When a phrase such as ‘healthy living’ is used, one tends to connect it with eating balanced meals made from chemical-free, organic produce, or even exercising regularly. But healthy living goes much further than just what we eat. It also encompasses what we apply on our skin or hair. The ‘natural’ beauty products trend has seen an astronomical rise over the past few years, with many realizing the benefits of natural ingredients in beauty and health products.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of why you should pick natural makeup and natural health products, outlining the benefits of both.
Natural Ingredients are Hypoallergenic
Many beauty and health products contain harsh chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. Natural ingredients, on the other hand, used as much as possible in their natural state and undergo minimal processing. This allows them to retain their natural properties, making the product gentler and safer for your skin.
The case for natural ingredients for skin care products is strong- having proven to be effective in common and chronic skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Natural ingredients also have strong antioxidant properties which aid skin regeneration and balance.
However, when choosing between natural and non-natural products, it's important not to opt for one over the other blindly; instead. You should consider what's right for you. For example, if you are concerned about allergies or different sensitivities. Choosing a product with fewer chemicals may be your best option.
Some ingredients which known to be harmful include sulfates, parabens, triclosan and some petrochemicals.
Natural Ingredients Typically Contains More Effective Ingredients
Beauty and health products often made with synthetic ingredients derived from chemicals rather than the natural sources of their natural counterparts. This is not to say that artificial ingredients are inherently bad or unsafe. However, they tend to lack some of the benefits and properties found in natural alternatives.
Naturally occurring ingredients are often more effective because they not subjected to processing and refinement as many synthetic ingredients are. Natural ingredients also tend to be more bioavailable than their synthetic counterparts (Brown, 2016). And, therefore, easier for the body to access and use in all its myriad functions.
Organic Ingredients Often Have Additional Benefits
Natural ingredients often have additional benefits to the skin. For example, when used topically, Aloe Vera is a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Making it an ideal choice for treating minor wounds and sunburns.
Similarly, those with oily skin will appreciate jojoba oil's ability to maintain skin moisture. While also helping to manage sebum production.
Apart from keeping your skin healthy, many natural ingredients also work towards boosting the health of your hair. And thus are highly popular in shampoos and conditioners. Argan oil, for example, contains vitamins A, E and omega fatty acids that promote healthy hair growth while reducing split ends and breakage. Similarly, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which helps maintain hair color while preventing dandruff.
Natural Ingredients Don’t Harm Animals and Are Sustainable
The beauty and healthcare industry has been notorious for testing their products on animals, a cruel and unethical practice.
Using natural ingredients means the products do not have to tested on animals. One of the main reasons why natural products have become so popular is in fact due to the rising demand for the humane and ethical treatment of animals.
Natural ingredients, by virtue of being natural, become more sustainable and their production does not harm the environment.
Natural Ingredients Could Address Root Causes of Certain Conditions
Some natural ingredients believed to address root causes of certain conditions. For example, coconut oil contains lauric acid. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that can penetrate deeply into hair shafts, helping to prevent protein loss which results in hair loss and dry, lackluster hair.
Cocoa butter, shea butter and castor oil are natural moisturizers which can deeply moisturize and heal cracked feet.
Natural health products have also been on the rise to address some chronic ailments. If you have the flu, many will recommend boosting your vitamin C intake, in the form of citrus juices, to naturally boost your immunity. Another good example is the use of honey and ginger to soothe coughs and sore throat.
These benefits of natural ingredients long recognized in different cultures, and many health and beauty brands have incorporated these in their products.
Natural Ingredients Have A Better Reputation Than Artificial Ones
The debate between natural and artificial ingredients in beauty and health products has been going on for many years. Both sides have proponents, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, one area where natural ingredients seem to have a clear advantage is reputation.
Using natural substances is nothing new; its done for millennia. In contrast, artificial ingredients untested and potentially dangerous. As a result, natural ingredients tend to have better reputations than artificial ones.
This can be a significant benefit for companies that use natural ingredients in their products. Consumers are often wary of new beauty and health products. However, if a product contains familiar, trusted ingredients, they are likely to try it. In today's competitive marketplace, having a product with a good reputation can be the difference between success and failure.
In addition to having better reputations than artificial ingredients. Natural ones also tend to be less expensive than their artificial counterparts. If you want your company's product to cost less than similar products from competitors. Using natural ingredients may be the best way.
Ingredients to Look For in Your Beauty and Health Products
When you're looking for natural ingredients in your beauty and health products. You want to ensure that they're not only good for your skin but also sourced through sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.
If you're looking for healthy alternatives to chemical-laden products, here are some common household items that used as natural ingredients in your beauty routine:
Shea Butter
Shea butter a natural ingredient used for moisturizing and skin protection for centuries. Derived from the nuts of the shea tree, which grows in the western parts of Africa. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A, E and essential fatty acids.
Here is a fun fact- according to history buffs, Queen Cleopatra in ancient Egypt always had clay jars of pure shea butter around her for her beauty routine!
Shea butter sknown to work some magic in the fading of stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles. It can also used to relieve dryness and itching, as well as to protect against the sun's harmful UV rays (Malachi, 2014).
Shea butter is also fantastic as a hair conditioner. It can help to tame frizz, add shine, and protect against damage from heat styling. When used regularly, shea butter can help you achieve both healthy and beautiful skin and hair.
Shea butter is a versatile ingredient and is often combined with other ingredients such as coconut oil or cocoa butter to enhance its moisturizing and healing benefits.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, made from coconut flesh, is also an ancient ingredient that has been used in health and beauty remedies around the world. been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health and beauty concerns.
The consumption of coconut oil has also been known to benefit the health of your heart by lowering bad cholesterol levels and raising good cholesterol levels (Neelakantan et al., 2020).
We have already discussed the benefits of coconut oil for hair care above, but this versatile oil is also beneficial for skin, and has been a popular natural ingredient in soaps and other skin care products.
Honey
Honey has also been a revered beauty product for centuries and was in fact listed as an ingredient in healing ointments on ancient Sumerian (now Iraq) clay tablets, back in 2000 BC.
This is the natural humectant- which means it can draw in moisture to your skin and also keep it (seal it) there, making it a perfect moisturizing ingredient.
Honey, specifically raw honey, also has natural antibacterial compounds which known to help with skin conditions such as acne. Finally, honey has naturally exfoliating properties which is great for a good face scrub!
Castor Oil
Children growing up in the mid part of the 20th century were often given liberal doses of castor oil whenever they complained of tummy aches. This is because castor oil is known to aid digestion and is also a natural remedy for constipation.
Castor oil also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it useful against some minor skin scratches and cuts.
The Takeaway
People are increasingly becoming conscious about not only what they’re eating but also what they are applying on their skin or ingesting as health care supplements or medicines. Health and beauty companies have recognized this shift in consumer awareness and today the market is flooded with products which are labeled as organic, natural, or sustainably sourced and manufactured.
As a consumer, it would be advisable to be mindful of what natural ingredients are actually present in your health and beauty products, and what is just part of marketing.
Making a mindful switch to beauty products which are not only good for us, but good for the environment is of course the wiser and healthier choice.