Green cosmetics: how to recognize them

The cosmetics industry is making significant strides towards sustainability, both in terms of product types and packaging.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE GREEN COSMETICS

But how do you recognize a green cosmetic? What essential characteristics should it have? Green beauty This term is used to identify natural cosmetics with products based on natural ingredients, made with sustainable and renewable resources. A sustainable cosmetic is not tested on animals and is marketed in packaging made from recycled or recyclable materials. Therefore, the definition of green it applies to both the product and the packaging that contains it, which is often the source of much waste.

ALSO READ: Cosmetics: How to Read Labels

TYPES OF GREEN COSMETICS

There are four different categories of cosmetics on the market:

• Natural cosmetics: products composed of at least 10% plant and mineral substances.
• Organic cosmetics created with raw materials from organic farming, free from chemicals, colorants or artificial flavors.
• Vegan cosmetics, products that do not contain ingredients of animal origin or derivation.
• Organic cosmetics made with ingredients of exclusively plant or animal origin.

NATURAL COSMETICS

In addition to belonging to one of the categories listed above, all products in the green beauty should not contain:

• Silicones, present in many cosmetic products such as shampoos or body creams.
• Petrolatum, chemical substances derived from petroleum, which pose a problem for the environment and for human safety.
• Sulfates, especially found in shampoos.
• Parabens, potentially carcinogenic preservatives.
• Metals, such as nickel, chromium or cobalt, responsible for numerous skin diseases.

TO KNOW MORE: Microplastics in cosmetics: where are they found?

GREEN COSMETICS LABELS

The first rule to keep in mind when purchasing these products is therefore to read the labels: if the products bear appropriate certifications, it means they are formulated with respect for the environment. Authorities verify that each ingredient in the product is permitted by the specifications and that the raw materials are mostly organic.

Among the best-known certifications we can mention:

• ICEA
• CCB
• EcoCert

BIO BOUTIQUE LA ROSA CANINA

All green cosmetics can also be purchased online, the important thing is to choose reliable and safe sellers, as in the case of Bio Boutique La Rosa Canina. These are An online store that's much more than just a shop, a point of reference in the beauty sector in Italy and beyond, where every day you can find everything you need at the most advantageous prices.

Bio Boutique La Rosa Canina offers a wide range of organic cosmetic products; among the various brands we can certainly mention:

• La Saponaria: A certified organic and vegan Italian brand. The company is particularly environmentally conscious: every year, it commits to reducing its use of virgin plastic, replacing it with packaging made of glass, cardboard, recycled aluminum, bioplastic, post-consumer recycled plastic, and ocean plastic.
• Gyada Cosmetics: Certified organic Italian brand, vegan (for most products), and nickel tested. All products are formulated without alcohol, colorants, preservatives, parabens, silicones, or petrolatum.
• Neve Cosmetics: Italian brand of natural, vegan, and strictly cruelty-free makeup and cosmetics. Neve Cosmetics is a leader in mineral makeup and has supported animal rights organizations for years. Free from silicones, parabens, petrolatum, and other harsh chemicals.
• Mesauda: An Italian brand of professional makeup at a competitive price. The finest laboratories in Italy, France (nail polishes), and Germany (pencils) serve the pursuit of a beauty that combines the art of aesthetics with health protection and respect for the diversity that distinguishes each of us.

For Non Sprecare readers, the online store Bio Boutique La Rosa Canina has reserved a special discount code: NONSPRECARE15 for 15% off thousands of cosmetics & makeup.

COSMETICS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Old cosmetics: how to reuse them when they get old or we no longer like them
• Natural cosmetics: how to make them with lemon peel, chestnuts, and coffee.
• Cosmetics to be disposed of: each in its own container. Avoid the sink at all costs.