HEALTH REPORT
Skincare myths debunked!
D iscover three common misconceptions about natural and organic skincare products. Not sure about the benefits of natural ingredients? Suspicious about organic and sustainable claims? Go Vita investigates further. Myth #1: Natural and organic skincare products do not work as well as conventional brands. In order to be successful and retain customers, natural skincare products must be able to perform as well as smell and feel good on the skin. Today’s products have moved way beyond homemade yoghurt and honey face masks, and use potent plant-based ingredients, botanical extracts, antioxidants and nutrients which are sourced under strict social and ecological standards and validated by research to work as well as – if not better than – the chemical ingredients found in conventional big-name brands. Research into natural skincare has made great progress in the past decade. The range of raw materials for certified natural products is growing steadily.
Myth #2: Natural skincare products are expensive.
water, and fair wages along the supply chain. Pioneering companies like Weleda take the sourcing of raw materials around the world very seriously, and ensure that social, economic and environmental standards are upheld along the entire supply chain. Weleda are the only European company to be certified with the Union for Ethical Bio Trade seal of quality. Myth #3: All ingredients in natural skincare products are organic. Not all natural skincare product ingredients are 100 percent organic. The term ‘organic’ refers to cultivation or farming, so only substances of plant or animal origin can be certified as organic; water or mineral raw materials, are not included. In addition, not every natural skincare product is certified by a responsible professional certification authority, and there are significant differences between certification requirements and guidelines. The NATRUE certification standard has the strictest criteria, especially regarding the use of non-natural ingredients. Finally, not all plant raw materials are available in sufficient quantities in organic form, due to shortages caused by factors such as drought. At Weleda, the proportion of organic or biodynamically cultivated plant and animal raw materials is 80 percent.
Generally speaking, organic and biodynamic raw materials cost more to source than conventionally produced ones, and this may be reflected in the price. However, natural skincare brands’ pricing is still considerably less than the prices charged by high-end glamour brands. It is also essential to take a holistic view, It is essential to take a holistic view, and to consider not only the ingredients but also the company’s standards relating to farming methods, supply chains, wages and manufacturing. and to consider not only the ingredients but also the company’s standards relating to farming methods, supply chains, wages and manufacturing. These higher ecological, social, economic and product quality values do impose costs, but it is worth considering that these costs are well invested – in biodiversity preservation, conservation of natural resources, such as
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Always read the label. Follow the directions for use.
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ISSUE 64 • 2022
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