In old Europe, the North American continent, the definition of “natural cosmetics” has long been defined. There are state and non-state organizations that have established standards (criteria) “natural cosmetics”, which control the production of cosmetics from the purchase of raw materials, the creation of packaging for the goods. If all these criteria are met, a certificate is awarded and a special ECO badge is placed on the packaging. But the presence of this badge does not exempt from control by special bodies for the production of cosmetics and the organizations selling it. The first to apply such standards were BDIH – the Federal Association of Manufacturing and Commercial Companies.
• The cosmetics should be free of paraffin, silicone, synthetic oils,
• It is not allowed to use raw materials of animal origin for the manufacture of cosmetics: turtle oil, spermaceti, marmot and mink fat, living cells, collagen made on the basis of animal material;
• In the production of cosmetics, it is allowed to use inorganic salts (magnesium sulfate) and minerals (sea salt);
• Substances obtained by hydrogenation, hydrolysis, esterification from fats, waxes, oils, lecithin, proteins, lanolin, polysaccharides, lipoproteins can be used in limited quantities;
• Permitted for use are preservatives of natural origin, namely: benzoic acid and its esters and salts, benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid and its salts, ascorbic acid and its salts;
• Cosmetics must be sold in packaging that is easily processed or dissolved in natural conditions.
Based in Osterode, Germany, the Independent Institute Ecocontrol / Ecocert monitors the above standards. When the cosmetics meet the requirements, the “Controlled Natural Cosmetics” mark is awarded.
The Cosmebio criterion was developed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, a controlling organization and some manufacturers from Europe and America, who focus on the production of high-quality natural cosmetics.
The ECO mark indicates that this cosmetic product:
• At least 95% of the ingredients are natural;
• At least 50% of the total content of plant components is organic (ie brought from controlled ecologically clean places);
• At least 5% of the total composition of all components are organic.
To obtain the BIO label, cosmetic products are subject to stricter controls. Products that bear such a mark belong to the category of natural cosmetics:
• At least 95% of all substances that make up cosmetics are of natural origin;
• At least 95% of herbal ingredients found in cosmetics are organic substances;
• At least 10% of all cosmetics are organic.
High-quality cosmetics should be divided, conditionally, into two groups:
• Organic cosmetics;
• Natural, in fact, natural cosmetics
In the manufacture of natural cosmetics, along with raw materials of plant origin, animal products (spermaceti, lanolin, etc.) can be used, and the percentage of all kinds of additives will be higher than in the production of organic products.
Ingredients of animal origin cannot be used in organic cosmetics, and additives should not exceed 5% of the total composition. Used plants must grow in ecologically perfect areas, when growing them, it is forbidden to use chemical additives and fertilizers. It is strictly forbidden to use genetically modified plants.
In the technological process in the production of organic cosmetics, the use of synthetic fragrances and dyes, the stages of chemical synthesis are unacceptable.
These cosmetics must not disturb the balance of the environment, be tested on animals, packaging and manufacturing technology must comply with environmental standards. When using organic and natural cosmetics, consumers do not develop physiological dependence.
After stopping the use of these types of cosmetics, the condition of the user’s skin does not deteriorate, in contrast to the use of products that use silicone.
Cosmetics with at least one Cosmebio label on their packaging are free of dyes and preservatives that can irritate consumers with sensitive skin. For the manufacture of these cosmetics, parabens are not used, which are carcinogenic and can accumulate in the human body. People prone to allergic manifestations should carefully read the composition of cosmetics and not buy a product containing a component that causes a painful condition.
But “a double-edged sword”, and along with the advantages of natural cosmetics there are also disadvantages, and he is one – the price. All good things are expensive, and everyone knows that. But health is priceless, and, unfortunately, people begin to remember this when health “waves its handle.” And so it began – expensive consultations and medical procedures take away not only money, but also you from your family.
So, is it worth saving on high-quality cosmetics so that later “throw away” more money and time to restore health?
You decide.
