Confusion is very often made between natural cosmetics and organic cosmetics. Some brands also take advantage of this to pass off certain products as natural and healthy, even though their composition is not always so. Others also play on the amalgam between organic and natural while the formulas are not equal. Hello greenwashing!
Even us, it was difficult to see clearly. That's why we decided to write this blog post.
The definition of each type of cosmetic, the regulations, the differences and finally why it is necessary to favor organic cosmetics: we could not leave you in doubt! So follow the guide!
What is a natural cosmetic product?
A natural cosmetic product, whether it is a hygiene, care or make-up product, is a product composed mainly of ingredients of natural origin (dyes, preservatives, active ingredients, gelling agents, etc.). These ingredients can be plants, fruit extracts, minerals...that is to say any element present in nature, not manufactured by man. They normally do not contain any ingredients from the petrochemical industry.
The "natural" designation remains somewhat vague today and is much less controlled than the "organic" designation. It is therefore sometimes necessary to be wary of false natural products and learn to read the ingredient lists.
A natural cosmetic is not necessarily a healthy product. It can indeed contain some ingredients today considered harmful such as silicones, BHT or phenoxyethanol.
A label for natural cosmetics
Fortunately, today there are labels such as the Cosmos Natural label from Cosmebio which guarantees compliance with the minimum rate of 95% of ingredients of natural origin and that the product has been checked by an independent body.
Furthermore, it prohibits the use of so-called undesirable ingredients such as silicones, PEGs, etc. Finally, this label also regulates the manufacture of products by prohibiting certain polluting processes.
What are organic cosmetics?
Organic cosmetics are even more demanding natural cosmetic products:
- The majority of the natural ingredients that compose them must come from organic farming, an agriculture that notably prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals and GMOs.
- They should not contain any controversial or harmful ingredients. Each label defines its blacklist of prohibited products.
- They are more respectful of the environment in their design (material of packaging, quantity of material), their manufacture and their use.
- They are more ethical in terms of animal welfare since they prohibit animal testing and they guarantee ethical supply chains by ensuring decent incomes for producers.
These are the basic principles, but then each label will bring more or less requirements in terms of percentage of product, ingredients prohibited or not, requirements in terms of manufacturing, sustainable development or fair trade.
The Cosmos Organic label from Cosmebio for organic products
At On Behalf, we have chosen to follow the specifications of one of the most demanding labels: the Cosmos Organic label from Cosmebio. The Cosmos Organic label guarantees:
- 95% minimum of natural ingredients
- 95% minimum of organic ingredients on all ingredients that can be certified organic. For example, water is not counted.
- 20% minimum of organic ingredients on the whole product or even 10% minimum for rinse-off products.
It is important to look on your product for the percentage of organic ingredients in the formula because not all organic products are created equal. A higher price is sometimes justified by a higher percentage of organic ingredients.
What is the difference between organic and natural cosmetics?
There are several differences between organic cosmetics and natural cosmetics:
- The natural ingredients used in organic cosmetics are almost all from organic farming.
- Organic cosmetic products have no controversial components.
- Organic cosmetics take into account the ecological and responsible dimensions in their manufacture.
- Organic cosmetics are systematically certified by labels while the regulations on natural cosmetics are still unclear
- An organic beauty product is necessarily natural while the reverse is not systematic.
Be that as it may, these two types of cosmetics are quite different from so-called conventional cosmetics which are mainly composed of synthetic elements derived from petrochemicals, which are less healthy for the skin and have a lower share of active ingredients.
Using natural cosmetics is already good, but using organic cosmetics is even better.
Why use organic beauty products?
Healthier and better products for the skin
In organic cosmetics there is no carcinogenic component or endocrine disruptor. Even if the penetration of the product remains relatively superficial, it does not prevent your skin from absorbing everything you apply to it. It is therefore very important to be vigilant about the composition of the products we use and to use healthy beauty products, without harmful components or irritating additives.
Moreover, in organic cosmetics, certain traditional ingredients such as water and perfumes are sometimes replaced by substitutes such as hydrosols or essential oils which reinforce the benefits of the product for the skin.
More environmentally friendly
Organic cosmetics use manufacturing processes that are much more respectful of nature , eliminating synthetic and polluting ingredients in favor of natural ingredients.
Organic products are also increasingly tending towards a reduction in manufacturing waste. The packaging is designed to be recycled more easily and uses less material.
More ethical
There is indeed the issue of animal testing. Organic products undertake not to practice any animal testing and do not contain any component of animal origin requiring the killing of animals. Today there are even completely vegan cosmetics using only ingredients from the plant world.
The icing on the cake ?
In recent years, organic cosmetics have made enormous progress in terms of smell, texture, experience and packaging for a sensory experience equivalent to conventional cosmetics. Especially when it comes to foam . Tempting isn't it?
Where to buy organic cosmetics?
You can now find organic beauty products in many physical outlets or online.
Supermarkets, parapharmacies, stores specializing in organic products, zero-waste grocery stores, specialized or non-specialized online sales sites: organic cosmetics are now accessible to everyone. So, in order not to be mistaken, follow the labels.
Otherwise, to buy certified organic cosmetics, good for your skin and good for the planet, it's right here !