The importance of natural ingredients in skincare.
Hello there, Fellow Wanderers,
Natural skincare is becoming increasingly important in today's world and is the focus of this week’s blog post. Over the last two weeks we have chatted about the importance of understanding our footprint on the earth in terms of sourcing natural products and the care we should take with reading their labels. Many of you lovely Wanderers have reached out and asked me to do another post on natural skincare, so this one is for you.
The eco conscious choice to move to natural skincare is not only beneficial for our skin, but also for the environment. Natural skincare products are made from natural ingredients that are eco-friendly, sustainable, and ethically produced. They are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances which can be damaging to both our skin and the environment. Natural products are also more affordable than their chemical-based counterparts, making them a great choice for those looking to save money, while still taking care of their skin. By using natural skincare products more importantly, we can help reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
We all know skincare products are an important part of our daily lives. We use them to keep our skin healthy and looking its best, but with so many different types of skincare products on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are the most ethical and organic. In this post, we will discuss the differences between ethical and non-ethical skincare products, as well as the differences between organic and inorganic skincare products, helping you make informed skincare choices.
So, what is the difference between ethical and non-ethical Skincare Products?
Ethical skincare is a term used to describe products that are made with natural ingredients, they are cruelty-free, and have minimal environmental impact. This is a way of ensuring that the products we use on our skin are not only safe for us but also for the environment. Ethical skincare products are free from synthetic chemicals, parabens, sulphates, and other potentially harmful ingredients. They also do not contain animal-derived ingredients or by-products, and most importantly are not tested on animals. Furthermore, ethical skincare companies strive to reduce their carbon footprint by using sustainable packaging materials and minimizing their waste production.
The sustainable product packaging that is used, is a type of packaging that is designed to reduce the environmental impact of the product. It is made from materials that are renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable. Sustainable product packaging also considers the entire life cycle of the product, from production to disposal. This includes reducing waste and energy consumption during production, as well as ensuring that the packaging can be recycled or reused after it has been used. By using sustainable product packaging, companies can reduce their environmental footprint while still providing customers with quality products.
These quality skincare products that are created with natural ingredients in an organic way, must use ethical practices. These production practices are essential and involve ensuring that the ingredients used in the manufacturing process are safe and of high quality, as well as ensuring that all workers involved in the production process are treated fairly and with respect. While unethical products are often made with ingredients that have not been either ethically sourced or manufactured within an ethical production environment.
We are all fairly used to seeing the word organic on may items while we shop, it has become quite the trendy sales term and sadly there are many grey areas that are exploited through greenwashing. Organic skincare can be defined as a product that has been made without the use of chemicals or other harmful substances, while inorganic skincare, on the other hand, is a product that has been created through scientific means without using any biodegradable materials. The use of organic skincare in conjunction with non-toxic chemical-free ingredients is one such way that many companies are utilizing to make a more ethical consumer product. However, it is important to understand that not all products labelled as “organic” are actually organic. In fact, some companies exploit the word “organic” to make their products seem more natural and healthier than they are, the organic ingredient can be of the smallest ingredient volumes among the listed ingredients and the label “organic” will be used. This for me, reinforces the importance of reading each label.
An example of an inorganic skincare treatment would include chemical exfoliants, this is a chemical peel that uses various chemicals to slough off dead skin cells. Chemicals used for these types of treatments are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. These acids are not meant for use on the face because they are so strong and can leave behind allergic reactions (such as redness).
Skin cleanser ingredients can be either organic or inorganic examples, each have different properties that make them suitable for different types of skin. Organic ingredients are derived from natural sources, such as plants, for example: Cucumber and Aloe Vera juice; Green tea extract; Olive leaf extract; Horsetail herb and Chamomile flower extract. The organic ingredients are generally gentler on the skin and can be more effective at removing dirt and oil without stripping away the natural oils that keep your skin healthy. While inorganic ingredients are synthetically produced on the other hand and can be harsher on the skin, containing chemicals that can cause irritation or dryness.
Organic and inorganic skin cream ingredients also have different properties and effects on the skin. Organic ingredients are derived from natural sources such as natural oils or butters. These oils and butters come from plants, and they have been used for generations as moisturizers, cleansers, and healing agents. Examples of natural oils that are often used include avocado oil, almond oil, apricot kernel oil and sunflower seed oil.
