Biocosmetics are cosmetic products made from 100% natural ingredients derived from plants, animals, microbes, enzymes, insects, and organic crops that are free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and used for topical skin, hair, face, and oral care. Most conventional skin-care cosmetic formulations use petroleum or mineral oil-derived ingredients, which are harmful and non-biodegradable. Biocosmetics use ingredients that are categorized as animal or vegetable-derived fats, waxes and oils, essential oils and oleoresins, vegetable saps and extracts, raw plant materials, and coloring matter of animal or vegetable origin. The label on a cosmetic product lists the ingredients used for its preparation as per International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names. The ingredients are listed in decreasing order of their content in the formulation.
Positive aspects of biocosmetics include the use of natural ingredients that are free of harmful chemicals and are biodegradable. Biotechnological processes have contributed to the production of safe and effective active ingredients via low-cost and contamination-free methods.
Negative aspects of cosmetics, in general, include the use of ingredients linked to cancer or reproductive harm. Some cosmetic ingredients, such as triclosan, plastic microbeads, and UV filters, have been identified as emerging pollutants of environmental and health concern.
In summary, biocosmetics use natural ingredients that are free of harmful chemicals and are biodegradable. However, some cosmetic ingredients, in general, have been linked to cancer or reproductive harm, and some have been identified as emerging pollutants of environmental and health concern.
