Is There a Benefit to Organic Makeup?

Mineral makeup, first viewed as an "alternative" kind of makeup a few decades ago, is quickly making its mark on the scene of cosmetics. Boasting abilities to increase the health of your skin, organic makeup also promises a brighter glow to and quality of your complexion. It almost sounds like a magic cosmetic cure for your perhaps sometimes-not-so-perfect face. However, is organic makeup magic? Or is it just a contrivance used to sell regular makeup at a higher price? Here's a quick look at organic makeup and its supposed benefits.

Arguments against organic makeup simply are that organic makeup is no better than regular makeup, and that regular makeup can achieve the same effect. The ingredients in organic makeup (like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and mica) are common ingredients in all forms of makeup, and are not unique to organic makeup. Many (including doctors and dermatologists) see organic makeup as another sales gimmick—while a brilliant marketing idea, organic makeup is nothing more than the words on the advertisements. Many critics see organic makeup as a scheme to simply fool women into buying more expensive makeup that is really no different from any other makeup. This is a more cynical view of the matter, but one that is valid. Some say that organic makeup can cause the same problems as other makeup and that it's no more pure than the Maybelline you can buy at Wal-Mart.

Others, however, propound that because organic makeup lacks the preservatives, dyes, and other synthetic material found in most other cosmetics, that organic makeup really is more pure and really will improve the quality of your skin. Some experts say that the reason many women are sensitive or allergic to makeup is because of all the unnatural ingredients; in organic makeup, with the fragrances, dyes, and preservatives gone from the cosmetics, then it's better for the wearer and the wearer's skin.

Organic makeup is also said to contain some level of SPF; while the level of sun protection may not be enough to suffice on its own, the organic makeup can serve as a healthy extra buffer against sun damage. The ingredients of organic makeup aren't uniform among the different companies, so the quality of mineral makeup may vary from brand to brand.

So, whether you believe in the benefits of organic makeup, you should at least be aware of the arguments surrounding organic makeup's validity. The choice of whether or not to use organic makeup is yours, and now you know the facts. If you're unsure, give a couple brands of organic makeup a try and see if it really does make a difference. If it works for you, then great! If not, then that's great too!