Are you sure your lotion is not tested on animals? Is the lipstick vegan? How can you be sure that your skin care cream is organic? Trying to decode the ingredient list of your favorite skin care product can often be tiring and frustrating. To help you find out what's really in your cosmetics, we've come to your aid with a guide to organic, vegan, natural, pure and fair trade cosmetics.
How to know if it is your cosmetics really natural, organic, vegan or fair trade?
Natural cosmetics
It is usually the most abused description in the beauty industry. A product can be described as natural if it has only a percentage of natural resources, vegetable or mineral ingredients. The best way to know exactly what is in the formula itself is to check the ingredients. In a natural product, they are expected to be all natural ingredients on top and all the synthetic ingredients at the bottom. Natural extracts will named according to their scientific or Latin name, so check a cosmetic dictionary if you're not sure. To make it easier for you, reach for brands that clearly state the natural proportion of ingredients. They will also have 100% natural products significantly shorter shelf life.
Organic cosmetics
For cosmetics to be labeled as organic, it is only a small percentage of naturally grown ingredients is enough. The easiest way to verify the authenticity of a product is to look for the logo Soil Association, which applies to the strictest European certificate for organic cosmetics (at least 95 percent of naturally grown ingredients). This means that the product is sourced and produced using sustainable, organically grown ingredients not tested on animals, are free of harsh chemicals, nanoparticles, parabens, synthetic dyes and artificial fragrances.
Vegan cosmetics
There is no legal regulation for this type of cosmetics either, that's why check the validity of the stamp itself. It will be easiest to find the logo Vegan Society. This confirms that between the ingredients and during the production itself no animal extracts or animal by-products. Also such a product and its ingredients not tested on animals. Another thing to look out for is the logo Leaping Bunny. It is also the only internationally recognized symbol, which guarantees that no animal testing was done during development. It should be noted that a product labeled 'vegan' may contain botanical substitutes or synthesized ingredients from a laboratory.
Pure cosmetics
In general, it should be pure cosmetics without sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, pesticides, petroleum derivatives, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. In the European Union, they must be listed on the label possible allergens, which can cause sensitization (at a concentration of more than 0.01 percent). These ingredients are usually listed in italics at the end of the ingredients.
Fair trade cosmetics
This label means that the ingredients – usually coconut, argan, apricot oil, brazil nut oil, shea butter – are bought at a fair price. It guarantees this stable wages for local, small farmers, who produce these products. These products are just like that support for social projects, such as providing clean drinking water or improving healthcare.
