Between many names such as a natural product, "vegan" or "organic", you may feel confused when comparing care and cosmetics, and do not know the impact of these differences.

The classification of a natural product is very ambiguous because the natural ingredients used may be in very small proportions (Deutsche Welle)

Natural Products

We are all looking for beauty solutions that are safer on the skin, chemical-free and non-toxic in the long run.

It is therefore not surprising, then, that the "natural makeup" category of the cosmetic trade is the fastest growing in the world.

However, the classification of "natural product" is very foggy, because these natural ingredients used in the manufacture of the product may actually be in very small percentages and does not exceed 1% of the nature of the product, according to VOGUE international beauty magazine.

The rest of the product is synthetic oils, perfumes and chemicals, because by law the label "natural" can be used on lead added for some toxic cosmetics, for example.

So the best way to find out the composition of a product is to check the ingredients list.

In any natural product, the vegetable ingredients are on top and any synthetic ingredients are near the bottom.

Most products usually require some level of preservatives which are often synthetic, in contrast 100% natural products have a very short shelf life.

The Soil Society's Cosmos Natural logo, which features a globe with an outline in the logo's name, also ensures that the products do not contain genetically modified ingredients, controversial chemicals, parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, dyes, or fragrances, which are all elements harmful to skin and health.

The organic seal on the product means it contains at least 95% of natural organic ingredients (Getty Images)

Organic Products

This category of products needs to contain trace amounts of organic ingredients to call itself organic, which is often misleading as well.

Therefore, the clearest way to understand a product's organic credentials is to always check the label, and look for the aforementioned Soil Society logo.

This certifies that the products are sourced and manufactured using sustainable, organically farmed ingredients that are not tested on animals, and are free from harsh chemicals, nanoparticles, parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrances.

There are some steps that may help you distinguish an organic product from others, as follows, according to L MakeupInstitute:

  • Look for the organic seal, which means the product contains at least 95% of natural, organic ingredients.

  • Look for the globally certified NSF Organic seal, which means the product contains at least 75% organic ingredients.

  • Study the components of cosmetics to avoid toxic elements such as: parabens, alcohol, formaldehyde, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, triclosan, toluene, polyethylene, oxybenzone, petroleum.

As a last step, you can contact the cosmetics company via mail to confirm.

The globally certified NSF organic seal means the product contains 75% organic ingredients (Pixabe)

Vegan or Cruelty Free

​​"vegan makeup" refers to cosmetics that do not contain any animal ingredients, animal derivatives, or animal-derived products.

Cruelty Free and vegan are often confused, though the terms are different.

A cosmetic product can be vegan, but it is still tested on animals.

The product can also be cruelty-free without necessarily being vegan.

So "vegan" here refers to the list of ingredients, while "cruelty-free" refers to the production process.

The vegan label is marked with a 'V' symbol on the back of the package, while the cruelty-free product is symbolized by the 'Bunny Jump' symbol.

To make sure it's vegan or truly cruelty-free, look at the ingredients list carefully.

But just in case you're in doubt, just pop the contents into your botanical ingredient checker.

Some common cosmetic ingredients, which are derived from animal sources, include glycerin, collagen, gelatin, and retinol.

The Vegetarian Society also recommends avoiding ingredients such as pearls, silk, snail jelly, cochineal milk protein (E120), tallow, and lanolin.

Direct effect on the skin

Natural, organic cosmetics are the most suitable for the skin, as they do not harm hormones or cause any kind of poisoning or long-term health consequences, if they are completely natural, of course.

However, these materials often have a short life, and with poor storage, they can deteriorate and cause skin problems.

The synthetic ingredients that may be added to it harm the skin, causing inflammation and dryness, and harming the body in the long run.

Therefore, the use of vegan and cruelty-free preparations is one of the best options compared to other options.

According to Glamor beauty magazine, it achieves the following for the skin:

Skin-friendly:

Botanical products contain natural ingredients that promote the health of your skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin.

ECO-FRIENDLY:

 Vegan makeup is a much better choice for the environment because no chemicals are involved in its manufacture, and no threat to animals during manufacturing or production.

Vegetarian products are usually gluten-free as well, which is a plus for people with celiac and other inflammatory skin conditions.