Help Tip the Planet grow by contributing to an article. Learn how.

Organic cosmetics

From TipThePlanet
Jump to: navigation, search
Organic Cosmetic is all about being close to nature. The products are organic and vegan friendly. Things like makeup, facial masks, toothpaste, shampoo, hair color etc, all contain organic ingredients.

Organic systems rely on a modern and scientific understanding of ecology and soil science, while also depending on traditional methods of crop rotations to ensure fertility and weed and pest control. Organic systems aim to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. Organic production aims at all times towards sustainability whilst having best management of the environment and wildlife as a priority.Organic based ingredients have been shown in a number of studies to contain more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients. Organic systems prohibit the use of artificial Chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers. Certified Organic products are produced without GMO’s, which are prohibited in the standards for organic food and farming.

Organic living isn't just about eating organic food, its about changing every aspect of our lifestyle. Cosmetics are an integral part of our daily life, make-up, shampoo, conditioner, toner, face cream, tooth paste, they all have become acceptable commodities. The normal brands usually contain chemicals like parabens, SLS, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil or propylene glycol etc. These not only harm the environment in their production, but also cause harm in our bodies.

Skin Deep, a study by Environmental Working Group, states that the average person uses nearly 10 personal care products containing an average of 126 unique ingredients each day. The study also found that of the more than 10,000 ingredients used in making personal care products, only around 89% have been assessed for safety. So, we are exposing ourselves to harmful ingredients several times every day.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. working toward safeguarding public health and the environment, more than one-third of all personal care products contains at least one ingredient linked to cancer. EWG has also found that 79 percent of products contain ingredients that may contain harmful impurities like known human carcinogens, according to FDA or industry reviews. Worse still, these impurities are legal and unrestricted for the personal care product industry at this time.

Contents

[edit] Recognizing Organic

Look for the USDA organic seal on personal care products.

The word "organic" is not properly regulated on personal care products (example: toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, etc.) as it is on food products, unless the product is certified by the USDA National Organic Program.

Due to this lax regulation, many personal care products have the word "organic" in their brand name or otherwise on their product label, but, unless they are USDA certified, the main cleansing ingredients and preservatives are usually made with synthetic and petrochemical compounds.

Look for the USDA organic seal on personal care products that claim to be organic. Although there are multiple "organic" and "natural" standards, each with its own varying criteria, the USDA Organic Standards are the "gold standard" for personal care products.

If you want a product that is totally organic, look for the USDA organic seal. If it doesn't have the seal, read the ingredient label to find out how many ingredients are truly organic and how many are synthetic.

[edit] Reading the Labels

By reading the labels, you become reasonably familiar with the "bad" ingredients that are so commonly used in skin care products. You will learn to recognize the difference between synthetic & natural products and become a more informed consumer, which will allow you to make smart choices while shopping for your organic skin care products.

It may get a little frustrating when you're initially trying to decipher labels because there are so many ingredients listed. One thing you can use that will help you to decipher product labels is to break each label into thirds. Focus on these ingredients first, because they usually make up the majority of the product.

The top third listing of product ingredients usually contains 90-95% of the entire product? The ingredients that are listed at the bottom two-thirds of any product listing are only present in approximately 1-8% of the entire product.

The rule is that the ingredients should be listed in descending order according to the amount that they make up the formula. For example, if you have a product that is 88% aloe and 90% water, the water would be listed first, the numbers show there's more water than aloe. Alphabetic listing does not override this.

[edit] Choosing the Brands

Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup etc.

There are plenty of products available in the market that make tall claims of being organic. Not all products that say they are '100% Organic' etc, have organic ingredients in them.

[edit] The Rule of Thumb

[edit] General Organic Brands

[edit] Skincare

Eminence Organic Skincare products

The skin is the most toughest and the most delicate part of our body. Although the skin can withstand harsh weathers, the chemicals we pollute the skin pores with, eventually take its toll. The skin needs to be pampered to retain its elasticity and radiance.

[edit] Chemicals to Lookout for

Some of the harmful chemicals that are used frequently in manufacturing the most common non-organic skin care products include:

Most of these compounds are absorbed easily by the skin, yet the body has no way of ridding itself of them. The toxins remain in your intestine and eventually get spread through the body and can damage organs throughout your body.

[edit] Research the Ingredients

Both non-organic and organic skin care product contain essential ingredients that can contain synthetic or natural ingredients. Synthetic emollients, humectants, emulsifiers, surfactants, and preservatives are all harmful for our bodies. To recognize which of the ingredients is harmful, do some research online.

