The hype of "all natural and organic products"

1. 61

   Gabriella D'Antonposted 15 years ago

   Another day, another game; the cosmetic industry will never stop to sell us dreams and hopes
   
   How “natural” are the so called “natural and organic” skin care products?

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Rayalternatelyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      It's all just a way of marketing products to make them more appealing. We associate the word 'natural' as being good, even though poisonous chemicals like Arsenic occur naturally. The term, 'Organic' is also considered good even though organic compounds like Fluoroacetamide are used in pest control.
      
      One of the best marketing terms I can think of is 'Fresh'. Ask yourself what that actually means in a legal definition of produce!
      
      Doesn't alter the fact that they sell lots of stuff that people clearly want, just a comment on the way they do it.

      replyreport
   2. 59

      secondreviewposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      We have to remember natural and organic are just promotional words and marketing techniques.  Anything truly organic will spoil without preservatives and has very little shelf life so it can't really go retail or enter the supply chain.  All cosmetics ingredients including the  fragrance, emulsifiers and surfactants have to or have been animal tested, so the the hype about animal testing is again just marketing.
      
      Cosmetics are a k'billion dollar industry and the cosmetic companies will say just about anything to bring those bucks in for their very expensive products that they made so cheaply.
      
      Cosmetics without fragrances have a a raw smell that is for the most part annoying or unpleasant so there is always a compound in the product that provides a masking smell even if the product does not appear to have a fragrance.

      replyreport
   3. 60

      double_frickposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      i don't think the natural or organic things are "hype"
      i think natural AND organic are better than products full of nasty chemicals, additives, preservatives and fragrances...however, the average consumer doesn't understand to look past the words natural and organic and actually check the label!  if you can't read something or the thing you cannot read isn't parenthesized with an ingredient that is all-natural then do not assume it is anymore natural than the average personal care product.
      
      thats why i use coconut oil and essential oils instead of moisturizers, conditioners, etc...

      replyreport
   4. 63

      joecsekoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      There are a few things you need to know. Firstly, anything organic needs to be certified so. Sure, the "FDA" is supposed to look out for our best interests as far as drugs, cosmetics, toiletries etc (not supplements, which is why at least ten very dangerous steroids have been marketed as supplements since 2005), but the FDA clearly suck at their job.
      
      This link shows you the numerous certifications for organic anything.
      http://www.google.com/search?hl=en& … rtificatio
      
      Next, know how the "natural ingredients" are rendered or extracted. Most should be extracted by alcohol, or better yet via infusion (usually in oils). Both of these methods take a long time, and time is money. Chemical means are by far the fastest, but who knows the implications on the product we're buying.
      
      Certain synthetic ingredients aren't (at least as far as we know now) harmful at all. Add to that, there are many misconceptions about "chemicals". Most people would see cetyl alcohol in the ingredients of a skin cream and think "drying".
      Well, they're wrong, Cetyl alcohol is a humectant, bringing moisture to the surface of the skin.
      
      Education is your best weapon in any consumer venture. Very often it's the best weapon for anything!

      replyreport
   5. 60

      acnetreatment3posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Yep, As long it is Organic, it can be eaten. Even if it is real organic cosmetics. However, organic products are very expensive. And there are tons of fake in the market.... Be ware!

      replyreport
   6. 50

      angila85posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I only use organic products for my body as i think its more natural and does not use any toxic chemicals. Moreover in these years, i did n't get any side effects from these products. My opinion is natural organic products are more beneficial than ordinary products.

      replyreport
   7. 54

      fionadeogposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      natural tomato facial?

      replyreport
2. 60

   Jeryposted 15 years ago

   Sometimes only natural enough to be called natural and organic I would bet! Just because something is "natural" or "organic" doesn't mean it will be good for you or even safe to consume, or put on your body.

   replyreport
3. 74

   thranaxposted 15 years ago

   Oh course its natural. It comes as a plant, goes though a set of blades and crushing things, is sprayed with red 40 or blue 5 and is packaged in a highly toxic plastic.
   
   Any questions?
   
   ~thranax~

   replyreport
4. 61

   Gabriella D'Antonposted 15 years ago

   By the time any natural ingredient is extracted (through heavy chemical processes) and than considering the preservatives and perfumes added to make them appealing, not to mention the plastic containers) very little “nature” is left in the products.
   
   Since people are always looking for natural and organic, the cosmetic industry will keep on making money and tell half truths (or less than half for that matter)
   
   Hard to believe people will buy into such hype, but it happense every day and all day long....Go figure

   replyreport
5. 59

   Colebabieposted 15 years ago

   I use organic make up. I find I don't break out when I use it. I guess thats enough for me to buy it, the whole not clogging pores, pretty skin thing. Not all of the ingredients in the makeup I use are organic, the olive oil and plant extracts are. But at least I can read all of the ingredients and know what I'm putting on my face.

