It’s not just thanks to “Fridays for Future” (ref. Greta Thunberg) that the demand for natural cosmetic products has increased: the protection of the climate, as well as of the environment and animals are becoming increasingly important for many consumers.
When making purchases, today’s consumers are paying more attention to sustainability and natural ingredients, as well as work conditions and employment law surrounding manufacture. The natural cosmetics market has gained 3.2 million clients over the past three years, according to Mirja Eckert of THE NEW in her 2019 report on natural cosmetics: “In just the past year there were about 800,000 new buyers, according to a study conducted by a leading international company of data analysis.”
The figures over recent years clearly indicate that this is not a short-term trend, but rather a change in society’s behaviour. Sabine Beer, founder of Santaverde, declared: “Consumers want fewer chemicals. So they are opting increasingly for biological products with a view to causing less damage to the environment and their own health.”
Natural cosmetic formulations are completely devoid of mineral oils, silicones, and synthetic preservatives; better still if they contain vegetable oils that act as both vector oils and active ingredients.
These natural ingredients ensure that the skin is taken care of adequately without requiring special extracts or hyaluronic acid. Only some substances are approved for the preservation of natural cosmetics, like benzoic salicylic and sorbic acids and their minerals, which are also allowed for the preservation fo foods and have a low allergenic potential.
However, natural cosmetics are not limited only to preservatives, but also to active ingredients. Over 6,000 ingredients are allowed in conventional cosmetics cannot be compared to the just under 700 in natural cosmetics according to BDIH standards (International Organic and Natural Cosmetics Corporation). These ingredients are mainly medicinal plants, some of which have demonstrated their positive effects for thousands of years.
Natural cosmetics are based on raw materials like antioxidants for phytochemical substances, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, which have an overall effect against precocious ageing of the skin.
But how does using natural cosmetic products help the environment? Many producers pay close attention to sustainability and biodiversity when they cultivate plants for their products and sometimes process the raw materials directly on site. Moreover, they are often organically cultivated and certified, which means that no genetic engineering, herbicides or pesticides are used. But it’s not only the ingredients that are good for the environment when you buy cosmetics products. The ethical aspects and the topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly important when making a decision.
People are increasingly self-aware and are taking better care of themselves.Instead of eternal youth, people are seeking to “grow old graciously” on their own terms, and this is also supported by natural body care and cosmetic products.
Source: beautypress;
Photo: unsplash