Semi-natural cosmetics
The shelves of drugstores and cosmetics specialist shop, today, contain three product categories: traditional cosmetics, natural cosmetics, and semi-natural cosmetics. Everyone knows traditional or common cosmetics. But how does semi-natural cosmetics differ from natural cosmetics?
Many consumers suspect that „real” natural cosmetics always are certified and recognizable by several labels and quality seals. The common certifications are BDIH/Cosmos, Ecocert, Demeter, und Natrue. Such products seemingly give a guarantee to be checked cosmetics. Most cosmetics suppliers anyhow use ingredients of natural origin and based on natural, sustainable production processes. In most cases, the stationary/ offline retailers demand the seals because they consider them to be sales-promoting. Most consumers, however, do not know that certifications are very expensive and laborious. The criteria of the seal suppliers in many cases differ considerably and are not comprehensible scientifically. Therefore, the European Union has created an independent, clear regulatory system, the ISO 16128 standard, declaring the percentage of natural ingredients in a cosmetic product. We think that is the best understandable indication of the content of natural ingredients. What is better defined than „97.8%“ nature?
Semi-natural cosmetics as clean beauty
Semi-natural cosmetics are positioned between ordinary cosmetics and certified natural cosmetics. Though the focus is on plant and natural active ingredients, they also contain synthetically produced ingredients. Generally, the latter are body-identical substances which, for several reasons, can be obtained only by synthetic procedures (e.g. protection or preservation of natural resources). They do not have any adverse effects on our health, at least the are body-own compounds. However, semi-natural cosmetics do not require certifications.
Semi-natural cosmetics, because they do not use questionable groups of substances, are able to offer optimal and gentle skincare and hair care. For example, they do not use sulfates (Sodium Laureth Sulfate). These substances are foam builders in shampoos and still widespread. Frequently, they are responsible for scalp dehydration as well as stripping away natural oils, antimicrobial peptides, and protein from the hair. Another component in ordinary cosmetics is polyethylene glycol (PEG). The substance is a frequently used emulsifier and consistency builder, also functioning as a surfactant. PEG is a mineral oil product and really questionable from the viewpoint of ecology. Moreover, it can have adverse effects on our health triggering allergies and skin irritations. Semi-natural cosmetics strictly avoid PEG.
Cyclc silicone oils are also dubious. They are used in cosmetic products to reduce the sticky texture of formulations. They are absolutely outdated and should be replaced as soon as possible. Semi-natural cosmetics are free of cyclic silicone oils.
Amines are composed of the tiniest elements of proteins, the amino acids. According to Dr. Samuel Epstein, professor of environmental health, the repeated use of skincare products containing amines and in particular diethanolamine could increase the risk of liver and kidney cancer. Diethanolamine probably promotes the production of nitrosamines counting among the very potent carcinogens. Skin can aborb such substances from cosmetic products. Therefore, it is recommendable to avoid cosmetic products with amines for health reasons. Semi-natural cosmetics do not contain amines.
Another problem in ordinary cosmetics arises from synthetic perfume substances. They are regarded as strong allergy triggers. Persons concerned suffer from persistent allergic contact eczema, frequently accompanied by headaches, nausea, exhaustion, or vertigo. It is esimated that 15 to 20 percent of all Germans react allergically to synthetic perfumes. Fortunately, semi-natural cosmetics are free of them!
Semi-natural cosmetics with skin-friendly alternatives
Semi-natural cosmetics use a number of gentle alternatives to the groups of risky substances. One example is the specially developed active agent TEGO(R) Turmerone (INCI: Curcuma Longa Root Extract) with potently antioxidant activity. TEGO(R), together with stemlastin, an ingredient helping to improve skin elasticity, almond oil (INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil), and apricot kernel oil (INCI: Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil), is ideal, for example, for luxuriating skincare masks in the segment of semi-natural cosmetics.
dermo feel (R) TocoBalance is a natural plant-based antioxidant containing a well-balanced mix of tocopherols from not genetically modified sources. The substance (INCI: Tocopherol; Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil) protects the skin as well as the formulation components prone to oxidation. dermofeel(R) TocoSkin is derived from natural sunflower oil and features a high percentage of alpha-tocopherols. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress. Both ingredients are excellently suitable for semi-natural cosmetics. Their main fields of use are day creams and moisturizing creams.
dermofeel(R) sensolv MB (INCI: Isoamyl Laurate) leaves skin with a light, non-sticky feeling.
