There is no doubt that public misconceptions on the natural/organic cosmetic issue exists, and to the advantage of cosmetic companies who use this uncertainty to promote their products as the “safe choice” solution. As such, pro artists and consumers alike owe it to themselves to get a grasp on very simple cosmetic chemistry knowledge if they are going to make wise buying decisions based on truth and product advertising accuracy.
Every single ingredient approved by the FDA for cosmetic formulations (and there are close to 25,000 of them) are elements that can be roughly classified into 4 basic origins of cultivation: animal, plant, earth/ore, and laboratory created (synthetic) elements. Every raw elemental material or ingredient from these categories that is used in creating a cosmetic MUST be synthesized (chemically processed) to stabilize it in a compound or to be bound into a mixture for an end formula use. This also includes a proper preservative base for shelf life and consumer use safety.
Therefore, the resulting product from this process does NOT make it a completely natural or organic “end to end” cosmetic creation. Rather, it’s a cosmetic product that could have started out with some raw materials originating from natural/organic (plant, animal, earth ore) sources before chemical processing. This is where the element of organic “truth” gets lost in translation and public confusion starts. Cosmetic company marketing strategies take excellent advantage of this confusion as a means of exerting some control over the debate through advertising statements, and with the hopes of converting customer fears into trust for their products.
Another perspective to think about is that many natural/organic substances touted for use in cosmetics by manufacturers are also considered toxins, and used in other fields of biology or forensic pathology for research means. Ultimately, product safety and skin sensitivity will always remain the foremost issue with any cosmetic ingredient. As one health conscious consumer summed up the natural organic controversy: “ Even if you fry an organic potato, it is still a french fry”.
Thanks for your very informative article. I totally agree with what you are saying about natural and organic cosmetics.