Dear Beauty Conscious Reader,
Every year, I see more and more companies jumping on the “natural” cosmetic bandwagon.
But this isn’t surprising.
When you see the safety data on some of the chemicals being used in skin care, it’s no wonder consumers are looking for safer options. And with growing evidence that cumulative exposure can affect your health, “natural” ingredients are taking the cosmetic world by storm.
You see, when the label says “natural,” people think the product is safe, clean and pure.
But just because a product is labeled “natural,” doesn’t mean it’s better. And it doesn’t mean it’s safer either.
Here’s how it works.
All U.S. companies must comply with federal labeling regulations. The label is supposed to disclose what was used in the product. But the rules for the front of the label (the one that consumers look at the most) are less strict.
The law requires that the front label (or principal panel) must identify the product. But there’s a loop hole. The rules state that the manufacturers are allowed to use an “appropriately descriptive name” or “a fanciful name” for identification purposes.
And many manufacturers take this loop hole as poetic license. They can claim purity and potency of their products even if they aren’t any of those things. The same goes for labels that say “natural,” “hypoallergenic” or even “gentle.” These products are often found to have toxic chemicals. The same ones you’re trying to avoid.
Why are cosmetic companies doing this when safe alternatives are available? The answer is simple – it’s cheaper.
But there is good news.
Over 500 cosmetic companies have agreed to hold themselves to a higher safety standard. And the list is growing. They decided to go beyond the labeling requirements. This way they can make sure customers understand what they’re buying. These companies signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics created by the non-profit Environmental Working Group. And they agreed not to use toxic ingredients in their products.
These brands may not call their products “natural.” But they are committed to making products that are free of things you wouldn’t want in your skin care. These products don’t contain harmful 1,4-dioxane, parabens, phthalates or estrogen mimickers (the ingredients that can mess with your body’s chemistry). And they are much safer to put on your skin.
Some of the companies that follow these guidelines are Aubrey Organics, EO Products, Avalon Organics and California Baby.
All of Pure Radiance’s products follow these stricter standards.
Remember everything starts with inner beauty,
Elina Grosmane, Licensed Esthetician