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 possible reactions?

As always, prevention is the best weapon! If you have hypersensitive skin, known allergies, or specific problems or conditions, it's always advisable to consult your doctor or a specialist first . You can then perform a small skin test to determine your skin's response.

How to do the occlusion test at home?

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

If you experience mild redness (always check to make sure it's not due to the plant's pigment) or actual irritation, it's not advisable to proceed with application to your skin/hair. This simple check applies to both herbal dyes and neutrals, as well as cosmetics in general.

We always 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 barberry or turmeric, black henna (indigofera) with katam, and there are so many neutral herbs rich in beneficial properties that you'll undoubtedly be able to find the one that's right for you!