Tips to Buy Natural Cosmetic and Skin Care Products, By Maria A. Rubio
Today lifestyle is solely based on achieving fast result and getting more facilities to make your life easier. If you are not careful, your skin will look much older than your age...But not to worry, this is where top anti-aging skin care product comes in to help you look even younger than you ever before. Looking young has always been the dream of many women all over the world.
In order to synchronize your lifestyle with today's current situation, you need to do a lot of works and finish is fast. In other words, you are experiencing two works at the same time. Top anti-aging skin care product understand what women needs and situation. There is one top anti-aging skin care product in a form of serums and these serums can help you to take care of your face to make it more beautiful than ever.
The top anti-aging skin care product serum contains a anti-aging essence which is twice more powerful than any other beauty product out there on the market today. Which the help of this essence, it helps a lot of women to have a lovely youthful face. It will penetrate into the skin of your face and repair it from within. Once the essence takes action from within, it will generate a much brighter, fairer and smoother outside the skin surface.
If your dream is to have a youthful and younger looking skin, the top anti-aging skin care product is specifically created to achieve your dream. If you want to have a maximum result, you also need to conduct a good plan of taking care of your face.
How to determine whether your skin looks older than it suppose to be? You will know if you notice a soft line and wrinkle somewhere on your face. One other symptom is the surface of your skin looks dry. Use a top anti-aging skin care product to overcome this situation. A dangerous UBA and UVA ray from sunlight can cause skin pigmentation and black spots. If you are one of people who are active and love to play sports, use a suitable protection cream from sunlight and apply some moisturizer. If you notice that the tone color of your skin is not smooth, use a soft lotion to remove those dead skin cells to reveal your youthful skin.
With the help of top anti-aging skin care product, you don't have to worry about having an older face anymore. You can finally get the much younger looking face and be proud of it, courtesy to modern technologies.
If you want to get rid of unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, and damaged skin here is an in depth review of the best skin care line. If you want to protect your skin and dramatically improve your look visit: http://www.best-skin-care-line.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_A._Rubio
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Monday, November 17, 2008
Is That Natural Skin Care Product Really Natural?, By Wendy Owen
The cosmetic industry relies heavily on the term “Natural”. It sounds good and makes us think of rose petals, rainwater and scented herbs. After all if it’s a natural skin care product it must be good to use on your skin?
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The cosmetic industry relies heavily on the term “Natural”. It sounds good and makes us think of rose petals, rainwater and scented herbs. After all if it’s a natural skin care product it must be good to use on your skin?
Most people think a product labelled as natural has no chemical ingredients. Unfortunately there are many natural skin and hair care products that contain a multitude of chemical ingredients, such as preservatives, perfumes and emulsifiers, with maybe a trace of a few herbs or vitamins thrown in just to make them “legal”.
Most people don’t react to chemicals in cosmetics, but for those who are prone to allergic reactions, the consequences can be alarming and even life threatening.
Chemical molecules are easily absorbed through the skin. Although our bodies can usually process and eliminate these substances quite effectively, we live in an age of pollution and breathe in enough toxins without rubbing them into our skin! These toxic chemicals can cause an excess of free radicals in our systems. This can damage our organs, particularly the liver and kidneys, and put our immune system under stress.
There are no guarantees even a natural cosmetic will not cause an allergic reaction, especially if your skin is very sensitive. For example Lanolin is found in many “home made” cosmetics. It’s a natural product which is obtained from sheep's wool. Lanolin can contain allergens and possibly fertilizers and pesticides as well, all which can be absorbed by our skin.
How can we guard against allergens and toxins in the cosmetics we buy? One thing to do is to read the label to make sure there are not too many ingredients in that bottle or jar. The more ingredients a product contains, the greater the chance that your skin isn’t going to like one of them!
What should we look for in a natural cosmetic? Essential oils are usually safe for most people, they also have some great skin benefits. Oils from fruits and nuts are ok as are any cereals eg oats. Alpha Lipoic Acid sounds alarming but is actually quite safe. Aloe vera and tea tree oil are harmless and beneficial.
What to avoid? Well the list is as long as your arm but here’s just a few: Tetra Sodium EDTA, Isopropyl Myristate, Propolene Glycol, Sodium Laurel Sulphate and Phenoxyethanol. While these may not cause any problems for most people, a build up over time could be a problem.
Remember many natural skin care products won’t have the same keeping power as their chemical counterparts so keep them in the fridge to prolong shelf life.
Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author. For information and advice on absolutely natural skin care visit http://www.just-natural-skincare.com Sign up for our newsletter and recieve 5 free beauty books
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Owen
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Natural Beauty Advice - The Truth About Natural Ingredients, By Janice Wee
These days, most skincare and bath and body lines boast of natural plant extracts in their beauty products.
Supermarket shelves are packed with beauty products that contain alove vera, chamomile, lavender and other common plant extracts.
Luxury beauty brands boast of plant extracts from less known sources like crowberry as well as expensive ingredients like caviar extracts and rose essential oil. Some go so far as to use only organic plant extracts and forgo synthetics altogether.
Then there are the mid-range beauty brands that use a wider range of plant extracts but avoid the prohibitively expensive items. They may be green companies that care for the environment and avoid animal testing altogether. They may even have organic ingredients at still affordable prices.
The common denominator is that the focus on natural ingredients.
In ancient times up to the invention of modern cosmetics, beauty was derived from nature. Flowers, herbs, clay, vegetable oils, honey and beeswax are common ingredients in home made beauty products. The problem with these home made concoctions is that they cannot keep. Bacteria and mould breed happily in these nourishing creams and face packs. You have to use them immediately and they do not have the shelf life necessary to make them commercially viable. Leave them out too long before you use them and you can get a nasty rash, outbreak of acne from the mould or bacteria that has proliferated in your beauty treat.
Along came petroleum by products. While in the past, vegetable oils which go rancid with time, were used to make creams and lotions, we now have cheap synthetic oils that do not go bad.These form the base of moisturizers and other beauty products for the mass market. On top of that, modern science has provided us with a myriad of cheap synthetic preservatives that inhibit bacterial growth and fungal growth. Now beauty products can be left on the shelf for years, hence the modern cosmetic industry was born.
Modern science has developed new molecules that can deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin, isolated chemicals that can help the skin regenerate itself and do so many modern miracles in the beauty arena.No doubt, the starting point is some discovery in nature, like a herb with some medical property. The labs would then isolate the chemical responsible for that effect and duplicate it synthetically, or just extract it straight from the source and patent that chemical for that sole use in that cosmetic house's products.
Then why are natural ingredients so popular?
For one thing, some of the synthetics, especially the petroleum by-products clog up skin pores leading to acne outbreaks. Artificial colors and scents and many of these chemicals can irritate sensitive skin. Some people find that natural skincare which do not contain the particular offending synthetics give them less problems.
Also, even the beauty products that have lab extracted components of herbs, plants and natural ingredients give credit back to nature, telling you what plants, herbs and other sources the active ingredients came from, so in a sense, these too can be considered having natural ingredients
Not all natural skincare is equal. A jar of aloe vera cream from one brand may contain 1% aloe vera while a tube of aloe vera gel form another brand may contain 99.7% aloe vera. Both are labelled aloe vera products since they do contain aloe vera. Look at the list of the ingredients. The ones listed on top of the list are what this product is made mostly of. The ones at the end of the list make up the smallest percentage of the product.
Clarins skincare products typically contain as much as 30% plant extracts as compared to 10% in most good skincare lines. Clarins uses interesting plants in their beauty products. For example, Clarins super restorative skincare range contains pueraria lobata, an Asian plant known as forever young, which deals with the effect the loss of hormones has on aging skin.
Dr. Hauschka Skincare goes a step further by excluding synthetic ingredients in their skincare line, making them ideal for anyone who has problems with synthetics. More about Dr. Hauschka's beauty products at http://www.cosmeticsonline.info/HauschkaSkincare.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Wee
Read more!
These days, most skincare and bath and body lines boast of natural plant extracts in their beauty products.
Supermarket shelves are packed with beauty products that contain alove vera, chamomile, lavender and other common plant extracts.
Luxury beauty brands boast of plant extracts from less known sources like crowberry as well as expensive ingredients like caviar extracts and rose essential oil. Some go so far as to use only organic plant extracts and forgo synthetics altogether.
Then there are the mid-range beauty brands that use a wider range of plant extracts but avoid the prohibitively expensive items. They may be green companies that care for the environment and avoid animal testing altogether. They may even have organic ingredients at still affordable prices.
The common denominator is that the focus on natural ingredients.
In ancient times up to the invention of modern cosmetics, beauty was derived from nature. Flowers, herbs, clay, vegetable oils, honey and beeswax are common ingredients in home made beauty products. The problem with these home made concoctions is that they cannot keep. Bacteria and mould breed happily in these nourishing creams and face packs. You have to use them immediately and they do not have the shelf life necessary to make them commercially viable. Leave them out too long before you use them and you can get a nasty rash, outbreak of acne from the mould or bacteria that has proliferated in your beauty treat.
Along came petroleum by products. While in the past, vegetable oils which go rancid with time, were used to make creams and lotions, we now have cheap synthetic oils that do not go bad.These form the base of moisturizers and other beauty products for the mass market. On top of that, modern science has provided us with a myriad of cheap synthetic preservatives that inhibit bacterial growth and fungal growth. Now beauty products can be left on the shelf for years, hence the modern cosmetic industry was born.
Modern science has developed new molecules that can deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin, isolated chemicals that can help the skin regenerate itself and do so many modern miracles in the beauty arena.No doubt, the starting point is some discovery in nature, like a herb with some medical property. The labs would then isolate the chemical responsible for that effect and duplicate it synthetically, or just extract it straight from the source and patent that chemical for that sole use in that cosmetic house's products.
Then why are natural ingredients so popular?
For one thing, some of the synthetics, especially the petroleum by-products clog up skin pores leading to acne outbreaks. Artificial colors and scents and many of these chemicals can irritate sensitive skin. Some people find that natural skincare which do not contain the particular offending synthetics give them less problems.
Also, even the beauty products that have lab extracted components of herbs, plants and natural ingredients give credit back to nature, telling you what plants, herbs and other sources the active ingredients came from, so in a sense, these too can be considered having natural ingredients
Not all natural skincare is equal. A jar of aloe vera cream from one brand may contain 1% aloe vera while a tube of aloe vera gel form another brand may contain 99.7% aloe vera. Both are labelled aloe vera products since they do contain aloe vera. Look at the list of the ingredients. The ones listed on top of the list are what this product is made mostly of. The ones at the end of the list make up the smallest percentage of the product.
Clarins skincare products typically contain as much as 30% plant extracts as compared to 10% in most good skincare lines. Clarins uses interesting plants in their beauty products. For example, Clarins super restorative skincare range contains pueraria lobata, an Asian plant known as forever young, which deals with the effect the loss of hormones has on aging skin.
Dr. Hauschka Skincare goes a step further by excluding synthetic ingredients in their skincare line, making them ideal for anyone who has problems with synthetics. More about Dr. Hauschka's beauty products at http://www.cosmeticsonline.info/HauschkaSkincare.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Wee
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The Sad Facts About Popular Skincare Cosmetics, By Maricha Jordan
Why not try some anti aging skincare cosmetics? No matter how old (or young) you are, it is never too early to start protecting your skin's health. That's how you'll protect your appearance.Women tend to use a lot of different products on their faces.