In hair care, the active agent is ideal to be included in the surfactant base. As a natural lipid-replenishing compound, it also has lather-enhancing qualities.
TEGO(R) Feel C 10 is a sensory additive, completely based on natural cellulose fibers and sustainably obtained from woods throughout Europe. It improves absorption and reduces skin’s oiliness. Additionally, it features mattifying effects already proved in in-vivo studies.
TEGO(R) Feel C 10 is compatible with oil-in-water formulations and water-in-oil formulations and also suitable for waterfree systems in the segment of semi-natural cosmetics.
For semi-natural cosmetics like sun protection products or lotions and skincare creams, TEGOSOFT(R) DC MB (INCI: Decyl Cocoate) is an excellent choice. The light oil of medium polarity is based on coconut fatty acid and purely plant-based. It is of low viscosity.
Also great for semi-natural cosmetics is TEGOSOFT(R) OER MB (INCI: Oleyl Erucate), particularly interesting for sun care. It is a highly pure cosmetic ester oil on a natural base with similar properties as jojoba oil. It components are 100 percent vegetal. It is produced by sustainable enzymatic processes and completely biodegradable. Formulations in whch it is used leave a very pleasant, non-greasy skin feeling.
Men, too, increasingly decide in favor of semi-natural cosmetics.
A semi-natural beard-grooming serum, for example, is ideal with dermofeel(R) PA-12 (INCI: Sodium Phytate). The ingredient is a natural chelating agent and a safe alternative to EDTA (ethylene diamino tetra acetate). Combined with cosmetic antioxidants, it works synergistically. It is perticulary interesting in combination with dermosoft(R) anisate eco (INCI: Sodium Anisate), a salt of an organic acid with masking properties and fungicide activity. Already now, the substance is regarded as an ideal alternative to petrochemically derived organic acids and a true asset for semi-natural cosmetics.
An ideal multi-functional additive for semi-natural cosmetics is dermosoft(R) Pentiol eco (INCI: Pentylene Glycol) with cleansing and refreshing effects. It is liquid, water-soluble, effective independently of pH and with only minor influence of emulsion stability. The antimicrobial surface-active agent is obtained from renewable resources. It can be combined with RHEANCE(R) One (INCI: Glycolipids). The raw material for semi-natural cosmetics cleanses skin and hair thoroughly and gently. It is produced by fermentation with sugar as the sole source of carbohydrate and does not contain tropical oils.
Semi-natural cosmetics also include lip care. An ingredient of great interest in that context is dermofeel(R) viscolid MB (INCI: Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil). The natural oil thickener makes soft and creamy oil-gel textures and solidifies oils by building a crystal-like structure without minimizing the sensory profile of the oils. In addition, the substance is an excellent film-former in o/w emulsion, able to increase the viscosity and stability, dependent on the combination of emulsifiers. It is an ingredient of priority in semi-natural cosmetics with dermosoft(R) GMC MB (INCI: Glyceryl Caprate). The plant-based surface-active ingredient has proved to be efficient against bacteria and yeasts and is a great booster for antimicrobial agents in w/o emulsions.
Semi-natural cosmetics in formulations by Cosmacon
Semi-natural cosmetics mean more than just a niche between traditional cosmetics and certified natural cosmetics. They respond to the spirit of modern times and are absolutely trendy. They are not as strictly defined as „green“ cosmetics but by no means deceptive. They are an ideal way to combine natural ingredients and best possible effectiveness. Please consult us. We are ready to develop your innovative semi-natural cosmetic products.