Some of the ingredients that you will find present in many type of skin care products, including organic skin care products & organic make-up:

[edit] Skincare Brands

A'kin Apples & Pears Alquimia Antipodes Balm Balm Bod Burt's Bees
Egyptian Magic Evolve Face Boutique Faith in Nature Forest Secrets Forest Secrets Herbfarmacy
Ila John Masters Jurlique/Biodynamic Kae (Kaeline) Kimberly Sayer Kimia Laidbare Naturaceuticals
Lavera Logona Age Protection Madara Moa Green Balm Neals Yard Nude Skincare Organic Apoteke
Pai Pure Potions Pukka Spiezia Suki Trilogy Weleda

[edit] Makeup

Organic Wear Makeup

Makeup helps a woman have a flawless skin and always show off her good side. It helps to cover up things like spots or scars, evens out the skin tone, helps reduce wrinkle lines, crows feet, crooked nose and makes the face, when done right, perfect. This perfection although comes at a price, when non-organic makeup is used. The skin is choked with chemicals that the makeup contains.

[edit] Know the Risks

Non-organic makeup have small amounts of ingredients that end up doing more damage to the skin than good. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that one of the ingredients, mercury, accumulates in the body and causes allergic reactions, skin irritations and neurotoxic manifestations. This is even more frightening as mercury or a derivative of it is used in eye makeup.

Carcinogentic ingredients are found in trace amounts in the common lipstick or concealor, which after years of use builds up to form a phenomenon known as the chemical cocktail effect.

[edit] Read the Labels

Reading and understanding the ingredients is vital to protecting the skin from harful chemicals. At a glance, the following toxics should be avoided:

[edit] Organic ingredients

Look out for these ingredients in your organic makeup.

[edit] Lipstick

[edit] Eyeliner

[edit] Foundation

[edit] Concealor

[edit] Makeup Brands

Bare Escentuals Elysambre Honeybee Cosmetics Lavera LucyB Cosmetics Nvey Eco Suki colour

[edit] Haircare

Max Green Alchemy Organic Haircare products

Years of harsh chemicals from commercial generic shampoos and conditioner strips the hair and scalp of its natural nutrients, making the hair brittle and the scalp itchy. Organic shampoo and conditioner helps revive the hair and scalp from years of abuse.

In a document research, scientists made a shocking discovery that on average, a person has 91 industrial chemicals in the body that the body is incapable of breaking down, so that it can be purged out of the body.

[edit] Chemicals to Lookout for

Commercial non-organic shampoos and conditioners contains these harsh chemical ingredients that dry out your scalp, irritate oil glands, and/or corrode hair follicles:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, in fact is known to cause cataracts in adults and improper eye development in children.

[edit] Benefits from Organic

[edit] Haircare Brands

A'kin Evolve Giovanni Green People John Masters Organics Logona Natural Hair Dye Lavera Urtekram Weleda

[edit] Bodycare

B natural Organic soap

We have long surpassed the old French ways of dousing ourselves with perfume rather than taking baths. Although with the way we are polluting the world's water supply, the past could very well become our future.

Non-organic bodycare products like soap, body gel, deoderant etc, produce waste that goes into our drains and eventually end up polluting our ecosystem.

[edit] Soaps

Commercial soaps are hard on regular skin, and worse if you have sensitive skin. The chemicals used to make and enhance their product and dry and damage skin. Regular soaps will remove naturally present glycerin and instead include harsh substances like dyes, synthetic fragrances and preservatives.

By using organic soap, you can potentially avoid, or at least reduce, many common skin problems. Organic soap contains ingredients that have been produced without using herbicides, chemical fertilizers, or pesticides.

[edit] Side-Effects of Normal Soap

Skin conditions that are normally caused by non-organic soaps include, chronically dry skin, allergic reactions after a bath or an itch that scratching doesn't seem to relieve.

[edit] Know Your Organic

Common organic ingredients you may find in organic soap include the following:

[edit] Recognize Natural Ingredients

Common natural ingredients you may find in organic soap include the following:

[edit] Benefits of Organic Soap

[edit] Bodycare Brands

A'kin Alquimia Badger Balm Balm Balance Me Bod Brown Earth
Burt's Bees Dr Bronner Ecosoapia Evolve Gamarde GoodKaarma Green People
Gdwihw (Goody-Hoo) Ila Jo Wood Organics Kaeline Madara Moom Natural Hair Remover Mother Earth
Natracare Neals Yard Pitrok Primavera Skin Blossom Trillium Organics Trilogy
Visionary Soap Vonny Bee Weleda Z-Gel

[edit] Hygiene Care

Organic Feminine Product

Personal hygiene is essential to our daily existence. We need to look presentable in our jobs, at home, wile on a date, in school, college etc. Basically all social events require us to look groomed. There are plenty of orangic hygiene brands to help us along:

[edit] Deodorants

Deodorants help to kill the bacteria that causes odor when we perspire. Most commercial brands of deodorant contain aluminum salts, along with a variety of other harsh chemicals that are detrimental to our health.

