Petroleum in cosmetics: are you still using it?

by Josephine's day magazine
Petroleum in cosmetics

Petroleum in cosmetics is nowadays reality. We use cosmetics, because we believe it makes us beautiful. Sadly, many of our favorite products contain toxic chemicals and can actually do the opposite. The majority of cosmetics and makeup products are harmful to our skin. Numerous studies have found that they are carcinogenic. The cosmetics industry uses dozens of synthetic chemicals. The synthetics are in everything from lipsticks and powders to shampoos and shaving creams. There are major loopholes in the US federal law, so cosmetics producers add thousands of synthetic chemicals to beauty products we use. Some of those chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects, or infertility. This may lead to different skin problems as well.

Take a moment to ask yourself few wise questions about cosmetics:

• Have you ever wondered what kind of cosmetics you use and what are the exact ingredients in beauty products you use daily? Face, hand, body creams, mascara, lipsticks, cleansers?

• Do you know how these ingredients work on your skin?

• What’s the difference between natural and synthetic cosmetics?

I will call conventional cosmetics synthetic, because that is what they are. Synthetic products are not healthy for your skin, while the models in the commercials give a completely different impression. The interesting thing I want to notice, is that organic products are made from far fewer ingredients than synthetic ones.

Cold pressed oils, plant extracts, clay, seaweed, minerals – these are the ingredients of organic cosmetics and its basis. Natural cosmetics manufacturers can also use synthetic materials that are of natural origin, but the extraction methods are chemical. However they are extremely gentle. The main ingredient in synthetic cosmetics is usually petroleum, and most people simply don’t know that.

Homemade cosmetics

You can make cosmetics by yourself, like soap, shampoo or cream. Is it worth the effort? It’s a creative process, so if you like it, go ahead. For someone, it may give birth to business or other creative activities. However, making shampoo by natural means is more difficult. It won’t be a shampoo that will comfortably rinse your hair. Some people wash it with an egg, some with clay or spring water. In any case, it will be an exciting experience. Find the seller, who owns the laboratory and checks the quality of the oils and flower waters they get from all around the world. The product must be checked and marked as organic, made from materials grown without pesticides and other harmful substances.

Do all natural cosmetics contain organic ingredients?

Cosmetics are classified into synthetic and natural cosmetics. Natural cosmetics are further divided into organic and biodynamic cosmetics. Raw materials for natural cosmetics sometimes come from pesticide-sprayed fields. Can we call such cosmetics healthy and useful for our skin? Always check eco labels and certification for every product.

It is best to find a company who is driven by a strong idea of eco-friendliness, owns a laboratory, and inspects each batch of raw materials that they receive from their suppliers. Believe me, it’s not possible to send every jar of cream for certification.

What is more expensive: to use natural or synthetic cosmetics?

Cosmetics made of synthetic materials can be cheap or very expensive, depending on the brand name. The prices of natural cosmetics are usually the same. It will cost more than mass-produced synthetic cosmetics, but not as much as the most expensive famous brands called high-end cosmetics, which contain chemicals that do not benefit your skin at all. You simply pay for the stylish packaging and pleasant scent.

Natural products contain a few ingredients, like almond or argan oils. And they are more expensive than soybean oil, which is used in synthetic products. Moreover, cosmetics which contain many extracts cost more than products containing few extracts.

The giant companies promote their products differently than smaller natural cosmetics producers. They focus on advertising and spend a lot of money on television to create a perfect brand image, but their products are of very low quality.
Natural cosmetics producers cannot afford advertising on a mass scale. Their prices must remain competitive. It is usually a local family business run by one or a few family members who make their work wholeheartedly. When you buy natural cosmetics, you are likely to pay for ingredients, not TV ads. Besides, many natural cosmetics manufacturers believe that individual consultation is required for every client. After all, every woman has different skin.

Is it possible that synthetic cosmetic harm us?

Authorities banned over a thousand substances because of the potential for harm. Around several hundred ingredients are considered hazardous. The law specifies the maximum quantity they must not exceed. Regulations require that ingredients must have special warnings on the packaging that they are a potential allergen. Especially in hair dyes. So if you care about your health, keep an eye out for such warnings.

Cosmetics, whether synthetic or natural, can cause allergies. Any ingredient can cause reactions. The good thing about having an allergy reaction is when you can spot it right away.

When you are using chemical cosmetics you may not see any side effects for a while. Most likely, they will not show up on your skin at all, but after some time they appear as a harmonic imbalance.

Carcinogenic substances may be present and accumulate slowly. Recently, a study came out. The scientists found these substances in people’s blood and tissue samples in places where they shouldn’t be. Most of it comes from cosmetics.

Another concern is the fact that substances in chemical cosmetics do not breakdown, they get deep into our bodies. Even if someone had an allergy to natural cosmetics, it would disappear in a week and we wouldn’t notice it anymore, as it leaves our body.

When you are choosing beauty products, natural and organic ingredients should be at the top of your list. Study ingredients carefully. The chemistry used in beauty products poisons our bodies, even if we don’t feel it right away.

It brings me great joy to see that many women are increasingly purchasing eco-friendly products, taking an interest in their cosmetics composition, and choosing natural ingredients.

 

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