For the past five years I have been using organic and natural cosmetic brands for skin and hair care. I confess, the situation with decorative cosmetics is different; while I am not yet ready to give up several of my favorite products, their composition will not be approved by any eco-testing service.
Benecos, Zao, Dr. Hauschka, Mosqueta's are certainly amazing decorative cosmetics. But still, their products are not as durable as Chanel, Estee Lauder, Guerlain. What can we say about waterproof makeup if decorative cosmetics from organic brands cannot withstand even the heat?! In addition, the palette is limited flowers. And there are very few professional makeup artists who work with organic brands. But sometimes having impeccable makeup is required not only by the event, but also by the profession. In such situations, you cannot do without a specialist, but you also don’t want to deviate from your own principles of choosing cosmetics.
As a result, to begin with, I decided to reduce the requirements for brands of decorative cosmetics (perhaps in the future I will switch exclusively to brands with international eco-certificates). To my desires regarding quality and color palette, another principle was added: cruelty free (no testing on animals).
The absence of a white rabbit on the packaging does not mean that the products are tested on animals. It is better to clarify this fact on the brand’s website, ask a question, or request the appropriate document. A conscientious manufacturer is always open and available to the consumer. Any doubts? It's worth checking out the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) website.
I am sharing a small list of conscious brands of high-quality decorative cosmetics.
IsaDora is a Swedish brand of decorative cosmetics that offers a wide range of makeup products. It was founded in 1983 by Invima AB, a family owned and operated independent business in Sweden. Thanks to the presence of high-quality ingredients, the absence of fragrances and clinical tests (without the use of animals), IsaDora cosmetics can be used for makeup on sensitive eyes and skin.
Emani uses only plant-based, certified organic ingredients and natural minerals in its products. From the brand's official website: “When formulating and producing makeup, we combine botanical and floral extracts with three key minerals: mica, titanium dioxide and iron oxides. Mica is a transparent mineral that can be opalescent, sparkling or matte. It is often treated with iron oxides to produce brilliant, gorgeous color effects, making it an excellent additive for cosmetic products. Iron oxides occur naturally and vary in color depending on how much water is added to them. Titanium dioxide is an inert earth mineral that is used in cosmetic products to thicken, whiten, lubricate, and block the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays without irritating the skin. These three minerals are considered safe and non-irritating on almost all skin types.”
TheOrganicPharmacy, UK, Organic Glam decorative cosmetics, abbreviated as OG, are natural ingredients, pleasant texture and excellent effect. The brand's motto is: "We hope that we have been able to show the world the opportunity to choose organic products that are pleasing to the eye, luxurious to use and more effective than synthetic alternatives, but without compromising beauty and health."
GoshCopenhagen belongs to the pharmaceutical concern E.Tjellesen A\S (Denmark), which was founded in 1945. In 1976, the Gosh cosmetic line appeared. The brand uses hypoallergenic ingredients, a minimal amount of fragrances and preservatives, does not add parabens, and uses patented complexes of active ingredients, vitamins and minerals. All brand products are suitable for sensitive skin. In addition to decorative cosmetics, the brand's assortment includes skin care products, self-tanning products, and a professional hair series.
NYX founded Tony Ko in 1999 (USA, Los Angeles). Most of the brand's products contain herbal ingredients that are not tested on animals. Today, a fairly young brand consists of about 2000 products. The company is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) and PETA.
UrbanDecay(USA) was created in 1996 by Sandy Lerner, Wende Zomnir, David Soward. Brand philosophy: beauty on the edge. Indeed, the brand distinguished itself with bold colors and provocative names that competitors had not yet used at that time. To this day, the company adheres to the chosen philosophy and produces a wide color range of decorative cosmetics.
Zoya in 1986 it was founded by pianist Zoya Reizis, who, after emigrating to the USA, began working in a nail salon. At that time, her chemist husband helped her develop formulas for the first products. The brand is non-toxic, for example, the use of the following components is excluded: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene. The brand's assortment includes nail products: varnishes and care products, lip glosses.
EverydayMinerals Austin, Texas, USA. The brand produces 100% vegan products; in addition, the entire range has environmentally friendly, recyclable packaging. The brand has a rich palette of safe, long-lasting decorative cosmetics.
