{"id":11568,"date":"2024-11-08T15:41:55","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T14:41:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/uncategorized\/natural-vs-synthetic-cosmetics-how-do-they-differ-and-which-should-you-use\/"},"modified":"2024-11-08T15:41:55","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T14:41:55","slug":"natural-vs-synthetic-cosmetics-how-do-they-differ-and-which-should-you-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/phenomepedia-en\/natural-vs-synthetic-cosmetics-how-do-they-differ-and-which-should-you-use\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural vs. Synthetic Cosmetics: How Do They Differ, and Which Should You Use?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>The effectiveness of cosmetics\u2014whether natural or synthetic\u2014depends on the quality of the active ingredients that interact with the skin and meet its needs. The rest of the formula is designed to provide a carrier for these substances, ensure the product\u2019s stability, achieve an optimal texture, and offer an appealing fragrance. And here it may turn out that these additives are completely neutral to our skin, enhance the cosmetic\u2019s effectiveness, or, in the worst case, may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, a conscious choice of cosmetics should take into account both effectiveness and safety in equal measure.   <\/h3>\n<p>Find out how the most commonly used oils, emulsifiers, fragrances, and preservatives can affect your body and the environment.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Water<\/h3>\n<p>Water is the main ingredient in skincare products and often makes up more than half of the formula! This is because it acts as a solvent and a carrier for active ingredients. <\/p>\n<p>Most manufacturers use plain water\u2014either tap water or spring water. However, research shows that using plant-based water, or hydrosols, instead significantly increases the effectiveness of the cosmetic product. Plant-based waters better moisturize the skin, preparing it to absorb active ingredients, and the active ingredients they carry work faster and penetrate deeper into the skin.  <\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s more, in addition to moisturizing, floral waters have a soothing effect on the skin, allowing for the inclusion of up to a dozen different active ingredients in a single product. That is why Phenom\u00e9, nearly a decade ago, became the first company in the world to replace ordinary water with 100% hydrosols. To further enhance the effectiveness of our natural cosmetics, most products contain tested and carefully selected combinations of hydrosols\u2014for example, the REJUVENATING anti-wrinkle cream with Rhodiola rosea contains as many as three different plant waters: green tea, aloe vera, and almond.  <\/p>\n<h3>2. Active ingredients<\/h3>\n<p>Conventional cosmetics rely on synthetic active ingredients, whose effects are often short-lived or superficial. Furthermore, these ingredients are not biodegradable and therefore are not environmentally friendly. They also frequently cause skin irritation.  <\/p>\n<p>Phenom\u00e9 natural cosmetics use natural ingredients of exclusively plant or mineral origin, sourced from certified organic farms whenever possible. The active ingredients include natural oils, plant extracts and extract complexes, as well as naturally derived vitamins (C, E, B5, and others) and plant waters. These are precious, unprocessed substances, free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Our organic cosmetics owe their life-giving power to these ingredients. That is precisely why natural cosmetics cannot be replaced by synthetic ones.   <\/p>\n<p>Phenom\u00e9 organic cosmetics stand out not only for the quality of their natural active ingredients, but also for the number of them. Our body and face products are rich in as many as a dozen active ingredients. For example, the popular LUMINOUS apple day cream contains as many as fourteen!  <\/p>\n<h3>3. Oils<\/h3>\n<p>Conventional cosmetics use synthetic oils derived from the petrochemical industry. This is the cheapest and most readily available option. Unfortunately, these oils coat the skin with an impermeable film, disrupting its basic physiological functions. The skin cannot breathe properly, which leads to the development of imperfections.   <\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, synthetic oils prevent active ingredients from penetrating the skin properly, rendering face and body creams ineffective. Worse still, studies have shown that these harmful substances accumulate in the liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes. <\/p>\n<p>That is why Phenom\u00e9\u2019s natural cosmetics rely exclusively on the highest-quality plant oils, sourced from certified organic farms whenever possible. In our search for the most valuable natural ingredients, we have selected only cold-pressed and unrefined oils to preserve their highest biological value. This ensures they are easily absorbed by the skin. The highest-quality plant oils are expensive and difficult to obtain, but they are one of the most important factors determining a product\u2019s effectiveness. The cornerstone of our philosophy is the belief that the quality of raw materials is the foundation of premium cosmetics.    <\/p>\n<p>The most intensely hydrating natural skincare product in the Phenom\u00e9 range\u2014the deeply moisturizing LUSCIOUS face cream\u2014contains three different organic oils: jojoba, olive, and Damask rose.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Emulsifiers<\/h3>\n<p>Emulsifiers allow oils and water to be combined. Their function is to ensure the right consistency and make the cosmetic product easier to apply. <\/p>\n<p>Conventional cosmetics use the cheapest option: synthetic ingredients such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polypropylene glycol (PPG). Although they are not toxic in and of themselves, they make the skin more permeable to toxins from the environment. Additionally, PEG can cause skin allergies. They are also not safe for the environment.   <\/p>\n<p>In contrast, Phenom\u00e9\u2019s natural products use only plant-based emulsifiers.