxins. With a 100% natural lipstick, you will look just as stunning as with any other, minus the harmful components. From the colours to the formulations, they are glamorous skincare for your lips.

Natural lipstick ingredients include plant-based emollients like shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera and avocado, and healthy botanical oils such as castor oil, jojoba oil, chamomile and sunflower oil. These lipsticks also have wax ingredients such as candelilla and beeswax and use natural or no fragrances and flavours. The preservatives also come from plants, such as tea tree oil, need oil and cinnamon.

The colours are derived from fruits, vegetables and other botanical ingredients. Turmeric, beetroot, berries, pomegranates, calendula, to name a few, give the lips a healthy, realistic sheen and a healthy boost. The mineral lipsticks, as they are also known, can also contain titanium dioxide, iron oxide and mica, all considered to be safe mineral colourants.

When you buy a natural lipstick, lip balm or lip gloss, avoid minerals micronised into nano-particles, stay away from parabens, petroleum-based waxes and emollients, artificial dyes, and definitely look out for lead and copper by-products or any other heavy metals. These can be dangerous for your health in many ways.

If you also want a product that’s vegan, look for lipsticks with a bunny logo or the words cruelty-free, vegan or no animal testing on the label.

If this seems like too much information, look for companies that have been certified as ‘green’ and have already earned their customers’ trust, so you know that what you are buying is truly natural.

Looking for Healthy Skincare and Facial Products

When it comes to skincare, the natural products can make a big difference in how healthy your skin looks and feels. From cleansers to moisturizers, face creams and serums, or other products that we use daily, they all have a natural version. You just have to find one that you will love.

Ingredients such as aloe vera, argan oil, bentonite clay, coconut oil, grape seed oil, green tea, hemp seed oil, lavender oil, and others have long been used for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. They also contain nutrients like vitamins A and E. These components can slow down aging, inhibit the effect of UV rays, and improve the skin’s overall health, so you definitely want them in your skincare routines.

It’s safe to say that not every product will work wonders for every skin, but you can always test a few and see what works for you. There is bound to be something for your personal needs.

Supporting the Environment

Using natural and organic products is not only healthier but also better for our planet. There are ethical considerations about how and where the raw materials are sourced, the environmental impact, packaging, and animal welfare.

It helps numerous parties in the supply chain from those who source the plants using sustainable practices, benefiting the local community, to the suppliers downstream. Aside from the product itself, buying natural cosmetics is an investment in more than just face value.

Final Thoughts

All of the nature-given ingredients have stood the test of time. They have been used for centuries, developed as ancient remedies and have proven their worth. On top of that, they don’t have adverse side effects and guarantee healthy and beautiful-looking skin.

It’s high time we stepped out of the habits of causing harm to ourselves and the environment, and use nature in a beneficial and sustainable way.