What are the benefits of natural & organic active ingredients?

In the beauty industry, consumers are increasingly concerned about the quality and origin of the products they apply to their skin. With this in mind, natural and organic cosmetics have gained in popularity, offering safer, skin-friendly alternatives that are often committed to the environmental cause.

These treatments, as we call them at IUM, draw their effectiveness from natural active ingredients of plant, mineral or marine origin, which have beneficial properties for the health and beauty of the skin. To better understand the benefits of these natural and organic active ingredients, we need to examine their specific characteristics, identify the main ingredients and determine how to choose the most suitable care products for each skin type.

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC COSMETICS, CERTIFICATIONS & LABELS.

Conventional and organic cosmetics differ mainly in the composition of their formulas and the manufacturing methods used. Conventional products often contain synthetic or petrochemical-derived ingredients, such as parabens, silicones, colorants and artificial fragrances. These ingredients are often inexpensive, but can be irritating, allergenic or even potentially harmful to health, and often have a negative impact on the environment.

Organic cosmetics, on the other hand, give preference to ingredients of natural origin and organically grown, such as vegetable oils, plant extracts and essential oils. These products are generally more respectful of the skin and the environment. Their production, meanwhile, follows strict ethical and sustainability rules, as the specifications for organic skincare are restrictive and binding for the brands that adhere to them.

To help consumers identify organic cosmetics, several certifications and labels have been set up. These labels guarantee the quality of ingredients, the traceability of raw materials and compliance with manufacturing standards. The best-known certifications include Ecocert Greenlife (which certifies our IUM skincare products), Cosmebio, BDIH, Soil Association or NaTrue. Each label has its own criteria and requirements, but they all share the aim of promoting healthy, safe and ecologically responsible cosmetics. When purchasing cosmetics, it is essential to check for the presence of these certifications and labels to ensure the quality and authenticity of organic products.

KEY INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

Natural and organic cosmetics contain a multitude of key ingredients that contribute to the health and beauty of the skin. These natural active ingredients are often extracted from plant, mineral or marine sources, and are recognized for their nourishing, moisturizing, soothing and regenerating properties. Discover our our key active ingredients here.

Among the most popular plant ingredients are vegetable oils such as argan, jojoba, sweet almond and rosehip. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, these oils deeply nourish the skin, helping to preserve its elasticity and suppleness. Essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, geranium or ylang-ylang, are also highly prized for their therapeutic properties, notably anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and soothing.

Plant extracts such as aloe vera, chamomile, calendula and green tea are also valuable cosmetic ingredients. They provide the skin with optimal hydration, relieve irritation and redness, and stimulate cell regeneration.

Marine active ingredients, such as algae, seawater extracts and mineral salts, are rich in trace elements, minerals and nutrients essential for the skin. They help moisturize, detoxify and protect the skin against external aggressors. You'll find some of these active ingredients, such as Red Algae, in our Plumping Serum. 

Finally, trace elements such as zinc, copper, silicon and selenium are also key ingredients for healthy skin. Present in small quantities, they play a crucial role in cell regeneration, collagen production and protection against free radicals.

By combining these key ingredients in appropriate formulations, natural and organic cosmetics provide the skin with essential nutrients to preserve its health, radiance and youthfulness.

CHOOSING AND INTEGRATING ORGANIC AND NATURAL COSMETICS ADAPTED TO YOUR SKIN TYPE

To take full advantage of the benefits of organic and natural skincare, it's crucial to select products suited to your skin type. Indeed, each skin type has specific needs and requires an appropriate skincare routine.

• Identify your skin type: The main skin types are: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. To determine your skin type, observe its general appearance, the presence of shine, pore size, reactivity and sensations of tightness or discomfort. You can also consult a dermatologist or esthetician for a precise diagnosis.

• Select suitable products: Once you've identified your skin type, look for organic and natural cosmetics formulated to meet your specific needs. For example, dry skin will benefit from care products rich in nourishing plant oils, while oily skin will appreciate light, mattifying formulas. Sensitive skins should opt for hypoallergenic, fragrance-limited products.

• Gradually incorporate organic cosmetics into your skincare routine: When you decide to switch to organic and natural cosmetics, it's advisable to do so gradually to allow your skin to adapt to the new ingredients. One by one, replace the products in your usual routine with natural alternatives, starting with cleansers, moisturizers and targeted treatments.

• Be patient and listen to your skin: Natural and organic cosmetics can sometimes take a while to show visible results. So it's important to be patient and persistent. Carefully observe your skin's reactions and adjust your routine if necessary, adding or removing products according to their effects.

By choosing organic and natural skincare products adapted to your skin type and incorporating them wisely into your skincare routine, you can take full advantage of the benefits of natural active ingredients for healthy, radiant skin.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ETHICAL BENEFITS OF ORGANIC AND NATURAL COSMETICS

Opting for organic and natural products not only has health benefits for your skin, it's also a commitment to the environment and ethical responsibility. Indeed, these products comply with strict production and manufacturing standards that take into account the preservation of natural resources, the reduction of ecological footprints and animal welfare.

• Preservation of natural resources: Organic cosmetics are formulated using ingredients from organic farming. These methods respect nature's cycles, preserve biodiversity and limit the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers that can pollute soil and groundwater.

• Reducing the ecological footprint: Organic cosmetics are often designed as part of an overall sustainable development approach, which aims to minimize environmental impact at every stage of the product's life cycle. This includes the use of recyclable or biodegradable packaging, waste reduction and the promotion of short circuits to limit transport-related CO2 emissions.

• Animal welfare: Organic cosmetics respect animal welfare, by prohibiting animal testing and favoring ingredients of vegetable or mineral origin. Some organic labels, such as Leaping Bunny or Cruelty-Free Internationalguarantee that products bearing these labels have not been tested on animals at any stage of their production.

• Fair trade and social responsibility: Many organic cosmetics are also committed to fair trade and social responsibility. They support local producers, promote fair and remunerative working conditions, and contribute to the economic and social development of the communities involved in ingredient production.

By choosing organic and natural cosmetics, you're not only making a beneficial choice for your skin, you're also making a responsible gesture towards the planet and its inhabitants. In this way, beauty, well-being and ethics come together in harmony to deliver long-lasting, environmentally-friendly results. Are you convinced?

OUR ADVICE:

To get the most out of your skincare routine, eat a balanced diet, stay sufficiently hydrated and take care of your sleep. A healthy, balanced lifestyle will reinforce the beneficial effects of natural products on your skin, promoting a radiant complexion and healthy-looking skin.

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