Popularity of consuming unprocessed foods and a living a healthier lifestyle has many women curious about how they can incorporate natural products into their beauty routine as well. The beauty world has taken notice of this trend and natural beauty products have become a big player in the cosmetic market. Many companies are beginning to introduce environmentally friendly products into their collections.
So what does eco-friendly beauty mean?
There are many phrases that relate to eco-friendly beauty. Here is a guide to the most common labeling terms that are found on eco-friendly products:
- Natural: This term is widely associated with many products, but just because the labeling says that it is natural, doesn’t mean that it is. In some cases, a product will only have one natural product, and a bunch of other chemicals, so make sure to check the ingredients when products are only labeled “natural”.
- Organic: The term “organic” only has to do with the source of the ingredient, how it benefits the skin. Organic products contain ingredients that have been grown and preserved without fungicides, pesticides, and other chemicals that create products with fewer contaminants. If you are interested in organic beauty products, look for products that have the USDA Certified Organic label, which guarantees that the product is at least 95% organic.
- Sulfate-free: Sulfate-free is a term that is commonly used for shampoo. Products that are considered sulfate-free are products that free of sodium laurel sulfate (SLS). SLS, the product that causes the shampoo to foam, contain salts that strip the hair color, and sulfate-free shampoo will provide a longer lasting color. Sulfate-free shampoo can take some getting used to because of the lack of lather, but they are said cause less damage.
- Paraben-free: Parabens are synthetic preservatives that are found in cosmetic and personal products. They are used to fight bacteria and fungus and almost all parrabens are man-made. Products that are considered paraben-free products are those that are made without preservatives.
There are numerous beauty products that cater to the eco-friendly ideal, and here are some of our top product picks for makeup, hair and body:
Figs & Rouge Peppermint & Tea Tree Balm ($6.00) is a lip, face, hand, and body balm that is 100% pure, 100% organic, and 100% natural. It is a petroleum free balm, and contains antibacterial ingredients that soothe sore and chapped lips and skin. Figs & Rouge balm is completely free from any harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients and great for all skin types.
bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 ($20.00), is made with antioxidants, caffeine, cucumber, and the bareMinerals’ proprietary SeaNutritive Minerals. These ingredients are known to provide antiaging benefits and depuff the eye area. The eye shadows, which come in vivid colors, go on ultra-smooth onto the lids for an easy application.
Phyto Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask ($38.00) is a hair mask that is rich in pine pulp that straightens and smoothes frizzy hair. Phyto creates plant-based hair care products that are without parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. They also use eco-friendly materials to package their products.
Josie Maran Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist Texture Volume & Moisture ($22.00), is a nourishing spray that produces tousled waves. It’s includes Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, which works to calm hair, and Argan oil, which is used to strengthen and restore dry and damaged hair, and also increase it’s shine and moisture. The hair mist is free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Ahava Liquid Dead Sea Salt ($22.50) is a liquid mineral formula that detoxifies the skin and leaves it feeling silky smooth and fresh. It includes Grapefruit Oil, which promotes skin renewal, and also Vitamin E and Algae to strengthen the skin’s outer layer. All of Ahava’s products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and produced without petroleum and harsh synthetic ingredients. Also, all of Ahava’s products are packaged in recyclable materials.
Ole Henriksen New Beginning Scrub ($24.00) is a paraben-free scrub for all skin types. It includes avocado oil, which is rich in vitamins and nutrients, chamomile, which softens and soothes, and tea tree oil, which purifies and heals the skin.
