Natural cosmetic ingredients, where do they come from?

The race to enhance cosmetics chemically has come to an end. Manufacturers are fighting to put out products with the most “natural cosmetic ingredients” to the market. Not only do the ingredients cater to the consumer’s needs, but the price does, as well.

Going back in history and finding that natural enhancers also acted as therapeutic and medical components in cosmetics add greater value to makeup on the market today. Ancient Egyptians used roots of plants, flowers, the bark of trees, leaves, fruits, and vegetables, as well as clay, seeds, oils and other extracts from natural resources to create their version of cosmetics. These cosmetics were mainly ritualistic, used for religious ceremonies. But realizing the cosmetic effect enhanced these products, which were used by the women folk as a beauty aide. These products also doubled as a medical or therapeutic agent, as well.

Dead Sea minerals and shea butter from the shea tree of the West African Savannah are two of the most common and sought after components in makeup today.

Aloe vera is known for its healing properties, especially with burns (sun, chemical or fire) and helps reducing the appearance of scars. The water, calcium, zinc, minerals, magnesium, and potassium with the natural moisturizer “mucopolysachcharides” in aloe vera acts as a soothing balm for the skin on its own gel form, without any enhancers. Aloe Vera is found in tropical climates.

Coffee, tea, green tea, and even cocoa were used to give color to makeup. Now their healing properties are recognized and utilized to enhance the “natural” factor in cosmetics. The tropical countries which grow these crops agriculturally, now sell a segment of their harvest for cosmetics.

Hazelnut, apricot kernel, almonds and other pulses are used for body scrubs, even shampoos and conditioners. The rich value is brought out in various forms such as oil, paste, milk, and gel to add value to the cosmetic. Temperate climates are the best for these products to grow in.

Our kitchen shelves provide other home made remedies for quick and easy use at home. Oatmeal and bran can be used with milk as a body scrub. Egg whites are a great conditioner for the hair. A facemask of seaweed is a great cleanser. Coconut oil is one of the best moisturizers, especially for sun burnt skin. In its purest form, coconut oil is a soothing salve for lightly wounded or even burnt skin, helping with the reduction of scars, as well. Honey, lemon, papaya, avocado, as well as olive oil and jojoba oil are other products used en-masse for cosmetics. Lavender oil, rose and sandalwood along with flower extracts are used for perfumes and scents in makeup.

Demand has created very inventive ways of growing and harvesting these natural products. Those that require tropical climates are grown in greenhouses in temperate countries to supply the ever-increasing demand. The products which require colder climates can be found in tropical countries in temperature controlled greenhouses. Going back to nature not only helps the individual by maintaining their cosmetic health, but also helps the farmer with a lucrative business. It thereby enhances the value of the natural cosmetic and its ingredients in every way.