Some of them may be beneficial, but just about everything with a big brand name on the bottle contains chemicals that accumulate within your body and contribute to what researchers call your "lifetime body burden".If you didn't realize that health and beauty aids, including many aging skincare cosmetics penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, it's not your fault. The big cosmetic companies still insist that things like artificial preservatives, sun-screening compounds and chemical dyes do not penetrate the skin.If that were true, then trans-dermal patches would not work, but obviously, they do. It is possible that only a small percentage of a toxin might end up in the bloodstream. That's relatively obvious, too, since people don't immediately fall down dead when they use the products.It is the lifetime body burden that has researchers concerned. Blood tests and urine samples show that known carcinogens and other health-hazards are present in our bodies. It is believed that the rise in cancer and other serious health problems can be attributed to long-term exposure of small amounts of these chemicals.So, the best aging skincare cosmetics are free of artificial preservatives, fragrances and sunscreens. There is no need to use an artificial preservative if a product contains natural vitamin E. A dab of cologne is fine, but artificial fragrances in lotions, soaps, shampoos and other personal care products are created using chemicals.Some of those chemicals are toxic to the central nervous system and there is no way to tell "which" chemicals a company uses. They are only required to list "fragrance" on the label.The daily use of sunscreen is a "hot-button" controversy. There are many proponents on both sides of the issue. If used correctly, effective sunscreens reduce the risk of certain types of skin-cancer. If used incorrectly or relied on too heavily, they may increase your risk of other types of skin-cancer. In addition, researchers have found that some of the popular sun-screening compounds, including oxybenzone and benzophenone, increase free radical production and activity, which makes the "probable" carcinogens.Dermatologists recently released a report citing free radicals as the cause of wrinkles and sagging. So, if you want to look better longer and help protect yourself from skin-cancer in the process, you want to look for antioxidant-rich anti aging skincare cosmetics. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging your skin.The ingredients to look for include natural vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, manuka honey, grape seed oil, avocado oil and wakame kelp extract. Each of these has antioxidant activity and provides other nutrients that support the skin's structure, moisture content and beauty.An all natural approach will provide the aging skincare cosmetics that you need. Basically, you're feeding your face each time you use them.
Maricha Jordan is an avid proponent of natural skincare health and a dedicated researcher of skincare products. She shares her research on her website http://healthy-body-healthy-skin.com - If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin, visit http://healthy-body-healthy-skin.com now to learn about the skin care line Maricha personally recommends.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maricha_Jordan
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Why not try some anti aging skincare cosmetics? No matter how old (or young) you are, it is never too early to start protecting your skin's health. That's how you'll protect your appearance.Women tend to use a lot of different products on their faces.
Some of them may be beneficial, but just about everything with a big brand name on the bottle contains chemicals that accumulate within your body and contribute to what researchers call your "lifetime body burden".If you didn't realize that health and beauty aids, including many aging skincare cosmetics penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, it's not your fault. The big cosmetic companies still insist that things like artificial preservatives, sun-screening compounds and chemical dyes do not penetrate the skin.If that were true, then trans-dermal patches would not work, but obviously, they do. It is possible that only a small percentage of a toxin might end up in the bloodstream. That's relatively obvious, too, since people don't immediately fall down dead when they use the products.It is the lifetime body burden that has researchers concerned. Blood tests and urine samples show that known carcinogens and other health-hazards are present in our bodies. It is believed that the rise in cancer and other serious health problems can be attributed to long-term exposure of small amounts of these chemicals.So, the best aging skincare cosmetics are free of artificial preservatives, fragrances and sunscreens. There is no need to use an artificial preservative if a product contains natural vitamin E. A dab of cologne is fine, but artificial fragrances in lotions, soaps, shampoos and other personal care products are created using chemicals.Some of those chemicals are toxic to the central nervous system and there is no way to tell "which" chemicals a company uses. They are only required to list "fragrance" on the label.The daily use of sunscreen is a "hot-button" controversy. There are many proponents on both sides of the issue. If used correctly, effective sunscreens reduce the risk of certain types of skin-cancer. If used incorrectly or relied on too heavily, they may increase your risk of other types of skin-cancer. In addition, researchers have found that some of the popular sun-screening compounds, including oxybenzone and benzophenone, increase free radical production and activity, which makes the "probable" carcinogens.Dermatologists recently released a report citing free radicals as the cause of wrinkles and sagging. So, if you want to look better longer and help protect yourself from skin-cancer in the process, you want to look for antioxidant-rich anti aging skincare cosmetics. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging your skin.The ingredients to look for include natural vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, manuka honey, grape seed oil, avocado oil and wakame kelp extract. Each of these has antioxidant activity and provides other nutrients that support the skin's structure, moisture content and beauty.An all natural approach will provide the aging skincare cosmetics that you need. Basically, you're feeding your face each time you use them.
Maricha Jordan is an avid proponent of natural skincare health and a dedicated researcher of skincare products. She shares her research on her website http://healthy-body-healthy-skin.com - If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin, visit http://healthy-body-healthy-skin.com now to learn about the skin care line Maricha personally recommends.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maricha_Jordan
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Are There Natural Anti-Aging Skincare Cosmetics?, By Jane Clay R.
Sure there is a wide variety of skincare cosmetics in the market, you can find a great variety of gels, creams, lotions, perfumes, face masks, concealers, etc. but are they good for your skin? Are they natural? Are your hurting your skin?
The fact is that most companies use chemicals and synthetic ingredients for most of their cosmetic and skin care products. No women can live without cosmetics because they want to look beautiful, but you need to look for cosmetics that are not high in chemicals like alcohol, parabens, petrolatum, etc.
And if you want to reverse the signs of aging you will need natural anti-aging skin care cosmetics or cream. There are people that use cosmetic fillers to cover up their wrinkles or face imperfections, the problem is that many of those contain alcohol as an ingredient and alcohol drys the skin, causing more wrinkles later.
Natural anti aging skin care creams
A natural anti aging cream should contain only ingredients that come from plant extracts, herbs, honey, nuts and other natural sources.
For instance Wakame Kelp comes from a Japanese algae that have keep them with the best skin in the world. Wakame has the ability to boost hyaluronic acid in the body by inhibiting the substance that destroys HA.
Some of the natural skin care anti aging creams are created in the island of New Zeland, they are very advanced in skin care technology and use some of the best natural ingredients from the world.
CynergyTk, Wakame kelp, Coenzyme Q10, Manuka honey, Shea Butter and Vitamin e are just some of the ingredients that are used in skin care natural creams in New Zeland to keep the skin young, beautiful and wrinkle free for many years to come.
Click Here to Discover the Breakthrough Natural Anti Aging Creams that are changing lives. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, and damaged skin visit the Best Anti Aging Creams to discover the shocking truth that now one else wants to expose.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Clay_R.
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Sure there is a wide variety of skincare cosmetics in the market, you can find a great variety of gels, creams, lotions, perfumes, face masks, concealers, etc. but are they good for your skin? Are they natural? Are your hurting your skin?
The fact is that most companies use chemicals and synthetic ingredients for most of their cosmetic and skin care products. No women can live without cosmetics because they want to look beautiful, but you need to look for cosmetics that are not high in chemicals like alcohol, parabens, petrolatum, etc.
And if you want to reverse the signs of aging you will need natural anti-aging skin care cosmetics or cream. There are people that use cosmetic fillers to cover up their wrinkles or face imperfections, the problem is that many of those contain alcohol as an ingredient and alcohol drys the skin, causing more wrinkles later.
Natural anti aging skin care creams
A natural anti aging cream should contain only ingredients that come from plant extracts, herbs, honey, nuts and other natural sources.
For instance Wakame Kelp comes from a Japanese algae that have keep them with the best skin in the world. Wakame has the ability to boost hyaluronic acid in the body by inhibiting the substance that destroys HA.
Some of the natural skin care anti aging creams are created in the island of New Zeland, they are very advanced in skin care technology and use some of the best natural ingredients from the world.
CynergyTk, Wakame kelp, Coenzyme Q10, Manuka honey, Shea Butter and Vitamin e are just some of the ingredients that are used in skin care natural creams in New Zeland to keep the skin young, beautiful and wrinkle free for many years to come.
Click Here to Discover the Breakthrough Natural Anti Aging Creams that are changing lives. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, and damaged skin visit the Best Anti Aging Creams to discover the shocking truth that now one else wants to expose.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Clay_R.
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Cosmetics Vs. Natural Cure For Acne, By Okpara N Franklin
For several decades dermatologists and beauty experts have argued on the effect of cosmetic products for the treatment of acne.
For several decades dermatologists and beauty experts have argued on the effect of cosmetic products for the treatment of acne.
The use of cosmetics in most cases has been found to have adverse side effects on the skin. Some treatment which may be suitable for one particular skin may not be for another. Dermatologists have on several occasions advised the discontinuous use of certain skin care product that was once prescribe for their patient. These often are as a result of side effects like small pink bumps on the cheeks, chin and forehead.
Cosmetics, because of their chemical compositions are directly related to acne. In fact, acne cosmetica (acne caused by cosmetics) is a mild form of acne. This form which is sultry is triggered by tropical factors and not the complicated process that take place in the body. Some people who are not vulnerable to acne sometimes suffer from acne cosmetica. Most cosmetics bear the tag of having been tested for acnegenicity and being noncomedogenic, yet people are still suffering from this disease with a damaging effect.
Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of this roller coaster result of the use of cosmetic products and end up worsening their skin problem by using more cosmetics. How long will you continue to wander in search of a permanent cure for your acne?
Aren't you tired of all these skin care kits that have drained so much money from your pocket?
Read on as I share with you certain secrets your dermatologist will never tell you.
Nature has a way of treating every human ailment. Have you wondered why this issue of acne is predominant in the western world? You find near to zero Asians or Africans suffering from this skin problem that has been rated as the number one skin disease in the United States.
After several years of research, proven means of curing your acne naturally without any side effects have been achieved. Unlike similar natural acne treatment that I found, these one is highly practical and you can incorporate it into your daily life. It's very rare, highly unique and powerful acne curing system, which very few people even know exists. To discover this secret, click the link below and discover how to put an end to your acne problem once and for all. You will have access to free mini e-course to help you cure your acne.
Everyone, including YOU CAN BECOME ACNE FREE. Get Free Regular Tips On How You Can Achieve And Maintain Your Dream Look. Visit zero acne secrets for more details.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Okpara_N_Franklin
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Be Aware of Natural Cosmetic and Skin Care Products, Here is the Hard Truth, By Diana E. Rubio
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Natural cosmetic and skin care products are everywhere. But, you have to be careful, because many of them are not all that natural. Read the label carefully. Write down the ingredients listed below and don't buy anything that contains them.
Natural cosmetic and skin care products are not that well regulated. Since they are not food items, most agencies consider them non-harmful. But the pores are tiny "holes" that everything passes through. Think about it, if something is porous, it will leak. So anything that you rub on your body will end up in your blood stream.
You probably know that, since you are looking for natural cosmetic and skin care products, but it just explains why companies are allowed to include substances that are known to cause cancer in animals, people or both. They are also allowed to include ingredients that are just not that good for you.
Cancer causing ingredients commonly found in face creams and other cosmetics include the following: Acrylamide, DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine), dioxane, Padimate-O and parabens. Those are the most dangerous. Now let's continue with some other compounds that you should avoid.
Alcohols
Whether listed as ethanol, ethyl, methanol, benzyl, SD or isopropyl, none of them are good for your skin. They strip away the natural acid mantle that protects you from bacteria, mold and viruses. Studies suggest that applying alcohol promotes brown spots and premature aging.
Fragrances
It is common for natural cosmetic and skin care products to include a fragrance. It could be any one of 4000 different compounds, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic. I didn't include it with the other cancer causing chemicals, because I wanted to mention another problem.
The olfactory system allows us to smell, but it is important to our sense of taste and it is connected to many other systems of the body. That's why aroma therapy works for some people. The treatment makes use of scents that are known to be relaxing and soothing. But other odors, including many common fragrances, are depressing and irritating. It's simply not something that you want to put on your face.
Mineral Oil
This is a common ingredient in natural cosmetic and skin care solutions. Similar ingredients include liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum. They clog the pores and encourage acne, black heads and other break outs. They can make you more likely to burn in the sun and eventually cause chapping and dryness. Take chap stick, for example, which is basically just paraffin wax. Initially it makes your lips feel better, but if you use it continuously it will dry them out.
