In this guide, we will explore the crucial reasons for considering the adverse effects of regular cosmetics on both health and the environment. Additionally, we’ll introduce 10 natural cosmetic brands, offering alternatives to help you make informed decisions and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.
Cosmetics, encompassing skincare, makeup, soaps, and self-tanners, have been integral to our daily routine. With their widespread use, these products significantly influence our day-to-day lives.
The primary purpose of these products is to care for our skin and enhance our appearance. Consequently, it becomes imperative to provide information in this article about natural cosmetic brands, presenting a healthier alternative for both individuals and the environment.
Related reading “Better Than Botox: Alternatives For Your 20s” and “How to Create a Winter Skincare Routine”.
When a Cosmetic is Considered Natural:
A cosmetic is generally considered natural when its ingredients are sourced from natural origins such as plants, fruits, flowers, animals, or minerals and undergo minimal processing.
Ingredients are expected to undergo minimal processing to maintain their natural properties. This involves avoiding the use of many synthetic additives and preservatives.
It’s also noteworthy to mention that products should be cruelty-free, meaning they are not tested on animals.
Natural cosmetics should not contain synthetic ingredients, which can be highly detrimental to our health, such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances.
It’s important to highlight that the cosmetics industry does not have clear or strict regulations regarding the content of cosmetics to classify them as purely natural.
Therefore, we recommend reading the ingredient labels of each product and having a basic knowledge of the components commonly found in cosmetics to judge whether they are natural or not.
Impact of Cosmetics on Our Health:
The impact of regular cosmetics on our health, including their effects on female hormones, can be a complex and debated topic.
Traditional cosmetics often contain synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances that may pose certain risks to health.
Furthermore, these chemicals found in conventional cosmetics are known as endocrine disruptors.
Consequently, these substances may interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production, leading to potential disruptions in hormonal balance.
Prolonged exposure to certain synthetic chemicals in cosmetics has been associated with hormonal imbalances.
As a result, hormonal disruptions may contribute to various health issues, including reproductive problems, fertility issues, and an increased risk of certain hormone-related cancers.
For individuals with sensitive skin, cosmetics may contain allergens and irritants that can cause skin sensitivities and allergic reactions.
In contrast, natural cosmetics typically contain ingredients derived from nature, minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals.
This can effectively reduce the risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances found in conventional cosmetics. It’s important to note that individual responses to cosmetics vary, and not all synthetic chemicals are harmful.
However, for those concerned about potential health risks, choosing natural cosmetics can be a way to minimize exposure to certain synthetic substances and promote overall well-being.
Always check ingredient lists, and if in doubt, consult with healthcare professionals or dermatologists for personalized advice.
Impact of Cosmetics on the Planet:
Regular cosmetics can significantly impact the environment due to specific ingredients and practices associated with their production and disposal.
Some environmental issues related to conventional cosmetics include water pollution, where certain compounds can adversely affect aquatic life, contributing to environmental harm.
Additionally, the manufacturing of these products generates toxic chemical waste, negatively impacting surrounding soil and water.
Another concern is the excessive packaging of conventional cosmetics, often elaborate and plastic, contributing to the broader waste problem and environmental plastic pollution.
In contrast, natural cosmetics prioritize sustainable and biodegradable ingredients, aiming to minimize their environmental footprint.
Some natural brands even provide refill options to reduce waste or utilize packaging made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
10 Natural Cosmetic Brands: Our Recommended Selection
1. Matarrania:
Matarrania is a brand of natural cosmetics that revives ancestral formulas from rural communities, based on olive oil and Mediterranean plants.
They craft these formulas in their own artisanal laboratory in rural Spain. Their products feature a vegan formula with 100% natural, plant-based, and pure ingredients.
Embracing a slow approach, they artisanally produce and advocate for the pleasure of self-care without haste.
The outcome is ethical and effective products, carrying an ecological seal that ensures their commitment to customers and the planet.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
2. Weleda:
Weleda was founded by individuals with a vision to positively influence the future.
Dr. Ita Wegman and philosopher-scientist Rudolf Steiner recognized the parallels between nature and humans.
Together, they developed skincare products and natural remedies to enhance health and beauty.
Their deep understanding of the connection between humans and plants allows them to create superior natural products.
Weleda adopts a holistic perspective, promoting a healthy balance between body, mind, and spirit through its natural skincare.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
3. Mádara:
The brand claims that the harsh climate of the Nordic countries has bestowed unique properties upon plants for over thousands of years.
Deep roots, bitter leaves, and rugged bark have healed wounds and saved lives.
In the 21st century, they explore the legends of Nordic healing herbs under laboratory lights.
Scientists conduct in-depth analyses to create skincare and makeup that cater to their deepest needs.
They extract products from natural sources, including revitalizing birch water, antioxidant-rich herbs, and even mushrooms.
These ingredients achieve the highest concentrations of essential nutrients that help improve skin condition.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
4. Kjaer Weis:
As a makeup artist based in New York, Kirsten, the creator of the brand, who grew up on a farm in Denmark, discovered that people were compromising their skin health by using irritating synthetic makeup.
Natural products, however, fell short in terms of performance, and the luxury beauty experience was missing.
Using her background in nature and beauty knowledge, Kirsten explored new areas in the industry and created Kjaer Weis, a pioneer in organic luxury beauty.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
5. Le Pure:
This brand, launched in 2013, stems from a friendship where one of its creators decided to leverage her 50 years of research and experience.
The brand emphasizes the assessment of the true quality of an organic skincare product, including the quality of raw materials, ingredient processing, formulation experience, and knowledge of medicinal plants.
LE PURE’s mission is to motivate clients to look beyond topical application and to find medical professionals that help them to improve their skin from the inside as well.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
6. Kora Organics:
Kora Organics was created by Miranda Kerr, Australian supermodel and entrepreneur.
Kerr is also recognized for her involvement in charitable causes and her healthy lifestyle.
She has served as an ambassador for various organizations and has advocated for environmental awareness and emotional well-being.
The founder of the brand reveals the origins of her project, stating, “When I was 16, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, and I started to take a closer look at what I was putting in and on my body. This sparked my lifelong passion for organic ingredients and holistic health.”
You can visit the brand’s website here.
7. Dr. Hauschka:
This Natural Cosmetics brand follows a holistic philosophy that encompasses the balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
Its products are designed to support the health and natural balance of the skin.
Another distinctive feature is that it is based on the principles of anthroposophy, a philosophy that incorporates spirituality into the understanding of nature and health.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
8. Tan Organic:
The brand emerged when its creator aimed to develop a natural and organic self-tanner that is gentle on your skin and the planet.
She believes that if you care about what you eat, you should also care about what you put on your skin.
Consequently, she created a line of skincare and eco-friendly, nourishing self-tanning products.
Recognizing the plastic problem in the beauty industry, they, as pioneers in beauty, are committed to removing 1 pound of plastic from the Earth’s oceans for every bottle they sell.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
9. L:A Bruket:
L:a Bruket is inspired by Sweden’s coastal nature, reflected in fresh, revitalizing ingredients and fragrances.
Beyond personal care, L:a Bruket offers home products like candles, hand soaps, and home fragrance items.
The brand prioritizes sustainability, using environmentally friendly packaging and striving to minimize its environmental impact in both production and transportation of its products.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
10. Masqmai:
MASQMAI was founded in December 2017 by Italian model Alice Campello.
The brand claims to be constantly searching for pure and highly effective ingredients to create powerful formulas that deliver real results by combining science and nature. That’s why all their products are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients.
You can visit the brand’s website here.
Inspiration to Build Your 100% Natural Skincare Routine
