Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
So we have been talking a lot about natural and organic skincare and cosmetics, and while these are really popular terms, what do they even mean? We can all see that natural and organic cosmetics are greatly influencing and changing the cosmetics world while beauty, cosmetics and skincare are still the main terms that comes to mind. We have found that more consumers expect to find “sustainable”, “environmentally friendly” and “ethical” qualities in the cosmetics, this is increasing. As is the interest in natural and organic skincare and cosmetics. These cosmetics represent these needs in an authentic way as they are part of their core values and commitment not only to human wellbeing, but also sourcing natural and organic ingredients and using them in a way that isn't harmful to the planet.
Here are some things that natural and organic represents:
Natural and organic care for your body
Traditional cosmetics often contain a high amount of petroleum-based ingredients, and can include ingredients like phthalates, oxybenzone or parabens. Although regulated for safe use in cosmetics, the use of petroleum-based ingredients is inconsistent with the concept of natural and organic cosmetics. Natural and organic should be made of minerals, plant extracts, products from microorganisms, or substances derived from these sources. The properties of these, naturally help protect, nourish and hydrate the skin. Natural or organic cosmetics are not just beauty products, but a recreation of nature in perfect harmony with our bodies and our world.
A more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach
Unlike petrochemical substances, natural and organic ones come from mostly from plants and flowers. The use of natural and organic raw materials requires that the biodiversity of wildlife habitats is protected, and that a sustainable production of various plant and flower species is preserved. A principal value for natural and organic cosmetics is that they must be in harmony with nature, including the impact of packaging and packaging materials used. Apart from limiting the use of plastics in packaging and using recycled materials.
Much more than just a cosmetic
The ethical and social dimension, natural and organic beauty brands are often small and medium enterprises (SMEs) whose production is mostly carried out at local, regional or national level. A more local production can contribute to more sustainable and potentially shorter supply chains, as well as to a more personal, authentic image of the brand.
How to identify “natural” or “organic” cosmetics
While many cosmetics claim to be “natural” or “organic”, not all of them provide verifiable guarantees of these qualities. If you want to be sure that you're avoiding chemicals or causing harm, check the list of ingredients, and if there is something listed that you do not recognise, Google it! Luckily, there are plenty of online resources where you can find out exactly what each cosmetic ingredient is. Checking the ingredients (INCI list) on-pack may help consumers assess the degree of such claims, but not for every ingredient since declaring the ingredient origin (natural, petrochemical, etc.) is not a requirement by law.
The key to choosing pure natural skincare products lies in reading the label. If the brand claims to be organic, first look for a certification mark from a known organisation. Check these out online too.
When it comes to "natural" or "clean" being used on a label, unfortunately there is little to no legislation to protect consumers from being misled. However, within the EU, a label must list any potential allergens that may cause sensitivity (in concentrations over 0.01%). These may be added at the end of the ingredients in italics.
The key takeaway here is buyer beware, check the labels, wording and claims. Not all brands lie but some claims on labels are stretched a little bit too far and can trick us!
Check out some of our favourite natural brand products.
BYBI Beauty - created by graduates of Formula Botanica, a professional online organic school. BYBI use active, natural ingredients to boost your skin’s wellness.
BYBI picks; BYBI Beauty Bakuchiol Booster | Facial Oil
BYBI Soft Skin Kit | Hydrate, Soothe and Nourish Your Skin
Weleda
Weleda uses only the purest wild-crafted, organically and Biodynamically cultivated ingredients for their products.
Weleda picks: Weleda Skin Food for Dry and Rough skin,with Sunflower and Almond oil
Herbivore
Herbivore uses the power of vitamins, minerals and botanicals to create clean and highly effective skincare products. With pure ingredients, each product is formulated with potent actives to have quick and visible results on your skin.
Herbivore picks; Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask
Herbivore Botanicals - Natural PRISM Exfoliating Glow Potion
Burts Bees
Burts Bees formulas are packed with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients that each serve a purpose, skin can reach its full beautiful potential.
Burts Bees picks; Burt's Bees 99% Natural Sensitive Facial Cleanser with Cotton Extract
Burt's Bees Essential Gift Set, 5 Travel Size Products
Caudalie
A beautiful French natural based skincare range formulated using the grape and its vine.
Caudalie picks; SOS Intense Moisturizing Cream
Reservatrol Night Infusion Cream
I get a lot of my ingredients from Amazon and use Prime, which gives me free & speedy delivery on a lot of items plus access to Prime Video! A favourite in our house. Try Prime for free for 30 days by signing up here and avail of items that are delivered for free.
Disclaimer: This information and content does not replace that advice of a dermatologist or medical advice. Please seek medical advice if you suspect that you have a dermal condition.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links come at no extra cost to you. These links allow us to share the products we authentically recommend (and use) and support our recipes by receiving a small commission.
I get a lot of my ingredients from Amazon and use Prime, which gives me free & speedy delivery on a lot of items plus access to Prime Video! A favourite in our house. Try Prime for free for 30 days by signing up here and avail of items that are delivered for free.
