The words ‘natural products’ encapsulate a lot of what is happening in the beauty industry. As well as fashion trends tending towards a more natural and ‘realistic’ look (although not necessarily fewer beauty products!) there is a clear push from consumers when it comes to natural products: simple ingredients, organic or vegan credentials, even sustainable packaging.

Natural products are especially appreciated by millennials. Millennials have a great capacity for technology – they’ve grown with it – and have had immense exposure to information. So, when retailers are beginning to see a shift in sales – an apparently high demand for cleaner, organic, natural products – it is not a decision made out of curiosity or even just fascination; it is an informed choice made by consumers who are thoughtfully selecting conscious consumerism.

More and more people these days are choosing to shop ethically and buy natural products, in order to upkeep sustainability, support local sellers & community, and to protect the environment. If you also wish to make the big switch from being an unaware consumer to a more mindful one, we have summed up some reasons why you should consider turning to natural products, just like the rest of the world. Initially stemming from Europe and North America, consumer demand for natural products has spread to every continent.

The reasons why people are turning to natural products

natural products

Eco-friendly choices will give you a moral satisfaction

Making green eco-friendly choices by buying natular products is a lot easier than what a lot of us may think. You can choose to live a lifestyle that respects the earth by buying and using products that don’t hurt the environment. Begin by making little changes in the products you already use. For example, by buying and eating foods with labels like ‘natural,’ ‘organic,’ and ‘locally sourced,’ you will feel a “moral satisfaction” – that you’ve done good – for yourself and for the world.

Natural products bring natural care to your body

Conventional cosmetics frequently contain a high percentage of petroleum-based ingredients, and can include substances such as phthalates, oxybenzone or parabens. Although regulated for safe use in cosmetics, the use of petroleum-based ingredients is inconsistent with the concept of truly natural and organic cosmetics, whose composition should predominately be made of minerals, natural and organic plant extracts, products from microorganisms, or substances derived from these sources.

The properties of these complex mixtures, such as those from plant extracts and oils, naturally help protect, nourish and hydrate the skin. Moreover, natural and organic cosmetics also help us keep our well-being in-check. Their representation of nature through natural fragrances and delicate textures makes us feel closer to it and awakens our senses.

Indeed, many natural essential oils from plants such as lavender, rose or mint are used in aromatherapy as they help to activate, relax and soothe our bodies. Natural or organic cosmetics are not just beauty products, but a recreation of nature in perfect harmony with our bodies and our world.

Natural products are more sustainable

Many petroleum-based ingredients frequently used in conventional cosmetics require extensive mining, as it is the case of petroleum, aluminium or lead, which endangers soils and poses a threat to wildlife habitats. A principal value for natural and organic cosmetics is that they must be in harmony with nature, including the impact of packaging and packaging materials used.

Apart from limiting the use of plastics in packaging and using recycled materials, many natural and organic beauty brands are going a step further by developing innovative formats that are contributing to a drastic reduction of packaging in their products. By using natural products, you power your economic and social development and many ‘ecosystem services’ to ensure an uninterruptedly healthy planet – from a clean supply of air, water, food, and raw materials, to disease regulation and space for recreation.

Buying better quality natural products makes you save money

How nice it would be to know we are doing something great for our health, while also saving money at the same time? Well, if you switch to natural and organic skincare products you can do just that. Organic and natural skincare products are actually very cost effective when compared to their non-natural alternatives, especially as the quality of the ingredients means you can use less, which in turn means the product will last longer over time.

While some chemical based products may be cheaper, you end up needing to use a lot of them – putting layer after layer of moisturiser on as your skin still feels dry, therefore having to buy more of it, and actually costing you more in the long run.

If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin!

Our skin is very absorbent, and when you use products such as moisturisers, cleansers and toners, the ingredients within these are getting absorbed into our bodies. It’s great to be health conscious and think about what we are putting into our bodies, and it doesn’t stop at what we eat and drink.

Next time you are buying a new moisturiser take a look at the ingredients on the label and think, “Would I eat this?” If the answer is no perhaps it’s time to start turning your skincare routine into a more natural one! Chemical toxins are very destructive whereas natural products, which are made from flower and plant extracts, are designed to nourish our bodies and do nothing but good.