BeautyWithoutCruelty (B.W.C.) founded in 1963 in England by trustees of a charitable foundation. The company's goal: to create natural decorative cosmetics that are not tested on animals and do not contain ingredients of animal origin. In 1989, the brand was introduced to the USA, where it won resounding success. Today, Beauty Without Cruelty has a line of vegan skin and hair care products made from the finest natural ingredients and essential oils, as well as a full line of color cosmetics.
KikoMilano(1997 , Milan). The brand's products do not contain parabens, toxic substances and non-degradable plastic particles, and are certainly not tested on animals. All products are hypoallergenic. The brand works closely with Intercos, the largest and most innovative concern, which helps introduce new-fangled developments for creating cosmetics. Today the brand's assortment includes about 1,400 items.
CircaBeauty created by the famous Hollywood actress Eva Mendes. She is also the face of the brand and participates in the development of each product. The brand's assortment includes a rich palette of decorative cosmetics: foundation, BB cream, mascara, blush, highlighter, eye shadow, lipstick.
EllisFaas Founded in 2009 by iconic Dutch makeup artist Eliis Faas. As a makeup artist, Ellis Faas has worked with many famous fashion designers, hairdressers, photographers and models. Her work has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and The Face. Cosmetics are produced without the use of parabens and contain caring components: vitamins C and E, rice wax, saturated fatty acids, cosmetic and essential oils. The brand also has an interesting packaging design.
Safety is an indispensable condition of modern cosmetics. The safety of cosmetics is understood as the inability of the product to cause harm to a person - to provoke an allergy or irritation. A safe cosmetic product is not spoiled, does not contain heavy metals, and has a normal consistency and smell.
Up to 2.5 kg of various chemical components penetrate into the body of a woman who uses different types of cosmetics annually. Therefore, today many brands offer natural products made on the basis of medicinal plants and marine products, and instead of synthetic preservatives they use their natural substitutes - propolis, extracts of grapefruit, bird cherry and birch leaves, oak bark, pine, birch, eucalyptus and tea tree oils, vitamins C and E.
Trademarks that produce safe cosmetics
Russian and Ukrainian cosmetic brands:
- Natura Siberica 95% has a natural composition - base and essential oils, extracts of Siberian plants;
- LN-cosmetics– a dry mixture of natural copper and sodium salts, mountain clay, volcanic minerals, zeolites, which is diluted with water before use;
- Delphi contains natural environmentally friendly components;
- Planeta Organica offers the best recipes from the peoples of the world from natural base and essential oils, plant extracts;
- "White Mandarin"– Ukrainian natural cosmetics, its highlight is a series based on sprouted grains of wheat, oats, barley, rye, corn.
German cosmetics:
- LOGONA– bio – cosmetics for allergy-prone and very sensitive skin;
- Dr. Hauschka– organic cosmetics containing extracts of plants grown biodynamically;
- Eco cosmetics– organic cosmetics for the whole family, effective in skin and hair care.
French cosmetics:
- Caudalie– medicinal cosmetics based on natural ingredients that solve serious skin problems, and not just their prevention;
- Vichy– medicinal cosmetics, for the production of which thermal water from the Lucas spring is used;
- Clarins– natural cosmetics focused on skin care and solving cosmetic problems;
- Laboratoires Filorga– solves skin rejuvenation problems;
- Yves Rocher– expert in herbal cosmetics;
- Chanel, Dior, Lancome, Givenchy– famous fashion houses that produce cosmetics for various skin types and different ages.
Cosmetics from the USA:
- Clinique– natural cosmetics created by a dermatologist for skin care for women and men;
- Estee Lauder– cosmetics that can withstand the highest demands;
- Glimpse– the only cosmetics based on the healing properties of mangosteen;
- Revlon– manufacturer of high-end cosmetics.
Italian cosmetics:
- Pupa– a brand from Italy, whose cosmetics are made from biocompatible particles, giving it a delicate structure, durability and a radiant effect on the skin;
- Bema meets all the requirements of organic cosmetics;
- REN is a British brand that produces cosmetics without parabens and synthetic dyes.
