As the skincare industry continues to grow, so does the controversy between picking products with natural ingredients over synthetic ingredients. It truly is a personal preference in my option, but I do choose to stand by natural ingredients and the ones we choose specifically in all Calithea Products. Natural formulations and natural skincare are becoming the new favorite in the beauty industry as people are becoming more aware of what they are putting in and, on their bodies, nowadays. So here are some reasons to stand by natural skincare: 

 

Anytime a consumer is applying a new product to their skin, it can be nerve-racking. When putting something foreign onto the skin there is a fifty-fifty shot of it working and a substantial risk of the skin having a bad reaction to it. Taking the natural-based skincare route is the better option because there is less of a gamble on the skin due to the ingredients’ composition and gentleness. In research by Ribeiro et al. (2015) on the benefits of plant-derived ingredients in skincare its authors state that “compared to synthetic cosmetic ingredients, herbal products are mild and biodegradable, exhibiting low toxicity.” 

 

Additionally, technological advancements have allowed in-depth research to be done by dermatologists on natural ingredients so that companies know which are safest and most effective as well as how they can formulate them to work together to create products that include anti-aging, skin brightening, and super moisturizing benefits (Kumar, 2016). At Calithea when choosing ingredients, we make sure that they are not only natural but also effective and feel good on the skin.

 

Aside from safety, when it comes to natural and organic ingredients, another advantage is that one ingredient can hold multiple benefits for the skin. Research from Ribeiro et al. (2015), states that olive oil contains hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. This means that these two properties present antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. These properties found in olive oil come with key notable benefits that provide skin with optimal health from multiple aspects rather than just a quick fix. Olive Oil has anti-aging properties, and anti-redness to prevent irritations in the skin; it acts as a shield to protect the skin from harsh environmental insults, and its liquid crystal structure promotes luminance in the skin and hydrates it. In research from Lin (2017), it was also found that extra virgin olive oil applied to the skin delayed the onset and reduced the incidence of skin cancer development. Sometimes, simple ingredients can have the best overall results for the skin in the long term. 

Let’s look at a common synthetic ingredient that is used in skincare. A common ingredient synthetic ingredient is benzoyl peroxide. It is a well-known ingredient that helps in fighting acne. A medically reviewed article by Healthline says, “while benzoyl peroxide can effectively get rid of bacteria and dead skin cells that clog the pores, it has limitations”. The ingredient’s only benefit is to target inflammatory acne, but other than that it has no other benefit to aid in other areas of the skin. If anything, benzol peroxide presents more side effects than advantages such as peeling, excessive dryness, ridding the skin of essential natural oils, redness, and itching. In place of benzoyl peroxide, a safer and more effective natural ingredient that can be used is honey. When used on the skin, “honey is good for treating acne and reducing redness. Honey is also a natural humectant, which means that it retains the right amount of moisture in the skin (Olive Crystal Skin, 2014).”  Due to its rich composition honey is not only a great alternative to fighting acne, but it also has benefits in skincare due to its amino acid, peptide, antioxidant, and natural antibacterial composition. 

At Calithea our products consist of ingredients with: Natural bases, Naturally sourced active ingredients, Herbal oils & extracts.  We search and source for only the highest quality ingredients including plant extracts, with a focus on Greek botanicals that compliment olive oil, so your skin receives the maximum benefit possible. 

 

~ Elena xoxo