Everything is going organic these days from clothes tofood. Then how can cosmetics be left behind? Organic make-up is the in thingin the fashion industry, the popularity and acceptance of which are rising dayby day the world over. This article studies this hot new product in the marketi.e. organic make-up - in detail.


What is organic make-up?


Organic make-up, also called natural make-up or greenmake-up, refers to cosmetics made the natural way. Broadly speaking, organicmake-up can refer to cosmetics made in any one or a combination of two or moreof the following ways:


  • Made from plant substances
  • Made from natural sources, such as minerals
  • Manufactured in a way so as to cause no harm to the environment and ecology, i.e. not involving processes such as testing of the cosmetics on animals
  • Manufactured using materials on which no pesticides have been used
  • Manufactured without the use of any kind of chemicals

Why go organic?


Awareness about the various kinds of chemicals used incosmetics, as well as about the use of various processes that are harmful tothe environment, is rising. With this rising awareness came the invention of anew class of cosmetics called organic make-up.


There are a few chemicals commonly used in cosmetics, which arebest avoided. These can be stated as under:

  • Sodium laurel sulfate: It can cause skin irritation and rashes. It can also lead to irritation of the eyes and the lungs. If swallowed, it can be dangerous.
  • Hydrosols: Sometimes hydrosols are used in cosmetics, but the water in them might not be purified properly. This leads to the entry of a number of harmful chemicals.
  • Aluminium: It is found in most anti-perspirants, and is believed to cause Alzheimers disease.
  • Artificial colours: They sometimes contain substances derived from coal tar, which can cause health risks to patients of eczema and asthma. They might also create health complications for people who are allergic to Aspirin. Such substances are also believed to cause juvenile hyperactivity, headaches, blurriness of vision and itchiness as well as watering of the nose and eyes.
  • Formaldehydes: Formaldehydes are used in cosmetics as preservatives. They are known to create skin irritation as well as contact dermatitis.
  • Fragrances: Artificial fragrances, like artificial colours, could be harmful to health. They have been known to cause skin rashes and irritation, hyperpigmentation as well as dizziness.
  • Benzoates: Benzoates are used for the purpose of preservation of cosmetics. They cause mouth numbness and gastric irritation. Also, they are known to aggravate the condition of asthma patients.
  • Essential oils: Some essential oils used in cosmetics cause adverse effects on health. For instance, rosemary is not advisable for use in case of epilepsy patients. Similarly, the use of sage should be avoided by pregnant women.
  • Dibutyl phthalate: This substance, widely used in cosmetics to aid absorption of other ingredients, is known to cause birth defects. In males, it has been known to cause damage to the reproductive system.
  • DEA, MEA, TEA: These substances used in cosmetics are known to cause allergies, eye irritation, as well as dryness of the hair and skin.
  • Tallow: Tallow is a product derived from animals, and often used in cosmetics. Over and above being unsuitable for vegetarians, it can also lead to irritation of the skin.
  • Toluene: Toluene is largely used in nail polish removers and some other nail-related products. It is known to cause problems such as tiredness, weakness, nausea, appetite loss and even confusion. It might also affect the nervous system adversely.
  • Keratolytic chemicals: These chemicals are known to wear away the outermost layers of the skin, rendering the skin open to damage by the sun and other irritants. It also leads to thickening and deadening of the skin.

 

  • Methylisothiazolinone: This substance is known to cause allergies of the skin, as well as skin irritation.
  • Parabens: It is a petroleum-based product, often used in cosmetics. It is known to cause skin irritation. It has also been known to reduce sperm counts and cause breast cancer.
  • Paraffin: This is another product that is derived from petroleum, widely used in cosmetics. It is known to block the pores of the skin.
  • Propylene glycol: Propylene glycol is sometimes derived from petroleum, and is used in cosmetics on a large scale. When the accumulation of this substance takes place in the human body, it increases the flow of acids, which can lead to metabolic problems.


Experts believe that a particular cosmetic might contain pesticides unless and until it is a certified organic product. Moreover, it is not necessary that cosmetics using plant substances or minerals would be better for one than those that are commonly available. Plants can also contain carcinogens and toxins that can be harmful to ones skin and health in the long term. Similarly, minerals can also contain a high degree of toxins, rendering their use in cosmetics dangerous to ones health. Thus, plant-based or mineral-based make-up can be just as harmful as that produced using lab-produced chemicals.


In other words, even a certified organic product might contain carcinogens or toxins. Thus, the best way to choose a safe product would be to study the ingredients used in the product, and ensure that there are no harmful ones.


In some countries, the laws made it mandatory for cosmetic-producing companies to list all the ingredients that have gone into the making of each of their products. In spite of this, determining the presence of dangerous toxins and carcinogens might be difficult at times on account of the use of complicated terminology.


Using organic make-up is beneficial for people with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions. Also, there is the satisfaction of having used a completely natural product, without causing harm to the environment in any manner.


Choosing organic make-up


There are several cosmetic manufacturers who have begun to produce organic make-up, looking to the rising awareness and demand for such products. These products are widely available in cosmetic stores the world over, as well as on the Internet.


Choosing the right kind of organic make-up requires thorough research, knowledge of the various kinds of products available in the market, ones own needs, as well as the various kinds of ingredients used in cosmetics.


Are you planning to buy make-up? Do go the organic way!


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