What draws your attention the most while shopping for beauty products?

Ever since it became trendy to seek "natural," "safe," and "organic" cosmetics, shoppers have been overwhelmed with products labeled precisely like that. But why all the hype?

What are the benefits of natural skincare, and what makes it different than synthetic cosmetics? Let's investigate.

• Cosmetics are regarded as natural if they are made of natural ingredients.
• Natural doesn't mean vegan or vegetarian, so if you insist on putting non-animal substances on your skin, you have to look for that separately. 
• A natural product can also be unsustainable. Palm oil industrial production, for example, devastates rainforest habitats worldwide. So if you care about the environment, you should take a few minutes to learn how the products you spend your money on have been produced. 
• Natural does not mean 100 % natural. A natural product may have many natural ingredients but also harmful synthetic elements because there are so few rules governing cosmetic product labeling.
• By no means are "natural" and "organic" interchangeable. 
• Fruit that has been treated with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers may be used in a fruit-based cosmetic that is advertised as being "100% natural."

When we talk about synthetic products, we acknowledge that they are artificial. Synthetic cosmetics are made of substances created in a lab and can often be cheap and not beneficial. Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are frequently used in industrial flower and plant cultivation for scents and cosmetics, which have the potential to harm pollinators and contaminate water sources.

Another essential point to make here is the clarity of the product and whether it is Paraben or Sulfate Free. But why should you care?

The use of parabens in personal care products has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis since the 1960s. Excessive scratching and red, blotchy areas or raised bumps on the skin are symptoms.

Parabens are also harmful to the environment. By choosing paraben-free products, you are helping the environment and the living organism in it. 

Sulfate-free means formulated without the use of sulfate-based cleansers. Sulfates are powerful detergents consisting of mineral salts that contain sulfur. Avoiding sulfates may reduce scalp irritability if you have eczema or sensitive skin.

So how do we decide which one to buy? 

A good strategy would always be to research what your skin is craving first. Research the naturally derived ingredients that make a difference in your skin routine, like coconut oil, rose water, honey, turmeric, and lavender. A costly cream by a world-recognized brand may not be what your dry and irritated skin, but a nourishing natural tonic might be just what you need.