Organic and natural cosmetics are free of dye and harsh chemicals.
Several women are now opting for natural and organic cosmetics. Organic cosmetics offer an alternative to traditional manufactured products. They are made from plants and other organic sources and free of chemicals and dyes that may have long-term negative effects to your health. Organic cosmetics have benefits to our society as well; they reduce our global footprint and eliminate the need for animal testing. Does this Spark an idea?
Types of Organic Cosmetics
Organic cosmetics have expanded rapidly since their creation, and consumers can now find organic lines in foundations, powders, mascara, eye shadow and lipstick. While the composition of these cosmetics will vary by brand, there are essentially two types of organic cosmetics. Liquid-based organic cosmetics mirror traditional manufactured liquid foundations. Mineral cosmetics are loose powders made from minerals. For example, After Glow created a line of mineral-based organic makeup that works the same as its traditional liquid counterpart.
Organic Cosmetic Brands
Several organic cosmetic brands exist, ranging in price and the types of products they offer. Designer brands such as After Glow Cosmetics and Burt's Bees are available through their own product websites and at specialty beauty stores. Recently, traditional cosmetic manufacturers such as Almay, Sally Hansen and Physician's Formula have begun selling organic cosmetic product lines that you can purchase in drugstores and retail outlets.
Common Ingredients in Organic Cosmetics
The ingredients found in organic cosmetics are easily recognizable, as most are derivatives from common plants and essential oils. Almond butter is frequently an ingredient in organic cosmetics for its skin soothing properties. Beeswax works as a thickening agent in lipsticks and other cosmetics. Lavender is a common fragrance. You can often find green tea powder in organic cosmetics that double as a sunscreen, as green tea has antioxidant properties.
FDA Regulation
The Food and Drug Administration regulates the sale and production of all cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act as well as the Fair Packaging Act. These acts ensure that product ingredients are labeled correctly and are not harmful to the public. However, the FDA does not regulate the use of the term "organic." The U.S. Department of Agriculture determines if ingredients in cosmetics are organic under the National Organic Program.
Risk Factors of Organic Cosmetics
While they may be less harmful to our health overall, organic cosmetics do carry some risk factors. The biggest issue with organic cosmetics is the risk of allergic reaction. Since plant extracts are a main ingredient in most of these cosmetics, people with allergies may suffer a reaction after the cosmetic is absorbed into the skin.
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