Aluminum-free deodorants are just as effective in keeping the skin clean and odor free.

[edit] Aluminum Side-Effects

Aluminum has been associated with a variety of health issues like:

[edit] Feminine Products

On average, one woman uses up to 22 items of sanitary protection every period, that is over 11,000 tampons or pads in their lifetime, which will end up in landfill or in the sea.

[edit] Benefits

The menstrual cup is latex free and contains no dyes, BPA, toxins or bleaches. It is especially good for women with sensitive skin. The cup is washable and reusuable, and lasts for years and years making it the most ecnomical feminine product that protects the environment.

[edit] Hygiene care Brands

Thexton Inspired Wellbeing Neco Mooncup

[edit] Dental Care

Green People Organic Toothpaste

The majority of the commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes that are available in the market today are manufactured with ingredients that are known to be dangerous. According to research, nearly 60% of the toxins that we absorb and inhale from toothpaste and mouthwash, can remain in our bodies throughout our life.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is one such harsh chemical that it causes damage to the oral tissues lining the inside of the mouth. When these tissues shed, they feed the bacteria that create taste disorders and Halitosis. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), additonally, also dries out the mouth and cause canker sores

[edit] Side Effects of Commercial Products

[edit] Chemicals to Lookout for

When buying toothpaste and mouthwash products, try to avoid the ones that contain any of the following:

[edit] Dental care Brands

Tom's of Maine Green People

[edit] MenCare

Sanctum's Organic Mencare Products

Men have now realized the importance of looking after themselves. Cosmetics are no longer just the women's domain, there are whole range of products targetting just men. Unfortunately, just like the cosmetics for women, men cosmetics are filled with toxins that harm the body.

[edit] Chemicals to Lookout for

Check the label for these chemicals in the products:

[edit] Hairloss Prevention Products

There are many reasons for going bald. It could be hereditary, hormonal, medication, after surgery, deficiency of vitamins and iron, stress, infection etc. Organic ingredients although do not claim to regain the fallen hair, it does help prevent further hair loss and help the hair follicles heal in a natural way.

[edit] Organic Ingredients

Some of the organic ingredients found in hairloss products are:

[edit] Shaving Cream

Shaving is part of a man's daily ritual. A clean shaved face looks boyish looking and well grooomed, but this look comes with a price. Shaving for many is a hassle, with nicks and cuts, razor burns, bumps, a shadow at the end of the day etc.

[edit] Benefits of Organic

[edit] Organic Ingredients

Some of the organic ingredients found in shaving cream:

[edit] Brands for Men

Badger Dr Bronner GoodKaarma Green People

BabyCare

The baby's skin is delicate and requires a gentle product that will clean the skin and soft hair. Commericial products contain harsh chemicals that destroy the hair follicles and damage the skin even before the baby reaches its first year. What is even more shocking is that even products specifically produced just for babies have harmful toxins that build up in the baby and cause numerous health problems later on in life.

[edit] Chemicals to Lookout for

If you aren't buying organic babycare products, look out for these hidden chemicals in the products:

[edit] Organic Ingredients

[edit] Prevent Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a condition in which a yellow crust forms over the scalp of the baby similar to dandruff. Most parents just keep washing the head, thinking it will vanish over time. The over washing, especially with non-organic products, aggravates the situation. Instead organic baby oil should be gentle massaged over the head and left for an hour for the head to soak the oil. Then the head should be cleaned with an organic cotton washcloth and warm water. The condition disappears after a few wash with an organic shampoo.

[edit] Organic Baby Shampoos & Wash

Organic shampoos are gentle for the baby's soft hair and scalp. Conventional products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is known to remove the baby's protective outer layer, thus making the baby susceptible to yeast infections, cradle cap, eczema etc. They also irritate the baby's eyes and makes bathing an ordeal.

Organic Wash is made from plant extracts that gently clean the baby's soft skin, without causing rashes or allergies.

