Why natural products are better

Parabens may well be terrible for us, but for now the long-term effects of parabens on humans are simply unknown — there is no conclusive data that they hurt us. But the seeds of doubt were planted, consumers balked, and companies started removing them, thus reinforcing the belief that parabens must be bad. But how afraid should you actually be?

He also evaluates chemical data as an independent scientist for the Cosmetic Ingredient Review , a regulatory council created by an industry trade group. Take formaldehyde, which has been labeled a human carcinogen. We will likely never conclusively know the effects of years of daily use of these chemicals. Some watchdog groups have become powerful in challenging the mainstream beauty establishment on this issue; the EWG, established 25 years ago as a nonprofit to look at pesticides and food, is arguably the most powerful one.

In , the same year the breast cancer paraben study was released, the group published its first Skin Deep cosmetics database. Leiba says a staff of 12, including toxicologists, chemists, and public health specialists, review the data on ingredients and update it regularly.

The Skin Deep database has become a go-to resource for consumers, a go-to reference for the media — especially for its popular annual sunscreen guide — and a pain point for many brands. The law regulating the ingredients used in cosmetics products hasn't been updated in 80 years! Follow the link in our bio to learn more about our fight for BeautyMadeBetter. We have a lot of carcinogenic materials. Based on the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act , the only ingredients it can approve before they hit the market are color additives.

If it thinks a product is contaminated or misbranded, it can work with other agencies to take legal action and does conduct occasional testing, as in the lead lipstick situation, if it has safety concerns. The CIR reviews data and studies on about to ingredients per year and offers judgment about their safety. Each CIR panel member must pass a conflict of interest analysis, and a representative from the FDA and a consumer advocate group called the Consumer Federation of America sit in on meetings.

The reports are finalized, peer-reviewed, and then published in the International Journal of Toxicology. Parabens, last reviewed in , are currently undergoing review again at the CIR.

Vox reached out to the PCPC repeatedly, and a representative responded several times that the organization would provide comment. It has not as of publication time. This is something that cannot be solved by industry. So we may finally be closer to stronger regulation. There are several pieces of legislation pending now.

Susan Collins R-ME. Basically, it gives the FDA the same power over cosmetics that it has over drugs and medical devices. The FDA could inspect safety records and mandate recalls. The bill also requires the FDA to review safety data on at least five ingredients per year. Companies will be charged a fee on a sliding scale depending on size to help fund the FDA so it can fulfill its new responsibilities. The EWG has been devoting resources to draw attention and publicity to the bill, including even bringing Kourtney Kardashian who, unlike two of her sisters, does not have a makeup line to Washington, DC, for a briefing at the Capitol.

Beautycounter , a multilevel marketing beauty company that has banned 1, ingredients in its products and has been a visible and vocal voice in the clean beauty movement, has also supported the bill publicly.

You can be excused for being skeptical about whether the current administration, which has shown itself to be decidedly anti-regulation , would support a bill regulating an industry that primarily affects women and their health. The FDA even just launched its first-ever survey of safety practices and manufacturing standards of cosmetic companies, indicating that it is gearing up for more oversight of the industry.

None of this legislation is perfect and all-encompassing, and there is still a lot of data missing on ingredient safety. Big beauty companies would be relieved of some of the burden and bad press that has come with regulating itself.

The Honest Company has been plagued with recalls, lawsuits, and complaints through the years because of faulty products. Is the "natural" or "organic" label worth the extra weight of the price tag — is it really any better for your skin and for the environment?

It all comes down to what you want from your skin products and what your particular skin type needs. Decide what you want to get out of your skin care products. Are you looking for something that won't irritate your skin, gives you better results and healthier skin, or has less impact on the environment? Do you want a combination of all those elements? But don't read too much into the labels or make assumptions that may not be true. Natural doesn't always mean better, and natural ingredients aren't necessarily safer or more likely to provide better results.

If you're going to try a natural or organic product, allow some time to see if it really is compatible with your skin and if it's worth the additional price. If you're curious about whether a particular natural ingredient is better for your skin, Nelson also suggests just figuring out what your skin needs.

At the same time, companies might label their products "organic" to appeal to consumers looking for more ethical and sustainable products.

The trouble is, consumers are "putting faith in companies that they're doing the right thing, by using these types of terms, which as we know is incredibly problematic because it's not well regulated", Dr Gurrieri says. What concerns Dr Nixon is the emergence of new allergens in recent years since so many products, from face creams to liquid hand soaps, now come loaded with fragrances. Dr Nixon, who runs a dermatology clinic in Melbourne, says fragrances now represent five of the top six allergens her clinic sees.

A lot of fragrances which come from natural sources cause allergies, too. Lavender , tea tree oil, and various essential oils are some examples. As for benefits, Dr Nixon says skincare products are generally overhyped with little available evidence to support their claims. A lot of the research that the cosmetic companies do is not published," she says. Instead of getting swept up in marketing claims, Dr Nixon says the most important thing is that people choose products to suit their skin and secondly, to keep your skincare simple.

Using fewer products in your daily skincare routine reduces your exposure to excessive ingredients, she says. Choosing simpler products with fewer ingredients is another good option, especially for people with easily irritated skin.

And remember: there's nothing better for your skin than protecting it with sunscreen , so lather up. Get our newsletter for the best of ABC Everyday each week.

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Print Cancel. A natural bias Because of their long history of traditional use, as medicines and cosmetics, products sourced from nature might seem safer or better for your skin health. Manufactured for good "Generally, a natural ingredient is something that's taken from nature without much modification," says Dr Wong. Dr Nixon agrees: "You know what you are getting if it is synthetic. Natural skincare sells Dr Gurrieri says natural beauty — also known as "clean" beauty — is a clever marketing technique, which makes us feel good about taking care of ourselves by using ingredients sourced from nature.

Skincare becomes an indulgence Natural beauty has become a luxury skincare category, which markets its products at a higher price point for what companies consider to be a unique benefit, says Dr Gurrieri.