Tuesday 12 August 2008

Organic Cosmetics & Parabens

Organic cosmetics & parabens. The potential for organic cosmetic products is vast. Natural cosmetics manufacturers help expand public consciousness over what is seeping through our skin and water supplies. The challenge is to inform the public in a simple manner about complex chemistry.

First of all, people need to understand that whatever is applied to the human body seeps through skin pores and into the bloodstream. People absorb 60 percent of whatever formulations they put on their skin. Think about typical hygiene. From toothpaste to a woman's makeup, about 100 chemicals are absorbed into one body upon rising each day. Common personal hygiene is literally toxic to those without a strong immune system.
As for legalities, there are a few substances clearly prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Yet in general, cosmetics and personal care products are not regulated until after they are in the marketplace.

One of the most argued issues is that of parabens as preservatives in naturally claimed natural cosmetics and organic skin care. Why the focus on parabens? Because you can hardly find a cream, lotion or potion without some form of paraben. Common examples in conventional cosmetics are: butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, methylparaben. and propylparaben. Natural and organic skincare suppliers traditionally volunteer ingredient listings, but often with defensive statements over their use of parabens. While parabens don't irritate the skin or create a visible toxic effect, they can cause unsuspected long-term damage. Parabens could be produced naturally, which sounds good, but at a high cost from plants with gum benzoin. Unfortunately gum benzoin plants have the same negative effects on human cells as petroleum based parabens. Thus, it is true that some natural extracts are not beneficial for the skin. The natural cosmetic industry requires strategy to present complex issues over natural versus synthetic.

Thanks to persistent chemists and experts, there are fragrances without phthalates, cosmetics without parabens, toiletries without lathering agents, colors without synthetics, and animal- based materials acquired without cruelty. Organic cosmetics and natural make up can win the synthetic-free battles that face them if they forego mass production. Such businesses especially have a bright future in the green market because competition is so slim.

You can regard this cosmetic revolution as the consumer-driven course of the 21st century. Notice organic merchandising steadily expanding in large discount stores where they don't even have the expertise to assist consumers. Those with immune skin care disorders are educating themselves while natural skin care manufacturers are struggling with politics. Clearly, this is a great time to educate and spell the benefits of organic cosmetics to the public. Read more on The Organic Skin Care Blog.