While organic foods and cleaners have definitely become more and more commonplace in the last few years, there are still a few areas of organic life where people are skeptical. Organic cosmetics, for example, tend to be viewed with more suspicion than other organic products. Often containing many of the same base ingredients, like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and mica, people have to wonder what advantage they’re really gaining if they splurge on the organic product. The answer, however, is a bit more cut and dry than cosmetic companies might have you believe.

Organic Cosmetics

The truth is that most cosmetics are fairly unregulated, meaning that all sorts of chemicals and carcinogens could be laced in what seems like a fairly innocuous package. Until stricter regulations are put into place for cosmetic companies, organic cosmetics offer a measure of control over what you’re putting onto your skin and consequently, into your body. Skin absorbs all sorts of things into your bloodstream, and when things like mercury, polyethylene glycol, and alcohol are present that’s nothing to mess with. These toxins can’t be processed by the body and can often linger in the intestines and other organs, causing damage.

Protect Yourself

Over the counter cosmetics are often laced with unnecessary dyes, preservatives, and synthetic materials that can clog pores and damage the skin. Ironically, that usually requires the use of additional cosmetic products, creating an endless loop of demand that can put a hole in your pocket and create long term damage exactly where you don’t want it. Organic makeup doesn’t have many of these dyes and fragrances, decreasing the potential for allergy related problems or skin irritation. It also usually has some level of SPF, offering a small amount of built in protection against harmful and ageing UV rays.

Help the Environment

All of those unnatural chemicals laced throughout over the counter cosmetic products aren’t biodegradable, causing more chemicals to leech into the soil and harm the overall environment. While spending a few extra dollars at the cosmetics counter might seem like a small way to make a difference, a lot of small contributions can add up. The more people who switch to organic, the more demand there will be for companies to switch their products from chemical based to organic ingredients. For right now, though, be cautious – educate yourself on what you’re buying. There are few regulations on the cosmetic industry right now, so you really have to know what you’re buying to make the extra expense worth it.