Nowadays, walking through aisles and aisles of trending makeup products can quickly become overwhelming. Most of us can’t even begin to pronounce all the ingredients on the bottles, let alone differentiate the good chemicals from potentially harmful ones.
It’s no wonder that lately there’s been a big shift in the beauty world toward going back to the basics with organic products. Not only do these products include simpler and more natural ingredients, but they also boast a handful of other incredible benefits, from being kinder on your skin and the environment to reducing or slowing the effects of aging.
Below, we’ll walk you through 5 benefits of using organic makeup. But first, what does “organic” really mean?
What Are Organic Products?
There are a lot of different assumptions floating around about what “organic” really means. According to the USDA, organic products are “produced without using: most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.”
When it comes to cosmetics specifically, the USDA only requires products to be made with at least 95% organic ingredients to legally be labeled organic.
The term “natural” is often thought of as a synonym for “organic.” However, natural products are those that do not have any artificial ingredients or additives. To get the most out of your products, we recommend looking for products that are both organic and made with natural ingredients.
We also suggest checking the ingredients regardless of whether the label says it’s been certified organic to make sure your makeup doesn’t contain chemicals you are trying to avoid.
1. More Natural Ingredients and Less Chemicals
If you break out every time you wear makeup, it could be a sign that the chemicals in your products are damaging your skin. But don’t give up on your favorite looks just yet! It may be time to switch to natural and organic products instead.
And if you’re worried about natural ingredients not giving you the same finish or coverage as the makeup you’re used to, fear not—high quality natural ingredients can match or even outperform results from synthetic products.
Organic makeup products made with natural plant-based ingredients pack a punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your skin will happily soak up. Natural organic makeup is especially good for sensitive skin. Look for products with oils and botanicals that will soothe your skin and protect its delicate barrier like aloe vera, rose hip, calendula, turmeric, and oat.
The downside of organic and natural products is that they may be more expensive since they’re made with higher quality ingredients in small batches. They also won’t last as long without preservatives. However, your skin will notice the difference and thank you for it.
Disclaimer: Like we mentioned in the first section, it’s always a good idea to double check the ingredients in organic products. Even though they are less likely to have harmful chemicals, sometimes products can include ingredients you are trying to avoid and still be considered organic by the USDA.
2. Safer for Pregnant Women
Due to the lack of harsh chemicals in organic products that can disrupt your hormones—or cause worse damage—like residual pesticides, petroleum, silicones, parabens, and synthetic preservatives, organic and natural products are more likely to be safer for women who are pregnant.
You may be wondering how much the products you put on the outside of your body really affect the inside. According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, our skin absorbs around 64% of whatever we put on it, for better or for worse.
Organic makeup reduces the risk of such significant exposure to synthetic chemicals that can negatively affect both you and your developing baby.
Disclaimer: Always consult a doctor if you’re not sure whether a product is safe for you.
3. Anti-Aging
If one of your main concerns is ageing gracefully and maintaining a healthy glow or reducing fine lines and wrinkles, you may want to introduce organic anti-aging products into your daily routine.
Most organic products are free of ingredients like parabens, alcohols, and mineral oils. What do these ingredients have in common? Despite still being used in some mainstream makeup lines, they can actually age your skin prematurely. They destroy your natural skin barrier, dehydrate your cells, and rob you of your youthful glow.
Organic and natural makeup/skincare products include beneficial anti-aging botanicals and vitamins without the use of harsh chemicals that can end up offsetting any benefits you’re hoping to gain. They can even be more effective than many synthetic anti-aging products on the market, several of which include the ingredients listed above as preservatives.
4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
As society becomes more aware of the impact we’re having on the world around us, it’s important to reconsider whether the products we’re using are contributing to the problem.
The good news about organic products is that the ingredients are often sourced from sustainable farms, and purchasing these products helps support farmers that don’t use pesticides and harsh chemicals that can negatively affect wildlife and the ecosystem.
This also means that the leftover product you discard won’t release toxic chemicals into the water supply. Many organic/natural products also come in recyclable or biodegradable containers, so keep an eye out for green companies as well.
Purchasing products which are also cruelty-free (not tested on animals) is another way to help reduce the negative impact of the makeup industry.
5. Fragrance-Free
If you have sensitive skin, you may already know that synthetic fragrances in makeup products are a no-go. They are known to cause irritation and contact dermatitis or even lead to non-sensitive skin becoming more sensitive after repeated use.
Another reason not to use scented products is because they are often simply listed as “synthetic fragrances” on the label. This means that potentially harmful or irritating chemicals you’re trying to avoid can be included in this description without being explicitly stated. This phrasing can also hide allergens you may be trying to avoid.
Natural and organic products are usually unscented or have their own light scent from botanicals rather than artificial scents.
So, are you willing to give some organic and natural makeup products a try? We’ve certainly been converted!
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