The market for natural cosmetics and eco-friendly products has been booming for a number of years now. In a recent report, the market research company Ainiaforward argued that consumers value “sustainable” labelled products 15% more. This is a growing trend, and the forecasts couldn't be better: sales of such products are expected to double by 2020. But what are the benefits of natural, and what are consumers looking for?
Evolution of natural cosmetics
Until a decade ago, most cosmetics that were marketed as natural were composed primarily of synthetic ingredients. There was no consensus on how to categorise cosmetic products based on their origin, so the use of the term “natural” simply meant that some of the ingredients were natural. However, in recent years the mindset of many customers has changed: they read labels much more, and tend to look for environmentally sustainable and totally organic products, in the belief that they are less harmful. But...
Are natural cosmetics less harmful?
Not necessarily. The Cosmetics Regulation stipulates that they have to be safe, regardless of the ingredients that make up a product. Following this logic, the term natural or organic does not mean that the products are safe, it simply gives information about the origin of the ingredients. In order to determine whether a cosmetic can cause skin irritation, you need to know the list of ingredients and check that selection, whether or not they are of natural origin.
Currently, the companies of natural cosmetics, attentive to the requests of their customers, tend to use the as few ingredients as possible This reduces the chances of a harmful reaction from cosmetic use. However, it is the selection of the ingredients that will determine the level of safety or toxicity of the product, and not its natural origin or the number of ingredients.
Remember: It is the choice of ingredients that determines the level of safety or toxicity of a cosmetic, not its natural origin or the number of ingredients.
A comprehensive organic product
The challenges for natural cosmetics companies are not only to find quality raw materials of natural origin. First of all, one of the most important steps is to obtain organic certification. Nowadays, there are a large number of private entities that are in charge of this type of certification: in Spain, the Vida Sana Association certifies organic farming plantations and has 3 qualification seals for organic cosmetics. At European level there is the COSMOS label. In the UK they have the Soil Association seal, in Germany the BDIH seal, and in France the BDIH seal. COSMEBIO y ECOCERT, two of the most important.
After obtaining a certifying seal, the natural step for these companies is to go green in all parts of the manufacturing process: proper packaging, packaging in recyclable containers and using sustainable transport methods.
Finally, we would like to remind you that last February ISO 16128-1 was published, which provides technical definitions for natural and organic products and ingredients in cosmetics and establishes criteria for classifying them. In GTF we already have it, Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice on this matter.
We grow in self-care
There is a growing interest - and concern - among the population for their own health. In fact, you only have to look at the figures in the self-care sector to see how seriously people are taking this lifestyle change. From sport to a balanced diet, from controlling the substances we use on our skin to monitoring the substances we use on our skin, people are becoming more and more vigilant about how to keep a healthy lifestyle. healthy lifestyle. And we believe this is a change for the better.