Every year, the cosmetic industry introduces new and often improved beauty products to cater to the constantly-changing needs and desires of makeup users. This can make it challenging to differentiate one type of product from another, which often leads to confusion for buyers.
One common misconception that makeup users have is thinking that plant-based organic makeup is the same as mineral-based makeup.
While the two do share some common ingredients, there are also significant differences that shouldn’t be disregarded. To shed further light on these two categories of makeup products, we’ll compare them below and provide a list of advantages and disadvantages that come with using them.
Organic vs. Mineral: The Similarities and Differences
The ingredients being used for these two types of products are both naturally-derived. Organic makeup may also contain natural minerals that can do wonders for your skin. This means that organic makeup may also be, in a way, similar to mineral makeup. They’re great for people who have sensitive skin and are prone to developing acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
The ingredients in organic makeup are also naturally sourced and are plant-based, with no pesticides used on any of the ingredients. Synthetic dyes, parabens, and other potentially harmful chemicals are also absent.
Mineral makeup, on the other hand, is not plant-based and is therefore not organic. It’s made from minerals naturally found in nature that have been milled into lightweight powders.
Organic Makeup: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
As mentioned, organic makeup is free of harsh chemicals. Other benefits include their eco-friendliness and nutrient-rich composition that can do wonders for your skin.Moreover, many organic products are packed with anti-aging properties because of the ingredients used, such as vitamin C that has been shown to have sun-shielding benefits.
Many of the fragrances used in cosmetic products are known to be endocrine disruptors. With organic products, you won’t have any of these ingredients that may cause fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer.
Disadvantages
The lack of preservatives in organic products usually means that they can go bad faster and can’t let the ingredients mix as well as they should.If you’re looking for something waterproof, organic makeup might not be the best choice either since the product can easily wash off. The color options may not also be as varied.
Mineral Makeup: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Similar to organic makeup, mineral makeup products are also great for sensitive skin and won’t clog pores.The minerals that are often found in these products offer good protection against skin-damaging UV rays because of the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Another benefit of using mineral makeup is that they’re flexible enough to be used in liquid or dry form, which means that the product selection is more diverse for makeup users.
Disadvantages
The options available in terms of color shades may be limited compared to conventional makeup. Just like organic makeup, the lack of preservatives also makes this type of makeup less durable.While rare, allergic reactions may also occur, especially for individuals who are allergic to some minerals that are found in the products.
Another disadvantage is that products that are labeled as a “mineral product” may not necessarily mean that they’re free of harsh chemicals. To find out the exact ingredients, you may even have to contact the manufacturer themselves.
Achieve the look you want without compromising your health and the planet
The ultimate goal of makeup may be to draw out your best features, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve the same look without ethical products that are better for you and the environment.While there may not be such a large selection of organic or mineral makeup yet on the market, the ones that are already available are enough to make you look your best.
