When you're switching to clean beauty, you might be startled to encounter the numerous distinctions. From waterless to plant-based, safe to sustainable, a myriad selection of products can be found with countless variations on their offerings. Today, we're going to tackle a big misconception—natural versus organic.
Natural is not organic, but organic is always natural. Synonyms for organic include 'bio' and 'eco.' When a product is certified to be organic, the ingredients have come from farms that are certified to be organic. Although practices vary, the farmers have created a plan for an organic system, undergone an inspection to obtain certification, procured organic seeds without genetic modification (non-GMO), avoided dangerous or polluting methods of production, and utilised agricultural growth strategies without chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals.
Next, these organic ingredients are processed into cosmetics. Here, beauty companies use discretion and their creativity in product design. Some creators opt for 100% organic ingredients, only blending ingredients that have all been sourced from certified organic farms. Others are more liberal. They may utilise organics for only key active ingredients.
Do Organic Labels Lie?
As per the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs' guidelines for organic labelling, principles apply to protect consumers from marketing fraud. Products can be labelled as 100% organic if 95% of all the ingredients were produced organically. If less than 95% of the contents are organic, businesses must obtain certification from an organic control body, and be registered, to carry out labelling products as organic.
Businesses who do not comply with these regulations and freely label and self-market as organic without valid certificates are subject to penalties or further punishments.
Why Choose Organic?
With so many types of ‘clean’ beauty products to choose from, why choose organic?
One of the major reasons why organic beauty is so beneficial lies in its impact on agricultural practices. Organic farming supports sustainability in ecosystems over the long term.
For example, soil building practices such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops, organic fertilisers and minimum tillage are central to organic practices. These facilitate soil fauna and flora growth, improving soil formation and structure and creating more agricultural stable systems. Less water pollution, reduced carbon footprints relative to non-organic farming, and more biodiversity are other benefits.
8 Products Made with Organic Ingredients
Terres d'Afrique
£33.00 | 180 ml / 6 Fl oz
It’s easily absorbed into the skin, leaving it soft and smooth, with a slight natural sheen. Because it contains an abundance of medium chain triglycerides (natural fats), this organic coconut oil acts as both a deep penetrating nourishing oil, as well as a protective barrier against environmental and free radical damage. 87.8% organic.
Haoma
£22.00 | 50 g / 1.7 Fl oz
An intensely rich certified organic blend of raw Coconut Oil and essential oils including Palmarosa, Thyme and Cedarwood to revitalise hair and scalp! 100% organic ingredients.
Che Organics
£11.00 | 100 ml / 3.38 Fl oz
A deep cleansing oil infused with antioxidant-rich sunflower and grapeseed oils. This is a cleanser that works to dissolve makeup, dirt and daily grime build-up whilst effectively nourishing and moisturising the skin.
Doubledown
Organic Rosewater Clay Face Mask
£18.00 | 50 ml / 1.8 oz
A delightful blend of rosewater and french green clay. This mask has anti-inflammatory properties to aid in reducing redness and irritation. Helps heal acne and eczema. The toning action fo the clay stimulates the skin for a fresh complexion.
LATTICIA Organics
£21.00 | 15 ml / 0.5 oz
Crafted from a blend of organic Fair Trade Shea Butter, Safflower Oil and Vitamin E Oil to blissfully soften skin, this shimmering golden balm is infused with a mix of ethically sourced mica powders to promote a luminous complexion and effortlessly highlight your face and body. 95% organic.
Vetivert&Co.
£23.50 | 30 ml / 1 Fl oz
A potent skin nutrient concentrate. Suitable for sensitive skin, and those sensitive to essential oils, it can also provide relief in calming inflammation, redness and aid in soothing skin with eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. 100% cold-pressed and organic.
From Duella
£21.00 | 250 ml / 8.8 Fl oz
The super humectant, Aloe Vera gel, sourced organically. Widely known for its healing and moisturising properties, aloe vera gel can be used to cool and soothe dry skin, treat burns, condition hair and fight acne.
Kokoa Eco Beauty
£18.00 | 125 ml / 4 oz
Pure, unrefined Shea Butter is great for dry skin. 100% organic, unrefined Shea Butter from Ghana, mixed with some Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, and additional Vitamin E.
Where you and beauty meet. Yuty takes into consideration your genetics, lifestyle, environment and preferences when providing you with personalised recommendations. Take the YUTY Advisor © today to find your perfect match.
Sources
Organic Agriculture: What are the environmental benefits of organic agriculture? (n.d.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq6/en/
Organic food: labelling and advertising rules. (2016, April 29). GOV.UK. Retrieved January 31, 2022, from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/organic-food-labelling-rules
