Why go organic? Natural cosmetics jump in popularity
Not so long ago, organic cosmetics were the preserve of the dedicated consumer, armed with a list of ingredients and the names of high-end, specialist shops that would undoubtedly charge inflated prices.
Fast forward to today and organic makeup, moisturisers, body wash and shampoos are no longer niche items - they're readily available on the internet and high street and come at price tags that make them accessible by anyone.
Not only that, but they are becoming increasingly popular. The Soil Association recently revealed that sales of organic health and beauty products climbed by 67 per cent in 2008 to £27 million, before continuing to rise by another third in 2009, totalling a £36 million industry.
So what has caused the sea of change? First and foremost, knowledge.
Stacy Malkan, spokeswoman for The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, explained: "More people are definitely becoming aware of the potential risks of conventional products and the benefits of natural and organic products."
With the exposure to chemicals that we have in everyday life, it's wise to consider how best to limit your contact with potentially harmful substances.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has launched its own safety database - cosmeticdatabase.org - to help people make an informed choice.
"Many people are using the database to find less toxic products, and many companies have used it to reformulate their products to remove chemicals of concern," Ms Malkan added.
Another reason for the improvement in the take up of organic personal products is the high quality of the choices available.
Pigments have improved, ingredients have been developed to last as long as conventional alternatives and the wide choice available means that there's likely to be something that fits your needs.
If you're new to the world of organic, the most important thing is to make sure you're buying a genuine item.
Look for a certifying stamp - such as The Soil Association - to check that what you're purchasing has been made in line with stringent regulations.
And, of course, buy from a trusted retailer that knows what it's talking about!
Whether you're considering your first foray into organic cosmetics or you're an avid fan, you're not alone - and the industry is set to become even bigger, which can only be good news for consumers and beauty fans everywhere.
Posted by Shannon Davies
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