Good for the Conscience Or Good for the Skin?

All image conscience people want the best for their skin and we are always tempted to spend that extra couple of pounds to get that Hollywood glow a la Cate Blanchette.

But are any of these self professed cosmetics actually any different from other brands already on the shelves and do they benefit the skin?

The use of natural products on your skin definitely sounds more appealing than the use of many chemicals that may go into other, non-natural, products on the market.

High street brand, The Body Shop has been selling organic and naturally sourced products for 32 years and is one of the leading brands for not only chemical free skin but also is a place well worth putting your money as they are against animal testing and support protecting the environment with their profits, working alongside Greenpeace.

Aveda is also one of the many companies who are now so much more than just 'natural products'.

The independent brand is environmentally friendly, is aware of the packaging they use on their products and are using renewable energy sources to manufacture their products.

However, all this information may good for the conscience but is it actually good for the skin?

All these good will statements do indeed sound appealing and seem as though you are purchasing a Samaritan in a bottle, but it still does not answer the question of if it will benefit your skin in any way - or if it just profits from your loose purse strings.

Could it be that we are so desperate to look at our best at all times, inspired by the impromptu pictures of celebrities courtesy of the paparazzi, that we allow ourselves to spend vast amounts of money on products such as these and allow ourselves to believe that it does what it says on the tin?

The demand for organic beauty products in general has increased a whopping 20% in one year

Aqsa Nasim

Grooming has increased vastly amongst men and women always feel an inch away from the botox needle, could it be that we students are subconsciously preserving ourselves for the future?

The demand for organic beauty products in general has increased a whopping 20% in one year.

This could be due to the increased demand by the health conscience public for organic cosmetics as well as organic foods, but it could also be due to the fact that many beauty magazines are sponsored by companies to push their products to increase sales.

Whilst the demand and sales for organic beauty products has increased, it does not explain why they are so expensive.

The inflated price tag may be due to sourcing and production of natural ingredients.

What's more, many of the companies that produce organic cosmetics often use fair trade too, which means that costs increase, as workers get a decent wage.

However, natural products do not necessarily have to be expensive as many of the leading supermarkets have decided to put their own twist on the range by selling their own organic brands - without the extra ordinary price tag.

Tesco have already been selling their 'BNatural' range since February of this year, with all items under £10!

However, their range has not been fully accepted by associations specialising in organic products, as they are concerned that only a few of the products in the range are fully organic.

Sainsbury's is also hot on the heels of Tesco with their own range which is due to be sold this month.

The 'Organic You' range has items ranging from £4 - £8 in price and has approval from the Soil Association too!

I say definitely worth queuing up for if you're desperate for that natural fix.

Most of the companies and brands that sell organic cosmetics are giving a positive message to everyone, not only their customers but the general public too, making us all aware of the ethical issues that face us today regarding the manufacturing of cosmetic products.

Whilst the natural ingredients and positive message are appealing, it can be difficult to support when on a student budget.

I think it's much better to stick to a basic skin care routine and donate a little money when you can to help ethical issues.

That's beauty for the inside and out on a minimal student budget!