Cosmetics made with synthetic substances have gotten a bad name recently, coinciding with the rise in natural cosmetics which are increasingly present in women’s vanity cabinets. That bad name is undeserved, according to Juan Carlos Montoro, Director of Grupo Barcelonesa’s cosmetics business sector. He explains that “both natural and synthetic products are completely safe considering the fact that both must comply with the same safety conditions”. Below we will dismantle, or should we say cleanse away, some of the false myths about chemical products in cosmetics:
1. ‘Chemical’ cosmetics aren’t worse:
The best cosmetic product is the one that meets the needs of the consumer. Highly effective ingredients can be obtained through chemical synthesis because this process makes it possible to isolate the most powerful components from a plant and include that isolated ingredient within cosmetic products. What’s more, some cosmetic products cannot be made solely with natural ingredients, such as high protection sunscreens, for example.
2. Chemical products are safe:
If they weren’t, it wouldn’t be legal to sell them. All cosmetic components are subject to strict safety checks. Specifically, chemical substances are regulated by the REACH (CE) No. 1907/2006 regulation, the purpose of which is to improve the protection of human health and the environment.
3. There is no heightened risk for allergic reactions:
If there is a risk for allergic reaction, this is actually greater in natural products, due to their higher complexity. In fact, one of the advantages of synthetic substances is that 100% of their chemical composition can be known. On the contrary, the composition of natural ingredients can vary.
4. It isn’t more toxic:
Cosmetic ingredients like parabens, silicones, preservatives, or sulfates have developed a bad reputation as being toxic or harmful to health. This bad reputation lacks any justification. Judging by current studies, concentrations that are thousands or many million times higher than those currently used would be needed for these components to represent any sort of danger.
5. Chemicals are necessary:
A cosmetic product is the perfect home for microorganisms because it contains water, rich fats, and even plant extracts. Chemical preservatives help kill bacteria and preserve cosmetics, thereby increasing their utilisation period and safety. Their presence plays a key role, because a contaminated product can cause real problems like dermatitis or skin infections.
At Barcelonesa, we trust in chemistry and collaborate in the innovation and enhancement of companies dedicated to the manufacture of products for skin care, hair care, oral care, perfumery, sunscreen products, and decorative cosmetics. Our mission is to offer our clients the very best solutions for cosmetics.
