My beauty in a natural way
Pigments are essential in cosmetics for eye shadows, nail polish, and lipsticks… They give a unique dimension to the face thanks to their subtle shades and mesmerizing colors. However, there are pigments and pigments! While synthetic pigments have gained the upper hand since the 20th century and are generating more and more interrogations, natural pigments are returning in force. Let us support them !
Pigments are solid molecules that add colour and shade to a liquid or solid preparation. Pigments are found in both cosmetics and wall paintings.
In the large pigment family, we find :
- Mineral pigments (derived from precious or semi-precious stones as well as rocks and earth) ;
- Organic pigments (from living materials such as plants, flowers); synthetic organics from organic chemistry ;
- Metallic pigments (from bronze, copper, etc.) ;
- Chemical pigments (composed of elements such as carbon, lead chromates*, zinc oxides, titanium dioxides, cadmium sulfide*, or iron oxides to obtain all desired shades).
* If you are looking for these pigments, you will not find them with us.
Watch out for artificial pigments ! The development of organic chemistry has led to the creation of synthetic organic pigments to the detriment of natural pigments. Yes, it is the chemistry of petroleum, and more precisely the derivatives of aniline, which has led to the very marked appearance of pigmentary shades. These synthetic dyes are easy to produce, less expensive, mix well with various ingredients and have an amazing covering ability. But the use of certain synthetic pigments has raised serious concerns about their dangerousness in recent years. These pigments are extracted from ores or industrial waste, and then undergo several modifications to obtain the desired tints.
Lipsticks, for example, are very rich in synthetic pigments. For experts, tar derivatives are carcinogenic and can cause allergies instantly. Not to mention the eosin acid dyes that can cause photosensitivities.
Neutral varnish base coloured with our red ochre RFLES
Prefer natural pigments
One of the fundamental principles of organic makeup is to use only dyes and components of natural origin. This is why carefully selected ingredients are included in their composition. The organic industry prohibit, among other things, azo dyes, pigments used in Europe in the manufacture of conventional make-up, while they are prohibited in the United States.
Natural pigments offer a more limited palette of colours and shades compared to conventional cosmetics, but creativity continues to serve the natural to create more extensive ranges. Indeed, although the manufacturers of natural makeup only benefited from iron oxides and a few natural dyes, more and more are offering a wider range of colours, whether for powders, lipsticks, eye shadows or mascaras. Let’s enjoy it while protecting our health !