Focus on a term widely used at Manucurist
Product development at Manucurist is always a challenge. Indeed, we have very strict specifications in terms of effectiveness, finish, tenue… We ask our laboratories to respect our ingredient blacklist to ensure our products are as clean as possible. We also require that the formulas be bio-sourced. This essential condition might seem a bit unclear: let us explain it to you.
A definition of “bio-sourced”
A bio-sourced ingredient is an ingredient derived from biomass, the term biomass defining organic matter of plant, animal, bacterial, or fungal (mushrooms) origin. At Manucurist, the term biomass is limited to plants because we are a vegan brand.
For example, take butyl acetate, a solvent present in our ranges of Green nail polishes and Green Flash™ semi-permanent polishes. This solvent is produced from cassava: it is therefore bio-sourced.
What is the difference with the term “natural origin”?
All bio-sourced ingredients are of natural origin, but not all ingredients of natural origin are bio-sourced (yes, it’s like Socrates and cats).
For example, the pigment CI 77007 found in our shade Ultramarine is a natural pigment because it comes from grinding a stone: lapis lazuli. It is a mineral pigment: therefore natural but not bio-sourced because minerals are not part of biomass.
Bio-sourcing your formulas is good for the planet!
Traditional polishes are mostly derived from synthesis, covering all categories of molecules (solvents, plasticizers, colorants…). Most of these molecules originate from petrochemicals.
By choosing to extract our ingredients from renewable biomass, we favor a greener production method and thus reduce our environmental impact.
A bio-sourced polish is not an organic polish
Despite the similarity, these two concepts are not synonymous.
According to the Ecocert-Cosmébio label (the most recognized in France), an organic cosmetic product must contain:
- more than 95% natural or naturally derived ingredients
- more than 95% plant ingredients from organic farming
- more than 20% of all ingredients from organic farming
- less than 5% non-harmful synthetic ingredients, among a list of ingredients authorized by the label
Water and minerals, although of natural origin, cannot be considered organic since they do not come from farming.
Today, there is no organic polish due to the technical complexity of nail polish formulas. Still, let's keep in mind that cosmetics is a sector always seeking innovation; who knows what the future holds?
Discover more articles about Manucurist formulas in the Go green category.
