CosmoBiz Magazine August 2019 Issue | Page 40

Feature GETTING TO KNOW INGREDIENTS A look at some of the most common and effective ingredients in natural and organic personal care products When it comes to beauty products, many of us are willing to use items with ingredients we know nothing about. One of the most significant benefits to organic and natural beauty products is how they give you a chance to know precisely what you’re putting on your body. This month, we wanted to help you get a better idea of the many benefits and concerns about the ingredients used in your beauty products! We’re sticking with common ingredients because as you may think you’re familiar with them, you may not know everything. You may be surprised to find that they do more than you initially thought. We’ll also be taking a look at some of the concerns each ingredient might bring as well. It’s important to remember when you’re considering improving your beauty routine, you shouldn’t just stop at organic. You should also consider the effects that each ingredient has on the planet and on the people who are working with it. Honey As one of our favorite natural ingredients, honey offers many benefits to skincare, haircare, and general well being. Honey is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, which means when used on the skin, it can help alleviate many types of problems including acne, dry and itchy scalp, and even some minor skin irritations. Honey is also highly moisturizing, making it a great option when looking for an all-purpose treatment for any skin type. Aside from being sticky, it makes for a great everyday treatment. 40 C O S M O B I Z M A G A Z I N E One thing to consider is the option of using raw, local honey as opposed to what you might find in the store in plastic bear jars. Commercially-farmed honey, while still a great option, may have trace elements of pesticides with the potential of plastic chemicals may leaching into the product as it sits in the containers for too long. Local honey, when available, adds several extra benefits including a positive environmental aspect and the addition of local pollen. When you have honey with pollen, you not only get an added minor safe exfoliating benefit, but you have a little added nutrients, which can help to benefit your skin and hair.