Korean cosmetics:
- MISSHA, Tony Moly, Mizon, Holika Holika, SKINFORD created only on the basis of natural ingredients and plant extracts, they are becoming increasingly widespread.
European scientists have compiled a list of substances contained in perfume that cause allergies. World-famous perfume brands have come under suspicion. How else can cosmetics be dangerous? Tells Anatoly Semenov, director of the testing center of ANO Parfyumtest.
Is natural good for you?
“AiF”: - Anatoly Nikolaevich, what cosmetics are considered natural?
A.S.:- In our country, cosmetics can be called natural if they contain at least 70% natural ingredients, not counting water. These are oils, extracts, as well as components of natural origin that have undergone minor processing. For example, the fatty acids that soap usually consists of are not found in nature; they are obtained from vegetable oils through mild chemical processing. Such ingredients are also considered natural. If you see a voluntary certification symbol for natural cosmetics on the packaging (see table), it means that the manufacturer has passed certification confirming that the cosmetics are natural.
But even in natural cosmetics a certain amount of synthetic ingredients is allowed. Usually these are preservatives - without them, the product immediately spoils. Please note: if only active ingredients are indicated on the package, this is incorrect. The manufacturer is required to indicate absolutely all components on the packaging. If only active substances are mentioned, it is better to refrain from purchasing.
“Round up” to... spirits
“AiF”: - Are natural and organic cosmetics the same thing?
A.S.:- Organic cosmetics have a higher content of natural ingredients - 80-95%. But the names “biocosmetics” and “ecocosmetics” do not officially exist - this is purely a marketing ploy.
"AiF": - Many are afraid of preservatives in cosmetics...
A.S.:- The Russian list of preservatives allowed in cosmetics is identical to that used in the European Union. Anyone can have individual intolerance to anything. Another thing is that absolutely safe cosmetics do not exist in principle. And every person should understand this. - this means that the level of risk is reduced as much as possible. Always read the ingredients (the ingredients are listed on the package in descending order, i.e. if water is listed first, there is most of it in the product). Follow the recommendations for use and do not buy cosmetics in random places.
“AiF”: - Why are harmful phthalates used in cosmetics?
A.S.:- Diethyl phthalate is usually a component of perfume composition. As perfumers say, it “rounds” the smell, making it complete. For comparison: if you prepare a vegetable stew without oil, you will taste each vegetable, but if you add oil, you will get a finished dish with its own taste.
Of course, there is nothing beneficial about phthalates. They are included in the list of substances that are permitted for limited use. They can only be used in a certain concentration and cannot be added to children's cosmetics. It can be used in wash-off cosmetics, but not in leave-in cosmetics, which remain on the skin for a long time. Read carefully how to use the product. Do not use shampoos, conditioners, masks and other products for longer than the time indicated on the package. All recommendations were invented for a reason, but taking into account the effects of the substances included in the composition. Many people apply a five-minute mask and walk for an hour, and then complain that
“AiF”: - Almost all shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate. It is believed that it dries the skin, is allergic, and washes away the natural fat film... Are these accusations justified?
A.S.:- Quite. But here you have to choose - either clean hair or non-dry skin. A derivative of lauryl is sodium laureth sulfate, it is much softer. If you want to take care of your scalp, choose baby shampoos (if they contain sodium laureth sulfate, it’s a little), products for sensitive scalps and frequent use, or special products for athletes who wash twice a day after training - they are even softer .
MYTH: If cosmetics were purchased in a supermarket, pharmacy or on the counter of a shopping center, then these cosmetics are safe.
FACT: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to require companies to test products for safety. The vast majority of products and their ingredients are not reviewed or inspected by the FDA before entering the market. The agency conducts preliminary market surveys only for certain colorants and active ingredients in cosmetics that are classified as drugs by manufacturers and are on patent.
MYTH: The cosmetics industry has developed an effective control system, so you can be sure that all cosmetic ingredients strictly comply with safety standards.
FACT: Over the more than 30-year history of the CIR (the Cosmetic Ingredient Review) study, conducted by an independent group of doctors and scientists, no more than 20% of cosmetics were evaluated and only 11 dangerous ingredients or groups were found. Their recommendations are not binding.
