Natural cosmetics are different from conventional because of their ingredients.
Each skin care product consists of the following:
Oils – in natural cosmetics these are plant-based and cold pressed. Conventional cosmetics use cheaper mineral oils, byproducts of petroleum - paraffine which completely seals the skin not allowing it to breathe.
Waxes – in natural skincare we use plant-based waxes or animal- based waxes (beeswax and lanolin). In conventional cosmetics waxes are derived from minerals – paraffine, polymers of ethylene and propylene, synthetic esters, or Polyethylene glycol (PEGs). As stated above, they block the normal functioning of sebaceous and perspiration glans and they lead to clogging of the skin pores.
Water- in natural skincare you find water essences and hydrolats (water after plans were soaked which has valuable nutrients left from the plant. There is a smaller amount of water in natural cosmetics than in conventional cosmetics which often consist of 90% of water.
Emulsifiers – substances connecting water with oils. In natural it would be plant-based substances. In conventional – it is PEG’s and PPG which make the skin weaker and are linked with many allergies and skin sensitivities.
Emollients – substances which hydrate and oil the skin. Hydration means sealing the upper layer of the skin from losing its own moisture. However, conventional cosmetics are using silicones and paraffine or synthetic emollients which close up the skin glands so good that the skin doesn’t breathe at all. Natural cosmetics on another hand, use oil-based emollients which work naturally with your skin, not against it.
Fragrances – Natural cosmetics have essential oils and conventional cosmetics have synthetic fragrances. The common labeling for synthetic fragrances is “parfume’ or ‘fragrance”. Some people might be more sensitive to specific essential oils and not all synthetic fragrances are allergenic.
Preservatives – Producers of natural cosmetics have harder work and fewer choices to preserve their cosmetics which are mostly organic and because of that the breathing ground for bacteria and microbes. There are limited options of using substances which are effectively safeguarding microbiological cleanliness and naturally safe for our bodies at this same time. Conventional cosmetics producers have many synthetic preservatives options and they tend to put more of them inside their cosmetics to keep them usable for up to 3-years. The time of the usage of natural cosmetics is usually much shorter than conventional cosmetics.
Synthetic preservatives are the main culprit of skin allergies and many of these ingredients are identified as endocrine disruptors.
Colorants – natural cosmetics don’t use synthetic colorants. They might use mineral pigments in prescribed dosages.
UV Protectants – natural cosmetics use only mineral protectants- zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Conventional cosmetics use synthetic protectants.
We have to underline that not all conventional cosmetics are bad as not all natural cosmetics are good quality. Your choices should be made based on your skin needs and you should always educate yourself what really you are taking into your skin.