In the beauty industry, the term “organic” means that some or all of a product’s ingredients come from organic sources. For example, the aloe vera in a moisturizer may come from an organic farm where it is grown. Organic ingredients are those that farmers grow without using artificial substances, such as pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The exact definition varies by country. In the United States, products labeled “organic” by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) contain at least 95% organic ingredients. There is no evidence that these products are more active, but they may be more environmentally friendly. In this article, we take an in-depth look at organic skincare, including what it is and its benefits. We’ll also discuss the differences between organic skincare and “green” or “clean” skincare.
Organic skincare products contain organically grown ingredients. Organic farming standards vary around the world, but generally, organic farms do not use substances produced in a laboratory.
These can include:
- Chemical fertilizers
- Chemical pesticides
- Antibiotics
- Hormones
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- GMOs
- In contrast, organic farms keep their products healthy by using natural substances. The idea is that organic farming is less harmful to the environment.
What makes a skin care product organic?
For a skincare product to be careful organic, it must contain organic, plant-based ingredients. Some examples include:
- plant extracts
- vegetable oils or butters
- essential oils
- resins
In the U.S., organic products must also:
- ensure resource recycling
- maintain or improve air and soil quality
- preserve biodiversity
- minimize the use of synthetic ingredients
The particular percentage of organic ingredients in a product labeled “organic” may contrast depending on resident laws. In the U.S., the use of the term “organic” is regulated by the Nutrition and Drug Administration (FDA), but each state sets its own limits for the percentage of organic ingredients a product must contain. If a product has the USDA organic seal, it contains at least 95% organic ingredients.
Is organic skin care the same as “natural,” “green,” or “clean” skin care?
No, these terms mean different things.
- “Natural” can mean that some or all of a product’s ingredients come from plants or animals. This is not the same as “organic.” Natural ingredients can come from both organic and non-organic farms.
- “Natural” also doesn’t necessarily mean that all ingredients are safe or eco-friendly. For example, some manufacturers source squalane, a humectant, from sharks. This contributes to shark hunting.
- “Eco-friendly” is a term companies use to indicate that their products are environmentally friendly. However, this is subjective. A company may use it to refer to its ingredients, its packaging, its business practices, or a combination of these. It doesn’t guarantee that the product is truly eco-friendly.
- “Clean” has an even vaguer definition. It describes products that contain safe, non-toxic ingredients. Clean beauty products typically don’t contain potentially harmful ingredients (Trusted Source), such as parabens and fragrances. None of these three terms are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While U.S. companies must meet certain standards before using the “organic” label on their harvests, any company can use these other terms, regardless of the ingredients used.
What are the benefits of organic skin care?
Organic skincare products are not necessarily more or less effective than non-organic products. However, they do offer some key advantages. Organic skincare products are:
- Regulated. Since the term “organic” is regulated in the U.S., you can be confident that a product contains what it claims.
- More respectful of biodiversity. Organic farms do not use chemical pesticides that can harm wildlife and reduce biodiversity.
- Fewer pollutants. To use the term “organic,” products must uphold or improve the health of the soil or air where they are grown.
- Biodegradable. Organic ingredients are also typically biodegradable, meaning they break miserable quickly and do not accumulate in the environment.
Are there downsides to organic skin care?
Organic skincare has some drawbacks. However, it’s important to remember that an organic product doesn’t always mean the company that makes it cares about the environment. Some brands emphasize organic ingredients through “greenwashing” (or “green waxing”), an attempt to trick people into believing the company is more environmentally friendly than it really.
For example, a company may emphasize organic ingredients, but may:
- use some non-organic ingredients;
- use some synthetic ingredients;
- have a high carbon footprint;
- use non-biodegradable packaging, such as plastic.
Other things to consider
Organic status is just one factor to consider when choosing an eco-friendly skincare product. Other factors can indicate the product’s overall quality, ethics, and sustainability.
Depending on your needs, you might also be interested in learning about:
- Purity. The term “third-party testing” means that the company has used an independent laboratory to evaluate the safety and purity of its products. This guarantees that the product contains the ingredients it claims.
- Efficacy. Some companies conduct clinical trials on their products to demonstrate efficacy. This can indicate the product’s effectiveness.
- Origin. Growing or harvesting some organic ingredients may have a negative influence on the environment or local communities. For example, some crops require a lot of land or water to grow. Some brands support practices that minimize negative impacts and improve communities.
- Location. Shipping products worldwide requires more fuel than shipping within a country. You might consider brands that operate within your region or country.
- Animal welfare. Although animal testing is prohibited in many countries, some still require brands to test their products on animals before selling them in their region. Some skincare products also contain animal-derived ingredients. Those wishing to avoid these products can look for cruelty-free or vegan brands.
Summary
The term “organic” means that the product contains organically grown ingredients. Organic farmers do not use artificial fertilizers, insecticides, or other chemicals. The idea is that this reduces harm to wildlife. The exact definition of “organic” and the standards brands must meet for skin care products to be classified as “organic” vary by location. It is not the same as “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “clean.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these terms. Those who want to ensure their skin care products are good for them, the environment, and the communities where the ingredients are grown can seek information about their interests.