Reading the label
Sometimes it seems that they want to confuse us in the names: bio-natural and even 100% natural. Nevertheless, everything is very specific. According to international terminology, natural cosmetics should consist of ingredients of vegetable, animal or mineral origin. Aromas should in no case contain synthetic essential oils, artificial flavors and any components that have undergone any chemical treatment. Otherwise, the issue of safety and quality of natural cosmetics depends on the country in which it is produced. So, from Germany came to us the union BDIH, uniting manufacturers of natural cosmetics within the Federation of pharmaceutical companies. In France, since 2002, there is the organization Cosmcbio, which, following a hard questionnaire, selects applications from those who want to work with biocosmetics. Then all products are certified and belong to the category of ECO or VU. BIO usually hides 95% of the natural components produced in conditions of biological agriculture. And this means - no silicone, derivatives of petroleum products, synthetic dyes and genetically modified products! Moreover, no testing on animals, pollution, and as a bonus - recycling of packaging. Such a paradise on a scale! ECO is a lighter version of VU. Such creams contain at least 50% of bio-ingredients from the total number of components of plant origin and at least 5% of bio-ingredients in general. It is important to remember that a natural product is not always bio-, but a biopreparation is always natural!
Law of conservation
The shelf life of natural products is very short, and manufacturers have to somehow get out. They are entitled to limited use of preservatives, but on condition that it is indicated on the package. In the rest it is necessary to manage natural thickeners of fats and essential oils: wax, lecithin and other proteins. Dry biocosmetics (for example, mineral powder) are protected from the danger of bacteria spreading, since at least 10% of water is needed to initiate the destructive process. Oils and tonics can also retain their qualities for a long time. But that the biocream can be used with a quiet soul, it must necessarily have preservatives. In high doses, some essential oils may have a preservative effect, but it is not safe - oils can cause allergic reactions. Scientists are looking for other options: for example, use soft preservatives that are used in the food industry. L'Occitane specialists created a 100% natural product "My natural cream", which is mixed immediately before use and stored in the refrigerator for six weeks. In any case, store organic cosmetics should be away from sunlight and heat sources, and the neck of the tube carefully wipe the post of each use.
Bio under suspicion
For the environment, organic preparations are good in all senses, but how useful are they to our skin? Harm, perhaps, it will not bring, but also will not be of use. In fairness, it should be said that the texture of "nature gifts" is sometimes inferior to what is commonly called the word "luxury". But this does not mean that they are lagging behind in efficiency. For example, with such tasks as moisturizing and nourishing the skin, saturation with vitamins and minerals, biopreparations cope perfectly. Everything necessary for this is in nature and tested by centuries of experience. Scrubs, shower gels and shampoos, created on the basis of traditional folk recipes, are in no way inferior to high-tech colleagues. As for anti-aging care, as a warning to skin aging and prolonging youth on the field of organic cosmetics, you can find multi-strength players. Stella McCartney, who recently launched her own line of biocosmetics, says: "Only bioproducts can truly support the vital functions of the skin. They contain concentrated doses of vitamins, antioxidants, oligoelements ... But for this "naturalness" has to pay-the laboratory search for natural and safe components cost a lot of money. Therefore, such cosmetics often cost more than similar products from competitors. "