Natural Beauty Products: These REALLY Work!

According to Allure magazine, these natural products have been tested by dermatologists and cosmetic chemists, who evaluated the products’ claims –  and ‘fessed up  which ones actually work. Below, here are the products containing at least 80% natural or naturally derived ingredients and proven to be just as effective as their synthetic sisters.

For wrinkles:

• Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum “Nearly as effective at reducing lines and wrinkles as a prescription, without the same discomfort (as retinoids).” Well, that all sounds good, but when I went on the Origins website, I couldn’t find it. Anywhere. Maybe it’s only available in the back of someone’s van, I don’t know. Thanks, Origins. I don’t know what mind game you’re playing with us, but we don’t appreciate it.
• Aveda Green Science Firming Face Cream, Firming Eye Cream, Lifting Serum, and Line Minimizer The combination of products “instantly smooths skin – and, more importantly, protects it from the aging effects of dryness.” I did find this on the Aveda website (hear that, Origins?) Judging by the rave reviews, Allure is not the only fan out there. Be prepared for your purse to wince, however – each item is sold separately. Face cream: $55, firming eye cream, $45, lifting serum, $50, line minimizer, $85 for 10 tubes. Yowza. Available on website or Aveda stores.

For acne:

• Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment 100% natural,this acne treatment not only is as effective as benzoyl peroxide, it contains extracts that attack the bacteria that causes zits and reduces swelling. When dabbed on three times a day, this magic potion reduced redness in 24 hours and the overall size of blemish by 12 percent within two days! Available at drugstores for a very reasonable $10.

For dark spots:

• iS Clinical White Lightening Serum When applied twice daily, lightened skin without the irritation that a synthetic serum normally produces. Available for $115 at Dermstore.com (free shipping!).

For deep cleaning:

• Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser The willow bark in this cleanser “lifts debris, making it effective but gentle.” Available at drugstores, the price also varies, from $7-$10.

For moisturizing:

• Nude Moisture Balance The gel increases skin’s moisture levels by up to 86% after one hour, 55% after eight hours. Perfect for combination skin. $68 Available at Sephora.

As you can see, natural can be very affordable, or just as expensive as the “fake” stuff. For whatever reason you wish to go with natural, make sure it actually is natural.

Unnatural ingredients

The NPA deems any of the following unnatural: Paraben, phthalate, silicone or any word containing “eth.” (Just think “meth.” You’ll steer clear, I bet. At least I hope you would.)

Legal-ese

Companies can only legally print “Clinically proven to…” on their packaging if they have the clinical testing to prove it.

Semantics

If it says “driven by naturals” or some variation of that phrase, it may mean the active ingredients may be naturally sourced, but the rest of the formula is not. Don’t be suckered in by verbal trickery.