In recent times, cosmetics have become a way of life. This is an evil which is unavoidable. I call it an evil because it is an unnatural means of enhancing beauty. Natural beauty is not only hard to find but also difficult to maintain in today’s day and age. Cosmetics can be described as substances used to enhance the countenance and aroma of the human body. They come in various forms like lipsticks, balms, mascara, eye shadows, foundation, creams, lotions, nail paints, hair enhancing products, skin care products, etc.

Cosmetics, even though applied externally, can prove to be extremely dangerous. Cosmetics, specially skin care products should be used with utmost caution because allergic reactions due to cosmetics is a very common phenomenon which results in redness, rashes, itching and even permanent damage. The same is true of hair care products which may cause hair fall they contain allergy causing ingredients. Sustained use of cosmetic products also results in thinning of eyelashes. A variety of inorganic or synthetic fragrances are used in most cosmetic products which, like all the above stated products, lead to allergic reactions.

In recent times, cosmetics and cosmetic manufacturing organizations have come under the scrutiny for using toxins specially those obtained from petroleum, sodium lauryl sulphate and parabens. All such toxic products may cause skin irritation and redness depending on the skin type and the quantity being used. Cosmetic organizations have also been frowned upon and disapproved by animal rights activists for inhumane treatment towards animals in testing of their products.

To overcome the discountenance related to synthetic and inorganic cosmetic products, companies have recently come up with all natural and organic cosmetic products. These, as the name suggests, are made with plant and mineral organic agricultural products. Synthetic materials are either used in very small quantities or are not used at all in developing them. However, one should be extremely cautious of the quantities of natural material in these products as many companies may try to pass their synthetic cosmetics as natural ones by adding a small amount of organic material and larger ratio of inorganic material. Natural products are far more sensitive to the human body than their synthetic counter parts. Nowadays, various scent free soaps and lotions have flooded the cosmetic market in a bid to be to tender to irritation prone skin.

To sum up, cosmetics should be used to a bear minimum and only when necessary. Natural cosmetic products, even though a bit expensive, are the right way to go to protect your skin from permanent or temporary damage.