What do “organic” cosmetics mean, and are all-natural cosmetics organic? Are organic cosmetics just a trendy craze or something more? Let's figure it out!
Organic products are becoming more and more popular. Cosmetics labeled "Bio," "Eco," "Organic" are increasingly being found on sale. How are organic cosmetics different from conventional ones? Does it have real advantages, or is it just another publicity stunt? Let's figure it out!
The term "organic" came to cosmetology from agriculture, where it refers to cultivation methods that do not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Certified organic cosmetics must meet the following requirements:
- At least 95% of natural ingredients in the composition.
Real organic cosmetics usually consist of safe, natural ingredients such as water, aloe juice, natural oils, flowers, and plant extracts.
- Plant components must be organic.
At least 10% of the plants used for organic cosmetics must be grown in ecologically clean areas and exclusively by organic methods. Only mechanical methods of processing are allowed (infusion, cold pressing, etc.)
- The remaining 5% of the ingredients can be synthetic
But with strict restrictions. For example, you will not find parabens, mineral oils, and silicones, synthetic fragrances, and dyes in organic cosmetics.
- Biodegradable packaging.
Cosmetics must be organic not only on the inside but also on the outside. Packaging jars and boxes are made from materials that can be recycled or disposed of without polluting the environment.
- Respect for our smaller brothers.
Organic cosmetics contain no animal components, except for lactic acid and bee products. Plus, organic cosmetics are not tested on animals.
Why are organic cosmetics better than conventional ones?
Probably, no one will argue with the fact that respect for nature ultimately benefits everyone and everyone. But if cosmetics do not fulfill their main function - they do not make us healthier and more beautiful - then the price of all its "organic" and environmental friendliness is worthless.
The natural composition gives organic cosmetics many advantages: firstly, it does not contain pesticides and harmful chemicals. Many synthetic ingredients are too aggressive, build up in the skin, and harm health. Organic cosmetics are free of these disadvantages. It acts gently and carefully:
- Does not violate the natural cycles of the body;
- Not addictive;
- Does not interfere with natural skin processes, but regulates and improves them, restoring healthy skin condition and improving its appearance;
- Effectively moisturizes, stimulates the restoration and protection of skin cells, tones up - that is, it does everything the same as its synthetic counterparts, but with natural ingredients.
Many natural ingredients are much more effective than synthetic ones. For example, edelweiss mountain flower extract has protective properties that have not yet been fully reproduced in laboratories.
Organic cosmetics use and combine the best properties of flowers and plants, restore the skin's natural state, restoring its natural health and beauty.
What's the catch? Disadvantages of organic cosmetics
The main disadvantage is, of course, the high price. Real organic cosmetics tend to be significantly more expensive than their inorganic counterparts. This is understandable: after all, synthetic ingredients were developed specifically to reduce costs. Growing olive trees, collecting fruits, squeezing oil from them - or synthesizing a substance in a laboratory from petrochemical ingredients is easier and cheaper? More valuable ingredients increase the cost of organic creams.
The disadvantage is the relatively short shelf life. Organic cosmetics are 95% natural products, and everything natural is known to die. Therefore, organic cosmetics are stored for no more than 1-2 years.
Organic cosmetics are not just a fashion trend.
They are one of the components of respect for nature and your own skin. Like regular cosmetics, it helps us look prettier, but it does so more naturally and healthily.