The progenitors of modern organic cosmetics, of course, were ointments and creams, which beauty used since time immemorial. They prepared miraculous drugs by hand, from flowers and plants grown in the purest conditions (others then were not). The rapid development of science and technology made adjustments to this process, and in the twentieth century such a mode of production became economically unprofitable. To the aid came chemistry and the newest technologies, allowing to synthesize any substances and produce creams, without leaving the laboratory. This situation suited the fighters for the environment and opponents of cruel treatment of animals.
In the 70s of the last century, the topics of harm to cosmetics and their toxic packaging for ecology were actively discussed. It was alleged that with the creams and lotions, a lot of "chemistry" gets into the woman's body, accumulating, she can start dangerous processes - from allergies to oncology ... At the same time, several large cosmetic companies loudly announced that they stop testing the products on animals, and Henceforth, they will use packaging that is environmentally friendly and completely biodegradable. Then the passions subsided a little, but they began talking about organic again. Loudest of all, as usual, the fighters for the environment, but they were unexpectedly supported by the constellation Celebris. Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon and other rich and famous, proclaimed that they use only natural cosmetics - organic cosmetics and their impeccable appearance owe it to her.
Green Pharmacy
Inspired by an example of idols, you storm the store and sweep from the shelves flakonchiki with the inscription like "natural" or "with vegetable ekkraktami"? Do not rush - first read the composition of the product and pay attention to its marking. Most cosmetic products, called natural, often only 5% consist of natural extracts. In general, the composition of the classical ("chemical") cosmetics is approximately the same: water, fatty or oily substances (usually oil products that clog the pores of the skin), emulsifiers, perfume additives, dyes, parabens (preservatives that can be allergens and suspected of carcinogenicity) . Such a set is considered too aggressive - it can contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body.
And what about organic cosmetics? This has the right to be called only the one that is 95% and more consists of natural components: flower and fruit water, essential oils, plant juices. The rest are safe preservatives, for example, ascorbic and benzoic acids. And the organic nature of all of the above should be confirmed by a certificate (several of them: BDIH - Germany, ECOCERT COSMEBIO - France, AIAB / ICEA - Italy, SOIL ASSOCIATION - United Kingdom, USDA - USA).
To get the right to place on the package cherished icon, the manufacturer of natural cosmetics - organic cosmetics is required to fulfill a number of conditions. Raw materials for creams, masks and shampoos should be grown in environmentally-friendly zones without the use of genetic engineering, chemical fertilizers and pesticides and processed by mechanical methods (cold pressing, water-steam extraction and infusion), again - no chemistry. Thanks to this, it is possible to guarantee the safety of natural components, the activity of trace elements and vitamins, and also to be sure that no pesticides and chemicals will penetrate the client's skin together with the cream.
As a curtsey to the activists of the Greenpeace movement - no organic remedy is tested on the brothers of our smaller ones, which is also reported by the corresponding badge on the package. By the way, her demands are no less strict. The bottles, bottles and boxes must be recycled, be friendly to the atmosphere and not react with the contents.
And what is the use?
The arguments in favor of ecology are impressive. In favor of protecting animals - as well. Security, too, seems to be on the level. But what about the effectiveness of natural cosmetics - organic cosmetics? Does the absolute naturalness fall before the achievements of science, which allow us to create almost intellectual creams that can pull up the face in the shortest possible time?
Manufacturers of organic cosmetics rest on the fact that they spend huge sums on research of plant properties. However, not in vain. Many of the nature-created tools for efficiency are incomparable with chemical analogs. For example, aloe juice and sunflower extracts, by their ability to retain moisture in the skin, can compete with hyaluronic acid. Unique mineralizing and moisturizing properties of algae, regenerating properties of shea butter, jojoba, Chilean rose, a powerful antioxidant effect of grape seeds - is also readily exploited by organic creators.
But the main advantage is that organic cosmetics very gently stimulates the processes of cell renewal and provides coveted rejuvenation. It adjusts the body to recovery without the aggressive methods inherent in "chemical" means. In addition, the use of "organic" guarantees protection from the effect of addiction, when a stunning cream with time just stops working. But such softness is for the patient. To notice the positive effect of using organic cream, it is worth waiting for 28 days (during this period, the skin cells are updated).
As for the opinion of specialists about organic cosmetics, they are different. Some believe that it is losing its effectiveness by modern "chemical" products, while others are very impressed by the softness and safety of its impact. One thing is clear: buying certified organic cosmetics, you can be sure that it completely falls into the jet of eco-movement.
On a note
If you decide to test the effect of organic cosmetics, consider that it has a number of features that can frighten an inexperienced user.
It:
- unpresentable "exterior" - as a rule, the products have a natural color: yellowish, brownish, etc., pharmacy, algal, herbal or intensive essential flavor, and cleansing products (soap, gel, shampoo) do not foam well. In addition, sometimes from the cream can separate the oil. At first it is difficult to attribute these signs to the merits, but in fact, it is. All this is a guarantee of absolute naturalness, absence of chemical dyes, preservatives, emulsifiers;
- an unpretentious kind of packaging;
- short shelf life. If the "chemical" cream can be stored for at least two years, then the organic age is short - a year. And in an open form - and even less - from two to six months;
- high price. Agree, it is difficult to understand why a tiny bar of soap with the aroma of algae costs so much ... It's all in the cycle of production of this very little rod. After eco-cultivation, processing, manual labor is very expensive;
- relative hypoallergenicity. Organic origin is not a guarantee that there will not be an allergy. After all, a strong allergen can be not only chemical components, but the most that, neither is the natural honey, apple extracts and much more.