Natural cosmetics VS. Conventional cosmetics

We already anticipated in Debunking Cosmetics Myths that those related to natural vs. conventional cosmetics were worth a separate post; and here we are. At Beldon, we advocate for casting aside this dichotomy, which we believe is unnecessary, and recommend enjoying the best of both; however, it is a subject that still generates many questions. Keep reading because we are going to try to answer them all.

1. What is natural cosmetics?

Products made from natural ingredients (vegetable or mineral) or of natural origin (for example, from the marine environment). Therefore, petroleum derivatives, synthetic preservatives, artificial colorings, or chemical perfumes, among others, are excluded.

AYUNA

2. What is eco-friendly (organic) cosmetics?

Products whose components are of organic origin, meaning they stem from an exemplary use of natural resources while avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), preserving the fertility of farmland, energy cleanliness, ecosystem care, and production sustainability at every stage, including packaging and final recycling.

Eco-friendly cosmetics are covered by regulations that guarantee the 'traceability' of both premises: the genesis of the ingredients and sustainability.

3. What differentiates eco-friendly cosmetics from biological or organic cosmetics?

For this purpose, the terms ecological, organic, and biological (bio) are synonymous and can be used interchangeably.

4. Are natural cosmetics and eco-friendly (organic/bio) cosmetics the same thing?

Not necessarily. Eco-friendly cosmetics are natural by definition, but natural cosmetics are not always eco-friendly.

COMFORT ZONE

5. What is vegan cosmetics?

Cosmetics in whose composition no animal products or their derivatives are used. Neither are additives of animal origin, some of which are used more frequently than one might think, for example:

• E 120 or Cochineal. Many are surprised to discover that carmine or 'lipstick red' is a dye created from the dried and crushed bodies of female insects called Dactylopius coccus costa or cochineal. Of course, there are other ways to achieve that coloring. That is why, if the 'V' for vegan does not appear on your favorite lipstick's packaging, you should know that it includes this insect's powder among its components.




• E 913 or Lanolin. This is the substance that sheep secrete through their sebaceous glands, which is widely used in both cosmetics and the food industry.

6. Are vegan cosmetics the same as natural and/or eco-friendly cosmetics?

Vegan cosmetics do not have to be natural or eco-friendly either, although their shared values and business philosophy make it a common and coherent pairing.

It is important to note that a significant percentage of conventional cosmetics is also vegan; and that the proportion is increasing. World-leading research laboratories have long since opted for green chemistry. It is not a trend but the only sensible choice for our health and the planet. It has been proven that animal-derived components are potentially allergenic, in addition to being completely unnecessary. The highest scientific rigor backs cosmetic houses like Ayuna, Comfort Zone, Medik8, and their proposal of sustainable quality, efficacy, and sensory experience.

7. Aside from the nomenclature, where does so much confusion come from when we talk about natural and eco-friendly cosmetics?

From the lack of specific legislation in the European Union. In fact, it does not even contemplate the notion of "natural cosmetics," let alone a definition for it, and it is grouped under the umbrella of general cosmetics. This leads to a lack of control in labeling, which is what leads to consumer confusion.

Faced with this regulatory void, private organizations are responsible for guaranteeing the natural or eco-friendly nature of cosmetics through a validation seal. In Europe, the best known are Cosmebio and Ecocert in France, the British Soil Association, the German BDIH, the Italian ICEA, and the Belgian Bioforum. After years of disparity, they are all working to unify their requirements and finally establish common criteria and standards in the COSMOS certification.

8. Are natural cosmetics safe?

Absolutely. Just as safe as conventional ones. Because the manufacturing of all cosmetic products sold in Europe is subject to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and is carried out in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice standards established internationally through the ISO 22716 standard. This also applies to those not manufactured in the EU but which enter our market.

9. What are the advantages of natural and eco-friendly cosmetics?
   
   
   
   • They show a more transparent INCI, from whose ingredients you can know the origin.
   
   
   
   
   • They are made under a sustainable production process.
   
   
   
   
   • Their components are more compatible with sensitive skin.
   
   
   
   
   • They avoid aggressive or potentially irritating components from the start, such as parabens, phthalates, or sulfates.
   
   
   
   
   • Other superfluous ones are eliminated, such as silicones.
   
   
   
   
   • They avoid the use of chemical substances harmful to the environment.
   
   
   
   
   • They support renewable energy sources and recycled and recyclable packaging.
   
   
   
   
   • They recover ancestral botanical knowledge.
   
   




10. 
    
    
    
    10. Are natural ingredients harmless?
    
    

Not all of them. Natural active ingredients, which provide countless benefits to our skin, must be formulated correctly to ensure safe delivery. For example, essential oils are a wonder of nature, but their "pure" use, without being diluted or properly formulated, can lead to very serious irritation and photosensitivity.

9. 
   
   
   
   11. Are all chemical products harmful?
   
   

What we should really talk about are active ingredients. Everything is chemistry. Any cosmetic product, even natural and organic ones, is formulated in a laboratory with all safety guarantees. Being "chemical-free" is an impossibility, an absurdity, and a deception. Chemophobia makes no sense.

9. 
   
   
   
   12. Which is more effective, natural or conventional cosmetics?

Only one factor determines the effectiveness of a product, whatever it may be: its suitability to cover the specific needs of each skin type. At Beldon, we believe that what you put on your skin is as important as what you nourish yourself with from within. Hence the importance of having a professional, personalized, and honest diagnosis that enables an informed, responsible, and safe choice of a treatment or cosmetic product.

MEDIK8

9. 
   
   
   
   13. Are there trusted brands that are sustainable and/or natural and eco-friendly?

Of course. We have already mentioned that it is precisely the cutting edge of scientific research that is working for a future in which the cosmetic industry will be sustainable or it will not exist. We give some of our favorites as an example:

The British brand Medik8, at the technological forefront and a reference for dermatologists, doctors, and professional skincare specialists, has set itself the goal of being: "the world's most sustainable professional-led skincare brand.” And they seem likely to achieve it:

9. 
   
   
   
   • They have incorporated post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic into their professional bottles.
   
   
   
   
   • They use 40% recycled glass.
   
   
   
   
   • They do not use pure palm oil in any of the products.
   
   
   
   
   • They do not use parabens, phthalates, or sulfates.
   
   
   
   
   • All their formulas are 100% vegan.
   
   
   
   
   • They do not hire suppliers that conduct animal testing.
   
   
   
   
   • Their exfoliants are 100% natural and free of microbeads.
   
   
   
   
   • In 2018, they removed all plastic inserts from their cardboard boxes—which come from well-managed forests or recycled sources—saving 3 tons of plastic each year.
   
   
   
   
   • They promote energy efficiency by using cold-process manufacturing whenever possible; and their facilities are run on 100% renewable energy sources.

DR BARBARA STURM

For its part, the German leader in molecular cosmetics, Dr. Barbara Sturm, refuses to distribute and market its products in China, a country where animal testing for cosmetics is mandatory. Considering the huge potential market they are giving up, it is clear that this is a declaration of principles rather than a simple gesture.

The cosmetic industry is undergoing an accelerated transformation based on an evolution of its values to focus on health, respect, responsibility, and sustainability. Its survival depends on this adaptation.

Did we leave any questions unanswered? Ask us in the comments. And tell us what your preferences are on this subject. You know we love to hear your opinion!