The vast majority of us use toiletries and cosmetics for personal care, hygiene or beautification throughout our lives. Starting with diaper rash creams, bubble baths, shampoos, baby oils and powders; to perfumes, hair dyes and products, aftershave lotions, creams, lotions, deodorants, bubble baths, shower gels, etc. from our teens to our later years.

Unfortunately, many of these skin, hair, bath and body products contain synthetic chemicals that can be toxic and harmful to our health. There is consistent evidence to suggest that some synthetic chemicals can cause various degrees of harm, ranging from allergic skin reactions, imbalances in the hormonal, immune, and nervous systems, fetal growth arrest, and even cancer.

As the skin is an organ of absorption, that is, it has the capacity to absorb what we put on it, it is very important that we use products that are not harmful to our health. It would be wise to raise awareness of unsafe ingredients and read product labels before purchasing.

As more and more people become aware of safety issues related to popular toiletries and cosmetics, the demand for natural products is increasing. By natural I mean finished products that are derived from natural ingredients. (which are also classified as chemical, only natural) such as shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, herbal extracts, essential oils, etc. They are neither man-made nor synthetic. This trend is also linked to a broader problem of toxicity in our food, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the various illnesses this can cause.

Just to provide a balanced view, the issue of safety and toxicity is still present even with natural ingredients. Some can cause allergic reactions, some are safe to use but in restricted amounts, and some are simply not safe to use at all. There is also the danger of some contamination, as impurities from pesticides, insecticides, and air and water pollution get into the ingredients as they grow in nature.

The methods of extraction, distillation or refining of ingredients such as oils, butters, essential oils, etc. they can also affect the purity and potency of ingredients. For this reason, it is important to purchase your products from a manufacturer or supplier that uses quality ingredients. Organic, unrefined or cold pressed are the purest and most potent. If you’re not sure and can’t find the information on the label, ask the manufacturer or supplier. Any reputable company with strong ethics will be willing to disclose this information.

Despite the safety issues regarding natural products, they are still my preference. Natural products have many powerful therapeutic properties for the skin and the body. Some ingredients are even holistic in the sense that they have a therapeutic effect on the whole person, body, mind and emotions. A good example of this are the Essential Oils, natural extracts of varied fauna and flora, such as Lavender, Rose, Chamomile.

On a personal note, there is something very special and empowering about creating and using natural skincare, bath and body products. For me, they help build a closer connection between me and Mother Earth, which can be easily lost living in a concrete hustle and bustle. and the bustling atmosphere of the city center.

The properties of ingredients commonly used in natural skin care, bath and body products

cocoa butter Excellent to use on very dry, dehydrated and cracked skin as it hydrates, soothes and protects. It is a natural source of vitamin E that has numerous benefits for the skin. Often recommended for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Helps protect sensitive skin from external elements by providing a moisture-retaining barrier to the environment. Cocoa butter has a long tradition of being used by pregnant women to help prevent stretch marks and reduce their appearance.

evening primrose oil When applied externally, it is an exceptionally nourishing oil for dry, aging or chapped skin. Its high GLA makes it valuable for the healthy functioning of body tissues and can help conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, fine lines and wrinkles. Taken internally, it helps with arthritis, asthma, breast tenderness, depression, eczema, high blood pressure, being overweight, and PMS.

rose essential oil PMT and PMS, menopause problems, depression, tones the entire system, stress, aphrodisiac, acne, tissue decongestant, bactericide, regulates the entire female reproductive system, frigidity, impotence, sterility, uterine disorders, tension, postpartum depression, tonic for many organs, good for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Excellent for sensitive and mature/aging skin and gentle enough for babies and toddlers.

Lavender Essential Oil regulates nervous systems, aches and pains, rheumatic conditions, fainting, palpitations, stress and fatigue, depression, highly antiseptic, coughs and colds, high blood pressure, allergies, burns, insect bites, cuts, bruises, insomnia, eczema, acne , regulates scarce periods, cardiac regulator, asthma, bronchitis, epilepsy, flatulence, dermatitis, diarrhea, headaches, hysteria, flu, migraine, nervous tension, promotes healing, helps scar tissue, antibiotic, reduces labor pain, diuretic, sore throat, general tonic.

Honey It is a natural humectant, which means that it has the ability to attract and retain moisture. Its natural moisturizing properties make it ideal for use in moisturizing products. It is also suitable for products for sensitive skin. Studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from UV damage and aid in skin rejuvenation. It is also antimicrobial (prevents the growth of certain bacteria), so it is useful for mild acne or infected areas of the skin.

aloe vera is a powerful moisturizing, cooling and soothing ingredient, often used in after-sun products. Contains vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene (precursor of vitamin A)

shea butter This is extracted from the nut of the Shea (Karite) tree and, like cocoa butter, has been used in Africa for natural skin and hair care for many centuries. Useful for many skin conditions: dry, dehydrated and mature skin, is deeply moisturizing and can help maintain skin elasticity, useful for chapped or sore skin, helps dry skin with eczema and psoriasis as it is healing and soothing, great for damaged skin (including stretch marks, a good ingredient for belly balms), and protects skin from outside elements, great for rehydrating skin after prolonged sun exposure.

white kaolin (Clay) is mainly used for sensitive skin. Rich in minerals. A gentle, less absorbent clay that effectively cleanses and brightens skin. Smoothes and tones. Particularly useful for sensitive, dry and mature skin.

Calendula it can be found in products as an herbal extract or as an oil infusion. Good for all skin types, particularly eczema, psoriasis, cracked, dry or damaged skin. It is also useful to balance the excessive production of fat in the skin, for the treatment of wounds, scars, burns, inflammation and other injuries, since it helps tissue regeneration. Nourishing jojoba oil for the skin and soothing for inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, any type of dermatitis. It can help control acne and oily skin or scalp, as excess sebum dissolves in jojoba.

For more information on ingredient and product safety, visit Safe Cosmetics. They have a large and ever-growing database of well-known ingredients and products, which are rated for safety on a scale of 0 low risk to 10 high risk.