Inorganic ingredients are synthetically produced and may contain more than 20 percent synthetic chemicals which can be irritating to the skin and potentially make your skin more vulnerable to bacteria overgrowth. Ultraviolet light can also cause damage to the skin, and these creams typically contain sunscreen.
An important observation is that while there are many shea butter benefits for the skin, it can often contains a lot of natural and synthetic chemicals that can be harmful. These compounds include lactic acid and glycolic acid which can cause irritation, redness, damage to the barrier function of the epidermis, and more. Shea butter more generally is not as kind to sensitive skin as it may create inflammation or eczema. When using a product with shea butter in, always check if it is organic and sustainable.
Organic ingredients are generally considered to be more beneficial for the skin, as they contain fewer chemicals and toxins than inorganic ingredients. However, both types of ingredients can be used to create effective skin creams that provide nourishment and hydration to the skin. It is important to understand the differences between organic and inorganic skin cream ingredients so that you can make an informed decision when choosing a product for your skincare routine.
Often we like to have a pamper day for our skin and will pop on a face mask, these masks can also be either organic or inorganic and have very different ingredients. Organic face masks are made from natural ingredients such as plant extracts, essential oils, and other natural substances that are beneficial to the skin, which can often make them more expensive. Inorganic face masks, on the other hand, are made from synthetic materials such as polymers and plastics and more inexpensive. In conclusion, organic and inorganic face masks both have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on what you need them for, and it is important to consider your needs before deciding which type of mask is best for you.
There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your skincare products are natural, ethical and eco-friendly while deciding which are best for your skin type. First, look for labels that indicate that the product is made with natural ingredients or is certified organic. Second, check if the product has been tested on animals or contains any animal by-products. Third, research the company’s sustainability practices making sure they are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. Finally, look for reviews from other customers who have used the product and/or the brand to get an idea of its effectiveness and safety.
An essential label that I look at first, is to make sure that the products are not tested on animals. Animal testing is cruel and unnecessary, causing extensive harm to animals tested on. With the increasing awareness about veganism, more and more people are opting for vegan skincare products. But what is the difference between vegan and non-vegan skincare?
Vegan skincare products are made without any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. This means that they do not contain any animal fats, oils, or proteins. On the other hand, non-vegan skincare products may contain animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin, collagen, and keratin.
In addition to this difference in ingredients, vegan skincare products tend to be more natural and freer from harsh chemicals than their non-vegan counterparts. They also tend to be better for the environment as they don't involve any animal testing or exploitation of animals in their production process. Vegan ingredients can be used to create a variety of recipes for homemade skincare products that are both effective and affordable, popular as more people are looking for healthier and more sustainable alternatives to traditional recipes. Vegan body butter is a great way to nourish your skin while avoiding animal products. It is easy to make and can be used as a moisturizer, massage oil, or even a lip balm. Why not give the below recipe a try.
Recipe for Natural Body Butter:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cocoa butter
/4 cup virgin coconut oil (or olive oil)
2 tablespoons beeswax
2 tablespoons sweet almond or canola oil
1 tablespoon avocado oil 2 teaspoons shea butter
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil 1 teaspoon rosehip seed oil
2 teaspoons finely ground raw sugar.
3-5 drops of edible essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
In a double boiler, melt cocoa butter and beeswax. Add in oils and stir until fully melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Once mixture is cool enough add in sweetener of your choice, vitamin E oil, rosehip seed oil, and essential oils (if using) until smooth. Pour into a mason jar with lid. Store for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for a natural skin cream, this is a lovely recipe.
Recipe for natural skin cream:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shea butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup almond oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
Instructions:
Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
Remove from heat and add almond oil and vitamin E oil. Stir well.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
Transfer to a jar and let it solidify at room temperature.
Use as a daily moisturizer.
Note: You can add essential oils for fragrance if desired. Store in a cool, dry place.
Please always remember, when making a natural skin care product, check all ingredients for allergens and be mindful of your own skin type. If trying something new, do a skin test first.
I hope this week’s blog post has provided some food for thought and inspiration to moving towards more sustainable skin care choices. Feel free to dm me if you enjoy any of the recipes and would like me to provide more.
Take care,
Gwen
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