The Difference Between Natural and Organic Cosmetics

Today there are many beauty and cosmetic products in the market. This has made it challenging to identify the right products to use on our ...

Today there are many beauty and cosmetic products in the market. This has made it challenging to identify the right products to use on our skin. This is especially harder for those looking for a natural deodorant that works best with their skin. Natural and organic cosmetics have significant differences in the ingredients that make them up and how they work. They also carry varying benefits and downsides. This article looks at these differences to help you make an informed choice. 

Natural vs. Organic

Many cosmetic brands label their product as natural, but this is often a marketing tactic. Moreover, natural doesn't necessarily mean organic. When a company, on the hand, claims to be organic, it is entirely organic. Natural is a general term not strictly defined, while organic comes with a clear definition.  

It is not uncommon that some of your natural cosmetic products will contain harmful chemicals. Therefore, it’s best to stick to organic products as they are the ones that are free of industrial chemicals.

What’s the Difference Between Natural and Organic Products?

The distinction between the two is simple; Natural products contain largely ingredients of animal, plant, or mineral origin. Organic cosmetics, on the other hand, go for formulations from natural products courtesy of organic farming. Therefore, a natural cosmetic product may not be organic, but an organic cosmetic product can be labeled as a natural cosmetic product.

The Process Behind Making Natural and Organic Cosmetics

While the processes involved in making the two do not differ, the difference comes with the quality of the ingredients. Organic products use ingredients that were cultivated by organic methods. This means they have little to no trace of harmful chemicals like pesticides or antibiotics. Once the ingredients are sourced, the product-making process is similar and involves the same quality testing and packaging.

Why Consuming Organic Is Healthier

In most instances, people who go for organic products want to avoid absorbing petrochemicals as these are perceived as harmful, controversial, or irritating. Because organic limits synthetic chemicals and aids in preserving water resources, it is the way to go for environmental conservation. The organic approach allows us to take care of our biodiversity and protect water tables and rivers from nitrogenous fertilizers and pesticides.

Certifications for Organic Cosmetic Products

If you want to join in on the movement and conserve the environment, there are certification labels you could look out for that ensure you use organically produced products. The following are some of them:

• The COSMOS Natural certification label guarantees the absence of petrochemical ingredients, GMOs, responsible use, and natural use, among others. 
• The Cosmebio label - This association promotes organic and natural cosmetics.
• The Nature & Progres reference - Since 1964, this association has promoted agrobiology and biodynamics in Belgium and France.

Conclusion

Marketing tactics have led to many people opting for natural cosmetics, thinking they are pure and safe for the environment. However, this is far from the truth. We hope this article has helped you distinguish between natural and organic products. The next time you search for environmentally safe cosmetic products, look for organic cosmetics with the right labels and certifications.