Other Oils
Natural cosmetic and skin care products should contain "cold pressed" oils, a process that preserves their nutrient content and prevents the formation of poisonous acids. Pay attention to the "use-by" date. If kept beyond that time, they become rancid and will cause rashes or other irritation.
The Good Stuff
I didn't want to leave you with only the "bad" substances. So, here's brief list of some good ones. Brown Algae, Japanese Sea Kelp, Coenzyme Q-10, vitamin E, passion fruit extract, Babassu, grape seed oil, functional keratin and avocado extract are all good choices for natural cosmetic and skin care creams. All are safe and effective. Take the time to look for them.
I have tried different skin care and anti aging products and my research shows that the best skin care line should be safe to use, effective on your skin and contain the latest breakthrough natural ingredients, get more information at: http://www.best-skin-care-line.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_E._Rubio
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How to Choose a Safe Skin Care Natural Cosmetic Product, By Diana E. Rubio
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When it comes to a skin care natural cosmetic product, every ingredient should be so safe and pure that you could eat it. Sadly, most are nowhere near that level of purity. It all depends on the company's philosophy and what they decide to include in their costs. When it comes to a skin care natural cosmetic product, every ingredient should be so safe and pure that you could eat it. Sadly, most are nowhere near that level of purity. It all depends on the company's philosophy and what they decide to include in their costs. Every time that you rub something on your face or body, some of the active ingredients find their way into your blood stream. Chemicals, preservatives, fragrances, and other components that are considered naturally occurring and therefore safe may be found in a skin care natural cosmetic product. Reading the label of some of them is like deciphering a foreign language. You are looking for naturally moisturizing oils, vegetable-based waxes, reparative proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, coenzymeQ10 and plant extracts. They should be carefully chosen for their effectiveness and safety. You want to avoid parabens, because they cause cancer, fragrances, because they can cause depression and other health problems, and of course chemicals of any kind. You would expect something advertised as a skin care natural cosmetic product to be free of all these things, but you really cannot trust the advertising claims. You have to do your own research. Virtually all the expensive big-name brands use parabens as a preservative, primarily because they are cheap and easy to get. Those companies care more about their bottom line than your health. One so called skin care natural cosmetic product contains triclosan, which is in truth a pesticide. It is included to prevent the growth of bacteria in the product. Fragrances are either chemicals or alcohols or both. There are no hypo-allergenic ones. There is no "natural" fragrance. If it is listed as an ingredient, then it is a chemical. Botanicals may have a mild scent, but it is not necessary to list that on the ingredient's label. In some cases, a skin care natural cosmetic product will contain fragrances because the manufacturer knows that the oils in the product are likely to become rancid during shipping and arrive smelling badly. Unless the company "cold-presses" their oils, which is a more expensive process, then the shelf life is very limited. A use-by date should always be included and adhered to. If you do not want to view every item with suspicion, then you need to choose to deal with a company whose philosophy allows them to do research and clinical testing, before they ever attempt to sell something to you. Those companies are few and far between, but there is at least one that we know of. You will find that just about any skin care natural cosmetic product contains glycerine. Plant based glycerine is fine. But, most companies use petroleum-based glycerine, because, once again, it's cheaper. It would not be safe to eat and it is not safe to rub on your face. One thing that should be included is coenzymeQ10. It is a potent anti-oxidant that effectively improves the health of skin-cells. But, not all sources are equally effective. There are big variations in quality. The best skin care natural cosmetic product comes from a company located in beautiful New Zealand. Their philosophy is to protect your health and save you money. I have tried different skin care and anti aging products and my research shows that the best skin care line should be safe to use, effective on your skin and contain the latest breakthrough natural ingredients, get more information at: http://www.best-skin-care-line.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_E._Rubio
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Sunday, November 16, 2008
Why Switch to All Natural Cosmetics? , By Lori Stryker, B.Sc., B.H.Ec., B.Ed.
The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has the remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or completely, into the bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of the products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For instance, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).
These new understandings of how the skin functions reveal concerns about the possible long term effects due to the combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often termed the "chemical cocktail effect". Several chemicals which are used in common, popular cosmetics are known irritants and carcinogens. Concern stems from the knowledge that most of these ingredients are derived synthetically or from petroleum. Avoiding these substances serve to decrease overall exposure to harmful or irritating cosmetic ingredients.
Ingredients to Avoid
Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative Side Effects
Aluminum
* Thought to contribute to Alzheimer's Disease.
* Found in almost all antiperspirants.
* Works by blocking pores so sweat cannot be released by the skin.
Artificial colours
* FD&C, derived from coal tar.
* For example, Azo dyes are a risk to asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.
* Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001).
Benzoates
* Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.
* Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy drinks. Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001).
Certain essential oils
* Rosemary is harmful to epileptics.Sage is not recommended for pregnant women.
DEA, MEA, TEA
* Causes allergic reactions, irritating to eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley, 2001).
Dibutyl phthalate
* Found in all persons tested by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a 2000 Fall study.
* Highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.
* Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000).
* Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients.
Formaldehydes
* A preservative.
* Causes skin reactions.
* Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified preservative causing contact dermatitis ( American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001).
* DMDM hydantoin
* Quaternium 15
* Diazolidinylurea
* 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1
* 3-diol
Fragrances
* Can contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).
* Major cause, in addition to artificial colours, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).
* May cause dizziniess, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001).
Genetically Modified Organisms
* Soy, Corn
* Effects still undetermined.
Isopropyl Alcohol
* Drying agent, from petroleum.
Keratolytic chemicals
* Such as hydroxyl acids, retinoic acid.
* Corrosive, used in skin peels.
* Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost layer), making skin more sensitive to sun damage.
* Accelerates production of dead skin cells; the skin thickens to repair its surface so that vulnerable skin cells underneath are protected from the effects of skin peeling.(Antczak, 2001).
Methylisothiazolinone
* Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001).
Parabens
* Petroleum product.
* Triggers skin irritations and may be an xerestrogen (Fairley, 2001).May play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates (Fairley, 2001).Used in 99% of all cosmetics (Fairley, 2001), and in many so-called 'natural' products.
Parraffin
* Derived from petroleum.
* In the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum.
* Comedogenic, i.e.blocks pores.
Propylene Glycol
* When derived from petroleum.
* Increases the amount of acid in the body, resulting in metabolic problems.
* Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency forToxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR, 2003).
Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate
* Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with specific ingredients.
* Irritating to eyes, skin and lungs (Antczak, 2001).
* Harmful if swallowed and may cause damage to eyes (Antczak, 2001).
Tallow
* Animal fat.
* Not suitable for vegans, and may be a skin irritant.
Toluene
* Found in many nail products and nail polish removers.
* Produced during the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal.
* Evaporates into the air when products containing toluene are opened.
* May affect the nervous system, and/or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite.
* Symptoms disappear when exposure is eliminated (ATSDR, 2003).
In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on their labels, but most have toll free telephone numbers which link you to their customer service departments, where inquiries about ingredient lists can be made. Reading labels and recognizing problematic ingredients are necessary skills for a consumer who intends to choose products that are completely natural. The cost of a cosmetic is not a reliable indicator of either its quality or natural characteristics. Most cosmetics, from the lowest priced, to the most costly brands, are composed of identical base ingredients (Begoun, 1991).
Cosmetics do not stay on the surface of the skin without penetrating to some degree. Lipstick wearers, for example, consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in a lifetime (Aveda). If one considers the ingredients being internalized by the body, absorbing plant oils and waxes, mineral pigments or essential oils is a healthier alternative than absorbing petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals. The ability to choose the right cosmetics for you depends on accurate ingredient knowledge, personal needs and market choices. Caring for one's whole body includes skin care choices that support and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Natural cosmetic products and make-up are safer, healthier alternatives especially when these products are composed of all natural ingredients. A natural product is described as one that contains mostly or completely naturally derived ingredients (Antczak, 2001). It also indicates that the product is free from, or contains minute amounts of artificial chemical additives. Caution is required when products claim to be natural. For instance, they may contain small amounts of plant extracts, but the bulk of the product is petroleum based and loaded with fragrances. Instead, consider switching to completely natural products, which perform to the same standard as their non-natural counterparts. The Organic Make-up Company offers a wide range of simple, affordable and high quality products. Our cosmetic products are carefully formulated from plant waxes, plant oils, essential oils from flowers, barks and spices, as well as richly coloured mineral pigments.
Switching to all-natural cosmetic products and make-up can help you to avoid feeding your skin harmful chemicals. Many skin problems, such as acne, contact dermatitis, irritations and allergies may disappear once petroleum or synthetic ingredients are removed from your skin care regimen. Using fully natural products can contribute to healthy skin and a healthy body in the long term.
We invite you to give our natural products a try. They are completely natural, vegan and an excellent alternative to conventional cosmetics and make-up.
Read more!
The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has the remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or completely, into the bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of the products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For instance, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).
These new understandings of how the skin functions reveal concerns about the possible long term effects due to the combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often termed the "chemical cocktail effect". Several chemicals which are used in common, popular cosmetics are known irritants and carcinogens. Concern stems from the knowledge that most of these ingredients are derived synthetically or from petroleum. Avoiding these substances serve to decrease overall exposure to harmful or irritating cosmetic ingredients.
Ingredients to Avoid
Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative Side Effects
Aluminum
* Thought to contribute to Alzheimer's Disease.
* Found in almost all antiperspirants.
* Works by blocking pores so sweat cannot be released by the skin.
Artificial colours
* FD&C, derived from coal tar.
* For example, Azo dyes are a risk to asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.
* Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001).
Benzoates
* Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.
* Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy drinks. Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001).
Certain essential oils
* Rosemary is harmful to epileptics.Sage is not recommended for pregnant women.
DEA, MEA, TEA
* Causes allergic reactions, irritating to eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley, 2001).
Dibutyl phthalate
* Found in all persons tested by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a 2000 Fall study.
* Highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.
* Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000).
* Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients.
Formaldehydes
* A preservative.
* Causes skin reactions.
* Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified preservative causing contact dermatitis ( American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001).
* DMDM hydantoin
* Quaternium 15
* Diazolidinylurea
* 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1
* 3-diol
Fragrances
* Can contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).
* Major cause, in addition to artificial colours, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).
* May cause dizziniess, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001).
Genetically Modified Organisms
* Soy, Corn
* Effects still undetermined.
Isopropyl Alcohol
* Drying agent, from petroleum.
Keratolytic chemicals
* Such as hydroxyl acids, retinoic acid.
* Corrosive, used in skin peels.
* Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost layer), making skin more sensitive to sun damage.
* Accelerates production of dead skin cells; the skin thickens to repair its surface so that vulnerable skin cells underneath are protected from the effects of skin peeling.(Antczak, 2001).
Methylisothiazolinone
* Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001).
Parabens
* Petroleum product.
* Triggers skin irritations and may be an xerestrogen (Fairley, 2001).May play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates (Fairley, 2001).Used in 99% of all cosmetics (Fairley, 2001), and in many so-called 'natural' products.
Parraffin
* Derived from petroleum.
* In the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum.
* Comedogenic, i.e.blocks pores.
Propylene Glycol
* When derived from petroleum.
* Increases the amount of acid in the body, resulting in metabolic problems.
* Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency forToxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR, 2003).
Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate
* Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with specific ingredients.
* Irritating to eyes, skin and lungs (Antczak, 2001).
* Harmful if swallowed and may cause damage to eyes (Antczak, 2001).
Tallow
* Animal fat.
* Not suitable for vegans, and may be a skin irritant.
Toluene
* Found in many nail products and nail polish removers.
* Produced during the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal.
* Evaporates into the air when products containing toluene are opened.
* May affect the nervous system, and/or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite.
* Symptoms disappear when exposure is eliminated (ATSDR, 2003).
In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on their labels, but most have toll free telephone numbers which link you to their customer service departments, where inquiries about ingredient lists can be made. Reading labels and recognizing problematic ingredients are necessary skills for a consumer who intends to choose products that are completely natural. The cost of a cosmetic is not a reliable indicator of either its quality or natural characteristics. Most cosmetics, from the lowest priced, to the most costly brands, are composed of identical base ingredients (Begoun, 1991).
Cosmetics do not stay on the surface of the skin without penetrating to some degree. Lipstick wearers, for example, consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in a lifetime (Aveda). If one considers the ingredients being internalized by the body, absorbing plant oils and waxes, mineral pigments or essential oils is a healthier alternative than absorbing petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals. The ability to choose the right cosmetics for you depends on accurate ingredient knowledge, personal needs and market choices. Caring for one's whole body includes skin care choices that support and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Natural cosmetic products and make-up are safer, healthier alternatives especially when these products are composed of all natural ingredients. A natural product is described as one that contains mostly or completely naturally derived ingredients (Antczak, 2001). It also indicates that the product is free from, or contains minute amounts of artificial chemical additives. Caution is required when products claim to be natural. For instance, they may contain small amounts of plant extracts, but the bulk of the product is petroleum based and loaded with fragrances. Instead, consider switching to completely natural products, which perform to the same standard as their non-natural counterparts. The Organic Make-up Company offers a wide range of simple, affordable and high quality products. Our cosmetic products are carefully formulated from plant waxes, plant oils, essential oils from flowers, barks and spices, as well as richly coloured mineral pigments.
Switching to all-natural cosmetic products and make-up can help you to avoid feeding your skin harmful chemicals. Many skin problems, such as acne, contact dermatitis, irritations and allergies may disappear once petroleum or synthetic ingredients are removed from your skin care regimen. Using fully natural products can contribute to healthy skin and a healthy body in the long term.
We invite you to give our natural products a try. They are completely natural, vegan and an excellent alternative to conventional cosmetics and make-up.
Read more!
An Introduction to Natural Skincare and Natural Cosmetic Ingredients, by Author: Hannah Walker
Read more!
Skin is great... it boasts as the largest organ in the body, waterproofing, insulating, temperature regulating and allowing for all types of sensations. Skin does however need to be looked after, like everything else in the human body it can be damaged by our busy and sometimes unhealthy modern lifestyles.
It is important to keep skin clean in order for it to be radiant! It is also important to protect our skin from chemicals and irritants. Natural skincare products use ingredients derived from nature with natural skin benefiting properties like essential oils and flowers. combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers. Essentially natural skin care products are based around botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, which are manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
Natural skin care is something that's been used long before people decided to start rubbing chemicals into their skin... it stems back to the 4th millennium BC in China and the Middle East. It is believed that the Egyptians developed many natural skin care treatments for a variety of skin conditions, for example one ancient treatment comprised of bullock's bile, whipped ostrich eggs, olive oil, dough and resin mixed with milk... products have become slightly more appealing nowadays! In the modern age many people with unique skin types and needs - sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin - find that natural skin care solutions can give them the beautiful skin they want.
From mud to bark, natural ingredients offer many great healing and restorative properties and many have unique elements which make them so good to the skin, here is a taster of some of the more commonly used...
Jojoba oil comes from a shrub and is easily refined to become odorless and colorless, therefore it is ideal to use as a carrier oil or moisturiser for fragrances.
Rose hip seed oil is unique among vegetable oils in containing retinol (Vitamin A). It is high in essential fatty acids, omega-3, and omega-6. It can be used for a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis, acne and eczema and as a treatment for mature and sun burnt skin as well as brittle nails.
Shea nut butter is a natural fat extracted from fruit of the Shea tree by crushing and boiling. Shea butter is widely used as an emollient in moisturisers.
Witch Hazel is produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch Hazel shrub, it is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which is great for treating acne, and can also be used for psoriasis, eczema, cracked or blistered skin, insect bites, and as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Witch hazel can be used as a natural aftershave and hair spray for normal to oily hair.
Aloe Vera has great soothing, moisturising and healing properties and is one of the most commonly used natural ingredients.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil taken from the tree leaves. The oil has antiseptic and antifungal action, and is good for the skin, in particular the face.
Chamomile can be used in skin care to reduce minor irritation due to its mild antiseptic properties, it also lightens hair slightly.
These are just a few of the great ingredients that nature offers us. Not only do natural skincare products smell gorgeous and achieve great results for your body, one can use them happy in the knowledge that your skin is safe from chemicals and unknown long term damage... isn't nature great!
Read more!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Organic Cosmetics And Skin Care - 3 Key Benefits, By Terry Edwards
As far as organs go, the skin is by far the most important when it comes to protecting you during your regular daily routine. It's important to keep your skin healthy so it in turn can keep your other organs healthy. One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy is to use organic cosmetics and skin care.
Every day your skin comes into contact with chemicals and unnatural ingredients. By using cosmetics to give your skin a healthy and radiant glow and to make it illustrious and eloquent, you increase the amount of chemicals your skin is subjected to -- unless you are using cosmetics made organically.
Organic cosmetics are simply cosmetic products that have 100% natural ingredients contained in them. Many people are making the switch to organic because a lot of the skin care products you use can be absorbed into your bloodstream.
I want you to consider this -- there are cosmetic products that are made with aluminum, formaldehydes, alcohol, and so on. Do you want your skin to absorb these and have them enter your bloodstream year in and year out?
Many people do not want to play Russian roulette when it comes to using chemicals that are added into cosmetics. While many chemicals are harmless, there are a few that are probably damaging in the long-run that science isn't aware of yet.
It's simple to bypass all of that if you use cosmetics that contain 100% natural ingredients. Besides cutting back on the risk of damaging your own body, you're cutting back on the risk of damaging the environment.
There are other benefits to using organic cosmetics and skin care as well. For example, the less chemicals and artificial products that are contained in your skin care products, the less of a chance you will have an allergic reaction to them. Many people have found that certain cosmetics have triggered asthmatic reactions that are no longer triggered when using organic makeup.
Finally, many people simply report that their skin feels better when using natural ingredients. This may be a psychosomatic thing, but it exists nonetheless. Whether it is simply believing your skin will feel better because you are using organic cosmetics or that it actually feels better, the results are the same. If you would like to enjoy these benefits as well, I urge you to research the matter more in depth.
You can find out more about [http://www.organicskincarea-z.com/Organic-Cosmetics-and-Skin-Care.html]Organic Cosmetics And Skin Care as well as much more information on everything to do with organic skin care and organic skin care products at http://www.OrganicSkinCareA-Z.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards http://EzineArticles.com/?Organic-Cosmetics-And-Skin-Care---3-Key-Benefits&id=957846
Read more!
As far as organs go, the skin is by far the most important when it comes to protecting you during your regular daily routine. It's important to keep your skin healthy so it in turn can keep your other organs healthy. One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy is to use organic cosmetics and skin care.
Every day your skin comes into contact with chemicals and unnatural ingredients. By using cosmetics to give your skin a healthy and radiant glow and to make it illustrious and eloquent, you increase the amount of chemicals your skin is subjected to -- unless you are using cosmetics made organically.
Organic cosmetics are simply cosmetic products that have 100% natural ingredients contained in them. Many people are making the switch to organic because a lot of the skin care products you use can be absorbed into your bloodstream.
I want you to consider this -- there are cosmetic products that are made with aluminum, formaldehydes, alcohol, and so on. Do you want your skin to absorb these and have them enter your bloodstream year in and year out?
Many people do not want to play Russian roulette when it comes to using chemicals that are added into cosmetics. While many chemicals are harmless, there are a few that are probably damaging in the long-run that science isn't aware of yet.
It's simple to bypass all of that if you use cosmetics that contain 100% natural ingredients. Besides cutting back on the risk of damaging your own body, you're cutting back on the risk of damaging the environment.
There are other benefits to using organic cosmetics and skin care as well. For example, the less chemicals and artificial products that are contained in your skin care products, the less of a chance you will have an allergic reaction to them. Many people have found that certain cosmetics have triggered asthmatic reactions that are no longer triggered when using organic makeup.
Finally, many people simply report that their skin feels better when using natural ingredients. This may be a psychosomatic thing, but it exists nonetheless. Whether it is simply believing your skin will feel better because you are using organic cosmetics or that it actually feels better, the results are the same. If you would like to enjoy these benefits as well, I urge you to research the matter more in depth.
You can find out more about [http://www.organicskincarea-z.com/Organic-Cosmetics-and-Skin-Care.html]Organic Cosmetics And Skin Care as well as much more information on everything to do with organic skin care and organic skin care products at http://www.OrganicSkinCareA-Z.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards http://EzineArticles.com/?Organic-Cosmetics-And-Skin-Care---3-Key-Benefits&id=957846
Read more!
10 Tips For Choosing Healthy Cosmetics And Personal Care Products, By Christine Farlow
The cosmetic and personal care product industry is a multi-billion dollar a year industry ... and growing. New products are coming onto the market every day.
Manufacturers play to your emotions in their advertising and packaging. They tell you their products will make you look more beautiful, younger, sexier and help you attract your perfect mate. They promise to erase blemishes, wrinkles, make your skin smoother and softer. In fact, any flaws that you see in yourself, real or imagined, there is most likely a product on the market that promises to fix it.
Can you believe all the claims you read or hear about these products? Is there really truth in advertising? Where do you find the answers to these questions? How can you really be sure that a product will do what the manufacturer says it will? And most importantly, how do you know that the products are healthy and safe to use?
Here are some things for you to look out for when choosing products you’re going to use on your skin:
1. Magazine and other print ads
They're designed to make you want to buy. They promise you radiant skin, a healthy glow, age-defying skin care, purity, safe and effective products made with natural ingredients. They make the product sound so good and good for you that you just want to go out and buy it. But don’t buy yet. You need more information.
2. Radio and TV ads
In 30 seconds or less, you'll hear all the wonderful benefits you'll receive from choosing their products – softer, silkier, healthier hair; smoother, younger-looking skin and more. Manufacturers spend a lot of money trying to convince you to buy their products. Don't jump up and rush to the store after seeing or hearing one of their compelling ads. They're not telling you everything you need to know.
3. Celebrity endorsements
Companies pay celebrities a lot of money to endorse their products. They hope you'll think that because the celebs say wonderful things about their products, you'll want to use them too. Don't fall for this.
4. Samples in the mail
What better way to get you to try their product than to give you a little bit to test on yourself? You get to experience first hand how the product smells, feels, lathers, absorbs, etc. Now while you may like how it smells, performs and the result you get, you still don't have enough information to assess the health and safety of the product.
5. "Natural" on the label
This suggests that the product is made of ingredients from natural sources. However, there are no industry standards for what "natural" means. The product may contain all natural ingredients, just a few natural ingredients added to a synthetic product or no natural ingredients at all.
6. "Organic" on the label
Beware of products that claim to be 95%, 90% or some other high percentage organic on the label. According to cosmetic chemist Paul Lieber, it's physically impossible for more than 30-40% of the ingredients to be organic, unless it's organic oil. Why? Because typically 60-70% of a product is water and water cannot be certified organically grown, even if it's distilled or processed with organic herbs or essential oils.
7. Hypoallergenic
This doesn’t mean the product won't cause allergic reactions. There are no standards defining hypoallergenic. It just means the manufacturer believes it's less likely to cause allergic reactions. In many cases, it's not even tested; only fragrances are removed.
8. Pretty labels
Manufacturers spend a lot of money designing labels to make you think their product is natural, herbal, healthy and will do amazing things if you use it. The truth is ... the information on the front of the label doesn't tell you anything about the health and safety of the ingredients inside the package. Don't base your decision on what's on the front of the label.
