In vogue: familiarising with eco-friendly cosmetics

Natural cosmetics are the new shift in the fashion world with the safety and detox they offer for the skin. Here is a know-how on how to tell apart organic, mineral, and mock natural products.

Gone are the days when settling for eco-friendly products was synonymous with compromising on results. Today, natural solutions like mineral and organic skincare are a competition to other market products, owing to fewer or no chemicals. After all, the eco-friendly brands haven’t earned their cult followings for nothing.

However, since going green is trending than ever, it is essential to be watchful of products we use.

With changing times, mineral make-up is no more chalky or cakey, in fact these have been trending among fashionistas for no use of preservatives or chemicals and are also cruelty free.

Made up of minerals such as titanium oxide, zinc, and mica – from powders to foundations and tinted moisturisers, mineral make-up products cater to every need.

Minerals are grounded or broken into particles

Though its natural ingredients make it more skin-friendly, the idea of it being preservative-free and non-clogging doesn’t mean that it is safe for all. “Despite its just minerals, many people can be allergic to natural elements. So before using these products we must first apply it to a small area and if there is a reaction, figure out which ingredient is causing it – to avoid using other products with the same ingredient,” says Saumya Bansal, beauty and fashion blogger at My Yellow Feather.

On the other hand, organic makeup is a mixture of plant sources, manufactured without any harmful chemicals to offer a concentration of antioxidants beneficial for the skin.

Organic skincare uses topical cosmetics made of plant-based ingredients, which may include herbs, roots, flowers and essential oils

Though ‘organic’ means that ingredients are organically farmed, a product must have a certain percentage of organic matter to be able to call itself organic on its label.

“It is better to study the ingredients carefully to tell if the product is actually organic. Be wary of scientific names of some naturally occurring ingredients, which might sound synthetic. For instance, sodium chloride is sea salt, and citric acid is a compound found in lemons and other citrus fruits,” she adds.