There is so much buzz about natural skincare. What is all this about and why is there such a revolution in the world of skincare pushing for more natural alternatives?

First, we need to emphasize, skincare is a lifetime commitment to caring for your skin and keeping it in good health. There are no magic bullets, and any quick fixes or drastic changes that may have long term negative health impacts.

Information is power, so we always encourage you to read widely on any concerning subject before making an informed decision.

For years, the beauty industry and more so, conventional skincare, has touted promises of miraculous changes from skin lightening, to wrinkle reduction to age reversal and have propagated unrealistic beauty perceptions. To do this cheaply and maximize profits, the ingredients used in these products are mostly synthetic, some of which are produced through processes that have huge negative environmental impacts and go on to have significant negative health consequences in the long run.

Conventional skincare is what many of us know. The standard moisturizers, creams, lotions found on shop shelves. Few of us growing up paid any attention to the ingredients. If it smelled good or looked pretty, it was good enough. However, over the last 4 decades, the impacts of these ingredients have come out through several studies.

Most of the ingredients used in these products are manufactured from processes such as halogenation , alkoxylation, sulphonation, treatments with ethylene oxide , bleaching and ionizing radiation and which are all prohibited in the COSMOS standard for organic skincare.

These processes can lead to some potential carryovers which can cause health problems.

Petroleum-based skincare ingredients harm the environment through land and marine damage, carbon emissions, and toxic waste. These ingredients aren't absorbed by the body, wash off into waterways, and harm marine life, while also affecting drinking water. Many of these ingredients are cheap, have long shelf lives, and improve the appearance of products, but come with negative environmental consequences.

In contrast, natural skincare uses minimally processed, plant-based ingredients through eco-friendly methods. These products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and provide visible benefits over time. Natural skincare also focuses on food-grade ingredients for long-term holistic skin benefits, using sustainable sources like oils, butters, clays, and natural minerals.

Natural skincare is more expensive due to organic certifications, ethical sourcing, and sustainable production methods. However, it’s important to note that even natural products may cause sensitivity, like essential oils or allergens in seeds and nuts. Brands should be transparent about ingredients and potential side effects.

Consumers are increasingly looking for effective, safe products with minimal environmental impact. At O’BAO, we promise compliance with COSMOS standards, cruelty-free practices, organic certification (where possible), sustainability, and transparency.