9. The ingredients list
This is the most important piece of information that you absolutely must read before you buy any product. The ingredient list is where you find out if the product really contains safe and healthy ingredients or not. This is not what the manufacturers wants you to read on their labels. That's why they make it so tiny you need a magnifying glass to read it. Buy one and carry it with you in your pocket or purse. Take it out when you're trying to read that microscopic print.
10. Incomplete ingredient lists
Many companies, because of increased consumer awareness of the ingredients in skin care products, will list only the known herbal and healthy ingredients on their website or in their advertisements. If you don't read carefully, you may think that what they list is the complete list of ingredients in the product ... that is until you buy the product and read the full list of ingredients on the label. Beware of this deceptive practice.
Now, you may be wondering how you're supposed to know if the ingredients on the label are safe or not. Most of the ingredients are not listed in plain, understandable, everyday language. Well, you don't need to hire your own personal cosmetic chemist. There is a simple solution. Dying To Look Good is an easy-to-use book, written in plain, understandable language, that classifies ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products according to safety and lists products that are safe and healthy to use. If you check the ingredients on all product labels before you buy with the list of ingredients in Dying To Look Good, you will be able to confidently choose products that are safe and healthy.
(c) 2006 Christine H. Farlow, D.C., "The Ingredients Investigator" and author of DYING TO LOOK GOOD. Dr. Farlow has been researching ingredient safety since 1991. Learn more about ingredient safety in cosmetics and personal care products and find healthy products at [http://www.dyingtolookgood.com]DyingToLookGood.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Farlow http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Tips-For-Choosing-Healthy-Cosmetics-And-Personal-Care-Products&id=372445
Read more!
The cosmetic and personal care product industry is a multi-billion dollar a year industry ... and growing. New products are coming onto the market every day.
Manufacturers play to your emotions in their advertising and packaging. They tell you their products will make you look more beautiful, younger, sexier and help you attract your perfect mate. They promise to erase blemishes, wrinkles, make your skin smoother and softer. In fact, any flaws that you see in yourself, real or imagined, there is most likely a product on the market that promises to fix it.
Can you believe all the claims you read or hear about these products? Is there really truth in advertising? Where do you find the answers to these questions? How can you really be sure that a product will do what the manufacturer says it will? And most importantly, how do you know that the products are healthy and safe to use?
Here are some things for you to look out for when choosing products you’re going to use on your skin:
1. Magazine and other print ads
They're designed to make you want to buy. They promise you radiant skin, a healthy glow, age-defying skin care, purity, safe and effective products made with natural ingredients. They make the product sound so good and good for you that you just want to go out and buy it. But don’t buy yet. You need more information.
2. Radio and TV ads
In 30 seconds or less, you'll hear all the wonderful benefits you'll receive from choosing their products – softer, silkier, healthier hair; smoother, younger-looking skin and more. Manufacturers spend a lot of money trying to convince you to buy their products. Don't jump up and rush to the store after seeing or hearing one of their compelling ads. They're not telling you everything you need to know.
3. Celebrity endorsements
Companies pay celebrities a lot of money to endorse their products. They hope you'll think that because the celebs say wonderful things about their products, you'll want to use them too. Don't fall for this.
4. Samples in the mail
What better way to get you to try their product than to give you a little bit to test on yourself? You get to experience first hand how the product smells, feels, lathers, absorbs, etc. Now while you may like how it smells, performs and the result you get, you still don't have enough information to assess the health and safety of the product.
5. "Natural" on the label
This suggests that the product is made of ingredients from natural sources. However, there are no industry standards for what "natural" means. The product may contain all natural ingredients, just a few natural ingredients added to a synthetic product or no natural ingredients at all.
6. "Organic" on the label
Beware of products that claim to be 95%, 90% or some other high percentage organic on the label. According to cosmetic chemist Paul Lieber, it's physically impossible for more than 30-40% of the ingredients to be organic, unless it's organic oil. Why? Because typically 60-70% of a product is water and water cannot be certified organically grown, even if it's distilled or processed with organic herbs or essential oils.
7. Hypoallergenic
This doesn’t mean the product won't cause allergic reactions. There are no standards defining hypoallergenic. It just means the manufacturer believes it's less likely to cause allergic reactions. In many cases, it's not even tested; only fragrances are removed.
8. Pretty labels
Manufacturers spend a lot of money designing labels to make you think their product is natural, herbal, healthy and will do amazing things if you use it. The truth is ... the information on the front of the label doesn't tell you anything about the health and safety of the ingredients inside the package. Don't base your decision on what's on the front of the label.
9. The ingredients list
This is the most important piece of information that you absolutely must read before you buy any product. The ingredient list is where you find out if the product really contains safe and healthy ingredients or not. This is not what the manufacturers wants you to read on their labels. That's why they make it so tiny you need a magnifying glass to read it. Buy one and carry it with you in your pocket or purse. Take it out when you're trying to read that microscopic print.
10. Incomplete ingredient lists
Many companies, because of increased consumer awareness of the ingredients in skin care products, will list only the known herbal and healthy ingredients on their website or in their advertisements. If you don't read carefully, you may think that what they list is the complete list of ingredients in the product ... that is until you buy the product and read the full list of ingredients on the label. Beware of this deceptive practice.
Now, you may be wondering how you're supposed to know if the ingredients on the label are safe or not. Most of the ingredients are not listed in plain, understandable, everyday language. Well, you don't need to hire your own personal cosmetic chemist. There is a simple solution. Dying To Look Good is an easy-to-use book, written in plain, understandable language, that classifies ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products according to safety and lists products that are safe and healthy to use. If you check the ingredients on all product labels before you buy with the list of ingredients in Dying To Look Good, you will be able to confidently choose products that are safe and healthy.
(c) 2006 Christine H. Farlow, D.C., "The Ingredients Investigator" and author of DYING TO LOOK GOOD. Dr. Farlow has been researching ingredient safety since 1991. Learn more about ingredient safety in cosmetics and personal care products and find healthy products at [http://www.dyingtolookgood.com]DyingToLookGood.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Farlow http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Tips-For-Choosing-Healthy-Cosmetics-And-Personal-Care-Products&id=372445
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Organic Face Cream - The Shocking Truth About Antioxidant Face Cream and Organics!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sabrina_Fox]Sabrina Fox
Don't fool yourself into believing that just because an ad says, organic face cream that the merchandise is actually organic and safe for you to use. I have looked at the ingredients of many of a so called organic face cream, and I've seen things in them that are not very safe at all.
A word of warning to you, never purchase natural skincare products from either a magazine or from a shopping network. Even if a product claims to be an antioxidant face cream and organic. If you cannot first hand see what ingredients the cream contains, it is not wise to purchase them. There are some very dangerous elements that commonly go into cosmetics, and this is very much a case of what you don't know can hurt you.
I want to give a personal example, in order to drive this important point home. The woman who lives next door to me used to sell natural organic face cream and skincare products from a little catalog in order to supplement her income. After I proved to her what was actually in these products and what they could potentially do, she got a weekend job as a hostess and quit selling the cosmetics.
Most of the natural organic face cream and skincare products that are on the market today are laced with toxins. Many of the commonly used chemicals are recognized carcinogens, and one antibacterial agent is also used in most of the popular weed killers. There is also an ingredient widely used that has can cause respiratory failure and circulatory collapse.
People are buying these natural skincare products in droves because most of them don't understand what to be aware of in a cosmetic. The cosmetics companies don't want an educated customer base, because then they would be forced to begin using more costly organic ingredients in their products instead of cheap and dangerous chemical fillers.
That is actually what is driving these companies to put these toxins in their natural skincare products in the first place; they are more cost effective than safer ingredients. Isn't it nice to know that an industry that rakes in $18 billion dollars of our money domestically is putting their profit margin ahead of not merely our health, but possibly our lives?
The United States Food and Drug Administration is the governing body that is supposed to regulate and sanction the actions of the cosmetics industry here. For this agency to allow these companies to include these deadly chemicals into their natural skincare products is criminal. I say that because they know full well what these companies are doing, and the FDA will do nothing in order to stop them.
There are producers of high quality natural organic skincare products who do care about the health and well being of their customers, but they are located mainly in Europe. The only way to get their fine products is through direct mail shipment over the internet. I know that I said earlier that you should never buy cosmetics products without seeing them first, but hear me out on this one.
The European Union has formed the "Compact for Safe Cosmetics", which through strict regulation guarantees that the companies are providing you with the safest and purest natural organic face cream and skincare products that can be found. If you don't believe me, then go check out these companies for yourself. You won't be sorry that you did.
Author Sabrina Fox has done extensive research on organic face cream and natural skincare products to get to the truth. See the only natural skincare products she recommends by visiting: http://www.GreatSkinTips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sabrina_Fox [http://ezinearticles.com/?Organic-Face-Cream---The-Shocking-Truth-About-Antioxidant-Face-Cream-and-Organics!&id=1423762 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Organic-Face-Cream---The-Shocking-Truth-About-Antioxidant-Face-Cream-and-Organics!&id=1423762
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By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sabrina_Fox]Sabrina Fox
Don't fool yourself into believing that just because an ad says, organic face cream that the merchandise is actually organic and safe for you to use. I have looked at the ingredients of many of a so called organic face cream, and I've seen things in them that are not very safe at all.
A word of warning to you, never purchase natural skincare products from either a magazine or from a shopping network. Even if a product claims to be an antioxidant face cream and organic. If you cannot first hand see what ingredients the cream contains, it is not wise to purchase them. There are some very dangerous elements that commonly go into cosmetics, and this is very much a case of what you don't know can hurt you.
I want to give a personal example, in order to drive this important point home. The woman who lives next door to me used to sell natural organic face cream and skincare products from a little catalog in order to supplement her income. After I proved to her what was actually in these products and what they could potentially do, she got a weekend job as a hostess and quit selling the cosmetics.
Most of the natural organic face cream and skincare products that are on the market today are laced with toxins. Many of the commonly used chemicals are recognized carcinogens, and one antibacterial agent is also used in most of the popular weed killers. There is also an ingredient widely used that has can cause respiratory failure and circulatory collapse.
People are buying these natural skincare products in droves because most of them don't understand what to be aware of in a cosmetic. The cosmetics companies don't want an educated customer base, because then they would be forced to begin using more costly organic ingredients in their products instead of cheap and dangerous chemical fillers.
That is actually what is driving these companies to put these toxins in their natural skincare products in the first place; they are more cost effective than safer ingredients. Isn't it nice to know that an industry that rakes in $18 billion dollars of our money domestically is putting their profit margin ahead of not merely our health, but possibly our lives?
The United States Food and Drug Administration is the governing body that is supposed to regulate and sanction the actions of the cosmetics industry here. For this agency to allow these companies to include these deadly chemicals into their natural skincare products is criminal. I say that because they know full well what these companies are doing, and the FDA will do nothing in order to stop them.
There are producers of high quality natural organic skincare products who do care about the health and well being of their customers, but they are located mainly in Europe. The only way to get their fine products is through direct mail shipment over the internet. I know that I said earlier that you should never buy cosmetics products without seeing them first, but hear me out on this one.
The European Union has formed the "Compact for Safe Cosmetics", which through strict regulation guarantees that the companies are providing you with the safest and purest natural organic face cream and skincare products that can be found. If you don't believe me, then go check out these companies for yourself. You won't be sorry that you did.
Author Sabrina Fox has done extensive research on organic face cream and natural skincare products to get to the truth. See the only natural skincare products she recommends by visiting: http://www.GreatSkinTips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sabrina_Fox [http://ezinearticles.com/?Organic-Face-Cream---The-Shocking-Truth-About-Antioxidant-Face-Cream-and-Organics!&id=1423762 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Organic-Face-Cream---The-Shocking-Truth-About-Antioxidant-Face-Cream-and-Organics!&id=1423762
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Don't Be Fooled By Cosmetic Claims, By Adzura Zamedin
The label on a cosmetic product may reassure you that the product is natural and caring, free of harsh and unwanted ingredients, or has special or gentle properties, but the terms used can be downright misleading as they have no standard meaning. We decode some questionable claims to reveal the plain truth.
