When people hear the word cosmetics, they immediately assume the term only includes girl makeup; however, cosmetics scientifically refer to substances that are used to enhance or protect the odor or appearance of the body, and include products for skincare (such as creams, lotions, powders, etc), body care (such as perfumes, nail polish, deodorants, bubble baths, bath salts, butters, etc), hair care (such as hair colors, hair sprays, hair gels, shampoos, conditioners, etc), and makeup (such as lipstick, eye liner, mascara, blushers, foundation, lip gloss, concealer, etc). In Western countries, particularly in the United States of America, the use of cosmetics is widespread both in women and in men, especially with the advent of metro sexuality, which pertains to men’s taking care of their appearance, including the fashion they wear and the cosmetics they use. These days, men and women alike are searching for chemical free cosmetics.
Since they first became popular in the 1920’s, there has always been great demand for cosmetics. Perhaps this is due to the fact that America has constantly embraced a vain culture, obsessed with physical beauty and externalities. Whatever the reason may be, demand for cosmetics has not waned and in fact, there has grown a bigger market for both over the counter cosmetic products and prescription or surgical cosmetic procedures. Aside from that, people are making the switch from using cosmetic products heavy with chemicals to buying cosmetic products that are marketed as chemical free cosmetics or organic cosmetics.
This is so because cosmetics can cause skin allergies and irritation. Large cosmetic companies report that they use ingredients that are safe to use, but some results have proved otherwise. There have been many cases of makeup mishaps, from reddening of the face and itching, as well as allergic reactions to certain lotions, powders, and perfumes. To counter this, a small but healthily growing industry has started manufacturing cosmetics that are free of any synthetic ingredients or chemicals. Now, certified organic products have become more mainstream, a step up from its earlier reputation as a niche market.
Chemical free cosmetics, however, have received their fair share of critiques. Some people maintain that this type of cosmetics does not exist at all and that advertisements for such are mere baloney. Some companies that sell chemical free products have faced public displeasure arising from false claims. The use of the term “chemical free” in products implies the negative impression people have about chemicals in general; some critics have noted that some companies create product awareness by fostering a fear of chemicals in their customers. Moreover, some companies use the term “organic” to sell their products even if their made mostly from chemicals with just a tinge of natural ingredients.
The truth is, not all chemicals are bad, especially when treated properly and used in just the right amount. Studies have shown that chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects are not found in cosmetics. Furthermore, it’s not using one cosmetic product that is likely to cause you harm – it’s the total amount of small amounts of toxic chemicals from all the cosmetic products (skin care, body care, hair care, and makeup), which you use overtime, that add up and accumulate in your body.
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