Did you ever buy commercial lotions or soaps that
claimed to contain all-natural ingredients or some other skin moisturizer only
to determine that you’ve wasted your money? If you said yes to this question,
you’re not alone.
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| Photo: Commercial Lotions and Soaps | InStyleHealth |
The commercial cosmetics industry list natural
ingredients of aloe vera and here lately shea butter on their product labels to
satisfy the consumers’ quest for natural products. You may even have to pay
more for the inclusion of natural ingredients, but are you getting the real
value of what you pay for?
You need to watch out for the following when
purchasing products that make specific claims on the label:
It is required by the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
(FPLA) that ingredients be listed in descending order of quantity. So whichever
ingredient makes up most of the product should be listed first; thus, if you
are looking for a shea butter product, look for that ingredient towards the top
of the ingredient list.
Natural ingredients mean that these are extracted
directly from plants or animal products as opposed to being produced
synthetically. Supposedly there is no proof that natural ingredients are better
for the skin, but I can certainly tell the difference when using all-natural
bath oil versus the 100% mineral oil which is a synthetic oil derived from
petroleum.
Hypoallergenic on cosmetics labeling claims the
product will most likely not cause any allergic reaction. When you read terms
“dermatologist-tested,” “nonirritating,” and other statements that imply the
product has been tested is not a guarantee that you will not have any allergic
reaction.
The ingredients, Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta
hydroxy acids (BHA) are used in products
that claim to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Always use caution when applying
these ingredients by testing a small area on your skin first to determine if
any adverse reaction will occur. You should also avoid the sun and use a
sunscreen when using AHA.
You know that soap is actually a synthetic detergent bar regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and is not required to meet Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) regulations unless it claims to do something other than cleansing. If the soap claims to be a deodorizing soap it is considered cosmetic and must abide by FDA regulations. If it reduces dandruff or makes some other medical claim it must be considered a drug, carry the required drug labeling and also meet FDA safety and effectiveness requirements.
Handmade soap is considered a better option compared
to commercial soaps because it will not dry your skin. This is because handmade
soaps retain natural glycerin, a humectant which attracts moisture to your
skin, whereas the commercial soaps remove the glycerin to use in more
profitable products.
Always remember that typically handmade bath and body
products contain a higher percentage of natural ingredients. Whether you
purchase commercial or “natural” products, I encourage you to shop around as
all products are not created equal. Know what to look for regarding ingredients
and how they are listed to determine if you are getting your money’s worth.
Take into consideration how the product makes your skin feel, does it dry your
skin or does it feel soft and moisturized.