You want to switch to natural cosmetics? Then you've come to the right place! The skin is the largest human organ, reflects our physical well-being and shows whether we are healthy. But to look naturally beautiful for a long time, it also needs to be cared for. Fortunately, more and more people are using natural cosmetics with natural active ingredients. However, there are a few important things to consider when choosing.
In this article, I would like to give you an overview to make the switch to natural care products even easier. You'll learn about the key benefits of natural cosmetics and what you should look for when buying them. Let's go!
Advantages: Why is natural cosmetics recommended?
So that the switch to natural cosmetics also works in the long termIf you are interested in natural cosmetics, we should first take a look at the motivating benefits of using natural care products. The following three advantages of natural cosmetics are absolutely decisive in my opinion.
1. create a naturally beautiful skin appearance
Fake fingernails, spray-on lips and chemical self-tanners - we live in a world where artificial is often preferred to natural. But (artificial) appearances are deceptive (of course). Fortunately, more and more people are now taking the opposite path back to nature. For nature we really find everything we need to protect our skin, to care for and to grow old healthy.
Genuine natural cosmetics contain for example no kerosenes, silicones or other petroleum productswhich can stress the skin - and also does without synthetic fragrances and dyes, surfactants, preservatives and emulsifiers. Instead, mainly plant oils from organic cultivation form the basis. Naturally coordinated active ingredients from plants strengthen the skin layers, provide them with important nutrients and stimulate the skin's own functions.
2. protect the environment
The raw materials for natural care and cosmetic products mostly come from organic cultivation and has many effects. Environmental problems of our time against. For example, the Soils and biodiversity promoted, as increased reliance is placed on natural helpers that maintain fertility and Fighting pests sustainably. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers, on the other hand, are not used in organic farming. Good reasons to switch to natural cosmetics, don't you think?
3. save the wallet
But isn't natural cosmetics much more expensive than conventional care products? In fact, natural cosmetics seem to be more expensive on average and at first sight to be somewhat more cost-intensive than conventional cosmetics.
Nevertheless, in the long term and Save money sustainably. For natural care products support your skin to regulate itself. This means that in the best case scenario, you will only need smaller amounts of the respective care products for your daily care in the future and can therefore use them longer. In addition, many drugstores now also have high-quality natural cosmetics in their assortment that are genuinely available inexpensively are.
Basically: The more people prefer natural cosmetics, the cheaper the products become - because demand regulates the price.
Tip: It is even cheaper if you make your own natural cosmetics. In the linked blog post you will learn, for example, how to make your own natural shower gel.
5 tips for a new beauty routine with natural cosmetics
So, in sum, it can be said: Health, environmental protection and cost savings are pretty good reasons to choose natural cosmetic products. But not all natural cosmetics are the same!
Below you will find therefore now five crucial tipsthat will make the switch to natural cosmetics much easier for you.
1. recognize genuine natural cosmetics
First of all, you should know that the designation "natural cosmetics" in Germany is Not protected by law is. This means that cosmetics manufacturers can basically declare any product as "natural cosmetics" - even if it has hardly any natural ingredients. Fortunately, the various Seal of approval with binding standardsThe product's color, color intensity, and color temperature indicate whether it is actually a genuine natural cosmetic.
The Requirements for certified natural cosmetic products are now high and range from ecological cultivation and resource-saving processing to biodegradability and environmentally friendly packaging. Independent institutes put the respective products through their paces. And only if tested creams, shampoos and the like also meet all the specifications of the respective label do they receive certification.
Important seals of quality, which are awarded for the certification of natural cosmetic products, include:
- BDIH Standard (for controlled natural cosmetics)
- ICADA (for certified natural cosmetics)
- Demeter (for products where more than 90 percent of the ingredients are of Demeter quality).
- EcoCert (for natural cosmetics and organic cosmetics)
- NaTrue (for natural cosmetics and organic cosmetics)
By the way: The EcoCert and NaTrue labels make a distinction between organic and natural cosmetics. In the first category, certain proportions of the ingredients must come from controlled organic cultivation.
2. check ingredients of the natural cosmetic product.
There are a number of ingredients that have absolutely no place in natural cosmetic products because they are, for example, bad for our bodies and or harmful to the environment. Nevertheless, one comes across in the list of ingredients, for example, again and again on substances such as PEG (polyethylene glycols), aluminum salts, benzophenone, formaldehyde, synthetic glycerin, silicones, emollients, emulsifiers, palm oil, microplastics, kerosenes, surfactants or preservatives..