MYTH: The government prohibits the use of hazardous substances in cosmetics for personal use, and companies dare not disobey these prohibitions.
FACT: Cosmetic companies may use any ingredients or raw materials without government review or approval, with the exception of dyes or certain prohibited additives.
- More than 500 products sold in the United States contain ingredients banned in Japan, Canada or the European Union;
- More than 100 products are considered hazardous by the International Perfumers Union;
- A wide range of nanomaterials may be unsafe for personal use products;
- 22% of personal cosmetics contain dioxane, a substance that can cause cancer;
- 60% of sunscreens contain oxybenzone, which easily penetrates the human body and causes skin cancer;
- 61% of lipsticks tested contained lead.
MYTH: cosmetic ingredients applied to the skin do not enter the body. If this happens, then their level is so low that you should not attach any importance to it.
FACT: People inhale cosmetics in sprays and powders, swallow them through the mouth, or they enter the body through the hands and are also absorbed through the skin. Studies have proven that low-quality cosmetics are harmful to health. Biomonitoring of cosmetics has shown that cosmetics often contain parabens, preservatives, pesticides, triclosan, synthetic musk, etc.
Most of these substances are potential hormone disruptors. It is also worth taking into account that to enhance the effect, cosmetic products usually contain enhancers for the penetration of ingredients deep into the skin. Studies have shown that men who are constantly exposed to perfumes or sunscreens have a very high risk of problems with their reproductive system.
MYTH: Cosmetic products for children or products that are labeled “hypoallergenic” are an absolutely safe choice.
FACT: Products labeled as natural or organic very often contain chemicals. And even truly natural and organic substances are not always safe. The pharmaceutical market, which is based on herbal ingredients, was valued at $19.5 billion in 2008. It is entirely dependent on the ability of “natural” chemicals to significantly alter the functions of the body, which is far from harmless. Also, products labeled as “organic” or “natural” may contain petrochemicals or not certified organic ingredients at all. Products certified organic may contain as little as 10% organic by weight or volume. The FDA attempted to formally define the term “natural,” but this definition was challenged in court. Research has shown that 30% of baby products that claim to be “natural” contain artificial preservatives.
MYTH: The FDA is immediately recalling all products found to be harmful to health.
FACT: The FDA does not have the authority to remove harmful cosmetics from sale. In addition, manufacturers are not required to report harm that cosmetics may cause to the agency. The FDA has information about the dangers of cosmetics that has been submitted voluntarily by cosmetic companies.
MYTH: consumers can become familiar with the ingredients contained in cosmetics and avoid purchasing products with harmful chemicals.
FACT: Federal law allows manufacturers to omit certain ingredients from the label, citing trade secrets. This applies primarily to nanomaterials, as well as components of perfume fragrances. A fragrance can contain any of 3,163 harmful components, and none of them will be listed on the label. Perfume tests show on average up to 14 harmful components in each fragrance.
MYTH: The safety of cosmetics is exclusively a women's problem.
FACT: Research shows that the average woman uses 12 beauty products per day that contain up to 168 ingredients, men use 6 products with 85 ingredients, and children are exposed to 61 ingredients daily. So the problem is common.
The concept " cosmetics“came to us from Greece, literally translated as “having experience in decorating.” For the first time the term " cosmetics"was used in 1867, during the international exhibition of perfumery and soap industry, which was held in Paris.
To date, cosmetics– these are products and methods for caring for skin, hair, nails, which are used to improve a person’s appearance, to give freshness and beauty to the face and body.
Now a large number of cosmetologists, in their work, use natural cosmetics which is made by hand. This matter, on the one hand, is quite simple, but on the other, it requires a careful approach and certain precautions.
Natural handmade cosmetics– the substance is very unstable, with a limited shelf life and certain storage conditions.
Specialists using natural cosmetics, prepare such products in small quantities, focusing exclusively on the personal client.
Most women who, for whatever reason, do not visit cosmetologists, when choosing cosmetics, are guided by the most advertised product. Many people mistakenly believe that expensive cosmetics are necessarily of high quality. In this case, it should be remembered that the price of the product consists not so much of the funds that were spent on components and testing, but on marketing research and advertising.