[edit] Chemicals to Lookout for

[edit] Organic Ingredients

[edit] Organice Baby Lotion or Oil

Organic lotions or baby oils contain natural ingredients that enriches the baby's skin and helps him relax more. They cause less allergic reactions and are much milder on the soft baby skin than conventional lotions or oils.

[edit] Organic Ingredients

Most of the baby lotions contain organic ingredients like:

[edit] Organic Diapers

On average a human baby needs 6000 diapers before he starts using the bathroom. Disposabe diapers just sit there in the landmines for 200-500 years before they start to decompose. The decomposition usually gives out more harmful chemicals into the environment.

All the disposable diapers contain chemicals that serve either an asthetic purpose or are used for greater absorbtion. Take sodium polyacrylate which absorbs 400 to 800 times its mass in water, but this chemical also causes dryness and other skin allergies.

There are also trace amount of dioxin, a human carcinogen, due to the bleached paper. This toxin is known to increase the risk of cancer in humans.

Organic diapers on the other hand are made from organic cloth that prevents diaper rashes and diminishes infections to the sensitive area of the baby. They are 100% natural and non-allergic.

These diapers are very economical as you can wash the diapers in the washing machine at home. You can also flush some organic diapers down the toilet or use put them in a compost heap pile.

Organic diapers come in cotton, hemp, bamboo and soy fiber. To select the best cloth for your baby, simply wash each fabric in hot water with a mild detergent and dry them on a medium heat. Touch the fabric for softness and its absorbtion power.

[edit] Organic Baby Diaper Cream

Organic Baby Diaper creams are considered by many mothers as a life saver. It soothes any diaper rashes and keep the baby happy for a long time.

Application is also very easy. The cream is not very sticky and is easy to wipe off.

[edit] Chemicals to Lookout for

Commong diaper creams have been found to contain many potential carcinogens like:

[edit] Organic Ingredients

[edit] Organic Baby Wipes

The baby's skin is susceptible to harsh treatment. Often the branded baby wipes have chemicals in them like chlorine or other irritants that can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.

Also normal wipes are very thin, that require more wipes to clean, organic wipes are thicker and thus require less.

[edit] Chemicals to Lookout for

Avoid these ingredients in the commercial baby wipes:

[edit] Organic Ingredients

[edit] Brands for Babies

Badger Balm Balm Beaming Baby Beginning by Maclaren Earth Friendly Baby
Erbaviva Lavera Neal's Yard Pure Potions Weleda

UV Protection

Soleo Organics Sunscreen

With the depletion of the ozone layer, UV protection has become a necessity. Sunscreens with a SPF of atleast +15 is needed to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays that causes cancer. While normal sunscreens are easier to find and boasts of complete protection, some of the products actually cause more harm than good.

[edit] Harmful Effects of Non-Organic Sunscreen

[edit] Dryness of the skin

[edit] Irritant or allergic dermatitis

[edit] Photosensitivity

[edit] Acne

[edit] Skin ageing

[edit] Cancer

[edit] Other Symptoms

[edit] Choosing a Sunscreen

[edit] Sunscreen Brands

Whenever you buy any product for your skin, always choose the best quality and reputed brands from market.

Soleo Organics Sunscreen Organic chemical free sunscreen SPF30+ Keys Soap Solar Rx Cosmetic Sunblock SPF30+
Marie Veronique Organics Creme de Jour Tinted SPF30+ UV Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+
Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF30+ Tropical Sands SPF30+ Sunscreen Lotion
Organic Lavender Sunscreen SPF30+ Badger Sunscreen SPF30+
Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick SPF30+ Devita International solar protective moisturizer SPF30+

Organic sunscreen is also safe for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends California Baby® sunscreen, which is the perfect product for babies with sensitive skin. It is also the ideal product for babies, sensitive to allergies and fragrance. It glides on skin smoothly and provides broad spectrum sun protection.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is basically a process in which different essential oils are burned to stimulate and relax the body and the mind.

Organic Essential Oils are extracted using natural methods from the plants. The plants themselves are grown without using any pesticides and fertilizers etc. Thus the oil is pure in the most biblical sense.

Essential oils are used in various ways, diluted in the bath water, for foot baths, in floral water for a facial spray, in masks, for steaming, in diffusers etc.

[edit] Essential Oils

These are the most used essential oils:

[edit] Aromatherapy Brands

Alquimia Neom & Natural Magic Candles Primavera

See Also

Retrieved from "http://www.tiptheplanet.com/wiki/Organic_cosmetics"
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Digg it! | Share
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
For editors
Where are we?
Friends of TTP
Toolbox