We’ll never know exactly what goes into conventional cosmetics, but we’re pretty sure it’s not something we’d like to know. Fortunately, these days there’s something better: green beauty. With organic and natural ingredients, it’s the perfect way to whatever your beauty needs without any of the harsh chemicals. In this article we’ll dive into what “green beauty” truly is, its benefits, and how it can help you achieve a beautiful you.
1. What is Green Beauty?
Green beauty is an emerging trend that focuses on the organic and natural elements of the personal care industry. Rather than using synthetic ingredients or chemical compounds, green beauty follows the idea of holistic self care by utilizing plants, minerals, and other nature-sourced ingredients in products.
A majority of green beauty products are vegan and cruelty-free, making them an ethical alternative to traditional beauty items. Companies often use sustainable packaging materials to not only reduce the amount of waste they create, but to also do it in a way that is done safely and responsibly. In addition, green beauty practitioners believe in making conscious decisions that won’t harm animals or the environment.
When looking to switch to green beauty, one must first be informed on how ingredients work and how to identify which products are truly green. Reading labels and researching key ingredients in each product is a great way to get started. Products may contain natural, eco-friendly ingredients that were grown organically, made from recycled or plant-based materials, or derived through a renewable energy sources.
Green beauty is also a lifestyle — one that focuses on going back to basics by using natural ingredients and holistic processes to keep skin and hair healthy. These practices involve DIY recipes and simple routine guides that cater to specific needs.
Benefits of Green Beauty:
- Eco-Friendly
- Organic
- Cruelty-Free
- Animal-Friendly
- Non-Toxic
- Simple Routines
2. The Pros of Natural Cosmetics
When selecting beauty products, many individuals opt for natural cosmetics. Natural cosmetics are made with naturally-derived, plant-based ingredients, such as oils, fruits, and herbs, making them healthier, safer, and more sustainable than their synthetic counterparts. Even indigenous cultures have developed their own rhythms and rituals centered around skincare; using what resources were available to them. The following are some of the best benefits of using natural cosmetics.
1. Skin Health Benefits
- Free of harsh chemicals that can cause skin rashes, irritation, and other problems
- No synthetic fragrances or preservatives – only natural, food-grade extracts
- No clogging of pores, which can create an environment for acne
2. Animal Testing Avoidance
- Most natural cosmetics brands are cruelty-free
- They do not conduct animal testing
- They usually support humane and vegan practices
3. Natural Origin
- Contain natural, plant-based raw materials, such as shea butter, oils, herbs, and fruits
- Offer beneficial vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients to nourish and heal the skin
- Provide long-term results, without the need for expensive, synthetic skincare products
4. Eco-Friendly
- Natural cosmetics are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment
- Little to no waste is produced from the packaging of natural cosmetics
- Brands often support sustainable and organic farming of ingredients
Natural cosmetics have many benefits for your skin and the environment. Keep in mind that not all natural brands are the same, so it’s important to do your research and choose the right products for your skin type and skin concerns. Additionally, it is important to be vigilant about checking the labels for natural and sustainable ingredients and avoiding any that may be harmful.
3. The Drawbacks of Organic Makeup
Organic makeup certainly has good points, but it also comes with a few drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of. Here are three of the biggest drawbacks to organic makeup, worth considering before you make the jump.
- Might Not Work As Well — Organic makeup generally isn’t as chemically processed, so it might not work to the same level as standard makeup. Organic products often don’t last as long, and some don’t cover as effectively. As such, you should always test out the makeup in the store before you commit.
- Few Certification Programs — Although organic makeup is obviously going to be healthier, it lacks a certifying system to prove that it is truly organic. For example, many organic makeup brands still use petroleum ingredients and other contaminants. Unless the product specifically says it is certified, you should assume that it’s not.
- Pricey — Organic makeup typically costs up to double what regular makeup would cost, making it a far less affordable option. However, if health is a major concern of yours, it’s important to remember that organic makeup is better for your skin, and the investment can be worth it in the long run.
Overall, organic makeup is certainly something to consider if you’re looking for a healthier replacement for your everyday makeup products. However, it does come with drawbacks, such as limited efficacy, lack of certification, and affordability. Weigh out the pros and cons before you make your decision.
4. Making Smart Green Beauty Choices
Our world is a very beautiful place, and making smart and green choices when it comes to beauty is essential in maintaining this beauty. Here are four ways you can make sure that your beauty decisions are not just good for the environment, but good for you too:
- Choose products that are not tested on animals or contain animal by-products. Many cosmetics and beauty products are not properly labeled and contain hidden animal ingredients like carmine, lanolin, and gelatin. Make sure to thoroughly read the ingredients label to ensure that your beauty products are cruelty-free.
- Look for organic options. Organic, preservative-free products are safer and better for your body, and it’s also good for the environment to avoid synthetic ingredients. Look for items that clearly state they’re organic and made with natural ingredients.
- Purchase eco-friendly packaging. Not only do eco-friendly packaging options like glass or plastic containers help reduce waste, but they also serve to protect the products you buy from moisture, UV light, air, and more. This prevents them from being compromised by exposure to these elements, and it also helps provide a more efficient and sustainable beauty routine.
- Avoid single-use items. Single-use items are neither helpful to your beauty routine, nor are they good for the environment. Even something as simple as cotton pads used to apply make-up or clean your skin can have an environmental impact over time. Try to purchase products that are refillable or reusable to help lower your carbon footprint.
In addition to these tips, you can also take small steps like using a reusable water bottle, taking public transportation instead of driving, or choosing eco-friendly products for your lifestyle.
Being more mindful of your beauty choices is a great way to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Making smart and green beauty choices is not only good for the environment, but also for your health and wellbeing. Together, we can all do our part to keep our environment beautiful.
As we delve into the world of green beauty, it’s important to remember that many products are becoming readily available with organic and natural ingredients. Understanding the benefits of these products helps us make better-educated decisions for our skin and well-being. With sustainability at the forefront, and a drive to be greener, it’s more important than ever to become informed about the products we use. If you’re a true lover of beauty, consider investing into green beauty—for yourself and the environment.