Rating of naturalness of cosmetics
- chemicalization criterion Kx - its average value (from ∞ - completely chemical products to 0 - completely natural products),
- generation number - reflects the presence or absence and chemical nature of preservatives:
2nd generation - chemically synthesized biocidal preservatives;
3rd generation - the presence of natural preservative systems;
4th generation - no preservatives.
First positions according to naturalness criteria occupied by the least promoted brands, Kx/generation number:
- LN-Cosmetics, 0.00/4
- Taiga source CJSC, 0.00/4
- NL SIBPLANT LLC Recipes of Decina A.N., 0.00/4
- Living Cosmetics of Siberia LLC, 0.00/4
- Delphi, 0.00/4
Most popular brands cosmetic products and place in naturalness rating, Kx/generation number
Brand of cosmetic product | Country of manufacture |
|
| Mirra, Mirra-M, Mirra-Lux 0.08/3 | ||
| Glorion, Gloris Russia 0.15/4 | ||
| Weleda 0.18/3 | Switzerland |
|
| Green Mama 0.33/3 | Russia, France |
|
| Kamil 0.38/3 | Germany |
|
| Dzintars 0.45/2 | ||
| Decleor 0.48/4 | ||
| Bark 0.49/2 | ||
| Zepter 0.52/2 | Switzerland |
|
| L'AMBRE Limited 0.52/2 | ||
| Shiseido Co Ltd 0.55/2 | ||
| Dove 0.56/2 | ||
| London GmbH 0.57/3 | Germany |
|
| Uriage Laboratories of Dermatology 0.58/2 | ||
| Neways, Neways International 0.59/2 | ||
| Aveeno (Jonson & Jonson) 0.60/3 | ||
| Schwarzkopf & Henkel 0.60/3 | Germany |
|
| Bioderma 0.60/2 | ||
| Sisley 0.64/2 | ||
| Eveline Laboratorium 0.65/2 | ||
| Lumene 0.65/2 | Finland |
|
| Siberian health 0.65/2 | ||
| Clarins 0.66/2 | ||
| Gillette 0.66/2 | ||
| Florena Kosmetik GmbH 0.67/3 | Germany |
|
| First decision, OJSC 0.67/3 | ||
| Wella 0.68/3 | Germany |
|
| Svoboda, JSC 0.68/3 | ||
| Synergy 0.68/2 | ||
| Collistar 0.72/2 | ||
| Herbina 0.73/2 | Finland |
|
| Fleur de Sante 0.73/2 | Switzerland |
|
| Vichy 0.74/2 | ||
| Magrav, LLC 0.75/2 | ||
| AHAVA 0.78/4 | ||
| Amway 0.80/2 | ||
| Lierac 0.80/2 | ||
| The Estte Lauder Companies, Darphin, Clinique 0.81/3 | ||
| Nevskaya cosmetics, JSC 0.81/2 | ||
| Elizabeth Arden 0.86/2 | ||
| ROC0.86/2 | ||
| Our mother 0.86/2 | ||
| Avon Cosmetics, Avon Beauty Products Company 0.91/2 | England, Poland, |
|
| Olay 0.92/2 | ||
| Faberlik, OJSC RP-Cosmetic 0.93/2 | ||
| Yves Rocher 0.97/3 | ||
| M-Helios; Laboratory Gelios, LLC 0.99/3 | ||
| Procter & Gamble 0.99/2 | USA, France, England |
|
| Mary Kay 1.00/2 | ||
| BelKosmex 1.01/2 | Belarus |
|
| Neutrogena 1.04/2 | ||
| Chanel 1.07/2 | ||
| Oriflame 1.08/2 | ||
| Lancome 1.20/2 | ||
| Kalina Concern, JSC 1.22/3 | ||
| Helena Rubinstein 1.22/2 | ||
| Christian Dior 1.48/2 | ||
| Biocon, NPO 1.53/2 | ||
| Guerlain 1.55/4 | ||
| Nina Ricci 1.69/3 | ||
| L'Oreal 1.75/2 | ||
| Natural Sea Beauty 1.76/2 | ||
| Givenchy 1.97/2 | ||
| Max Factor 2.27/3 | ||
| Revlon 2.81/2 | ||
| Maybelline 2.82/2 |
