Discover the 10 maximum used components in natural cosmetics and what they could convey you

Macadamia oil, shea butter, clay or honey…. Ingredients extracted from nature are becoming increasingly important in cosmetics. By now, you've probably come across labels that classify products as natural, organic, biological, or organic. And while they're hard to tell apart (you'll find clues to this in this recent article), it's true that they share natural ingredients and tend to be an environmentally friendly production method.

In both natural and organic cosmetics, ingredients are important. Although there is currently no government regulation that clearly defines when to talk about natural, bio, ecological or organic cosmetics, there are private standards that order these types of products and that have been developed by specialized organizations in the sector.

For example, there is a certain consensus that natural cosmetics are those products that use raw materials of natural origin, that have gone through a simple downstream transformation process with minimal interference from additives or chemical transformations, and in which only those processes that do not they are harmful The environment and human health have been used, says Nuria Alonso, BioVidaSana Certification Manager.

The types of ingredients are also fundamental for ecological, bio and organic cosmetics, which have become synonymous in terms of certification, although in dictionaries we find nuances that distinguish them.

The main characteristic of organic cosmetics is that they use materials that, in addition to being natural, have been made in accordance with the organic farming criteria established by the European Regulation or other equivalent standards of other countries for organic production. "These criteria include, among other things, avoiding chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides," says Alonso. "Organic ingredients must be certified to be recognized as such," explains Nuria.

And what are these ingredients? There are many ingredients that are used as the basis of cosmetic products that we find in specialized stores and shops. All kinds of vegetable oils, essential oils, hydrolates, waxes, oils, natural herbal extracts ... And there are also mineral ingredients such as clays or salt, among others. From the Freshly brand, they detail some of the most used and their properties.