When buying natural cosmetics, you should therefore always take a look at the ingredients. Also because care products such as creams or body lotions should remain on the skin for a long time and do the body good. Good natural cosmetics therefore consist mainly of vegetable oils. They help your skin to maintain its balance and regenerate. Their natural protective function is thus strengthened and it does not dry out.
But beware: although natural cosmetics do not contain harmful substances, they still offer not one hundred percent protection against allergies. Ingredients such as propolis or lanolin as well as essential oils such as citrus, eucalyptus, tea tree and bergamot oil represent according to the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB) pose an allergy risk. Contact allergy sufferers should therefore also keep a close eye on the composition of natural cosmetic products.
Vegan cosmetics represent a special feature. In addition, it does not contain Ingredients of animal origin. So these products come entirely without Animal testingand no ingredients from animals or animal products such as honey and milk. By preferring them, you protect animals and, among other things, also preserve the natural resources the earth.
Tip: Sometimes the technical terms in the ingredients are difficult to decipher - in such cases, just take the CodeCheck App to help.
3. find natural cosmetic products for your own skin type
No two people are alike. And therefore our skin also sometimes requires special care products and routines. In the meantime, there is therefore on the one hand already a great variety of natural products - whether face cream, shampoo, shower gel or make-up.
The manufacturers promise, for example, a radiant complexion, shiny hair or soft, smooth skin. Natural ingredients such as shea butter, green tea, olive oil or avocado are supposed to ensure this. Good But natural cosmetics also take into account their own skin type. Because only in this way can it work optimally. Therefore, here is a rough overview and the appropriate tips:
- For oily, blemished skin offer products with peppermint, seaweed and clay. These ingredients help the skin to establish the natural balance and regulate itself.
- Dry skin can be itchy, tense and flaky. It therefore needs fats and plenty of moisture. For this skin type, oils such as jojoba, olive, evening primrose or almond are suitable. Glycerin and shea butter also provide moisture.
- Who Sensitive skin in turn often suffers from reddened and itchy areas. In order not to irritate the skin unnecessarily, only mild and few products should be used. A mild cleansing gel, for example, is suitable for gentle cleansing. A soothing cream with witch hazel or aloe vera, on the other hand, can be used as a basic skin care product.
- Many people have Combination skin, so both dry and oily skin. To harmonize the skin are recommended products with green tea, sea salt, grape extracts, ginkgo and calendula.
People with Normal skin can basically use all natural cosmetic products, provided there are no allergies to certain ingredients.
4. skin get used to the new routine
Natural cosmetics are suitable for both young and old skin. But the change from conventional cosmetics to natural alternatives does not happen overnight. Of course, you could empty your entire bathroom cabinet right now and replace it with new products, but it's better to give your body those natural products. Allow time to make the switch to natural cosmetics.
At the beginning, for example, can be Redness noticeable make. However, this is completely normal, because your skin must first adjust to the new care. Likewise, it may be that the first purchase is not immediately a bull's eye. Therefore, feel your way carefully to the diverse, natural cosmetic products, read through the information and recommendations and find the products that best suit you.
Furthermore, switching from one day to the other is not recommended because this would most profligate After all, you would probably throw away several half-full jars and tubes. Of course, this does not correspond to the Zero Waste basic ideas. Therefore, set yourself rather the resolution: What needs to be bought new from now on, I replace with natural cosmetics. This way your collection grows little by little - and above all sustainably.
5. approach the matter with curiosity
Last, but not least, you should also check your Lower expectations a little at the beginning and let curiosity prevail instead. The fact is that the artificial silicones in your current shampoo may make your hair velvety soft, artificial surfactants provide a soothing lather when you cleanse your face - and fragrances do the rest to make you feel good in the shower and wash every day.
However, natural cosmetic products work and smell differently and achieve different effects. You often have to get used to this at first. The good news: In the long run, your body will benefit from natural care products. Or in other words, without all these synthetic substances, your skin and hair will be happier in the long run.
Sustainable switch to natural cosmetics? No problem!
Opting for natural cosmetics is not only a statement for an environmentally friendly and health-conscious lifestyle, but also an lived appreciation of your own skin. By switching to natural care products, you are consciously deciding against harmful ingredients and in favor of the power of nature. Natural cosmetics not only help your skin to regenerate and glow - they are also easy on your wallet and protect our earth from additional burdens caused by human activity.
"Nature is the best pharmacy."
Sebastian Kneipp (more at Health Quotes)
I hope that I could inspire you with the benefits and tips from this article to make the switch to natural cosmetics. Do you have any questions, experiences or further advice about natural body care and cosmetics? Then I look forward to your contribution in the comments.
Stay, of course,
PS: I have also given you a detailed blog article around the topic of sustainable body care compiled. Next, feel free to take a look there as well. Have fun!