The skin is the largest organ in our bodies. Almost everything that touches your skin is absorbed into the bloodstream. What are you putting on your skin?
Organic skincare is a big deal because most products you slather onto your body have ingredients that are harmful to your health. Ingredients that have been linked to cancer, eczema, and could even have a negative impact on fertility.
Research shows that 64% of what you put on your skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream, which means that it is incredibly important to know exactly what is in your products. And it’s even more important to avoid harsh chemicals that can cause potentially serious long term health effects.
Millions of people already suffer from skin sensitivity, allergies, and skin irritation. That’s why it’s incredibly important to choose products infused with organic ingredients because it is pure and natural. Of course, not all the ingredients can always be organic, but it is essential that most of a product’s active ingredients are.
The biggest issue with skincare and beauty products that are labeled as ‘natural’ is that there is generally little to no regulation for what these labels actually mean. Now, we’re not talking about ‘organic’- because for something to be labeled as organic there is quite a bit of regulation involved. But when it comes to natural beauty products, how much regulation is there?
The natural products industry, which grew by billions in recent years, has seen explosive growth. This explosive popularity has opened the doors for plenty of businesses to jump on the natural beauty bandwagon. The problem with this is that not all companies will be dedicated to creating clean products for the benefit of their consumers.
How regulated are ‘natural’ beauty products?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA for short, was founded in 1906 with the goal of keeping unsafe products off of America’s store shelves. This agency provides oversight for most natural products, ranging from conventional foods and dietary supplements to cosmetics, with respect to public health. FDA regulates food, drug, and cosmetic products with respect to public health. They draft and finalize guidance to explain their thinking on various topics.
So what do they say about natural beauty products?
FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) regulates most natural products. The FDA drafts and finalizes guidance to help you understand how they will regulate these products. CFSAN is responsible for implementing the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act through a variety of programs aimed at protecting public health by ensuring that foods are safe, wholesome, sanitary and properly labeled.
The FDA does not approve cosmetic products or ingredients, except color additives, before they go on the market. However, there are laws and regulations related to the marketing of cosmetics that are in place to protect you.
Because the FDA does not require personal care products to have a pre-market review for safety and efficacy, a range of products are available in the market without having been reviewed for safety or effectiveness. And these products could have the label saying ‘natural’ – but as you can see, this doesn’t mean much.
The FDA has maintained that food can be labeled as “natural” if it doesn’t contain any added colors, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances. But that is food, and does not have much to do with cosmetics. You may find it surprising that the FDA does not approve cosmetics before they go on the market.
How about in the EU?
Cosmetics regulations are becoming stricter across Europe. Suppliers of natural ingredients from developing countries need to ensure they comply with these strict regulations in order to have access to the European market. This may be unfamiliar territory, but it’s good news for consumers. Because this means that products will be more heavily regulated, and the products will be better for your skin and your skincare routine.
But here’s the thing, if you look out for natural skincare, then you should find the best organic cosmetics and skincare simply by looking out for the ‘organic’ label. This means that you won’t have to rely on DIY beauty products to make sure you get clean products for your skin care routine.
What’s the Safest Solution? Look for Organic Products
The safest solution is to look for organic products. Most importantly, products that have organic active ingredients. Washing your face with store-bought ‘natural’ products might do more harm to your already clogged pores, and can even be harmful for acne prone skin. Now, not all ‘natural’ products without the organic label are bad. But it is important to ensure the true botanicals are clean and free from harmful ingredients that could cause a range of problems including skin cancers.
Organic products are also better for all skin types, from oily skin to sensitive skin. Naturally, this will range according to the brand and their particular ingredient list. But if you truly want to take care of the skin you are in then it is best to support a brand that can stand behind their products. If a brand cannot offer third party test results to prove the purity of their products, then it’s best to find a different company to support.
Test results are especially important for products that contain ingredients like CBD. If it’s not organic, and there is no proof that it can be organic, then you best steer clear. Hemp has a wide range of support benefits, but it is essential that the CBD is organic. This is because the hemp plant can absorb everything from its environment- which means that if pesticides and fertilizer is used, this can cause more harm to your skin barrier than good.
Here at Canzon, we know how important it is to offer clean products that our customers can rely on for consistent results. That’s why our test results are easy to find and even easier to read.
Take a look at the Canzon product range today, whether you are looking for a gentle cleanser, something to help fend off the harmful effects of UV rays, or simply a product infused with the wonderchild of the skincare industry: algae, you’ll find a cruelty free product to suit your skin.
