Everywhere we go, there are cosmetic brands that promise incredible results if we just decide to buy them. Supermarkets, drugstores, online shops — they all offer supposedly brilliant solutions to our skin concerns but did you ever take a moment to check what these products are all about? The truth is, that behind the pretty packaging, there are also harmful ingredients that can cause certain health issues, and in that case, it’s always much better to opt for natural and herbal beauty products since they can offer more benefits to your skin:
First of all, they’re less toxic
Many mainstream beauty products contain toxic ingredients that can be very dangerous for your health. For example, preservatives such as parabens have been linked to breast cancer, while artificial fragrance (parfum) is known to cause allergies. Herbal skincare products rely on plant extracts and natural ingredients which are more favorable to skin. That means that, once you switch to natural cosmetics, your skin will be free from harmful ingredients and allergens that are so commonly found in synthetic cosmetic products. Same goes for makeup products since recently, there’s been a lot of talk about the importance of safety in makeup and even using minimalist makeup routine.
They contain soothing plant-based ingredients
If you ever check the back of the product for the ingredients, you’ll often see that plant-based ingredients and extracts are often at the bottom of the list, meaning these products contain very little amount of natural ingredients. Instead, they opt for silicones and other synthetics as they’re much cheaper. When it comes to natural products, it’s safe to say they’re always a much better choice, as they often have plant-based ingredients that have extremely positive effects on the skin. Some of the most common plants found in natural cosmetics are aloe vera (soothing), chamomile (antiseptic), argan and jojoba (moisturizing), and tea tree (anti-inflammatory). These plants, along with many others are preferred to be at top of the ingredients list, so next time you check the label, don’t buy the products if their ingredients’ lists contain too many chemicals.
Natural beauty products are often more eco-friendly and cruelty-free
As we’ve established, using natural cosmetics can have its benefits for our skin, but what about the environment? The truth is, these types of products aren’t that mass-produced, they’re often more environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free. Luckily, more and more people are starting to realize the importance of using green cosmetics, so it’s more and more common to find ethical and cruelty-free natural skin care products that are also luxurious and therapeutic. In this age of climate change, it’s important to focus on brands that are invested in employing eco-friendly and fair-trade practices.
Natural beauty products are often domestically-produced
This might seem less important to some, but opting for brands that use locally-sourced ingredients can be good for your skin. After all, using domestically-produced cosmetics can also help the local economy, and plants that are grown nearby are easier to transport, which means less pollution and fewer transportation costs. Additionally, locally-manufactured products are easier to obtain, so next time you need to get a new face cream, try to explore handmade cosmetics and feel free to give them a chance.
There are more DIY options
Making your own DIY cosmetics can be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience, especially if you consider yourself a crafty person. Now, since natural beauty products contain fewer ingredients, they’re often much easier to mix with other healthy and nourishing oils, both carrier and essential ones. Besides, DIY cosmetic products are very safe to use, since you know which ingredients you’ve put there, but if you ever opt to make your own face mask, body scrub or a deodorant, make sure to use organic ingredients, just to be sure that the final product is of the utmost quality.
Herbal cosmetics are often much more affordable
Using natural skincare (and body) products can have drastic (and positive) effects on your personal budget. Even though there are a lot of expensive natural products, some of them are still cheaper compared to chemical-induced products, simply due to the fact that they’re often locally-made without using expensive lab testings. Additionally, a lot of these brands sell exclusively online which means they don’t have to share their hard-earned profit with beauty stores.
Conclusion
Herbal beauty products can surely revolutionize the way we use cosmetics, but in order to make that happen, it’s important to become more dedicated and less susceptible to fancy promises and false expectations that come from buying mainstream cosmetics. Also, keep in mind that many natural beauty brands are founded by dermatologists and naturopaths who are well-aware of potential dangers that come with using synthetic cosmetics, which is why they often decide to start making their own beauty products. Plus, using creams, gels, cleansers, and serums that contain plant extracts can significantly transform your skin, and make you feel more beautiful, healthy and self-confident.
