Organic and natural makeup sales have been increasing, according to the New York Times. Almost all stores ranging from grocery stores to high-end department stores are carrying organic and natural makeup.
New York dermatologist Fredric Brandt, M.D., said in an interview with Good Housekeeping, "natural ingredients can be good for skin. Plant oils and shea and cocoa butters make fantastic moisturizers."
Plant oils, which are made up of relatively simple fatty acids, can be gentler on your skin.
Perry Romanowski, an independent cosmetics chemist explains, "if the formula doesn't contain water, no preservatives are necessary."
But, if moisture seeps into your organic cosmetic, you should throw it out due to possible contamination of bacteria.
Another benefit to organic makeup is that it does not contain pesticides and preservatives. Organic makeup is plant-based. It's often used by people who have very sensitive skin or allergic reactions to regular cosmetics.
However, Seattle dermatologist and author of "The Surgery-Free Makeover" Brandith Irwin, M.D., cautions, "If you have sensitive skin, acne, or rosacea, be wary of products with a lot of plant and flower extracts."
The extracts contain various enzymes, proteins and other compounds that may increase the chance of an allergic reaction on the skin.
One of the major differences between regular and organic makeup is the cost. For example, a Tampa ABC affiliate did some price analysis and found that "the natural makeup [foundation] costs about $50 dollars which is $15 dollars more than average department store brands and five times as much as most drugstore brands."
One disadvantage to organic makeup is that it tends to build up bacteria more easily than regular cosmetics. It is recommended to throw out both organic and regular makeup after six months.
As with food labels, it also important to read cosmetic labels.
Parabens like hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxybenzoate are among the potentially harmful preservatives in regular makeup. ABC 7 warns consumers to also be on the lookout for variations ending in paraben which include:
• methylparaben
• ethylparaben
• isobutylparaben
• propylparaben
The Washington Post states that "some critics suspect parabens can interfere with the body’s hormones, most notably reproductive hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. The possible health risks could include chronic diseases, cancers and a host of developmental disorders and fertility problems."
If you decide to purchase organic or natural makeup, the key is to purchase makeup with the "Certified Organic" label. This indicates that the formula is at least 95 percent organic.
Another sign that it is the real deal is that it has a Natural Seal of the Natural Products Association. This means that at least 95 percent of the product's ingredients come from natural sources.
“People should not interpret the U.S.D.A. Organic seal on cosmetics as proof of health benefits or of efficacy,” Joan Shaffer, a department spokeswoman told the New York Times. “The National Organic Program is a marketing program, not a safety program.”
Sources:
"Is Natural Makeup worth an Extra $20?" - ABC-7.com WZVN News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.
http://www.abc-7.com/story/22718901/is-natural-makeup-worth-an-extra-20
"All Natural Makeup - Organic Makeup." Good Housekeeping. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/makeup/all-natural-makeup
"You Natural Beauty." CNN. Cable News Network, Web. 29 Jan. 2015.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/living/health-natural-beauty/index.html
"Are Makeup and Lotions Harmful? If You're Worried, Avoid Fragrant Products." Washington Post. The Washington Post, Web. 29 Jan. 2015.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/are-parabens-and-phthalates-harmful-in-makeup-and-lotions/2014/08/29/aa7f9d34-2c6f-11e4-994d-202962a9150c_story.html
Singer, Natasha. "Natural, Organic Beauty." The New York Times. The New York Times, 31 Oct. 2007. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/fashion/01skin.html?_r=0&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1422543661-1y0buMsVp/MbTqQLmeRlow
Reviewed January 29, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith