The almost universal use of cosmetics in modern times has grown with the scientific study of the ingredients employed. This research was begun by the French in the 19th century, and led to the development of more and better cosmetics at low cost. A large variety of cosmetics is generally available today. Cold cream is an emulsion of various oils and waxes and water; it is employed to cleanse and soften the skin. Various purpose-made moisturizers and cleansers are also produced with respect to organic standards. Face powder and dusting powder, based on talcum (powdered magnesium silicate) and zinc oxide, are used to dry and give the skin a satin-like texture. Lip colour, either applied directly as a lipstick or brushed on to the lips, is made of cocoa butter or lanolin, and is manufactured in an endless variety of shades as certified organic cosmetics.Bath salts and other bath preparations combine water-softening agents such as sodium carbonate or borax with perfume; bath oils, made according to organic standards, are also a popular skin-softening and perfuming aid. Nail polishes are lacquers or plastics available in many colours. Hair lotions and sprays are used to condition the hair, keep it in place, or make it glossy. But modern cosmetic and body care products contain very often a great amount of synthetic substances, which can be hasardous. Because of possible side effects, that synthetic part in cosmetics might have, many people prefer using natural certified organic cosmetics. All kinds of products, like essential herb oils for baths and massage, are available. You can also find special creams and lotions for your skin made of natural herbs and plants. So,all the old recipes that have been known for ages now find their re-birth in modern cosmetics technologies, manufactured according to organic standards. A number of studies are now being performed to develop different remedies and possibly find new use of already known herbs and plants. For example, a great number of new lotions and skin creams from green tea are made. Other more traditional plants and herbs, like Aloe Vera or Hemp, are also in wide use in natural cosmetic industry. Cosmetics and perfumery are by no means confined to use by women, as might be assumed. Grooming aids frequently used by men include powders, colognes, and lotions, particularly alcohol-based aftershave lotions; hair tonics, often with an alcohol or quinine base; and deodorants. Annual retail sales of men's and women's toiletries in the Western world today make cosmetics a large and highly profitable industry. Because of wide popularity of natural products many manufacturers claim that they offer certified organic products. In many cases it is not true, as some manufactures still offer old synthetic products under the label of certified organic natural cosmetics. Special organic standarts were introduced to fight this problem. These organic standarts allow to controle substances that were added into body care or cosmetic products. Some of the cosmetics products, organic standarts apart, can also meet food grade standarts, which are by far mor stringent. Products that meet these organic standarts are labeled "CERTIFIED ORGANIC". But even in such cases one should be careful because organic standarts allow using so-called "necessary" chemicals in cosmetics and body care products wearing "certified organic" label. In evry individual case it is better to find out what "necessary" chemical substance a manufacturer added to a specific natural product. You can also contact the Organic Certifying Committee in your country to get a detailed information for evry particular case.