"Green" cosmetology is controversial and there is still debate about how useful natural cosmetics are. “Organic” products are untouched by pesticides, GMOs or synthetic chemicals, products labeled “vegan” do not contain animal by-products. Sounds attractive. However, the products labeled “natural” are perhaps the most controversial, as they are not strictly regulated, but are usually considered to be made without any artificial ingredients or additives. There are much fewer complaints about such products if they are made from natural substances. But are they really that useful and even safe? MedicForum decided to find the answer to this question.
The very word "natural" is a classic marketing ploy. The founder of a pharmaceutical company and founder of Truth Treatment Systems, Benjamin Fuchs, says that "nothing is natural for a chemist." He notes that the difference is at the molecular level, the same vitamin will be the same, and it does not matter if it is obtained "naturally" or in a laboratory.
However, the number of consumers who insist on natural products is constantly growing. They prefer cosmetics without silicones, parabens, and artificial additives. At the same time, the reasons are different, some may be motivated by concern for the planet, others may be too suspicious of the toxicity of certain chemicals. Many people refuse to use unnatural cosmetics because someone close to them has cancer or someone from the environment who is pregnant. So people want to play it safe. But experts say that then 99 percent of these people come back to buy something more effective in order to get results that they cannot get with a natural product, for example, remove or at least hide an age spot. In this case, active substances always include something chemical.
When natural cosmetics are good
Over the years, research has shown that some of the additives found in personal care products, such as phthalates and parabens, can have adverse effects with prolonged use. This fact was voiced by journalists, it scared many buyers of cosmetics, now buyers are disgusted with silicones. But this is not the only reason for using natural cosmetics.
In fact, one of the main benefits of natural ingredients is that they can be more sustainable and generally safer for the environment.
So, for example, rose rosin extract (rose oil) and niacinamide (vitamin B3) are natural products and are very beneficial for the skin, they help smooth the skin, help in the fight against wrinkles and antihyperpigmentation. Another really useful substance is green tea. It is an excellent antioxidant that prevents aging, redness and inflammation.
In addition, among the natural substances that are actually useful and are difficult to replace with chemical analogues, it is worth highlighting the soothing oils of argan, chamomile and aloe. Even acne has met a worthy enemy in the salicylic acid contained in the black willow bark, this acid is actively used in cosmetology, although it is a natural substance. Blue tansy is the basis of skin balms, it has amazing effects - instantly relieves irritation, while rice and cotton extracts provide more hydration.
When are synthetic substances healthier?
Experts agree: For truly effective anti-aging (smoothness, reduced wrinkles, pores and pigment, increased firmness and radiance), there is no natural equivalent of retinoic acid, which is produced using chemically derived vitamin A.
Retinoids are available in prescription creams (such as Retin-A and Renova) as well as other analogs. Why are the signs of aging best hidden by synthetic retinoids? In order to obtain maximum cell renewal, the molecule must act as a key in blocking the retinoid receptor in the skin, and the key must be of a certain shape. Vitamin A is not naturally the same form as retinoic acid or retinol. It turns out that only an artificial substance is capable of acting on the skin in this way, and a natural analogue has not yet been found.
Between natural cosmetics and chemistry
Fortunately, we do not live in a black and white world. Major cosmetics companies have armed a generation of beauty shoppers with knowledge, encouraging people to make meaningful decisions about their own skin, and this has opened up new possibilities. For example, the Drunk Elephant brand has invented its own category of "pure clinical" products, which founder Tiffany Mesterson defines as using the most effective ingredients.
“I don't look at ingredients in terms of whether they are natural or synthetic. I evaluate them if they are safe and biocompatible with the skin. There are natural ingredients that the body perceives to be toxic,”
- said the head of the company.
Skin care is a very personal experience and it is important to find a balance between the use of synthetic and natural substances. This balance will allow you to get the maximum possible effect from the use of cosmetics, while it is worth paying attention primarily to the reaction after using a particular substance, and not to its composition.
Experts point out that it might be worth using natural deodorants as well as certain natural oils that work for your skin. But you should not use "natural" cosmetics through force if it causes irritation, is not absorbed or does not allow you to achieve the desired result. Trial and error, as well as knowing what kind of cosmetics you use, will allow you to achieve the best result.
