Nature-based products are a HOT trend in beauty right now. As consumers are exploring for more ways to "go green" and protect their family from harmful toxins, the beauty industry is cashing in on the trend. Over the past five years, the store shelves have become inundated with products claiming to be "natural" or "organic". Most claim that typical beauty products contain harmful or even, toxic ingredients (which is true to some extent; however the jury is still out on most ingredients). The new products claim to have removed these ingredients which results in a safer product that is still effective.
When evaluating these products, here are some things to consider:
- "Natural" means that the ingredient has been derived from nature. However, even ingredients originally derived from nature, can still be created within a laboratory.
- "Organic" means that the ingredient comes from living material. These ingredients can be anything that comes from plants or animals. It is also implied that organic ingredients are farmed without the use of pesticides.
According to organicconsumers.org, during the 12 months through Sept. 9, Americans spent $150 million on the top three mass-market natural personal care brands, including Burt's Bees, Jason Natural Cosmetics and Tom's of Maine, an increase of $51 million over the year before, according to Information Resources Inc., a market research firm. Meanwhile, sales of organic personal care items reached $350 million last year, an increase of $68 million over 2005, according to manufacturer's data compiled by the Organic Trade Association, an industry group.
So what's the real deal?
Any manufacturer can place the label "natural" on their product. This does not guarantee that the product is safer for the consumer.
The story is a bit different for "organic", or more specifically "certified organic" products. Here are the requirements:
- Products labeled "100% organic" must have all-organic ingredients.
- Those made with 95% or more organic ingredients may call themselves "organic."
- And a product containing 70% organic, or more, components may use the label “made with organic ingredients.”
The jury is still out as to whether these products have the same efficacy as non-natural/organic products but choosing these products may give you peace of mind.
==================================================================================
Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Monique Eddleton, "The Great Skin Guru", has nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Monique is a Licensed Esthetician and make-up artist, wellness coach, and sought-after expert of all things beauty related. If you want to know the estheticians’ secrets to great, glowing skin - get your free skin care tips are www.realbeauty101.com.
Comments