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Natural cosmetics

Natural cosmetics, organic cosmetics

There are now three product categories on the shelves of drugstores and cosmetics shops: conventional cosmetics, natural cosmetics and near-natural cosmetics. Everyone knows what conventional cosmetics are. But how does near-natural cosmetics actually differ from natural cosmetics? For one thing, “real” natural cosmetics are always certified and thus recognisable by various labels and quality seals. The most common certifications are BDIH/Cosmos, Ecocert, Demeter and Natrue. With such products, consumers have the guarantee that certain questionable ingredients have been dispensed with. Instead, they must contain only ingredients of natural origin. In addition, a special manufacturing process is required: The specifications are therefore quite strict in this respect.

 

Near-natural cosmetics are exactly between conventional cosmetics and certified natural cosmetics.

 

Although the focus is on plant-based and natural active ingredients, synthetically produced ingredients are also included. As a rule, these are body-identical substances that can only be obtained synthetically for various reasons. They have no negative influence on our health, because they are produced naturally in the body. Nevertheless, for this reason, no certification is required for near-natural cosmetics.

By avoiding critical groups of substances, near-natural cosmetics are able to care for skin and hair in an optimal and gentle way. For example, they do not contain sulphates (sodium laureth sulphate). These substances are mainly responsible for the formation of foam in shampoo and are still very common. Unfortunately, they also tend to dry out the hair and scalp. They also rinse the natural oils, antimicrobial peptides and proteins out of the hair. Another ingredient in conventional cosmetics is polyethylene glycol (PEG). The substance is a popular emulsifier and consistency enhancer that also acts as a surfactant. However, PEG is made from petroleum, which is already very questionable from an ecological point of view. The substance can also have negative effects on our health, as it is said to trigger allergies and skin irritations. Natural cosmetics consistently do without PEG.

 

Cyclic silicone oils, which are supposed to reduce the stickiness of formulations in cosmetic products, are no less questionable. They are considered to be absolutely outdated and should be replaced if possible. Natural cosmetics are free of cyclic silicone oils.

Amines are compounds formed from the smallest building blocks of proteins, amino acids.

As the professor of environmental health at the University of Illinois, Dr. Samuel Epstein, announced, the repeated use of skin care products containing amines, and diethanolamine in particular, is said to lead to a higher risk of liver and kidney cancer. Diethanolamine can in fact contribute to the formation of nitrosamines, which in turn are among the highly carcinogenic substances. The skin can absorb them from cosmetics. It is therefore advisable to avoid cosmetic products containing amines for the sake of your health. Natural cosmetics do not contain amines.

Another problem in conventional cosmetics concerns synthetic fragrances. They are considered to be highly allergenic. Those affected suffer not only from a persistent allergic contact eczema, but often also from headaches, nausea, exhaustion or dizziness. About 15 to 20 percent of all Germans are said to be allergic to synthetic fragrances. How good that natural cosmetics can do without them.

 

Natural cosmetics with gentle ingredients

 

For natural cosmetics, there are numerous gentle alternatives to the critical substance groups listed. For example, there is the specially developed active ingredient TEGO Turmerone (INCI: Curcuma Longa Root Extract) with its high antioxidant activity. Together with TEGO Stemlastin, a substance that helps to improve skin elasticity, almond oil (INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) and apricot kernel oil (INCI: Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil), it is ideal for pampering care masks in the field of natural cosmetics.

dermo feel TocoBalance is a natural plant-based antioxidant with a balanced content of mixed tocopherols from non-genetically modified sources. The substance (INCI: Tocopherol; Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil) not only protects the skin, but also the oxidisable components of cosmetic formulations. dermofeel TocoSkin is derived from natural sunflower oil and contains a high proportion of alpha-tocopherols. The substance can effectively protect the skin from oxidative stress. Both ingredients are ideal for natural cosmetics. Possible applications are above all day creams and moisturisers.

For a light and non-sticky skin feeling, dermofeel sensolv MB (INCI: Isoamyl Laurate) is used. In hair care, the active ingredient can be easily incorporated into surfactant bases. As a natural refatting agent, it also has foam-improving properties.

TEGO Feel C 10 is a sensory additive based entirely on natural cellulose fibres, sustainably sourced from forests throughout Europe. It improves absorption and reduces oiliness of the skin. It also has a convincing matting effect, which has already been proven in an in-vivo study. TEGO Feel C 10 is compatible with oil-in-water formulations as well as water-in-oil formulations and is also suitable for water-free systems in the field of near-natural cosmetics.

TEGOSOFT DC MB (INCI: Decyl Cocoate) is an excellent choice for near-natural cosmetics such as sun protection products, but also for lotions and skin care creams. The light oil of medium polarity is based on natural coconut fatty acid and is purely vegetable. It has a low viscosity. TEGOSOFT(R) OER MB (INCI: Oleyl Erucate) is also a great ingredient for natural cosmetics and especially interesting for sun care. It is a highly pure cosmetic ester oil on a natural basis with similar properties to jojoba oil. The substance is based on 100 percent plant-based ingredients, is completely biodegradable and is produced by sustainable enzymatic processes. Corresponding formulations leave the skin feeling very pleasant and non-greasy.

 

Men also love natural cosmetics

Men are also increasingly opting for near-natural cosmetics. For a natural beard care serum, for example, dermofeel PA-12 (INCI: Sodium Phytate) is a good choice. The ingredient is a natural chelating agent and serves as a harmless alternative to EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). It works synergistically in combination with cosmetic antioxidants and is especially interesting in combination with dermosoft anisate eco (INCI: Sodium Anisate). Here we are dealing with the salt of an organic acid that has masking properties and fungicidal activity. The substance is already considered an ideal alternative to petrochemically derived organic acids and is a real enrichment for near-natural cosmetics.

Ideal for natural cosmetics for cleansing and refreshing is dermosoft Pentiol eco (INCI: Pentylene Glycol), a multifunctional additive, liquid and water-soluble, with pH-independent efficacy and only a slight influence on emulsion stability. The antimicrobial wetting agent is obtained from renewable resources. Here, again, the combination with RHEANCE One (INCI: Glycolipids) is ideal. This raw material for natural cosmetics cleanses skin and hair effectively and gently. It is produced fermentatively with sugar as the sole source of carbohydrates and contains no tropical oils.

However, near-natural cosmetics also include lip care. Particularly interesting in this context: dermofeel viscolid MB (INCI: Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil). The natural oil thickener creates soft and creamy oil-gel textures and solidifies oils by building up a crystal-like structure without affecting the sensory profile of the oils. Furthermore, the substance is an excellent film former in O / W emulsions and can increase viscosity and stability depending on the emulsifier combinations. It is preferably used for natural cosmetics with dermosoft GMC MB (INCI: Glyceryl Caprate). The plant-based wetting agent is efficient against bacteria and yeasts and is a great booster for antimicrobial agents in W/O emulsions.

 

Natural cosmetics in formulations from Cosmacon

Near-natural cosmetics are more than just a niche between conventional cosmetics and certified natural cosmetics. It fully corresponds to the modern zeitgeist and is absolutely trendy. Although we are dealing here with a less strictly defined “green” cosmetic, it is nevertheless not a cheat pack, but an ideal way of combining natural ingredients and the best possible effectiveness. Let us advise you, we will be happy to develop innovative natural cosmetics for you!