Bio cosmetics

Image: © Valua Vitaly / Fotolia

In recent years the cosmetic industry has allied with nature. They have begun using natural product as ingredients for cosmetics.
The “Bio” word
The word “Bio” for describing cosmetics using natural products was first used in the 1930s. In the 1950s, the first international organizations that deal with organic agriculture appear. In the last 15-20 years there are quite a few world-wide organizations and laboratories that certify organically grown products.
The difference
It is important to note the difference between natural and organic, or bio cosmetics. Natural cosmetics uses mostly plant extracts, high-quality minerals and algae, which have not been treated with synthetic chemicals, undergo a high quality control and are organically certified. Bio cosmetics are certified according to the standards of the particular country.
In Europe this warden is called Ecocert; in England – Soil Association; in USA – USDA. Ecocert guarantees that the product contains a minimum of 95% natural substances and a minimum of 95% of them come from organic agriculture. It also forbids the use of pesticides, parabens, genetically modified organisms (GMO), mineral oil ingredients, such as paraffin or petroleum extracts and animal testing.