Natural cosmetics and allergies

It's a common belief that natural cosmetics are safe, but it's important to clarify what we mean by "safe ." Natural products are mostly environmentally friendly and healthy for users, but, as can happen with food, there are products that are inherently harmless but can prove harmful to some people, causing allergies or intolerances. The same applies to eco-bio cosmetics.

Those who choose cosmetics free of potentially harmful ingredients, derived from petroleum or chemical processing, etc., do so for their own health and the health of the planet. However, the use of natural products is not exempt from problems related to allergies and sensitivities. Don't worry, it's perfectly normal for this to happen. But this shouldn't discourage us; nature offers us many alternatives!

How can we prevent any reactions?

As always, prevention is the best defense! If you have sensitive skin, known allergies, or specific problems or conditions, it's always advisable to consult your doctor or a specialist first . Secondly, you can perform a small skin test beforehand to check your skin's reaction.

How to do the occlusive test at home?

Prepare the paste with water and the herbal powders you intend to apply.
Spread a small amount on the inside of your forearm or on a hidden area.
Cover with a hypoallergenic plaster or cling film.
Rinse after about 2 hours with cold water only.
Check the skin's response in the test area over the next 48 hours.

In case of slight redness (always check if it's not due to the plant pigment) or actual irritation, it is not advisable to proceed with the application on skin/hair. This simple check is valid for both dyeing and neutral herbs, as well as for cosmetics in general.

Remember that you may be reactive to a particular powder, but that doesn't mean you can't find alternatives! For example, rhubarb can be replaced with buckthorn or turmeric, black henna (indigofera) with katam, and there are so many neutral herbs rich in beneficial properties that you will undoubtedly find one that's right for you!