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Stimpposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Will you send me a message (from my profile page) and tell me what the name of the make up is.  I'd be interested in trying it as well.

      replyreport
      1. 59

         Colebabieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         My e-mail address is my last name which I don't like using here. I have to make a HP e-mail account, just haven't gotten the chance. But I could just tell you here couldn't I?

         replyreport
         1. 60

            Stimpposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            Sure, doesn't matter to me.  I respect your privacy.  I just didn't know if we could mention or promote products here.  But have at it!!  Thanks in advance!!!

            replyreport
6. 53

   Linda Hposted 15 years ago

   Oh this "natural" stuff, they mostly don't have to list the ingredients but one they will mostly list is formaldehyde as a preservative. Not nice stuff and it is in our toothpaste!
   To be fair most of these products are (marginally) better than pure chemical models.
   Where do we go? If you want to make your own soap using animal fat and ash you will make a very caustic mixture, it will clean you but it wont do your skin a lot of good, Asses milk? personally the only ass I have seen walking around lately is my husband and he doesn't produce much milk.
   So I guess some moderation, read labels and if the manufacturer doesn't give enough detail avoid the product.
   Lobby maybe?
   It is important I think, allergic reactions can be fatal even in the first experience, so labels should be complete.
   The skin is the biggest organ of the body and it is remarkable in that it is both the most absorbent and the most protective at the same time.
   So Yeah let's lobby!

   replyreport
   1. 59

      bold and no butsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Deleted
      1. 59

         bold and no butsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         love your comments bravoooo

         replyreport
7. 83

   kerrygposted 15 years ago

   I've done some research on cosmetic safety thanks to my hubs on xenoestrogens etc. and one of the best resources I found online to determine if something is really "all natural and organic" is the Cosmetics Safety Database: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
   
   It's pretty scary some of the stuff they allow us to slather ourselves in. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is working to change that, but compare their budget to that of the cosmetics industry and I can't feel too optimistic about who's going to come out on top, especially in this country.

   replyreport
   1. 61

      Petra Vlahposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      You got it right. The cosmetic industry is just too powerful and any attempt to regukate them or to fight them is dead in arrival

      replyreport
8. 73

   torimariposted 15 years ago

   I researched this for some article before and Urban Decay and Burt's Bee were the most natural, chemical-free and animal-friendly. They both have good explanations on how natural their products are on their sites.
   
   But, amid all the natural makeup I researched, not even these two products are 100% natural. I use Urban Decay and it works well for me. It really is good makeup regardless of the natural-ness.
   
   But, as others mentioned many 'natural' makeups are not at all...as with organic or natural foods. There apparently is alot of loops holes for organic qualifications in the FDA..

   replyreport
9. 58

   songsterposted 15 years ago

   i can point you to some all natural and organic cosmetics if you like.

   replyreport
10. 48

    sabarleeposted 15 years ago

    If you want to check out some natural body product, go to asheanow.com.
    ALL natural

    replyreport
11. 61

    Gabriella D'Antonposted 15 years ago

    Could we eat those natural cosmetics sabarlee?
    
    Have you tried to do just that?. Since you believe thay are so natural, should be no risk of any kind. Let us know

    replyreport
12. 61

    Jane@CMposted 15 years ago

    I switched to mineral based makeup about 5 years ago, I like it much better than Clinique or Este, but not sure how "natural" it really is.  I also like the Urban Decay products.
    
    I'd like to find a good olive oil based moisturizer, but haven't had much luck.

    replyreport
13. 61

    Gabriella D'Antonposted 15 years ago

    Jane@CM
    
    mineral make-up is 100%natural; it has no talc (and as such it reatins water making it a great protective moisturizer), it has no fillers, no preservatives and is loded with ingredients thsat are known natural UV protection as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (which is also anti-inflamatory).
    
    Make-up does not get any more natural than this, since it is made out of crushed minerals

    replyreport
14. 61

    Gabriella D'Antonposted 15 years ago

    Rayalternatey
    
    You are 100% right; the selling strategy is based on people fascination with natural and organic - both terms are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration so claims run wild.
    
    I have a hub about this http://hubpages.com/hub/the-little-natu … -cosmetics

    replyreport
15. 61

    averagemomposted 15 years ago

    That's funny you asked.  I was thinking the same thing.
    
    Go to any store, pass by any store window, read the labels, it's also in clothing.  They hype of organic and natural.
    