“Natural” or “Organic” ?
“NATURAL” can mean anything to anybody. Some manufacturers may use the term to imply that the product will not moldy, or is harmless.
The term however, is more commonly used to describe ingredients which are extracted directly from plants or animal products, as opposed to being produced synthetically.
But in what concentration the “natural” ingredient occurs- whether it’s 100%, 80% or just 50%- is anyone’s guess. As far as allergies or irritations go, “natural” is no better than synthetic.
Some natural ingredients in cosmetics can cause allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to certain plants or animals, you could have an allergic reaction to cosmetics, containing these ingredients. For instance, lanolin, extracted from sheep wool, is an ingredient in many moisturizers and is a common cause of allergies.
According to a 1996 Danish survey, 35% of “natural” cosmetics have allergenic fragrances and it is common for “natural” perfumes to have the most allergenic fragrance.
Impure and unsafe
And “natural” plant extracts does not mean pure, clean of perfect either. According to the cosmetic trade journal, Drug and Cosmetic Industry, “all plants (including those used in cosmetics) can be heavily contaminated with bacteria, and pesticides and chemical fertilizers are widely used to improve crop yields”.
Some plants can also contain toxin ingredients. For example, comfrey (an ingredient in certain herbal cosmetics) which contains substances known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids , is potentially poisonous if absorbed through cracked or broken skin.
Unnatural
Because natural beauty and hygiene items are becoming big business, some not-so-natural manufacturers are trying to capitalize on the market and putting the word “natural” on their product labels.
Their products may sound natural, with their jojoba oil, honey, herbs and wheatgerm oil for example, but they may also contain such unnatural ingredients as artificial colours, fragrances and preservatives.
“Natural” products which use natural preservatives, like naturally occurring Vitamins E and C, are not any safer either. According to Alexander Fischer, M.D author of Contact Dermatitis, “Topical Vitamin E is a potent sensitizer which can produce both delayed allergenic contact dermatitis and immediate allergic hives.”
Gerald McKnight, author of The Skin Game, warns that organic essences and ingredients which are being increasingly used in cosmetics today, are not only more likely to set up allergic reactions, they also tend to deteriorate more quickly.
“Cruelty free” or “Not tested on animals”
THERE are no legal definitions for these or other similar terms used on product labels. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some companies product may apply such claims solely to their finished cosmetic products. However, these companies may rely on raw material suppliers or contract laboratories to perform any animal testing necessary to substantiate product or ingredient safety.
Many raw materials used in cosmetics today were tested on animals years ago when they were first introduced. A cosmetic manufacturer might use only those raw materials and base their “crulty free” claims on the fact that the materials or products are not “currently” tested on animals.
Hence while claims that a product has not been tested on animals are basically true, the inished products- labeled or not- rarely are. According to experts, the term “cruelty free” is also used rather loosely. While for some companies it can mean that the product is not tested on animals, for others it means the product contains no animal ingredients.
For still others, it could mean that the company has declared a moratorium on animal testing, or didn’t test on that particular product, but still tests other products on animals, or at least hasn’t ruled out testing in the future.
(see also separate topics on safety of animal tests, and animal by-products in cosmetics)
“Unscented” & “Fragrance free”
THESE two terms sound alike but they are not. “Unscented” means that nothing has been added to a product to “enhance” its smell. However, something could have been added to mask another smell e.g: the fatty odor of soap, or other unpleasant odors in “unscented” antiperspirants and vaginal lubricants)
“Fragrance free” usually means that no perfumes, oils or scents have been added toa product. However, even this definition is not foolproof. A small amount could still have been added to mask unpleasant base odors or chemical smells.
According to the US FDA, the above expressions have no legal definitions and are presently used by the cosmetic industry virtually without restriction. Beware of “non-fragranced” or “without perfume” products too. These often have aromatics such as sandalwood oil and lavender essence that create a slight scent. Other similarly suspicious terms are “lightly scented” and “non-lingering” fragrance.
“Oil free”
DOES “oil free” mean that a product contains no oil? It depends on how you define oil free, and unfortunately, the cosmetics industry defines “oil” differently than a consumer might. In the cosmetics industry, an oil is defined as having a specific chemical formula. If an ingredient does not have this formula, it does not have to be called an oil, even if it behaves like an oil.
In other words, a product can obtain a substance that clogs pores (just like an oil), but if it does not have the chemical formula for oil, it is not considered an oil. Unless you have oily or acne-prone skin, there is nothing wrong with oils in cosmetics- they are fundamental ingredients that have been used for centuries to care for the skin.
Some manufacturers will state their product is “non-greasy”, although it may contain mineral oil for instance- it comes down to a subjective judgment about how you think the product feels. “Oil free” may be a desirable factor in a cleanser for instance, if you have oily skin. But don’t be misled. According to Face Facts, a 1994 book published by the Australian Consumer’s Association, the phrase has been spotted describing products such as toners which you wouldn’t expect to contain oil anyway.
“100%...”
“100%” of something is another popular labeling trick used to describe a cosmetic product. There is no standard use of this claim. A product may be promoted as containing “100%” aloe vera. However, this does not necessarily mean that the entire product is aloe vera.
It could mean that the amount of aloe vera used in the product is 100% (ie pure aloe vera which has not been diluted with anything). But the product itself is not wholly made up of aloe vera, and has other ingredients as well. It is also questionable whether the “100%” ingredient has been included in an amount that is sufficient to have any effect. Or is it there just to help sell the product?
“Non-comedogenic” or “Non-acnegenic”
“NON-COMEDOGENIC” is an unnecessarily big word with a simple meaning- that a product will not clog pores. A clogged pore causes comedones (white heads which may eventually become blackheads and then pimples)
This term (another variation is “non-acnegenic”) on a product means that the manufacturer has tried to eliminate the chemicals that have been known or tested in a laboratory animal to have comedones. Besides being an ethical question in itself, animals do not necessarily react as humans do- so the results may not be totally accurate.
In addition, a product could have oils in it that are comedogenic, but if the product passes certain tests, it can be labeled “non-comedogenic”.
“Alcohol free”
“ALCOHOL FREE” products are believed to be gentler on the skin or hair, and less dryng. Cosmetic products claimed to be “alcohol free” usually not contain ethyl alcohol (also known as grain alcohol) which has a drying effect.
But according to the US FDA, cosmetic products, whether labeled “alcohol free” or not, may contain other alcohols suc as cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin- all of which are called fatty alcohols- although these have a different set of effects on the skin or body. The bottom line is “alcohol free” is also a misleading term.
‘pH balanced”
THIS is a meaningless phrase. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity. If it’s “balanced”, balanced with what? And at what pH? “pH buffered” would at least mean more- that the product has got chemicals in it which will maintain it at the same pH. Our skin is naturally slightly acidic. Even if substances are applied to it that change its pH, this is only temporary as the skin’s secretions will soon turn it back to acidic.
Adzura is a businesswoman on natural beauty remedies. If you are interested in getting free information about Ayurveda natural beauty tips, kindly visit our website: [http://www.beautyglows.com]http://www.beautyglows.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adzura_Zamedin http://EzineArticles.com/?Dont-Be-Fooled-By-Cosmetic-Claims&id=268328
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The label on a cosmetic product may reassure you that the product is natural and caring, free of harsh and unwanted ingredients, or has special or gentle properties, but the terms used can be downright misleading as they have no standard meaning. We decode some questionable claims to reveal the plain truth.
“Natural” or “Organic” ?
“NATURAL” can mean anything to anybody. Some manufacturers may use the term to imply that the product will not moldy, or is harmless.
The term however, is more commonly used to describe ingredients which are extracted directly from plants or animal products, as opposed to being produced synthetically.
But in what concentration the “natural” ingredient occurs- whether it’s 100%, 80% or just 50%- is anyone’s guess. As far as allergies or irritations go, “natural” is no better than synthetic.
Some natural ingredients in cosmetics can cause allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to certain plants or animals, you could have an allergic reaction to cosmetics, containing these ingredients. For instance, lanolin, extracted from sheep wool, is an ingredient in many moisturizers and is a common cause of allergies.
According to a 1996 Danish survey, 35% of “natural” cosmetics have allergenic fragrances and it is common for “natural” perfumes to have the most allergenic fragrance.
Impure and unsafe
And “natural” plant extracts does not mean pure, clean of perfect either. According to the cosmetic trade journal, Drug and Cosmetic Industry, “all plants (including those used in cosmetics) can be heavily contaminated with bacteria, and pesticides and chemical fertilizers are widely used to improve crop yields”.
Some plants can also contain toxin ingredients. For example, comfrey (an ingredient in certain herbal cosmetics) which contains substances known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids , is potentially poisonous if absorbed through cracked or broken skin.
Unnatural
Because natural beauty and hygiene items are becoming big business, some not-so-natural manufacturers are trying to capitalize on the market and putting the word “natural” on their product labels.
Their products may sound natural, with their jojoba oil, honey, herbs and wheatgerm oil for example, but they may also contain such unnatural ingredients as artificial colours, fragrances and preservatives.
“Natural” products which use natural preservatives, like naturally occurring Vitamins E and C, are not any safer either. According to Alexander Fischer, M.D author of Contact Dermatitis, “Topical Vitamin E is a potent sensitizer which can produce both delayed allergenic contact dermatitis and immediate allergic hives.”
Gerald McKnight, author of The Skin Game, warns that organic essences and ingredients which are being increasingly used in cosmetics today, are not only more likely to set up allergic reactions, they also tend to deteriorate more quickly.
“Cruelty free” or “Not tested on animals”
THERE are no legal definitions for these or other similar terms used on product labels. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some companies product may apply such claims solely to their finished cosmetic products. However, these companies may rely on raw material suppliers or contract laboratories to perform any animal testing necessary to substantiate product or ingredient safety.
Many raw materials used in cosmetics today were tested on animals years ago when they were first introduced. A cosmetic manufacturer might use only those raw materials and base their “crulty free” claims on the fact that the materials or products are not “currently” tested on animals.
Hence while claims that a product has not been tested on animals are basically true, the inished products- labeled or not- rarely are. According to experts, the term “cruelty free” is also used rather loosely. While for some companies it can mean that the product is not tested on animals, for others it means the product contains no animal ingredients.
For still others, it could mean that the company has declared a moratorium on animal testing, or didn’t test on that particular product, but still tests other products on animals, or at least hasn’t ruled out testing in the future.
(see also separate topics on safety of animal tests, and animal by-products in cosmetics)
“Unscented” & “Fragrance free”
THESE two terms sound alike but they are not. “Unscented” means that nothing has been added to a product to “enhance” its smell. However, something could have been added to mask another smell e.g: the fatty odor of soap, or other unpleasant odors in “unscented” antiperspirants and vaginal lubricants)
“Fragrance free” usually means that no perfumes, oils or scents have been added toa product. However, even this definition is not foolproof. A small amount could still have been added to mask unpleasant base odors or chemical smells.
According to the US FDA, the above expressions have no legal definitions and are presently used by the cosmetic industry virtually without restriction. Beware of “non-fragranced” or “without perfume” products too. These often have aromatics such as sandalwood oil and lavender essence that create a slight scent. Other similarly suspicious terms are “lightly scented” and “non-lingering” fragrance.
“Oil free”
DOES “oil free” mean that a product contains no oil? It depends on how you define oil free, and unfortunately, the cosmetics industry defines “oil” differently than a consumer might. In the cosmetics industry, an oil is defined as having a specific chemical formula. If an ingredient does not have this formula, it does not have to be called an oil, even if it behaves like an oil.
In other words, a product can obtain a substance that clogs pores (just like an oil), but if it does not have the chemical formula for oil, it is not considered an oil. Unless you have oily or acne-prone skin, there is nothing wrong with oils in cosmetics- they are fundamental ingredients that have been used for centuries to care for the skin.
