From Vegan to Paraben-Free: Understanding Popular Skincare Labels
You’ve likely seen a lot of different labels when shopping around for
skincare: nontoxic, natural, organic, hypoallergenic, vegan,
gluten-free, non-GMO, paraben-free, etc.
But what do all these labels mean? Read on for more information on some of the most common labels in the skincare industry.
Vegan
A “vegan” label typically means that a beauty product or skincare product does not contain any animal products, animal by-products, or animal derivatives. Commonly found animal ingredients can include animal hair, animal fat, and others. Vegan makeup brands also typically refrain from using ingredients obtained from living creatures, including beeswax, honey, shellac, and lanolin.
Paraben-Free
Paraben-free is a common label in the skincare industry these days, and for good reason. Parabens are synthetic preservatives added to things like soap, moisturizers, shaving cream, etc., to extend the life of each product and prevent bacteria and fungi growth.
However, parabens like propyl and butyl have been found to disrupt hormones or mimic estrogen production in women, which has been linked to increased breast cancer rates. Paraben free makeup tends to substitute plant-derived ingredients to replicate the preservative effects without the adverse impacts.
Nontoxic
Nontoxic usually refers to products made without the “Toxic 10,” ingredients commonly found in skincare products and cosmetics, including parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, oxybenzone, lead, aluminum, triclosan, polyethylene glycols, and hydroquinone. Like parabens, these ingredients may interfere with hormones or the nervous system.
Organic
The term “organic” is controlled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program, in accordance with the Organic Food Production Act.The USDA organic label means that the agency has verified that a product’s ingredients were produced in accordance with federal standards and verified by an accrediting agent. Organizations must be able to demonstrate that at least 95% of the ingredients were grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically-modified organisms, and processed according to strict cleanliness standards.
Natural
There is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) definition regulating the use of the word “natural.” However, this label typically alludes to ingredients from plant materials such as herbs, flowers, or essential oils, or natural substances such as beeswax. While you should always review the ingredient list, there are strict third-party certifications that can also verify a company’s claim of using natural ingredients.
Hypoallergenic
According to the FDA, hypoallergenic cosmetics are “products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products.” The FDA adds, “The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenicity claims to the FDA.” If you have very sensitive skin or known product allergies, it’s worth looking into hypoallergenic products, but keep this information in mind.
Third-Party Certifications
One of the leading independent labels is MADE SAFE™, a nontoxic certification verified by scientists. To meet this standard, a company must prove that their ingredients and supply chain are entirely free of endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, parabens, SLS and SLES, synthetic fragrance, phthalates, GMOs, gluten, and animal cruelty.
About Thrive Causemetics
Thrive Causemetics creates 100% cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics that contain high-performing ingredients without the use of parabens or sulfates. A beauty brand and philosophy that beauty goes beyond skin deep, Thrive Causemetics believes in Beauty with a Purpose™: For every product purchased, they donate to help a woman thrive. From their brightening face mask to their high-quality cosmetics such as sweat proof makeup, mascara, bronzers, and highlighters, Thrive Causemetics creates products that empower women. Their products are developed at the Thrive Lab in Los Angeles to ensure each product meets Thrive Causemetics’ strict health and quality standards.
To browse their high-performance products, visit Thrivecausemetics.com
But what do all these labels mean? Read on for more information on some of the most common labels in the skincare industry.
Vegan
A “vegan” label typically means that a beauty product or skincare product does not contain any animal products, animal by-products, or animal derivatives. Commonly found animal ingredients can include animal hair, animal fat, and others. Vegan makeup brands also typically refrain from using ingredients obtained from living creatures, including beeswax, honey, shellac, and lanolin.
Paraben-Free
Paraben-free is a common label in the skincare industry these days, and for good reason. Parabens are synthetic preservatives added to things like soap, moisturizers, shaving cream, etc., to extend the life of each product and prevent bacteria and fungi growth.
However, parabens like propyl and butyl have been found to disrupt hormones or mimic estrogen production in women, which has been linked to increased breast cancer rates. Paraben free makeup tends to substitute plant-derived ingredients to replicate the preservative effects without the adverse impacts.
Nontoxic
Nontoxic usually refers to products made without the “Toxic 10,” ingredients commonly found in skincare products and cosmetics, including parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, oxybenzone, lead, aluminum, triclosan, polyethylene glycols, and hydroquinone. Like parabens, these ingredients may interfere with hormones or the nervous system.
Organic
The term “organic” is controlled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program, in accordance with the Organic Food Production Act.The USDA organic label means that the agency has verified that a product’s ingredients were produced in accordance with federal standards and verified by an accrediting agent. Organizations must be able to demonstrate that at least 95% of the ingredients were grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically-modified organisms, and processed according to strict cleanliness standards.
Natural
There is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) definition regulating the use of the word “natural.” However, this label typically alludes to ingredients from plant materials such as herbs, flowers, or essential oils, or natural substances such as beeswax. While you should always review the ingredient list, there are strict third-party certifications that can also verify a company’s claim of using natural ingredients.
Hypoallergenic
According to the FDA, hypoallergenic cosmetics are “products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products.” The FDA adds, “The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenicity claims to the FDA.” If you have very sensitive skin or known product allergies, it’s worth looking into hypoallergenic products, but keep this information in mind.
Third-Party Certifications
One of the leading independent labels is MADE SAFE™, a nontoxic certification verified by scientists. To meet this standard, a company must prove that their ingredients and supply chain are entirely free of endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, parabens, SLS and SLES, synthetic fragrance, phthalates, GMOs, gluten, and animal cruelty.
About Thrive Causemetics
Thrive Causemetics creates 100% cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics that contain high-performing ingredients without the use of parabens or sulfates. A beauty brand and philosophy that beauty goes beyond skin deep, Thrive Causemetics believes in Beauty with a Purpose™: For every product purchased, they donate to help a woman thrive. From their brightening face mask to their high-quality cosmetics such as sweat proof makeup, mascara, bronzers, and highlighters, Thrive Causemetics creates products that empower women. Their products are developed at the Thrive Lab in Los Angeles to ensure each product meets Thrive Causemetics’ strict health and quality standards.
To browse their high-performance products, visit Thrivecausemetics.com
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