Organic Makeup Products Vs. Non-Organic

The debate about organic makeup Vs. Non-organic makeup has been discussed for many years now. Still, it depends much on your personal preference. Read on to find out about organic and non-organic makeup, makeup ingredients that are good and bad for the skin, and some of the benefits of using organic makeup products.

Table of Contents

Organic Makeup

Organic makeup is all-natural makeup made from natural and organic, grown, and processed ingredients. They contain essential oils, minerals, vitamins, and plant extracts to nourish the skin while applying makeup for further beautification.

Organic makeup is free of any harmful chemicals, including Petrochemicals, talc, parabens, preservatives, synthetic chemicals, GMOs, etc.
Organic make up ingredients are good for the skin, and they are grown and processed in such a way that it benefits the environment as well, or at least doesn’t harm it.

Non-Organic Makeup

Non-organic makeup refers to conventional makeup that is commonly used. Non-organic makeup depends largely on preservatives, silicones, and alcohol for its formulation:

Talc is always listed as the first ingredient, conventional makeup and skincare products are made using parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other such ingredients.
Synthetic human-made chemicals may be used to make products that smooth and hydrate the skin, that look good on the skin for the time being, but they are not good in the long run. Not only do they harm the skin, but they also damage the environment on the whole.

Makeup Ingredients to Avoid

Here are the make up ingredients you must avoid:

1. Parabens
2. Phthalates
3. Aluminum
4. Urea
5. Mineral Oil
6. DEA, MEA, TEA
7. Propylene and Butylene Glycol
8. Other

• Parabens – Parabens belong to a family of chemicals called ‘para-hydroxybenzoates’ used as preservatives in cosmetics. They are used to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and other such fungi in makeup and skincare products. They can act like the hormones ‘estrogen’ in the body and may disrupt the normal function of hormone systems in the body. Parabens can affect reproductive development and affects male and female reproductive fertility and birth outcomes. They can also disrupt the production of hormones in the body. Moreover, parabens can also alleviate levels of cellular damage caused by UV exposure which may re
• Phthalates – Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and sturdy basically. For this reason, they are also called plasticizers. The most commonly used phthalate in makeup and cosmetic products is Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), along with Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP) and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). Phthalates are known to cause problems in the endocrine system, reproductive toxicity, damage to the liver, lungs, and kidneys, etc. They can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, which is why they have been banned from use in cosmetics in the European Union.
• Aluminum – Aluminum is a chemical element, in the form of a silvery white metal. It is the most widespread metal on Earth and is soft and malleable. Makeup and cosmetic products stating Aluminum as an ingredient don’t refer to the pure metal you imagine. It is actually an aluminum powder that is made from aluminum off-cuts and leftover pieces. Aluminum powder in cosmetics and makeup serves as a colorant. However, it is a toxic substance and is only safe for external application, not even on the lips. Moreover, it can also lead to organ-system toxicity and disrupt hormonal balance.
• Urea – Urea is a nitrogenous end product of the breakdown of all proteins in mammals and fish. When the food is metabolized for energy, the major component, in the end, comes out to be urea, which is then eliminated from the body through urine. For cosmetic use, urea used is synthetic in nature and does not come from an animal source. It is mainly used to slow down the loss of moisture in any cosmetic product, basically acting as a preservative. This urea can often release formaldehyde, which may trigger skin allergies, joint pain, headaches, and sleep dehydration.
• Mineral Oil – Mineral oil is a by-product derived from the processing of petroleum. In cosmetics, it can be very harmful as it interferes with the ability of the skin to detoxify itself and eliminate any toxins. When toxins are not removed, skin pores and follicles become clogged, resulting in blackheads, acne, breakouts, etc.
• DEA, MEA, TEA – Diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine are clear and colorless liquids, with a viscous form and toxic odors similar to ammonia. They are used in cosmetic and makeup products such as sunscreens, hair products, fragrances, eye makeup, etc. Although they don’t harm the skin if their concentration in any product is kept in check, long-term use may cause problems. Over time, DEA can react with other ingredients and create NDEA, which is a dangerous carcinogen and can be absorbed through the skin.
• Propylene and Butylene Glycol – Propylene glycol and butylene glycol are hydrocarbons, in their gaseous forms. In the liquid state, they serve as surfactants. When used in makeup and skincare products, both propylene and butylene glycol can be absorbed into the skin quickly and weaken the protein and cellular structure in the layers of skin.
• Other – Other harmful ingredients include Sulfates, Siloxanes, Triclosan, Polyethylene Glycol, and synthetic fragrances.

Makeup Ingredients to Use

Rather than using products that contain the above-mentioned ingredients, opt for products containing ingredients that are good for the skin. These ingredients include:

1. Allantoin
2. Zinc Oxide
3. Squalane and Squalene
4. Bentonite
5. Corn Powder
6. Rice Powder
7. Fibroin
8. Iron Oxide
9. White Clay or Kaolin
10. Magnesium Stearate and Magnesium Myristate
11. Sericin

Benefits of Organic Makeup

Here are the benefits of organic make up:

1. All-Natural
2. Hypoallergenic
3. Better for the Skin
4. Better for the Environment

• All-Natural – All organic products are natural, although all natural products may not be organic. The natural ingredients are designed by nature to nurture and nourish the human body without causing any pollution, inside or outside the body
• Hypoallergenic – Since organic makeup products don’t contain any artificial ingredients that may be toxic or harmful to the skin. It is safe to claim that organic makeup products are hypoallergenic. At the very least, they lower the chance of allergic reactions to almost zero.
• Better for the Skin – Our skin is better adept at absorbing and processing organic compounds than in-organic ones. Therefore, organic makeup and skincare products are more efficient and better for the skin.
• Better for the Environment – Organic-centered agriculture is the most efficient and safe method of growing crops that fits in with the natural cycle of the world and doesn’t harm any part of it. Crops grown organically are free of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and other such growth boosting products. Moreover, they are also not genetically modified (Non-GMO), and are as natural as possible. This growing practice benefits the environment, reduces pollution and contamination of the soil, water, and air, as well as protects any local ecosystems from damage.