Some manufacturers will state their product is “non-greasy”, although it may contain mineral oil for instance- it comes down to a subjective judgment about how you think the product feels. “Oil free” may be a desirable factor in a cleanser for instance, if you have oily skin. But don’t be misled. According to Face Facts, a 1994 book published by the Australian Consumer’s Association, the phrase has been spotted describing products such as toners which you wouldn’t expect to contain oil anyway.
“100%...”
“100%” of something is another popular labeling trick used to describe a cosmetic product. There is no standard use of this claim. A product may be promoted as containing “100%” aloe vera. However, this does not necessarily mean that the entire product is aloe vera.
It could mean that the amount of aloe vera used in the product is 100% (ie pure aloe vera which has not been diluted with anything). But the product itself is not wholly made up of aloe vera, and has other ingredients as well. It is also questionable whether the “100%” ingredient has been included in an amount that is sufficient to have any effect. Or is it there just to help sell the product?
“Non-comedogenic” or “Non-acnegenic”
“NON-COMEDOGENIC” is an unnecessarily big word with a simple meaning- that a product will not clog pores. A clogged pore causes comedones (white heads which may eventually become blackheads and then pimples)
This term (another variation is “non-acnegenic”) on a product means that the manufacturer has tried to eliminate the chemicals that have been known or tested in a laboratory animal to have comedones. Besides being an ethical question in itself, animals do not necessarily react as humans do- so the results may not be totally accurate.
In addition, a product could have oils in it that are comedogenic, but if the product passes certain tests, it can be labeled “non-comedogenic”.
“Alcohol free”
“ALCOHOL FREE” products are believed to be gentler on the skin or hair, and less dryng. Cosmetic products claimed to be “alcohol free” usually not contain ethyl alcohol (also known as grain alcohol) which has a drying effect.
But according to the US FDA, cosmetic products, whether labeled “alcohol free” or not, may contain other alcohols suc as cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin- all of which are called fatty alcohols- although these have a different set of effects on the skin or body. The bottom line is “alcohol free” is also a misleading term.
‘pH balanced”
THIS is a meaningless phrase. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity. If it’s “balanced”, balanced with what? And at what pH? “pH buffered” would at least mean more- that the product has got chemicals in it which will maintain it at the same pH. Our skin is naturally slightly acidic. Even if substances are applied to it that change its pH, this is only temporary as the skin’s secretions will soon turn it back to acidic.
Adzura is a businesswoman on natural beauty remedies. If you are interested in getting free information about Ayurveda natural beauty tips, kindly visit our website: [http://www.beautyglows.com]http://www.beautyglows.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adzura_Zamedin http://EzineArticles.com/?Dont-Be-Fooled-By-Cosmetic-Claims&id=268328
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Beauty More Than Skin Deep With Chemical Free Cosmetics, By Anne Harvester
When you choose chemical free cosmetics, you do something good not only for yourself, but for the planet as well. Mineral makeup, vegetable-based cosmetic and beauty products and other natural cosmetic products are an excellent way to avoid poisoning yourself and the planet. In addition, such mineral-based chemical free cosmetics are also cruelty-free - no animal testing is done!
A Venerable Tradition
Makeup is nothing new; women and men have been adorning themselves with such decorative coloring since the time of the Pharaohs in Egypt, and probably since the Stone Age. Mineral cosmetics were possibly the most ancient form of makeup; it is known that Egyptian men and women alike applied a mineral known as ochre in a finely powdered form to their faces as well as a carbonate of called malachite while accentuating their eyes by outlining their eyes with a form of soot known as kohl - which is still used my some women of North Africa and the Middle East.
Today, manufacturers of chemical free cosmetics and other cosmetic and beauty products are very careful in the preparation of their wares. Some processing practices of the past involved the use of potentially toxic substances, such as lead; some substances once used in mineral makeup have been found to irritate sensitive skin. Today, the best providers of mineral cosmetics and other forms of organic cosmetic products are extremely discriminating about the ingredients they use - your assurance that some cosmetic and beauty products are pure and free of irritants and toxins.
Why Chemical Free Cosmetics
At one time, it may not have mattered so much. Today however, with so many toxic substances in the air, water and food supply, people are increasingly finding their resistance to such poisons strained almost to the breaking point. Using cosmetic products derived from natural, minimally processed mineral and plant sources means one less assault on your bodily systems.
The key word here is "processing." The materials that are used in many commercially mass-produced cosmetic and beauty products often start out as harmless, natural substances that are not that different from those used in organic mineral makeup. The difference, just as with food, is processing which removes many desirable substances and adds many others that we would be better off without.
Cost
As you might imagine, chemical free cosmetics are more expensive than commercially produced cosmetic products. However, in terms of your health and that of the planet, the purchase and use of chemical free cosmetics is an incredible investment - one that will pay off well for future generations.
Ann is a frequent use of [http://www.cleure.com]chemical free cosmetics from Cleure products. They offer safer, eco-friendly, high-quality personal care and [http://www.cleure.com]mineral cosmetics products for all ages. No other source is as trusted for you and your loved one's products for beauty and personal care wellness.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Harvester http://EzineArticles.com/?Beauty-More-Than-Skin-Deep-With-Chemical-Free-Cosmetics&id=1236616
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When you choose chemical free cosmetics, you do something good not only for yourself, but for the planet as well. Mineral makeup, vegetable-based cosmetic and beauty products and other natural cosmetic products are an excellent way to avoid poisoning yourself and the planet. In addition, such mineral-based chemical free cosmetics are also cruelty-free - no animal testing is done!
A Venerable Tradition
Makeup is nothing new; women and men have been adorning themselves with such decorative coloring since the time of the Pharaohs in Egypt, and probably since the Stone Age. Mineral cosmetics were possibly the most ancient form of makeup; it is known that Egyptian men and women alike applied a mineral known as ochre in a finely powdered form to their faces as well as a carbonate of called malachite while accentuating their eyes by outlining their eyes with a form of soot known as kohl - which is still used my some women of North Africa and the Middle East.
Today, manufacturers of chemical free cosmetics and other cosmetic and beauty products are very careful in the preparation of their wares. Some processing practices of the past involved the use of potentially toxic substances, such as lead; some substances once used in mineral makeup have been found to irritate sensitive skin. Today, the best providers of mineral cosmetics and other forms of organic cosmetic products are extremely discriminating about the ingredients they use - your assurance that some cosmetic and beauty products are pure and free of irritants and toxins.
Why Chemical Free Cosmetics
At one time, it may not have mattered so much. Today however, with so many toxic substances in the air, water and food supply, people are increasingly finding their resistance to such poisons strained almost to the breaking point. Using cosmetic products derived from natural, minimally processed mineral and plant sources means one less assault on your bodily systems.
The key word here is "processing." The materials that are used in many commercially mass-produced cosmetic and beauty products often start out as harmless, natural substances that are not that different from those used in organic mineral makeup. The difference, just as with food, is processing which removes many desirable substances and adds many others that we would be better off without.
Cost
As you might imagine, chemical free cosmetics are more expensive than commercially produced cosmetic products. However, in terms of your health and that of the planet, the purchase and use of chemical free cosmetics is an incredible investment - one that will pay off well for future generations.
Ann is a frequent use of [http://www.cleure.com]chemical free cosmetics from Cleure products. They offer safer, eco-friendly, high-quality personal care and [http://www.cleure.com]mineral cosmetics products for all ages. No other source is as trusted for you and your loved one's products for beauty and personal care wellness.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Harvester http://EzineArticles.com/?Beauty-More-Than-Skin-Deep-With-Chemical-Free-Cosmetics&id=1236616
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Killer Cosmetics and Ingredients You Should Know About, By Rudy Silva
The cosmetic industry has been pulling the wool over your eyes as their cosmetics continue to have ingredients that are harmful and even deadly to human health. But they have no shame since they continue to add these ingredients to their cosmetics because they make the product smell better, flow nicer, cost less, dilute easy, easy to obtain, and fool you that they work.
These ingredients contaminate all forms of personal care products, such as soaps, facial creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, and toothpaste. If you can not eat these products, than you should not be using them. Every time you put cosmetics and their ingredients onto your skin, they are suck into your blood and immediately go to your liver just as if you had chewed them and swallowed.
Does the cosmetic industry care about how harmful these ingredients are? Not really. They have been using these ingredients since these ingredients were discovered and found useful for their products. Of course, they do testing to make sure there are no major side effects on the skin or scalp, but a lot of the side effects don't show up quickly, since side effects would be related to diseases, which takes awhile to develop. And when these diseases develop, they are no longer related to the skin products used.
Here are some of the most frequently used cosmetic ingredients, which are toxic to your body and can create disease.
• Acrylamide, Acrylate, Butylaminoethyl, Methylacrylate polymer - These are synthetic polymers that are used in some body creams, shampoos, nail lacquers, fabrics. Animal laboratory testing has been linked to tumors. They are also known to cause various skin issues and allergic reactions.
• Parabens, Are para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (methyl, propyl, butyl) - Are used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is estimated that 13,200 cosmetic and skin care products contain parabens. These chemicals are toxic and cause allergies. Some studies connect these chemicals with cancer. They have also shown to have hormone-disrupting qualities by mimicking estrogen and causing problems in the endocrine system.
• Propylene glycol - This chemical derived from petroleum and is a synthetic product. Because it attracts water it is used in cosmetics as a surfactant, solvent and humectant. It is used as a moisturizer in cosmetics and as a carrier in fragrance oils. It is also used in antifreeze and hydraulic brake fluid. It is toxic and causes allergic reactions. It affects the health of the liver and kidney. It also irriates the skin and prevent normal skin health growth.
• Sodium laurel, lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) - Is a white powder used in thousands of cosmetic products and non-cosmetic products. SLS is a strong degreaser that dries the skin and hair. It can also cause hair loss. Used in many products that are called natural as a result these products are not natural. This product is found in shampoos, toothpastes, lotions, and creams. It is also found in many car washes, engine degreasers, and garage floor cleaners. When combined Triethanolamine (TEA) it can become a nitrosamine, which is a potent class of carcinogen.
• Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum - Are hydrocarbons which come from petroleum products. On the skin, it is heavy and greasy and clogs pores. It is toxic and leads to skin issues. It disrupts natural skin grown causing skin aging. It is also suspected cause of cancer and disrupts hormonal activity. If take internally, it prevents the absorption of nutrient into the blood in the small intestines.
• Phenol carbolic acid, Phenolic compounds - Are used as a preservative and found in many lotions and skin creams. They are toxic and can cause paralysis, convulsions, coma and even death from respiratory failure.
• Benzoic Acid, sodium benzoate - is used as a preservative in cosmetics and foods. Often combined with sodium bisulfites, which are banned in some countries. This is a dangerous additive, since in low amounts it has been associated with brain damage, neurological disorders, and cancer.
• Dioxane PEG, Polysorbates, Laureth, ethoxylated alcohols - Found in many cosmetics and other personal care products. It is easily absorbed through the skin and has been found to be carcinogenic.
• BHA and BHT - Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. These chemicals are synthetic antioxidants used in foods and cosmetics. Please avoid them, since they are toxic and may contain toluene which quite toxic.
There are hundreds of other chemicals you should know about so that you can avoid them in the products you use. All of them create problems on your skin, cause internal organ damage, or create diseases - acetone, aluminum chemicals, amyl dimethyl para, chloroxylenol, butylenes glycol, diammonium citrate, formalin or formaldehyde, and list goes on.
If you want good cosmetics and ingredients, check the cosmetics you plan to buy and look for more natural ingredients. Here is a list of good natural cosmetic ingredients - herbs, aloe vera, jojoba oil, coconut oil, natural palm oil, shea butter, olive oil, castile soap, yucca root, lactalbumin, balsam tolu, coconut fatty acids, benzoin gum, witch hazel, myrrh. This list is just a start for you to start looking for more good ingredients in cosmetics and other personal care products you use.
