Since consumers are more aware of the environment, they choose brands based on their social and environmental impact. This is why natural hair products are gaining a place in the market, and more beauty brands are taking note of the growing concern.
This trend, which is impacting the cosmetic industry, shows the importance of the ingredients used, the transparency in the way they are obtained, the local production, and the use of packaging made with recycled materials and/or recyclables.
According to recent research conducted by Brainy Insights the natural skin care market is expected to nearly double by 2030.
What does it mean for a product to be considered natural?
According to organic certification ECOCERT, for a product to be considered natural, it must contain:
- 95% minimum of natural ingredients or of natural origins that respect the environment in all its processes.
- At least 5% of the total ingredients must come from organic farming.
- Does not contain animal products.
- Not tested on animals at any stage of production.
Since 95% must be of natural components, the remaining 5% must not contain, for example, ingredients derived from petroleum, preservatives, paraffin, lead, aluminum, or acrylates.
Some ecological certifications such as NATRUE, Istituto Certificazioni Etica e Ambientale, and CAAE, among others, guarantee that the products contain organic ingredients and respect the environment, animals, and the health of the consumer.
Advantages and disadvantages of natural products
The main benefit of natural products, unlike conventional ones, is that they are made free of harmful chemical substances such as parabens and synthetic aromas.
This avoids the harmful effects that they can cause on our health, not only on our skin.
As for the disadvantages, some people with sensitive scalps may be intolerant to some of the natural compounds found in these types of cosmetics.
Another problem is that there is no legally regulated definition of the meaning of the word “natural”, which makes it difficult for consumers since companies can claim that their product is natural even if it is not.
Therefore, the biggest challenge is to read the labels well and investigate the ingredients found in the product to know what you are buying.
The ingredients must always appear in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI)
Honest beauty
Many firms are currently part of the eco-conscious movement and are committed to making our planet a better place:
Dr. Hauschka
The German brand has been manufacturing hair care products since 1967 that are free of chemical-synthetic aromas, dyes and preservatives, mineral oils, silicones, and PEGs (petroleum-based compounds). They are vegan and dermatologically tested, without animal testing.
The raw materials come, whenever possible, from controlled organic or biodynamic cultivation and have been obtained under fair trade conditions.
Kiehl’s
98% of the formulas of this New York firm are made with at least 3 renewable ingredients, which means that they can be replenished or regenerated.
The Organic Republic
It was born in Spain under the premise of being a brand with natural and organic products that strive for real natural products without additives or toxins.
That is why they use ingredients from mother nature, non-synthetic and colorant-free.
Even their packaging is transparent so that you can see the real color of their products.
Evolve Beauty
Carefully crafts their products by hand in small batches at their studio in England, to ensure the freshness of the precious antioxidants in the oils, butters, and natural extracts.
Lush
Creates effective products from fresh organic fruits and vegetables, it is 100% vegan, handmade, and doesn’t use packaging, which contributes to reducing the carbon footprint.
Natura Siberica
It was created to expose the extraordinary properties of Siberian plants and herbs through a brand that respects the land and population of Siberia.
These plants have powerful antioxidants and synthesize large amounts of protective active substances such as vitamins and minerals.
BeerSuds Shampoos
BeerSuds Shampoo is a start-up that was born in Ecuador 4 years ago by chance when its creator, Gabriela, one afternoon while cleaning some beer fermenting tanks, got some of the drink in her hair, and the next day she noticed that it looked different.
Curious about the particularities of brewer’s yeast, she began researching and discovered that it had many beneficial properties and vitamins.
That’s where her idea of making her flagship product came from.
Devising the product
Her next step was to participate as an intern in the Misión Ecuador program where she connected with more entrepreneurs until her project was selected in the Prendho UTPL incubation program which provided her with the necessary training to continue growing.
In 2021, she was the beneficiary of a non-reimbursable fund executed by the Private Technical University of Loja (UTPL) and the Prendho Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with financial support from the Italo-Ecuadorian Fund for Sustainable Development (FIEDS).
With that capital, she acquired machinery, registered the brand, got sanitary certificates, and worked on the product’s image.
Natural properties of the product
At BeerSuds Shampoo we take care of our raw materials. The plants used in our infusions are plants that our supplier grows organically and free of fungicides. In addition, our shampoo does not contain parabens since we know how important health care is for our clients.
Environmentally friendly product
Its package is a 100% recyclable can that preserves the properties of the yeast together with a reusable plastic dispenser, which helps protect the environment, encouraging more responsible consumption.
If you want to know more about this product, you can follow the company on its social networks: Instagram: @beersuds_shampoo and Facebook: BeerSuds Shampoo.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that natural products are a great alternative to conventional products.
Its organic ingredients are beneficial to our health, they are respectful of the environment and animals, and they favor sustainable production.
If you have any doubts about the natural quality of a product, look for the certification seal on the label that guarantees the authenticity and quality of the product to make informed decisions.
Transparency about the products we buy is essential to use them safely.
Author’s Note: This article was based on independent research. The products have not been tested.
