Back when I first discovered Biotherm, I wasn’t yet fully on the green beauty bandwagon, but something about their products caught my eye. They boasted natural ingredients that sounded like they’d be great for my skin. The problem? They were a bit too pricey for me at the time, and I couldn’t justify the splurge. Their marketing was spot-on, though, almost convincing me to take the plunge.
Years later, as I delved deeper into natural beauty, I gave Biotherm another look. This time, I was more informed and a bit more critical. I noticed quite a few synthetic ingredients mixed in with the natural ones, which turned me off. So, I decided to pass on adding their products to my routine.
Now, as the beauty world embraces more natural, less synthetic products, I’m curious—has Biotherm kept up with the times? I’ve decided to take a fresh look at their products to see if they might have a place in the routine of someone who loves green beauty.
The Green Beauty Movement
In a nutshell, green beauty is all about skincare that’s kind to both our bodies and the planet. It’s a movement that’s gained momentum as we’ve become more aware of what goes into our products and more importantly, what we want to leave out. We’re talking harsh chemicals, synthetic additives—stuff that doesn’t exactly scream ‘back to nature.’
For me, green beauty means simplicity and transparency. It’s about using products that I can trust to be both effective and gentle without compromising my health or the environment. It’s not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that’s here to stay.
Biotherm’s Brand Philosophy and History
Biotherm has been around since the 1950s, and they’ve always had a bit of a natural angle, drawing on thermal plankton from mountain springs. They’ve built a reputation for blending this natural ingredient with more scientific ones to create their skincare line. But does that mean they’re a green beauty brand? Well, it’s complicated.
Biotherm’s Ingredients: A Closer Look
I decided to play detective and take a deep dive into the ingredient lists of some of Biotherm’s products. Yes, there are natural ingredients like plankton and other botanicals. But there’s also a fair share of ingredients that wouldn’t pass the green beauty test. It’s a mix, and it’s clear that while they use some natural elements, they’re not fully on the green beauty bandwagon.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s examine some of their popular products more closely.
LIFE PLANKTON™ ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM
This eye cream is a prime example of Biotherm’s blend of science and nature. It’s packed with their patented Life Plankton™, which is full of nutrients and promises to rejuvenate the skin. The product claims to make the eye contour area look denser, firmer, and more resilient, reducing wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles in just 8 days. It’s dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, suitable for all skin types, and is designed to be gentle even for those with sensitive eyes.
However, a closer inspection of the ingredients list reveals a more complex story. The cream contains cyclohexasiloxane, a type of silicone that provides a silky finish but is synthetic and not favored by environmentalists. Alcohol denat. is also on the list, which, despite its effectiveness in formulas, can be drying to the skin. More surprising is the inclusion of PTFE, commonly known as Teflon, which you wouldn’t typically associate with natural beauty products.
On the plus side, Biotherm has formulated this eye cream without parabens and fragrance allergens, which certainly earns them points in the clean beauty realm. Yet, they’ve included synthetic fluorphlogopite, a man-made alternative to natural mica, and phenoxyethanol, a widely used preservative that some in the green beauty community are cautious about.
While the product does showcase Biotherm’s commitment to infusing natural ingredients where they can, the presence of these synthetics suggests a compromise that may not sit well with green beauty enthusiasts who prioritize purely natural ingredients in their skincare.
OIL THERAPY BODY LOTION
After examining Biotherm’s LIFE PLANKTON™ ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM, I decided to take a similar look at their OIL THERAPY BODY LOTION. This product is presented as a nutri-replenishing body treatment, boasting 24-hour nourishment for supple and soft skin. It’s enriched with apricot oil and claims to restore dry skin to its ideal qualities: softness, firmness, and smoothness. According to Biotherm, 90% of women using the product feel their skin becomes more supple, intensely nourished, and softer.
The inclusion of three precious oils—musk rose oil, passiflora oil, and apricot oil—is impressive. These oils are known for their rich essential fatty acids, nourishing properties, and vitamins that are beneficial for the skin. This aligns well with the green beauty ethos, which emphasizes nutrient-rich, natural ingredients.
However, as with the eye cream, the OIL THERAPY BODY LOTION’s ingredient list reveals a blend of both natural and synthetic components. While it’s free from parabens and fragrance allergens, and includes Life Plankton™, the formula also contains ingredients like Paraffinum Liquidum (mineral oil) and Dimethicone, which are synthetic and often viewed with skepticism by natural skincare advocates. Paraffinum Liquidum is a byproduct of petroleum and can be occlusive, potentially clogging pores, while Dimethicone is a silicone that provides a smooth application but is not biodegradable.
Phenoxyethanol appears again as a preservative, which, although it’s a safer alternative to some other preservatives, is still a synthetic ingredient that some prefer to avoid. The presence of artificial colorants like Ci 15985 and fragrance components such as Limonene and Linalool, which can be irritants for sensitive skin, might also be a concern for those committed to a fully natural skincare regime.
In conclusion, the OIL THERAPY BODY LOTION, much like the LIFE PLANKTON™ ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM, reflects Biotherm’s approach of combining natural ingredients with synthetics. While it contains beneficial oils and is free from some of the more controversial ingredients, the inclusion of certain synthetics means it may not meet the stringent criteria of green beauty purists.
Biotherm’s Natural Offerings
Despite the mixed ingredient profiles we’ve seen, Biotherm does offer some standout products that lean more towards the green beauty ethos, particularly within their deodorant line.
Deo Pure Natural Protect
Their Deo Pure Natural Protect deodorant is a nod to natural care, free from parabens and aluminum, and certified by ECOCERT. It’s enriched with soothing aloe vera and features a 100% natural fragrance. The product promises long-lasting protection with ingredients like organic orange fruit water and clove flower oil, appealing to those who prefer a more natural approach to their personal care routine.
24H Day Control – Natural Protection
For men, Biotherm Homme’s 24H Day Control offers a similar commitment to natural ingredients, with 99% of its composition being of natural origin and also boasting ECOCERT certification. This deodorant utilizes the natural deodorizing properties of aloe vera and organic orange extract to provide 24-hour freshness.
Embracing Green Beauty
These deodorants are a clear indication that Biotherm is dipping its toes into the green beauty pool. While they may not be fully immersed, these products show a willingness to meet the demands of consumers who are increasingly seeking out natural and organic options.
Final Thoughts: My Take on Biotherm
So, where does Biotherm stand in the green beauty landscape? They’re dabbling, especially with their natural deodorants, which honestly, I’m tempted to try. But for the full skincare lineup, they’re still straddling the line between natural and synthetic.
For the purists among us, Biotherm might not make the cut. And personally, I’m holding off on their skincare until it’s a bit greener. But for those who don’t mind a blend and are looking for a gentle nudge into the natural realm, Biotherm’s deodorants could be a good start.
Your skincare choices are just that—yours. Biotherm’s making strides, and if you’re open to a brand that’s evolving, they might be worth exploring. Just remember to keep an eye on those ingredients, and let your own beauty philosophy guide you.