Rudy Silva is a natural nutritionist and has created [http://www.good-skin-care.com ]Good Skin Care Blog which gives you more tips on cosmetics and ingredients and on how to keep your skin healthy and free of blemishes. Go to his [http://www.good-skin-care.com ]Natural Skin Care Blog now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Silva http://EzineArticles.com/?Killer-Cosmetics-and-Ingredients-You-Should-Know-About&id=1079141
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The cosmetic industry has been pulling the wool over your eyes as their cosmetics continue to have ingredients that are harmful and even deadly to human health. But they have no shame since they continue to add these ingredients to their cosmetics because they make the product smell better, flow nicer, cost less, dilute easy, easy to obtain, and fool you that they work.
These ingredients contaminate all forms of personal care products, such as soaps, facial creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, and toothpaste. If you can not eat these products, than you should not be using them. Every time you put cosmetics and their ingredients onto your skin, they are suck into your blood and immediately go to your liver just as if you had chewed them and swallowed.
Does the cosmetic industry care about how harmful these ingredients are? Not really. They have been using these ingredients since these ingredients were discovered and found useful for their products. Of course, they do testing to make sure there are no major side effects on the skin or scalp, but a lot of the side effects don't show up quickly, since side effects would be related to diseases, which takes awhile to develop. And when these diseases develop, they are no longer related to the skin products used.
Here are some of the most frequently used cosmetic ingredients, which are toxic to your body and can create disease.
• Acrylamide, Acrylate, Butylaminoethyl, Methylacrylate polymer - These are synthetic polymers that are used in some body creams, shampoos, nail lacquers, fabrics. Animal laboratory testing has been linked to tumors. They are also known to cause various skin issues and allergic reactions.
• Parabens, Are para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (methyl, propyl, butyl) - Are used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is estimated that 13,200 cosmetic and skin care products contain parabens. These chemicals are toxic and cause allergies. Some studies connect these chemicals with cancer. They have also shown to have hormone-disrupting qualities by mimicking estrogen and causing problems in the endocrine system.
• Propylene glycol - This chemical derived from petroleum and is a synthetic product. Because it attracts water it is used in cosmetics as a surfactant, solvent and humectant. It is used as a moisturizer in cosmetics and as a carrier in fragrance oils. It is also used in antifreeze and hydraulic brake fluid. It is toxic and causes allergic reactions. It affects the health of the liver and kidney. It also irriates the skin and prevent normal skin health growth.
• Sodium laurel, lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) - Is a white powder used in thousands of cosmetic products and non-cosmetic products. SLS is a strong degreaser that dries the skin and hair. It can also cause hair loss. Used in many products that are called natural as a result these products are not natural. This product is found in shampoos, toothpastes, lotions, and creams. It is also found in many car washes, engine degreasers, and garage floor cleaners. When combined Triethanolamine (TEA) it can become a nitrosamine, which is a potent class of carcinogen.
• Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum - Are hydrocarbons which come from petroleum products. On the skin, it is heavy and greasy and clogs pores. It is toxic and leads to skin issues. It disrupts natural skin grown causing skin aging. It is also suspected cause of cancer and disrupts hormonal activity. If take internally, it prevents the absorption of nutrient into the blood in the small intestines.
• Phenol carbolic acid, Phenolic compounds - Are used as a preservative and found in many lotions and skin creams. They are toxic and can cause paralysis, convulsions, coma and even death from respiratory failure.
• Benzoic Acid, sodium benzoate - is used as a preservative in cosmetics and foods. Often combined with sodium bisulfites, which are banned in some countries. This is a dangerous additive, since in low amounts it has been associated with brain damage, neurological disorders, and cancer.
• Dioxane PEG, Polysorbates, Laureth, ethoxylated alcohols - Found in many cosmetics and other personal care products. It is easily absorbed through the skin and has been found to be carcinogenic.
• BHA and BHT - Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. These chemicals are synthetic antioxidants used in foods and cosmetics. Please avoid them, since they are toxic and may contain toluene which quite toxic.
There are hundreds of other chemicals you should know about so that you can avoid them in the products you use. All of them create problems on your skin, cause internal organ damage, or create diseases - acetone, aluminum chemicals, amyl dimethyl para, chloroxylenol, butylenes glycol, diammonium citrate, formalin or formaldehyde, and list goes on.
If you want good cosmetics and ingredients, check the cosmetics you plan to buy and look for more natural ingredients. Here is a list of good natural cosmetic ingredients - herbs, aloe vera, jojoba oil, coconut oil, natural palm oil, shea butter, olive oil, castile soap, yucca root, lactalbumin, balsam tolu, coconut fatty acids, benzoin gum, witch hazel, myrrh. This list is just a start for you to start looking for more good ingredients in cosmetics and other personal care products you use.
Rudy Silva is a natural nutritionist and has created [http://www.good-skin-care.com ]Good Skin Care Blog which gives you more tips on cosmetics and ingredients and on how to keep your skin healthy and free of blemishes. Go to his [http://www.good-skin-care.com ]Natural Skin Care Blog now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Silva http://EzineArticles.com/?Killer-Cosmetics-and-Ingredients-You-Should-Know-About&id=1079141
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Natural Cosmetics Review, By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Krofft]Catherine Krofft
In this time and of technological boom, where every product and service offering has been enhanced technological enhancement, cosmetics has not been left too far behind. With consumers desire to enhance their looks cosmetics companies keep coming up with variety of product offerings to keep that consumer desire satiated. But at the end of the day, who is suffering? Of course the customers. Why, you ask? The answer is not so difficult as you might think.
How many of us when buying cosmetics look at the label for the ingredients list? How many of us ever think twice about what chemicals are used to make the cosmetic we buy? How many of us ever think that the very cosmetic products we buy might actually harm our skins? Not many! There is a concoction of chemicals being used in these so called "beauty products" that actually act against the very reason for which we use them.
And the solution to this dilemma is even easier than we think. Natural cosmetics products! Yes, they are a reality. As the name suggests, these are 100% natural products that come without any harmful chemicals or ingredients. The result is a natural skin that doesn't get injured of any harmful chemicals. Beauty is not just about applying cosmetics. It is more about using the right cosmetics and natural cosmetics fit the bill and justifiably so.
There is a whole list of chemicals or ingredients you should ensure are not present in the cosmetic products you buy such as anionic surfactants used in about 90% of foaming personal care products; cationic surfactants, commonly used in hair conditioning products; ethoxylated surfactants, lanolin, nitrosating agents, toluene, etc.
These are only a small number of chemicals from 100s of a list of harmful chemicals. So buy natural cosmetics and be safe!
Katherine Krofft
Natural Cosmetics http://cosmeticsoogle.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Krofft http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Cosmetics-Review&id=1513501
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In this time and of technological boom, where every product and service offering has been enhanced technological enhancement, cosmetics has not been left too far behind. With consumers desire to enhance their looks cosmetics companies keep coming up with variety of product offerings to keep that consumer desire satiated. But at the end of the day, who is suffering? Of course the customers. Why, you ask? The answer is not so difficult as you might think.
How many of us when buying cosmetics look at the label for the ingredients list? How many of us ever think twice about what chemicals are used to make the cosmetic we buy? How many of us ever think that the very cosmetic products we buy might actually harm our skins? Not many! There is a concoction of chemicals being used in these so called "beauty products" that actually act against the very reason for which we use them.
And the solution to this dilemma is even easier than we think. Natural cosmetics products! Yes, they are a reality. As the name suggests, these are 100% natural products that come without any harmful chemicals or ingredients. The result is a natural skin that doesn't get injured of any harmful chemicals. Beauty is not just about applying cosmetics. It is more about using the right cosmetics and natural cosmetics fit the bill and justifiably so.
There is a whole list of chemicals or ingredients you should ensure are not present in the cosmetic products you buy such as anionic surfactants used in about 90% of foaming personal care products; cationic surfactants, commonly used in hair conditioning products; ethoxylated surfactants, lanolin, nitrosating agents, toluene, etc.
These are only a small number of chemicals from 100s of a list of harmful chemicals. So buy natural cosmetics and be safe!
Katherine Krofft
Natural Cosmetics http://cosmeticsoogle.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Krofft http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Cosmetics-Review&id=1513501
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Are Organic and Natural Cosmetics Really As Good As They Claim?,By Christine Harrell
Organic and natural cosmetics usage is on the rise. As these products become big business, it is important for consumers to protect themselves against false product labeling. That is why it is essential to have a third-party certify that a product is indeed an organic or natural cosmetic product.Natural or Organic?
In the United States, a product that claims to be a natural cosmetics product does not have to go through any government testing to put the word "natural" on their packaging. Even most chemicals can be traced back to their natural roots, so technically the term "natural" can apply to just about anything! This term has become a marketing tool to sell more seemingly natural cosmetics to unsuspecting consumers.
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Natural Cosmetics, visit http://www.lavera.com.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Harrell
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Organic and natural cosmetics usage is on the rise. As these products become big business, it is important for consumers to protect themselves against false product labeling. That is why it is essential to have a third-party certify that a product is indeed an organic or natural cosmetic product.Natural or Organic?
In the United States, a product that claims to be a natural cosmetics product does not have to go through any government testing to put the word "natural" on their packaging. Even most chemicals can be traced back to their natural roots, so technically the term "natural" can apply to just about anything! This term has become a marketing tool to sell more seemingly natural cosmetics to unsuspecting consumers.
In order to use the term "organic" on labeling in the US, however, there are strict government regulations that must be followed. Most importantly, an organic cosmetic company must prove that the majority of its ingredients have been grown and processed according to strict, government-controlled, organic agricultural standards. Depending on whether they claim to have 100% organic, organic or "made with organic ingredients" an organic cosmetics company's products can contain varying degrees of organic ingredients.
There are multiple regulatory agencies that can determine if a cosmetic company can call themselves "organic." The most stringent organic cosmetics regulations actually come from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA.) Organic cosmetics that feature the USDA label on their products meet the strict ingredients and processing criteria in accordance with the USDA's National Organic Program.Unfortunately, it costs money to become certified organic, so many small organic cosmetic and soap companies choose to forego the pricey government certification and opt for the term "natural" to sell their products. In the end, this only serves to hurt their reputation and confuse the consumer.
Higher Standards in EuropeIt is extremely important to note that European countries such as France and Germany as well as other countries like Australia already hold their natural and organic cosmetics to an even higher standard than the United States.
In Germany, for instance, only natural cosmetics companies who have proven to adhere to the strict BDIH guidelines are able to put their seal on their packaging. These guidelines ban petroleum-based, synthetic or genetically modified ingredients. They also require packaging to be ecologically conscious and prohibit any animal testing among other rules. These guidelines only apply to natural cosmetics companies, not organic ones.The Future Of Certification
Recently, some strides have been made to hold companies responsible for mislabeling their organic and natural cosmetics when they contained non-organic and petrochemical materials. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) publicly attacked popular companies such as Jason's Pure Natural, Kiss My Face and Nature's Gate Organics for using known carcinogens in their products.Unfortunately, the landscape of certified and natural cosmetics in the United States is only going to get more uncertain in the months to come as certification agencies, industry groups and retailers implement their own regulations.
However, with the Natural Products Association launching its bid to tighten regulations in the US on natural products with what amounts to a near reflection of BDIH guidelines, there is hope for the future provided these tougher rules are adopted and supported broadly by the natural personal care products industry and its leaders such as Lavera, Dr. Bronner's and Dr Hauschka.At least for now though there is USDA and BDIH for the European-produced brands. No products certified by either body earned any black marks from the OCA.
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Natural Cosmetics, visit http://www.lavera.com.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Harrell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-Organic-and-Natural-Cosmetics-Really-As-Good-As-They-Claim?&id=1120341
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