What Makes Organic Makeups Better?

Most organic makeup producers take special pride in providing you with organically-based cosmetics produced using the highest possible standards. Cosmetics and skin care products labeled “organic” must pass certain certification standards. 

 

Users of organic makeup believe they are getting a healthier and higher quality product. Makers of high quality organic cosmetics require that their ingredients are all-natural and come from unrefined, preservative-free organic ingredients that are cold processed so as not to break down the delicate features of the product. 

 

While every product needs some processing, manufacturers of organic make up do this in an environmentally-friendly way. Organic make up avoids synthetic preservatives or those that release formaldehyde that can get into an individual’s skin. This means that no parabens, urea derivatives or other formaldehyde-producing products are used in their cosmetics. In the same way, no petrochemicals are used, which are those preservatives derived from petroleum. This includes petroleum jelly, mineral oil, parabens, propylene glycol, acetones or benzene-like products are used. 

 

Some cosmetics require extraction steps with solvents. Most chemical solvents are fairly toxic to humans and these are avoided in organic make up production. Phthalates, found in plastics, have been known to mimic the hormone, estrogen, and can cause female-related diseases. These, too, are avoided in the making and packaging of organic makeups.

 

Commonly used detergents, like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and related compounds, are kept out of organic make up and skin care products. These are irritating to the skin and other natural options are available. In addition, all ingredients in this type of makeup must be certified organic or be verified as being pesticide free.

 

Part of being good to the environment in the making of organic cosmetics, many manufacturers require that there be no animal testing or other cruelty to animals in the making of their products. All fragrances are natural and all essential oils come from natural sources. Special attention is made to make sure there are no pesticide residues in any of their organic products.

 

Essential oils are extracted from bark, roots, flowers, stems and leaves of organic plant sources. They are cold pressed or steam distilled to keep the oil fresh and not degraded. Essential oils are used as organic makeup preservatives, fragrances and to create a certain texture. Only small amounts of essential oils are used to protect sensitive skin.

 

In some cases, organic make up can contain iron oxides and titanium dioxide that are processed synthetically but exist in nature. In nature, these ores contain too many contaminants to be able to be used. In addition, fractionated oil is often used that is derived from coconut oil and palm oil. This is considered a semi-synthetic part of organic make up. 

 

Because some companies can call their product all-natural, consumers need to ask further and look at the ingredient list to make sure the cosmetic product they are buying is, indeed, organic. Hopefully, the above information will help consumers interested in purchasing the safest, healthiest and most environmentally-friendly organic products.