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Natural and Organic Skincare
by Kate Evans of Vanillabean Organics
Do you look at the ingredients on the back of those gorgeous soaps, creams and lotions you use every day and wonder what’s really in them? For many years I never did! It never occurred to me that companies could produce products with ingredients that may actually be harmful to our bodies and the environment. However there is increasing research that shows this may be the case.
Many people I talk to wonder what is the point of natural and Organic skincare? Well there are a number of benefits. Your skin is the largest organ in your body – how much of what you put on it, enters your body? There is increasing evidence that the chemicals used in the lotions, creams and other body care products that we use on a daily basis can cause allergies and intolerances for people. What could be the long term effects? The number of allergies people are suffering from is on the increase. Surely by cutting down on the production and use of chemicals, we can help to stem the rise of many of these problems?
Areas of Concern
If you are concerned, a number of ingredients have been flagged up that may be worrisome. Green People are a company who produce Natural and Organic skincare and body care products. They have provided us with a comprehensive ingredients glossary (more can be seen at www.vanillabeanorganics.co.uk or contact Green People directly at www.greenpeople.co.uk) for all the products they produce. This can also be used as a reference for many of the other products you may have in your cupboard or be looking to purchase. They also include some of the ingredients that they feel are of concern, and consequently they do not use:
Alcohol (Ethyl alcohol / Ethanol) - Alcohol as a solvent is widely used in the cosmetic field. Many cosmetics largely consist of alcohol. Alcohol is also used as a preservative. Since it is a fat solvent, alcohol can dry and irritate the hair and skin. Ethanol can increase the permeability of the skin and may enable unwanted impurities to be absorbed.
DEA - DiEthAnolamine. Used as solvent and detergent. There is thought to be a possible risk of formation of nitrosamines. Most nitrosamines are carcinogenic.
Fragrance - One of the leading causes of allergy and irritation in cosmetics. Symptoms can be watery eyes, reddened skin, irritation or allergic reaction. 95% of the mix in most fragrances is made from synthetic chemicals. You are less likely to suffer a reaction when using one essential oil or a blend of just a few.
PABA - Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid. A water-soluble acid used as a sunscreen agent. PABA is a skin sensitizer.
Parabens – Group of Preservatives known to have mild hormone-like effects
Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLeS). This is a synthetic detergent, from the sodium salt of sulfated Ethoxylated Lauryl alcohol. It is made using Ethylene Oxide. Used as a wetting and cleansing ingredient. Can cause skin and eye irritation.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). This is a synthetic detergent, wetting ingredients, and emulsifier derived from coconut oil. It is prepared by sulfating Lauryl alcohol, followed by neutralization with sodium carbonate. It is used in up to 90 percent of all shampoos and toothpastes for its foaming and detergent properties. Can cause drying of the skin, contact eczema and is an eye irritant.
TEA - TriEthAnolamine. A frequently used dispersing agent and emulsifier. This can be an irritant and possible sensitizer.
Living Ethically also include more information on their Cosmetics Industry page and their list of chemicals to avoid in cosmetics.
Why Organic?
Apart from the issue of what ingredients are used in the products we buy, another key point to supporting all things Organic is that you are helping to support sustainability. The Organic industry does not support the use of chemicals and synthetics. They are not used in the growth process or within the products themselves, and there are strict guidelines regarding environmental impact.
Product options
There are many brands that produce 100% natural skincare that are either Certified Organic (by the Soil Association or the Organic Farmer’s and Grower’s Association in the UK) or use, and support the use of Organic ingredients. They range in price, so you can set your own level of affordability. Some of the most popular and well known are Spiezia 100% Organic, Akamuti, Green People, Trevarno and Mother Earth. There are lots of new brands arriving all the time, and the glossy magazines usually now have at least one page in every issue promoting Organics.
However it is always worthwhile checking the ingredients. The guidelines on the use of the term “Natural” are loose and companies can still include some chemical or synthetic ingredients in their products. So try to find a brand or retailer that you can trust, or look for the Organic certification from a recognised professional body.
Another option is to try making your own skincare. There are many ingredients available such as oils, butters and essential oils. You can even use kitchen cupboard ingredients such as oats, cucumber, yoghurt, milk and honey. With these you can make great skincare products that can be natural, Organic and tailored to your exact skin needs.
So the next time you are at the supermarket or at the cosmetic counter have a look at the ingredients in the products you are buying. Have a think about whether the damage to the environment by the production and disposal of theses products is what you want, and what the long term effects on your body might be.
Have a look at some of the natural brands available, and maybe take a visit to your next farmer’s market as there are many small producers out there making fantastic products. There are an increasing number of products available now, and there are some absolute gems out there that smell gorgeous, work well and enable you to do your bit to reduce your toxic load, and protect the planet for our kids.
My next article will include tips on great natural remedies to use as recommended by Vanillabean Organics customers, and related product reviews.
