Changing and developing technology, the priority of human health and the undeniable use of cosmetics are the focus of rapid developments in the cosmetics industry. Researches and innovations for better, healthy and harmless cosmetics in the long term continue at full speed and the options are increasing. However, some of the claims used due to new trend sales strategies as well as hearsay misinformation puzzle each of us. For these reasons, there are three main topics that I would like to mention in this article: 'Formulations with chemical content', which make up a large part of the cosmetics industry, cosmetics offered for sale under the heading of 'herbal and natural', and "Can cosmetics also have organic?" 'organic cosmetics'.
Herbal and natural concept
When it comes to plants, the balance of trust-harm is on a very fine line and "herbal cosmetics are all good" is not a correct perception. There are many herbs that are known for their benefits, as well as those that are banned. In order to achieve this balance and benefit from the power of plants, many cosmetic products have been formulated with plant extracts or product performance has been strengthened by adding extracts to the formulation. All the ingredients of some cosmetic products that do not contain many ingredients in their formula may have been obtained from natural sources and plants.
Some cosmetic products are also included in the 'natural cosmetic product' class because they contain 'substances derived from natural sources'.
When the product labels are examined, it is clearly seen that they are classified according to which standard, while it can be seen that there are products that do not really meet the standards, but are on the shelves to be sold with claims such as natural or herbal. In summary, there are also cosmetic products with herbal ingredients, containing substances obtained from natural sources or containing plant extracts. However, this does not mean that the product is much better or healthier. Products classified as 'chemical' in the market may also contain herbal extracts.
Importance of raw material
Yes, cosmetics can be organic as well, but this is more difficult than cosmetic products with natural ingredients. Because, in order to call a cosmetic product organic, the content of that product must contain substances obtained from natural sources, provided that they do not fall below certain ratios, and moreover, plant-derived substances must be obtained from plants produced according to organic farming rules.
In order to be approved as 'organic', all phases of the plants used in its content must be inspected by international certification companies, from growing, collecting and turning into a cosmetic product. While processing these raw materials obtained from natural sources, some chemical processes are not allowed. In this way, while maintaining the ecological balance, sustainable development rules can be applied by using renewable resources and the resources of future generations will not be consumed.
Many substances that we call chemicals are derived from petroleum. Since the formation of petroleum is a very long process, the use of raw materials obtained from renewable resources should be encouraged. Another issue that needs to be understood is that the products called organic and natural cannot be produced only with plant-derived substances, but also contain some raw materials obtained through synthesis. The fact that natural and organic products are more expensive is also the limitation of raw materials that meet these conditions and their high cost.
Chemical products and health
Let's not forget that medicine is also a chemical and is used for health. Are you anti-drug?
All right, how about a water sample? Isn't the fact that our source of life is chemical, the biggest proof that the difference between treatment and poison is related to the dose, not the chemical structure? Moreover, every product that is offered for sale and that has an impact on health is subject to a set of rules by the authorities to which they are affiliated. The reason is clear: human health.
Endless studies continue for chemicals used in cosmetic products. Some chemicals are banned, some have limited use, and some are allowed to be used indefinitely. Considering all these rules and using the ingredients within the allowed limits, cosmetic products are produced.
Especially the presence of some chemicals in the cosmetic product is very important. E.g; Preservatives are formulated to protect the product we buy throughout its shelf life, until the last drop is used up. It ensures that the content, format, color or odor of the product does not deteriorate.
In short, the fact that it contains chemicals should not mean that the product is bad. What needs to be realized is that chemicals are involved in our lives in every area and we should use products without overdoing it and keeping the concept of dose in mind.