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Fragrances<\/h3>\n<p>Conventional cosmetics contain synthetic fragrances, which sometimes consist of as many as 200 different chemicals. According to many experts, it is these synthetic fragrances that are responsible for most allergic reactions. Cosmetics containing them also pose a threat to the environment.  <\/p>\n<p>In contrast, the delicate fragrance of Phenom\u00e9\u2019s natural cosmetics stems from the use of only small amounts of essential oils and natural plant and fruit extracts. Natural essential oils, used as far back as ancient times by Egyptian women renowned for their beauty regimens, have always been considered precious. <\/p>\n<p>To this day, they remain a luxurious alternative to synthetic fragrances. But it\u2019s hardly surprising: it takes as many as 6 tons of rose petals to produce just one liter of rose oil! <\/p>\n<p>Phenom\u00e9 fragrances are not only gentle on the skin, but also on the environment. We use only natural fragrance extracts in our products. This sensual feast of pure, \u201cgreen\u201d aromas provides a pleasant sense of calm. In this regard, the star products are those from the illuminating apple series, with an appetizing scent of fresh, juicy apples and a delicate hint of cinnamon.   <\/p>\n<h3>6. Preservatives<\/h3>\n<p>Preservatives are essential ingredients in every skincare product; they ensure freshness and prevent the growth of fungi, bacteria, and other harmful organisms that cause cosmetics to spoil. That is why even natural cosmetics contain preservatives. However, how they affect the skin on your face or body depends on their origin.  <\/p>\n<p>Conventional cosmetics are made using preservatives that, until recently, were considered safe. Unfortunately, recent studies have found evidence that they can cause allergic skin inflammation, disrupt the endocrine system, and even lead to cancer. What\u2019s more, to extend a product\u2019s shelf life, many companies add significant amounts of preservatives to their cosmetics.  <\/p>\n<p>Phenom\u00e9 natural cosmetics are safe in this regard. They use only the necessary amount of safe, mild preservatives for preservation. These are classified as pseudo-natural and must have been approved by organic product certification bodies such as Cosmos or Ecocert.  <\/p>\n<p>At Phenom\u00e9, we take a holistic approach to natural cosmetics. That is why we know that extending shelf life does not have to rely solely on artificial additives, but also depends on the correct pH level. Phenom\u00e9 natural cosmetics are manufactured in special facilities that meet pharmaceutical standards. The packaging and storage processes are also subject to special safety regulations.   <\/p>\n<h3>7. Detergents<\/h3>\n<p>Cleansing products, on the other hand, must contain cleansing agents. Conventional cosmetics most often use sodium lauryl sulfates\u2014commonly known as SLS and SLES\u2014for this purpose. They are used in most facial and body cleansers, as well as in shampoos, due to their low cost and good foaming properties. However, these are harsh agents with numerous side effects, responsible, among other things, for skin dryness, disruption of sebum and sweat secretion, and skin irritation and breakouts.   <\/p>\n<p>For this reason, Phenom\u00e9 natural cosmetics contain only an Ecocert-certified ingredient derived from coconut oil. It is highly effective yet safe. Additionally, for sensitive skin and children\u2019s skin, we use very gentle plant-based ingredients such as Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine.  <\/p>\n<h3>8. UV filters<\/h3>\n<p>Conventional skincare products commonly use synthetic filters due to their low cost, wide availability, and ease of use. However, these cosmetics often cause photoallergic contact dermatitis. In Europe, their use in products for infants and young children is not recommended. Such products also have a negative impact on the environment, which is particularly significant in the case of body sunscreens and sea bath products. Typically, sunscreens with chemical filters also leave a white film on the skin and are quite difficult to spread.    <\/p>\n<p>Phenom\u00e9 natural cosmetics, on the other hand, rely exclusively on mineral filters. These are natural alternatives to synthetic filters, equally effective at protecting the skin (they shield against UVA and UVB rays), yet harmless\u2014both to human health and the environment. The safe minerals used in the formula do not penetrate deep into the skin of the face or body, but form a protective layer on its surface, reflecting and scattering harmful radiation. In this way, they prevent irritation and delay the signs of aging.   <\/p>\n<p>Natural sunscreen products are particularly worth considering for women who are planning to have children, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as synthetic UV filters can potentially disrupt hormonal balance.<\/p>\n<p>This mineral-based sunscreen is an ingredient in, among other products, the IDEAL cream for sensitive and couperose skin. You\u2019ll also find it in the PROTECTIVE sun care line. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The effectiveness of cosmetics\u2014whether natural or synthetic\u2014depends on the quality of the active ingredients that interact with the skin and meet its needs. The rest of the formula is designed to provide a carrier for these substances, ensure the product\u2019s stability, achieve an optimal texture, and offer an appealing fragrance. And here it may turn [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3279,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[119],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-phenomepedia-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11568","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11568"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11568\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11568"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11568"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phenome.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11568"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}