How do we determine the difference between natural and organic cosmetics? Natural products are made from plants and minerals that occur in nature and have not been produced in a laboratory. Organic products are also made from natural ingredients; they are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Seaweed, for example can be classified as a natural product, but it's not organic because it is not grown in natural conditions.
Truly organic products do not contain any genetically modified ingredients or petrochemicals. They do not undergo any animal testing, unless it is required by law, and are only subjected to minimal processing. If a product is purely organic, as read on a cosmetic label, it will be certified by an organic certification agency. Some cosmetic companies add natural ingredients in the form of fruit acids, vitamins, hemp, and borage to skincare products. Some products use ingredients that mimic skin's natural functions, like Hyaluronic acid, a moisturizer that occurs naturally in the skin.
Some experts hold the theory that your skin absorbs 60% of everything you put on it. Your skin is a highly effective delivery system, so it would seem to be a better choice to use organic beauty products to ensure the highest level of nourishment to the skin.
You can still have an allergic reaction to a natural product. There is no 100% guarantee that any skin care product or cosmetic will not produce an allergic reaction, regardless if it is labeled hypoallergenic. For instance, if you where a fragrance and a body cream and both of them label the product as hypoallergenic, it doesn't mean that using both of these products used together won't cause an allergic reaction. If you have sensitive skin or have a known allergy, look at the products label to determine if the ingredients list contains your known allergy.
However, chemicals made in the laboratory for skin care products have been safe and effective as well. We may insure that organic is the safest by nature, but man-made chemicals and product have not only been good for us, but they can actually save lives.
It is quite difficult to make a skin care product or cosmetic that is 100% natural. This is because in order for the product to last or preserve vital nutrients, preservatives are needed. Take the example of a skin care product that contains apple extracts. Imagine your skin care product on your vanity or in your cosmetic bag. How long do you think an apple will last until it goes rotten? Probably not too long, and that is why preservatives are needed in your skin care products. They would go bad otherwise.
Natural products are naturally good for us, but as you can see, natural isn't always the best choice when it comes to putting something on your skin. If you have political, health, or social views that prevent you from buying anything other than organic, then you will be happy that organic products are taking the market by storm. There are many to choose from. For those that do not have a specific need for natural or organic skin care products, we have a host of cosmetic companies with that have spent many hours in the laboratory to insure our safety and satisfaction with them.
