| Natural cosmetics have been making a big boom in the | | | | companies that verify natural products to find |
| market lately. While you might be skeptical that they're | | | | certifications that you know you can trust. |
| just another gimmick, the reason behind the trend is a | | | | The best way to tell a quality natural cosmetic is by |
| true concern for health. Traditional cosmetics contain all | | | | looking at the first ingredient. Believe it or not, if water is |
| sorts of unnatural chemicals that build up in your skin, | | | | the first ingredient, that's a sign to stay away. Water |
| seep into your pores, and sometimes build up in your | | | | dilutes the product, meaning you have to use a lot |
| body. By using natural products you can avoid this. | | | | more to get the same effect. But don't stop looking |
| Another benefit to natural cosmetics is they won't | | | | there, keep reading the list. If there's a long and |
| irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. Often, | | | | unpronounceable word, that's a good sign that you |
| acne and other skin conditions are actually an allergic | | | | should keep looking. If it sounds like an artificial chemical, |
| reaction to chemicals in your make up and other skin | | | | it probably is. |
| care products. | | | | If you've tried natural cosmetics before and didn't like |
| Keep in mind, however, that unlike "certified organic", | | | | them, that doesn't mean you need to give up. It used to |
| the word natural is not regulated. Natural cosmetic | | | | be, there were only a few products that were really |
| labeling is not regulated. There are no laws in the U.S. | | | | natural. Now the internet has provided us with an outlet |
| that oversee products that claim they use 'natural' | | | | to get all kinds of different products from different |
| ingredients. This is because there are not yet any clear | | | | retailers. That means not only are prices lower due to |
| standards about what the term 'natural' really means. | | | | competition (many online retailers will even send free |
| In order for there to be laws, there needs to be a | | | | samples if you pay shipping), but you can always try a |
| generally accepted and quantifiable meaning for the | | | | different product if one doesn't work for you. |
| word 'natural'. That way there can be a clear | | | | If you want real benefit, opt for multiple brands of |
| determination of whether a cosmetic fits the | | | | natural products for your skin and hair. Just like regular |
| description or not. Until that happens, there won't be | | | | drugstore brands, you'll find that you have favorite lines |
| any laws affecting the term 'natural'. | | | | that work better for your particular issues. |
| In the meantime, some manufacturers and trade | | | | Keep in mind - it's likely safe to assume that cosmetics |
| associations are developing their own definitions for | | | | that carry The Green Products Alliance logo are |
| the term and issuing 'certifications' of their own. For | | | | reputable - and that's exactly why companies are |
| example, The Green Products Alliance has a logo for | | | | taking the extra step; however, there are also outfit s |
| natural products. Guidelines have been developed that | | | | that are not so reputable that are setting up non-profit |
| those products must adhere to in order to display the | | | | organizations which grant awards based on nothing |
| logo. Following those guidelines is strictly voluntary, so | | | | more than paying a membership fee. |
| are shows that the companies which participate in the | | | | As a consumer, you have to make sure that the |
| program are doing more than they have to by law. | | | | organization that is awarding the seal is reputable and |
| To find real natural products, you should look to see if | | | | not using it as just another marketing technique. Just |
| an independent company has verified that the product | | | | because a cosmetic line got seal of approval from |
| is natural. But again, anyone can "certify" a product | | | | 'The Alliance of Best Natural Products on the Planet", it |
| because there is no government regulation. Some | | | | may not mean anything more than they paid a fee to |
| companies even create their own "certification" to say | | | | display the seal. |
| they have a natural product. Research different | | | | |