Why Organic Beauty?
A growing number of women and men in South Africa and around the world are trying to lead a healthier lifestyle both for themselves and their children.
The damage being done by man-made chemicals, both to the environment and to our bodies will perhaps never be fully understood, however one thing is for certain – using natural, organic beauty products on our skin rather than artificial ingredients can only be a good thing.
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is estimated that the typical female will absorb up to 2kgs of artificial chemicals every year as a result of skincare products. Not surprisingly a growing number of people are opting for natural, organic alternatives to their daily beauty routine. Today’s organic beauty products are rich, stylish and wonderfully effective, offering everything you need to nurture, protect and care for the skin of yourself and your family.
What’s in natural and organic products?
Manic Organic has selected a range of products from companies that are focused on creating natural, organic beauty solutions. Most work with certification bodies such as the ECOCERT to ensure their products meet the high standards required. We are continually sourcing new natural and organic products to bring to you, developing our product range to offer you a wider choice of beauty solutions.
To create suitable products sometimes these natural ingredients may be treated with synthetic substances. The ECOCERT realizes that this can be a necessity for certain products, such as shampoos that require a foaming action. They therefore allow certain semi-synthetic ingredients in beauty products and you may see these listed as a chemical name on certain products.
However, we work only with companies that are focused on delivering safe, effective beauty care, using natural and organic ingredients wherever possible.
Ingredients to be aware of…
Many of your favourite beauty products will probably contain synthetically produced chemicals in varying amounts – some of which are more easily absorbed through your skin than others. Using these day in and day out, creates a cumulative effect, and it is this which is causing concern.
Here are some of the chemicals to look out for in the products you and your family use.
- SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) – Found in 90% of commercial shampoos and many other toiletries from toothpastes to shower gels, SLS is responsible for creating the lather of a product. It is recognised as causing irritation to the scalp, eyes and skin.
- Parabens – These are the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetics and toiletries. They work by inhibiting enzyme activity, and can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
- Propylene Glycol – widely used in cosmetics this is a petrochemical, used as a humectant (promotes retention of moisture) in toiletries. It is recognised as causing allergic and toxic reactions.
- DEA/TEA/MEA – Synthetic solvents, which are recognised to be carcinogenic.
- Phthalates (DBP/DMP/DEP) – These have been linked to decreased fertility in females and faulty reproductive development in foetuses. Rarely listed on product ingredients, coming instead under terms such as ‘parfum’.
- PEG - Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is an ethoxylated surfectant that can affect the skin’s natural moisture levels and is known to cause skin iritations, eczema and dermatitis.
- Artificial Fragrance (Parfum) – The majority of toiletries will list ‘parfum’ among their ingredients, however they can provoke a range of allergies.
