Nowadays, when something like beauty products are called “natural”, we tend to think they are better for us, more pure, and less likely to adversely affect our skin. We trust them more, because they are “natural.” But is that the attitude we should have? Just blind trust because of the use of the word “natural”? What are some of the myths about natural beauty products, and what can we do to look out for ourselves?

Believe It? Or Not

Most people believe that if a product says it is “all natural” that it is better than another product. The problem with this thinking is that there just isn’t an “all natural” beauty product out there commercially available. Things that are “all natural” don’t last long enough, and have an extremely short shelf life. For it to be all natural, you would need to make it yourself – that’s right, squeeze the lemon, mix in the honey, add the cream - Whatever it takes. You would also need to refrigerate the natural beauty product, as there wouldn’t be any preservatives added in. Like with the foods we eat, the ingredients of natural beauty products are perishable. Adding in a preservative – which is done to all beauty products, natural or not, gives the beauty product a longer shelf time. The products available commercially need to last through the storage, shipping, and shelf time, before you even open the container. Also, be aware that the term “natural” is not regulated at all. Anyone can call their product “natural”, without any set standards in place.

A lot of people believe that chemicals are unhealthy to use on your skin. Some chemicals are bad for your skin, some aren’t. Just like there are chemical and synthetic varieties of medicinal plants, so are there chemically-engineered beauty products. The natural ingredients everyone seems to crave have been recreated for use in other beauty products. Synthetic varieties are also often cheaper for the companies to use in their products.   It is important to be a careful, educated, consumer. You can read up about the ingredients in natural beauty products on the FDA website. You can also get information there on labeling and the claims made by natural beauty product companies.

The type of container your natural beauty product is in really does matter! Some containers are decorative, but the containers also have a function beyond entertainment. Many containers are specifically designed to keep the ingredients of the beauty product stable, so that it does not become altered by air or sunlight. Some of the ingredients that need to be considered this way are retinol and some antioxidants.

Some people believe – in error – that natural beauty products will be non-allergenic. This just isn’t true. If you are allergic to it, whether it is natural or a chemical, you will react to it.

Whichever product you choose, you can check online for consumer product reviews. Seeing how others have liked or not liked the product – and taken the time to review it online – can be useful when you are deciding to try a product for yourself. Consider returning to the site to add your review after you’ve used a product, to help others choose wisely for themselves.