In the last 10 years there has been an increasing interest in the ingredients contained within the lotions, creams and potions we apply so generously to our skin.
However, many main stream manufacturers still include a range of not so natural ingredients in their products, such as:
 waste products from the petrochemical industry
products extracted from animal carcasses
lead and other heavy metals
As a result of the heightened awareness of health matters and the confusion concerning components and labeling, a new area of this profitable market has appeared, which needs natural skin care and cosmetics.
How natural is natural?
Many buyers require natural ingredients but are not prepared to accept the necessary compromise in product performance. For instance, a classic ingredient Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - this is a synthetic detergent derived from coconut oil and it may be found in a wide range of shampoos, bath products, toothpastes and liquid soaps. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate gives these products the luxurious bubbles and lather. Some studies have supposed that this ingredient is harmful and many consumers now seek products containing an alternative.
Manufacturers then created Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which is considered less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. When this was condemned, Ammonium Laureth Sulphate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate were substituted. Once again these are synthetic detergents developed from coconut oil and they are still considered to be an irritant. A number of studies have also suggested they may be carcinogenic.
A great number of “natural” manufacturers enterprising promote their products by slandering the products of competing companies – in spite of the fact that the ingredients they contain are essentially the same.
Buyers have to make themselves aware of the real meanings behind the mysterious names on their cosmetic bottles and acquainted themselves about the various aliases they are likely to encounter.
Due to the reasons for wanting to buy natural products, some components may be more acceptable than others. For example Lanolin which is extracted from the fleece of sheep. There are lots of chemicals in it that are usually used to destroy parasites that may live on the sheep. Many people that suffer from eczema find that treatment with lanolin based products – in spite of the chemicals – helps to diminish symptoms of it. The advantages of Lanolin treatment outweigh the disadvantage of potential contaminants.
In closing, one of the best ways to ensure that your products are natural is to make them yourself.
| 
