Did you know that the global cosmetics industry is currently worth over $380 billion(1)? Although science has come a long way, artificial ingredients may actually do more harm than good. Natural skincare is a popular trend, and for good reason.
Changing industry standards
First, it’s important to recognize that the cosmetics industry itself is becoming more stringent about the ingredients contained in certain products. We don’t just mean chemicals in this sense. Consumers also need to ensure that products claiming to be “organic” meet certain standards.
For example, Sophim is a supplier of sustainable and organic cosmetics. They are approved by a series of certifications called COSMOS (COSMEtic Organic and Natural Standard). Therefore, users can rest assured that the relevant cosmetics comply with industry requirements and can be labeled as “organic”. The point here is that there is little value in simply claiming to offer an organic solution if that promise is not independently verified.
Movement away from artificial skin care ingredients
So why do many consumers choose natural solutions for their skin care needs? One major reason involves the possible side effects of chemicals. These substances are collectively known by the rather complicated term “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)”. Without going into too many details, these materials tend to break down quite slowly compared to all-natural alternatives. Some scientists also believe they may pose long-term health risks, such as (2):
- fertility problems
- certain types of cancer
- damage to liver
- Thyroid disease
- obesity
Please note that research is still ongoing, however, more and more consumers are simply becoming more aware of the risks that specific chemicals may pose. Regardless, there’s no doubt that all-natural alternatives are here to stay.
popular organic matter
The good news is that many natural substances are readily available and, in some cases, cheaper than artificial alternatives. Common examples include coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and vitamin C. Others are less well known, but the benefits are just as profound. Examples include squalene (a natural emollient), vegetable waxes, and organic alternatives to traditional substances like petroleum jelly.
So why are all-natural ingredients often favored? One practical concern is that users are much less likely to suffer allergic reactions. This is an obvious problem for people with sensitive skin. Another observation relates to the production process itself. Organic ingredients are more environmentally friendly than chemicals. In other words, suppliers are able to significantly reduce their overall carbon footprint; an important attribute when it comes to long-term sustainability and combating the ongoing impacts of climate change.
back to basics
We also need to remember that natural skin care products are certainly nothing new. For example, soothing flowers such as chamomile and rose have been used for thousands of years. Science is just starting to understand more about the potential benefits they offer. When it comes to natural skin care products, beauty is indeed more than just superficial!
source:
- https://www.globalmarketestimates.com/market-report/global-cosmetics-market-3271
- https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/about/contact-us/faqs/what-are-pfas-and-how-are-they-dangerous-for-my-health
