In a world where there are so many different skincare brands, it's easy to get lost and confused when it comes to choosing the perfect products for you. With that being said, have you ever considered where your skincare comes from, how it's sourced, and what kind of ingredients are in it? These questions are much more important than you may think! Not all skincare is created equal. In this blog, we’re going to explore the importance of knowing where your skincare comes from, how it’s sourced, and the ingredients that make them up.
Your Skin Is Your Body's Largest Organ
Before we dive into the sourcing and ingredients of skincare products, it's incredibly important to know that your skin is your body's largest organ. It acts as a protective barrier, regulates your body temperature, and plays an important role in your overall health. Because it’s your body's largest organ, it’s important that we protect our skin and nourish it with ingredients and use products that aren’t harmful to us. Everything that we put on our skin gets absorbed.
The Sourcing of Skincare Ingredients
Many skincare products are made from a variety of natural and synthetic ingredients. The way these ingredients are sourced can have a big impact on not only the environment, but the efficiency of the product. Let’s talk about the difference between natural ingredients and synthetic ingredients.
Natural Ingredients
Natural ingredients in skin care products are sourced from plants, minerals, and other natural substances. Some common natural ingredients include aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, lavender, green tea, and different fruit extracts. In addition to vitamin content, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds, these ingredients can nourish and protect the skin. For those with sensitive skin or those who are seeking a more environmentally friendly option, natural ingredients are often free of harsh chemicals and synthetic additives.
Products that have natural ingredients are often seen as safer and more environmentally friendly. However, the sourcing of these ingredients is incredibly important. If a company isn’t promoting sustainable practices, ethical harvesting, and fair trade inside of their business and in the making of their products, then they aren’t ensuring that the natural ingredients inside of their products aren’t harming the consumer or the environment. This is often referred to as greenwashing. At Renu Naturals, not only are most of our ingredients sourced by nature, but we’re part of the 1% for the planet.
Synthetic Ingredients
Synthetic ingredients are commonly used in skin care products for many different reasons. Developed in a laboratory, these ingredients are specifically designed to mimic the substances found in the skin. They can provide moisturization, UV protection, and anti-aging properties. With that being said, some synthetic ingredients may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. The long-term effects of synthetic ingredients on the skin and overall health are also being debated. If you plan to use products that contain synthetic ingredients, you should carefully read and research the ingredients beforehand.
Synthetic ingredients can be rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, but the most important aspect is transparency. Knowing where and how these ingredients are manufactured ensures that they meet the highest quality standards!
The Role of Ingredients in Skincare
Understanding how each ingredient plays into your skincare products is incredibly important, not only because your skin is the largest organ on your body and you should want to know what’s being absorbed into it, but for several other reasons as well!
1. Skin Sensitivity and Allergies: Some ingredients may cause skin sensitivity or allergies. By knowing what's in your skincare, you can avoid products that contain substances your skin reacts negatively to. Some common skin irratants found in skincare are Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Propylene glycol, Formaldehyde releasers, Salicylic acid, Metals and Fragrance.
2 - Effectiveness: Different ingredients have different purposes for skin conditions. Knowing what ingredients address your specific skin concerns allows you to choose products that are tailored to your needs!
3 - Long-term Health: Some skincare ingredients have potential long-term health effects, such as exposure to harmful chemicals. Being aware of these risks helps you to make informed choices when it comes to your skincare. Believe it or not, you skincare is related to your overall health, and not just the health of your skin!
4 - The Impact on the Environment: Unfortunately, the beauty industry has a significant environmental footprint. The demand for exotic ingredients and excessive packaging contribute to waste and carbon emissions. Some of the worst ingredients for our planet that are commonly found in skincare are, Exfoliating Microbeads, Preservatives like BHA and BHT, Phthalates, Triclosan, Synthetic Fragrances, Silicones and Chemical Sunscreens, just to name a few.
By choosing skincare products with responsibly sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, you can reduce your environmental impact! Here at RENU, this is an incredibly important topic. Most of the ingredients we use in our products are sourced from Brittish Columbia, which adheres to strict regulatory standards. We ensure our ingredients are responsibly sourced, and offer not only the option to ship our products without product boxes, but we use responsible packaging to ensure we aren't only taking great care of your skin, but the environment as well.
The Purity and Efficiency of Small Batch Products
When you choose to use small-batch skincare products, you’re getting a level of freshness and purity that cannot be matched by large manufactured skincare products. Unlike mass-produced products, small-batch skincare is made in limited quantities, allowing for careful attention to detail and the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients. The efficacy of these ingredients are more potent in fresh products compared to those that sit on a shelf for extended periods of time. We carefully select our product packaging so active compounds can retain their full strength and effectiveness.
Large manufactured skincare products can often contain a high amount of preservatives to prolong their shelf life, which often can diminish the potency of the ingredients over time. Overall, when you opt for small-batch skincare, you’re ensuring a more effective and pure skincare experience!
Supporting Ethical Practices
Last but not least, brands that prioritize fair wages, sustainable farming, and ethical labor practices should be encouraged and rewarded with your consumer choices. Your purchases can help drive positive change within the industry and ensure that we continue to support ethical practices.
Will You Be Keeping a Closer Eye on Your Skincare Products?
So, in the world of skincare, knowing where your products come from, how they're sourced, and what ingredients they contain is far more important and not just a personal preference. It's about taking responsibility for your skin's health, making informed choices, and contributing to a more sustainable and ethical beauty industry! Next time you reach for that skincare product, take a moment to research and consider its origins! Your skin and the planet will thank you for it. And, you deserve skincare that’s actually good for you!
Feel free follow us over on Instagram and Join our private Face Book Group at Demystifying Skincare, for more skincare tips and tricks, and check out our products here if you're on the search for skincare that isn't just good for you, but gentle on the environment, too!
