Natural Personal Care Products in Cosmetics

Environmental consciousness is no longer a niche area of interest for certain demographics in developed or developing societies; it has become an issue affecting all of us, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. According to statistics, more than half the population claims to feel responsible toward the environment, yet for many of us it still remains a low priority. Similarly, there is a growing trend toward natural or organic products in cosmetics that we use as personal care items. Leading organizations worldwide have formulated various definitions regarding natural and organic cosmetics. However, a comprehensive definition for natural cosmetic products has not been established. For claims of naturalness to be realistic and credible, the majority of the product's contents (70-95%) must derive from plant, animal, or mineral sources, and biological methods such as fermentation or simple physical methods must have been used in obtaining the raw materials. In the United States, the 'Natural Products Association Standard and Certification for Personal Care Products,' established to protect consumers using personal care products and to provide the best conditions for consumer welfare, has set regulations that determine whether a product is genuinely natural. This regulation also provides guidance for all personal cosmetic care products regulated and defined by the FDA.

What Does Natural Mean?

A natural substance must be found in nature, come from a renewable source, or contain no petroleum compounds in its composition.

All products labeled as 'natural' must:

• Contain at least 95% natural ingredients. • If synthetic substances permitted by standards are used, they must be synthetic substances that the standards accept as harmless to consumers and the environment.

Under What Circumstances Can Synthetic, Non-Natural Substances Be Used?

• When the substance cannot be easily obtained naturally as an alternative, • It must be proven through scientific studies that it does not pose a risk to human life.

Prohibited Substances:

• Substances proven through scientific studies to pose a risk to human life, • Synthetic silicones and petroleum compounds.

The following is a classified list of prohibited substances:

• Parabens: Synthetic substances that can damage the endocrine system. • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Harmful cleansing agents that damage the skin's lipid layer, causing irritation and redness. • Petrolatum/Mineral Oil/Paraffin: Potentially hazardous and non-renewable substances. • Chemical Sunscreens (Avobenzone / Oxybenzone): Disrupt hormone balance when absorbed by the skin. • Glycols: Synthetic chemicals derived from petroleum that enter the bloodstream along with other harmful chemicals. • Phthalates: Toxin-containing synthetic fragrance substances. • Ethoxylated ingredients (Sodium Myreth Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEGs or PPGs): Classified as potential carcinogens. • Ethanolamines like MEA / DEA / TEA: Foaming agents that combine with other substances to form Nitrosamine, which is carcinogenic. • Synthetic polymers (PVP / Acrylate): Synthetic stabilizers containing PAHs (the most common industrial byproduct). • Formaldehyde Donor (DMDM Hydantoin / Diazolidinyl Urea / Methylisothiazolinone): Releases formaldehyde.

Other Requirements:

• Each ingredient must be approved as safe by the FDA and recognized institutions (such as not containing heavy metals) and manufactured according to GMP standards, • The manufacturer must have produced the product in compliance with regulations and with ingredients placed accurately and safely, • The manufacturer must exercise care in recycling, • Products must not have been tested on animals.   Hülya Dağöttüren Specialist Biochemist Yeditepe University Cosmetics Research & Development and Production Department Coordinator