NATURAL PRODUCTS…..MORE THAN JUST MARKETING?

🕑 3 minutes

EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION BUT NO ONE HAS AN ANSWER…

It’s always the same story: when we speak to doctors (dermatology symposium) , scientists or experts (master class) or during presentations to journalists and influencers we always ask the same question: What justifies the attraction to natural skin products? In other words, what real tangible benefits are there for your skin? I’ll let you ponder on it for a couple of seconds… okay suspense over, this is what I get in reply:

• For many the instinct is to brush it aside ‘ what is natural is good “full stop”.(or “period” in US English) A bit easy…
  
  
• Sceptics are less categorical but none the less dismissive. “Let’s not give into current rhetoric, “natural” is just a marketing tool for a marketing department lacking in inspiration” Too easy as well…

I’m going to tell you a secret, but it’s between us: most start ups that focus on “natural” cosmetics or food (dietary - US english) supplements don’t even know themselves why “natural” is better? So I think it’s time you had a real explanation but are you ready to hear it?

SENSITIVE SOULS BEWARE

Over 20 years ago, intrigued by the path that cosmetic molecules take in our bodies, we conducted a major survey with toxicologists, endocrinologists, immunologists, biologists and dermatologists….After consulting 2,700 publications these are our latest findings presented under 4 main observations. It’s not for the faint hearted…

IS 300 KG REASONABLE ?

A large study carried out in 2017 found that French women use 16 beauty products a day! That could correspond to a total of 300kg of cosmetics being absorbed into your skin over a period of 50 years. Observation nº1 : Massive exposure.

YOU'RE NOT WATERPROOF !

The science is conclusive. Cosmetic ingredients are not only found where you imagine them to be, they are also found in your dermis, hypodermis , your blood, your urine and even in breastmilk ! Observation nº2 : Deeply penetrating.

A DAY, A MONTH, A YEAR ?

How long do molecules from cosmetics stay in your body? Nobody knows but studies are unanimous: we are all polluted by synthetic molecules. Observation nº3: Longterm bioaccumulation.

The burning issue…

What effects are there from being constantly exposed to these cosmetic molecules or as the toxicologists call them “xenobiotics”.   Very few epidemiological studies have examined the effects of bioaccumulation from cosmetic but the few publications that have are alarming.  A recent study from 2020 clearly demonstrates a link between an increased risk of endometriosis in some women and levels of certain preservatives and synthetic sunscreen in their urine!

An inkling of bad news to come…

Thanks to the independent and courageous efforts of certain universities and hospitals, other epidemiological studies have revealed the trans generational effect of this chemical pollution.  Take the Berkeley study of 339 pregnant women which confirms a link between these women’s exposure to cosmetic molecules and precocious puberty in their children!  Another scientific publication in 2020 proved that high exposure to certain preservatives used in cosmetics by mothers leads to a greater risk of obesity in their children. Observation nº4:  A Precautionary approach is necessary.                

NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO ?

Like us probably…. Give absolute priority to biodegradable ingredients, those that your body can break down after having reaped the benefits. Ingredients of natural origin which biodegrade naturally. 100% natural and certified by independent organisations.  An uncompromising commitment.   You have understood that “natural” at Novexpert is neither a marketing opportunity nor an end but a means: to prevent long term pollution given that the health risks associated are still unknown.

AND THAT'S IT ?

 No, because obviously even a natural ingredient is not beyond suspicion.

Which is where our particular precautionary approach comes in to play:   Thanks to our own laboratories (microbiological laboratory, molecular analysis centre, research laboratories) all our ingredients are exposed to over 50 checks before being selected.  Three scientific departments have developed this rigorous set of controls which perfectly illustrates  Novexpert’s radical approach to the choice of its active ingredients.  It even goes as far as analysing the “molecular vibration” of 100% of the ingredients at each delivery to ensure outstanding quality. Our principle of excellence compels us….. This daily process allow us to offer you products that are not only 100% of natural origin but are also ones that can be used by everyone, even those with sensitive skin and they are certified safe for pregnant or breast feeding women.

Rest assured, a little make up (which often contains silicones) on a summer’s evening whilst out with friends isn’t dangerous, but on a daily basis be discerning and choose cosmetics that won’t pollute your body on the longterm. And if you don’t know where to look, I can only recommend that you browse our website!

REFERENCES :

1. Université de Bretagne Occidentale. 1^ère mondiale sur l’exposition aux cosmétiques. 2018. Disponible sur : https://actualite-recherche.univ-brest.fr/2018/01/que-met-on-sur-notre-peau/
2. Molins Delgado, Daniel & Olmo-Campos, María & Valeta-Juan, et al. (2017). Determination of UV filters in human breast milk using turbulent flow chromatography and babies' daily intake estimation. Environmental research.
3. Harley KG, Kogut K, Madrigal DS, et al. 2016. Reducing phthalate, paraben, and phenol exposure from personal care products in adolescent girls: findings from the HERMOSA Intervention Study. Environ Health Perspect 124:1600–1607
4. Fm, P., Ocón-Hernández, O., Iribarne-Durán, L.M., et al. (2020). Cosmetic and personal care product use, urinary levels of parabens and benzophenones, and risk of endometriosis: results from the EndEA study. Environmental research.
5. Harley KG, Berger KP, Kogut K, et al. Association of phthalates, parabens and phenols found in personal care products with pubertal timing in girls and boys. Hum Reprod. 2019 Jan 1;34(1):109-117.
6. Leppert B, Strunz S, Seiwert B et al. Maternal paraben exposure triggers childhood overweight development. Nat Commun. 2020 Feb 11;11(1):561.