Natural Makeup Is Natural for Halloween — and Daily Use As Well

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Makeup is an important beauty item and used by women everywhere. But makeup exposes the wearer to a range of health concerns despite enhancing personal appearance and self-esteem.

Research is beginning to show that some ingredients in typical beauty and personal care products could be linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, effective alternatives to chemical-based makeup are available.

But everyday beauty isn’t the only reason to use natural products. Halloween comes to mind when we think about times that individuals will apply excessive amounts of makeup. We should stay healthy then as well.

There are six reasons why organic cosmetics are recommended for everyday use — and Halloween as well:

1. Eco-Friendly
2. No Harsh Chemicals
3. Natural Fragrance
4. Nutrient-Rich
5. Protects from Premature Aging
6. Gentle on the Skin

It’s April and Halloween is far away. It’s never too soon to start preparing — especially if you can find all-natural products which can be useful before the costume is determined.

Halloween means trying to find the right outfit — for yourself and the kids. Anyone who has ever been into Halloween understands that finding the right costume is just half the struggle. Making your face perfect is just as necessary.

But to stay safe and healthy, a person needs to understand the terms used.

Broadly speaking, “natural” components in makeup are derived from natural origins — with no artificial ingredients. “Organic” components are assumed to include strictly plant-sourced components that are grown without using synthetic chemicals or pesticides.

In the absence of regulations, there is always the question of if the products are manufactured according to the formulator’s claims.

Further to the subject — does “natural” or “organic” make them healthier for the skin?

What “Organic” Actually Means

The word “organic”, in the cosmetic world, may not mean anything at all. As of 2016, there are very few FDA-approved criteria for marking cosmetic merchandise as organic. Even the cosmetics industry doesn’t have an agreed-upon definition.

While America, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t control organic declarations for personal-care commodities, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does have its own system for allowing some standard of natural plant claims. There are numerous random firms, globally, that generate their own criteria for “organic” beauty products and then impose a “licensing fee” for the sticker of approval.

An Organic Irritant is Still an Irritant

More significant than the confusion over labeling benchmarks is the point that many plant extracts have characteristics that demolish collagen, generate free-radical destruction and obstruct the skin’s pores.

Natural ingredients such as peppermint, menthol, sandalwood and more are regularly added to natural or organic products. Research has shown these ingredients to be irritants, and when the skin is disturbed, it induces collagen to break down.

How to Check a Label

USDA has developed labeling guidelines, but organic products are committed to the USDA criteria only if the have the USDA Organic Seal. The USDA labeling standards are:

“100% Organic”. The merchandise must include only organically rendered components and show the USDA ‘s certifying agent’s surname and business address.

“Organic”. The commodity must include at least 95% organically composed ingredients. The balance of the product’s ingredients must consist of nonagricultural items allowed on the National List of non-organically created products.

“Made with organic ingredients”. The outcome must include at least 70 percent organic elements and the sticker can list up to three of the ingredients on the display panel.

At the End of the Day

Organic accreditation has zero to do with skin protection. It deals solely with the origin of an element. Look at it like this: A seal of approval for a free-range, organically pastured cow from the USDA doesn’t explain how a menu of beef may harm your arteries and heart. Likewise for skin care — regardless of whose designation or accreditation is on the label.

Being a green junkie though adds another level of things to worry about. People are wanting essentially — or all — organic products. The products must be natural as well as being good-for-the-skin.

Genuine beauty comes from being healthy. Cosmetics are merely an adjunct. By choosing organic, you can be sure that you are doing yourself a great deal of good. To promote a radiant glow, it’s vital that you consume a diet filled with healthy foods as well as getting plenty of exercise each day.

Beauty comes from within. That starts with you.

Jerry Nelson
Jerry Nelson is a freelance photojournalist who travels globally covering primarily social justice issues. Busy on assignment now in South America, Jerry is always interested in discussing future work opportunities.