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Natural Cosmetics: benefits, advantages, and interests
Natural cosmetics involves using active ingredients extracted from plants, with minimal processing, to take care of oneself, one's skin, and hair.
It's a true expertise that requires a deep understanding of plants, their specificities, and their benefits: it is, above all, a story of botany and ancestral knowledge. In France, we are fortunate to benefit from a temperate climate and a wide variety of soils: this specificity gives us an undeniable botanical richness.
Natural cosmetic products are formulated from active ingredients directly sourced from nature, in various forms: oils, powders, distillates, etc.
In the best cases, natural cosmetics are completely free of synthetic ingredients and contain only raw materials directly extracted from plants: raw, pure, and concentrated products are better tolerated by the skin and less harmful to the environment. They are good for the skin AND for the planet!
Now that you're in on the secret, we'll share another: natural cosmetic products are generally less expensive. To better understand what your cosmetic products contain, learn how to read an INCI label.
Senza draws inspiration first from plants and their benefits to formulate ultra-effective and concentrated skincare products, free of synthetic ingredients.
With a minimalist range of natural cosmetics, a guaranteed zero-waste and as low-pollution as possible production system, Senza offers raw and healthy products, derived from organic and local agriculture.
We'll tell you more about what natural cosmetics are and why you should adopt them!
What are natural cosmetics?
Natural cosmetics draw their components from nature. They are formulated from elements derived from plants (plants, flowers...), minerals (clay...), or animals (beeswax...), for example. The most sought-after natural raw materials are oils, plant extracts, or waxes and clays, raw materials that contain no chemicals. European regulations are strict regarding natural cosmetics: to be considered as such, they must contain at least 95% natural or naturally derived components. Their active ingredients are not genetically modified, they do not undergo any chemical transformation once extracted, and are free from harmful elements such as endocrine disruptors. The composition of the products is transparent and easy to decipher. Using cosmetics with naturally derived ingredients means taking care of your skin and/or hair in a healthy way, without danger to health or the environment. Oils, macerates, distillation, decoction, infusion, pulverization... whatever the method used to extract the active ingredients, natural cosmetic products are very concentrated when pure! In this product family, one can also find so-called natural cosmetic products which, to meet a specific use, have combined plant active ingredients with texturizing agents that foam, preserve, spread, thin, etc. However, these agents can also be natural. Generally, the best way to learn more about a product and ensure its quality is to know how to read the label: the shorter the ingredient list (and the more understandable!), the better! (We'll tell you more about this here:)Types of products found in natural cosmetics
Natural cosmetics have been flourishing on pharmacy shelves, in organic stores, and online for several years. Consumers are returning to these types of products to take care of their skin more effectively, without health risks, and/or for ecological concerns, especially since the discussion about harmful products like endocrine disruptors has become more prominent. On the one hand, there are raw products, which could also be called raw materials as they are minimally processed. It is considered that a pressed seed (or a maceration, a distillation, etc.) is a method of extracting the active ingredient rather than a transformation, which is attributed more to the next step, the modification of the state of an extracted product. On the other hand, this category of products also includes skincare products to which adjuvants have been added to fulfill a specific use. A natural shampoo, for example, primarily contains naturally derived surfactants from laboratory processing (usually from coconut), elements that coat the hair like silicones, and also raw natural ingredients. A cream will contain naturally derived emulsifiers to give a solid texture to the water and oil mixture. Natural skincare routines are comprehensive: creams, masks, body care, shampoos... Their effectiveness is proven, and they are better tolerated than conventional cosmetics containing synthetic products, which can cause allergies or skin reactions.The main ingredients in natural cosmetics
They are composed of vegetable oils (hemp, hazelnut, plum...), floral waters and hydrosols (cornflower, helichrysum, chamomile...), clays, or even vegetable butters (cocoa, shea...). Each active ingredient has its own properties and corresponds to one or more skin types. The active biological molecules come from the plant's own evolution, and from what it has put in place to propagate, defend itself from predators, and adapt to its environment. These are the fruits of its evolution that give the plant these specific properties and the uses that result from them. For example:- Hemp oil has a strong antioxidant power thanks to its content of omega 3, 6, and vitamin E. It is used to restore the skin's barrier function and nourish dry hair.
- Cornflower floral water, rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, tightens pores, soothes sensitive skin, and de-fatigues the eyes.
- Clary sage hydrosol contains sclareol, a regulating phytoestrogen, making it suitable for combination to oily skin. It also helps combat hair loss.
- Hazelnut oil for the face naturally contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E, ideal elements for soothing blemish-prone skin and enhancing the complexion.
Benefits of natural cosmetics for the skin
Each natural ingredient used in cosmetics brings one or more benefits to the skin. They can be purifying, soothing, antioxidant, healing... They promise radiant and healthy skin. Natural products are suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, because they are non-irritating. However, beware of possible allergens, particularly those from olfactory substances (linalool for example). The elements used are very effective and offer better skin tolerance. They allow skin problems to be treated while respecting the skin, without aggressing it.5 reasons to use natural cosmetic products:
- They are better for the skin and for health
- They are more concentrated
- They contain very pleasant natural fragrances
- Routines are shorter
- They are non-irritating
The advantages of natural cosmetics for the planet
Generally, natural cosmetic products are more ecological. They contain no polluting substances (plastic microparticles, petroleum derivatives...) toxic to the environment that end up in soils, seas, or oceans... Manufacturing processes are less polluting and less energy-intensive. Conventional cosmetics, containing many synthetic products, are responsible for significant pollution due to manufacturing processes (toxic waste, excessive energy consumption...). To align with responsible consumption, natural cosmetic packaging is generally eco-friendly, often biodegradable, recyclable, or made from recycled materials, or even refillable or returnable to avoid overproduction of waste. This is a sustainable approach that is safe for humans, animals, and the planet. By choosing natural cosmetics, you commit to reducing your environmental impact, while taking care of your skin and your health.How to choose a natural cosmetic product?
To help you choose your natural cosmetic product, here are some tips and checks to perform:- Products must display a label such as "Nature & Progrés" or Cosmos
- Contain at least 95% natural or naturally derived ingredients (mentioned on the packaging)
- Be free of controversial ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, certain preservatives, colorants, or petroleum-derived elements
- Pay particular attention to the ingredient list, which should be short and understandable
- Prioritize raw materials from organic, controlled, and local agriculture
