Budget-Friendly and Organic Skincare Regimen for Women
In the world of skincare, the term "natural" may not be as straightforward as one might think. While it's often associated with organic, plant-based ingredients, the term is largely unregulated globally. Brands can use the term "natural" without strict criteria, potentially including synthetic chemicals or preservatives.
However, there are voluntary frameworks and certifications that provide structure and credibility to the "natural" skincare market.
ISO 16128, a technical standard, offers guidelines to measure the "natural origin" of cosmetic ingredients and formulations. While adherence is voluntary, it does provide some consistency.
Independent labels like NATRUE and COSMOS set criteria for natural and organic cosmetics, such as requiring a certain percentage of ingredients to come from natural sources, restricting synthetic ingredients, and promoting sustainable sourcing. The Soil Association COSMOS Organic certification, one of the more stringent certifications, requires that at least 95% of plant and microbial ingredients be organic, bans GMOs, parabens, synthetic dyes, and certain chemicals.
In the absence of legal definitions, consumers are often advised to look for these certifications to verify natural claims. However, because these standards differ and are voluntary, "natural" skincare products can vary widely in ingredient content and formulation philosophy.
As for skincare practices, cleansing is the first step in both morning and night routines. Exfoliants should not be used every day but 1-3 times a week. Toners can help rebalance the skin's pH, tighten pores, and remove pollutants. The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to wrinkling, making eye creams important in skincare routines.
Jojoba oil, with its potential anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, promotes skin regeneration and protection against environmental stresses. Ceramides, derived from plants, aid in retaining skin moisture, making them beneficial components to seek in moisturizers.
Serums are advanced moisturizers that deeply penetrate the dermal layers to deliver active substances. Use the lightest liquids first while applying creams (serum, moisturizer, then SPF). Night creams can support the skin's regeneration process. Once or twice a week, face masks can help deeply cleanse, rejuvenate, hydrate, and soothe the skin.
A facial cleanser with vitamins A, B2, B12, and E is beneficial for the skin. Daily use of SPF sun protection is advised for everyone aged 6 months and older, with mineral sunscreens being more environmentally friendly and less likely to create a white cast on darker skin. Tinted sunscreens may be beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Ingredients can be physically or chemically processed. Physical processing means their molecular make-up or structure remains unchanged, while chemical processing involves a change in the molecular structure or content. Nature-identical ingredients are chemically identical to those found in nature but are created in a lab.
Synthetic ingredients are produced and processed in a laboratory. Despite the lack of industry-wide regulation, consumers can make informed decisions by researching products and looking for certifications that align with their values.
[1] [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/natural-origin-cosmetic-ingredients] [2] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548366/] [3] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548366/] [4] [https://www.soilassociation.org/media/2020/03/cosmos-organic-standard-for-cosmetics-v7-2.pdf] [5] [https://www.natrue.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NATRUE_Standard_V1.1_2018.pdf]
- In the realm of cosmetics, the Soil Association COSMOS Organic certification, one of the most stringent, requires at least 95% of plant and microbial ingredients to be organic, bans GMOs, parabens, synthetic dyes, and certain chemicals, thereby aligning with the health-and-wellness and lifestyle choices of consumers seeking natural and organic products.
- Beyond skincare, ISO 16128 is a technical standard that offers guidelines to measure the "natural origin" of cosmetic ingredients and formulations in fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden products, providing a framework for brands to follow and ensuring a more authentic 'natural' label.
- When considering skincare practices, it's essential to understand that synthetic ingredients, produced in labs, can still offer beneficial properties such as retaining skin moisture (through ceramides) or providing sun protection (through mineral sunscreens), making them part of a well-rounded and scientific skin-care routine.