    I am actually trying to find one that really is what it claims to be.  I have extremely sensitive skin and when I put products on my face that say they are organic and natural and yet get bumps and itching on my face, I no longer believe what they say on the packaging.

    replyreport
16. 54

    yenajeonposted 15 years ago

    I never fall for those natural makeup gimic things unless the product actually works better.
    i.e. burts bees chapstick. I have never been able to find a more soothing chapstick that I dont have to constantly reapply (my lips get so chapped in the winter!)

    replyreport
17. 61

    Petra Vlahposted 15 years ago

    Double_frick
    
    The whole point is that whatever they advertise as "natural and organic" ARE in fact PRODUCTS full of chemicals, additives, preservatives, fragrances.

    replyreport
    1. 60

       double_frickposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       not ALL products.
       its the consumers responsibility to be aware of what is in their product more than it is the manufacturers responsibility to be clear and forthright with their product.
       
       people used to be taught to think for themselves and to not believe everything they read/see.

       replyreport
       1. 61

          Petra Vlahposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Are you serious? We all know about buyer be aware, but what about false advertisment? Is the consumer supposed to be an expert on food, cosmetics and everything else under the sun?

          replyreport
    2. 86

       rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       not true for all products, obviously. I know someone who works at Aubry Organics in Tampa where they make all of the products. you can eat them. I use some of their products on my hair and skin. http://www.aubrey-organics.com/custom.aspx?id=42
       
       I think to make a broad based comment against them is as wrong as endorsing all natural, organic products as natural.

       replyreport
18. 61

    Darren Haynesposted 15 years ago

    Great forum. Where there is money to be made (and gullible people)there will also be corruption, lies, mislabeling, advantage taking and other such BS.
    
    However the smarter people get and the more soulful they are about what they buy the more that pushes things in the right direction. Every time we buy something it is a vote.
    
    In a bizarre way, I am heartened that "organic" has grown enough in the collective consciousness of humanity that "organic" has become a big enough selling point to be corrupted.
    
    Keeping organic true appear to be the next battle!

    replyreport
19. 80

    IsadoraPandoraposted 15 years ago

    I started making my own products. Shampoos, lotions and perfumes from as natural and few ingredients as I can locate. Not only is my head actually putting out new (MORE) hair growth but the new growth is healthier than the rest of my hair.
    
    I quit using toothpaste completely. Even the "organic" and "natural" ones I found had bad stuff in them. I now use only baking soda and clove oil. I will use peppermint or some other fresh tasting oil too. My teeth have never looked or felt better.
    
    I grow my own Soapwort organically (it is a very gentle and effective cleanser) to use as a cleansing base. Right now I am using African Black Soap as my Soapwort plants are sleeping. I do not disturb their roots during the winter.
    
    Thanks for posting this! :-)

    replyreport
20. 0

    china manposted 15 years ago

    From a lifetime of watching - I am still bemused at how people can think that spreading a vast number of chemicals all over their face every day can possible be beneficial. Among all of the old people I have known the best skins were on those who did not do it at all.

    replyreport
    1. 80

       IsadoraPandoraposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Yup, bemused and worried. I read recently that some of the chemicals used in cosmetics in the USA have been banned in other countries as being unsafe?
       
       Don't remember where I read it or know if it is true but ... it is a scary thought.

       replyreport
       1. 59

          SpaTreats2Uposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          It is true, the US only bans about 8 ingredients from skin care and personal care products, while the European Union bans over 1100. Can we say hello politics?

          replyreport
21. 63

    prettydarkhorseposted 15 years ago

    natural is AS IS,

    replyreport
22. 60

    Pr0metheusposted 15 years ago

    Go back to sleep and ingest your poison like a good citizen.

    replyreport
    1. 61

       ENZOSKINposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Buying organic products is becoming a much more popular task, but unless you know what to look for, you might not be getting your money's worth for the purchase.
       When you read a label on a beauty product, you will need to look to see that there are no ingredients whose names you don't recognize as being a part of nature. So, you will want to look for not only the organic certification, but also a list of items like plants, herbs, and other natural ingredients. This will ensure that you are getting a natural product that is safe for you to consume or to apply.

       replyreport
23. 71

    CkhoffmanKposted 14 years ago

    "natural" skincare products are far more safer than say, hydriquinone which is used to chemically peel off layers of your face.
    
    There are HERBS that have the same effect without making you look like you splashed lye on your face for a week. Just saying.
    
    
    I prefer to make my OWN skincare products out of natural ingredients and my skin couldnt be more thankful for it. Call it "hype" but in 20 years I'll still have healthier and younger looking skin than someone who rubs chemicals on theirs on a daily basis.

    replyreport
24. 53

    jayakolposted 14 years ago

    This is indeed a great question that you have asked because natural and organic skin care products are not natural every time. Even the ingredients mentioned are incorrect. However, in some cases, they are genuine and so it is best to verify it with other customers who have benefited from this particular product.

    replyreport