What is the difference between Natural & Organic Products?

Let's take a closer look at "natural" and "organic" cosmetics! You've probably seen these words on beauty products, suggesting they're made from ingredients found in nature or grown without certain chemicals. Are they just different sides of the same coin, or is there a deeper difference worth exploring? Think of it as a skincare gossip session—spilling the tea with a dash of science.

What Are Natural Cosmetics?

Natural cosmetics are like your cool hippie aunt's potion collection. We're talking botanicals, essential oils, and vibes straight from the Earth. The rule? At least 95% natural ingredients. But hold up! That last 5% can't be shady—no silicones or PEGs or sketchy stuff. And the process? It's gotta be eco-friendly, like a reusable water bottle at Coachella.

But watch out for greenwashing! Some brands flex their "95% natural" status but sneak in synthetic ingredients like silicones, BHT, and phenoxyethanol. To keep it real, look for the COSMOS NATURAL label. Flip that bottle and check the ingredients—nature's origins should shine through.

The Elemental Ingredients in Natural Cosmetics:

1. Plant-Based Oils and Waxes: These oils—such as jojoba, argan, and coconut—nourish the skin deeply. Beeswax, a natural wax, provides structure without compromising health.

2. Botanical Extracts: Extracts from plants like chamomile, green tea, and rosehip offer specific benefits. Chamomile soothes, green tea rejuvenates, and rosehip promotes youthful skin.

3. Essential Oils: These aromatic oils carry therapeutic properties. Lavender calms, peppermint invigorates, and frankincense transports us to ancient forests.

4. Minerals: Mica, zinc oxide, and iron oxides provide color naturally. They adorn our skin like delicate gemstones.

Certification Bodies:
Organizations like Ecocert, NATRUE, and BDIH validate natural cosmetics. Their rigorous evaluations ensure transparency and quality.

Assurances:

• Traceable ingredient origins

• Absence of synthetic fragrances and colorants

• Swift biodegradability

• Ethical production practices

• Dermatological testing on humans

Pros of using natural cosmetics:

• They may have some advantages for the skin and health, such as nourishing, hydrating, soothing, or healing properties.

• They may be more suitable for sensitive or allergic skin, as they may contain fewer irritants or allergens than conventional or synthetic cosmetics.

• They may be more affordable and accessible than organic cosmetics, as they may have lower production costs and wider availability.

Drawbacks of natural cosmetics:

• They may not be as effective or consistent as conventional or synthetic cosmetics, as they may have lower stability, shelf life, or performance.

• They may not be as environmentally friendly or sustainable as organic cosmetics, as they may still use some chemicals or resources that harm the environment or society.

• They may not be as trustworthy or transparent as organic cosmetics, as they may have misleading or vague labels, claims, or ingredients.

What Are Organic Cosmetics?

Picture ingredients grooving straight from organic farms without using pesticides or insecticides. We're talking 95% organic vibes! The green oval Cosmébio label is your backstage pass. Sometimes it even twerks with the COSMOS ORGANIC signature, flex for the skincare elite.

The Green Commandments: What Organic Cosmetics Must Avoid

• Paraffin: Imagine slathering your face with candle wax. Not cute! Organic cosmetics steer clear of paraffin—the clingy ex of skincare.

• Formaldehyde: It's not just a fancy word; it's a preservative that can make your skin cringe.

• Petroleum Origins: Organic products don't flirt with crude oil· No slick business here!

• Synthetic Dyes: Organic cosmetics are like minimalist artists—no neon hues, just earthy tones.

Certification Detectives: Who's Watching?

• Ecocert Greenlife: They're the Sherlock Holmes of organic cosmetics. Their checklist: 95% natural ingredients, 95% plant love from organic farms, and a dash of organic water.

• COSMEBIO: Like Ecocert, but with a French accent. Oui oui! They're all about natural processes and minimal synthetic preservatives.

• BDIH: They're the rebels who allow a few synthetic preservatives, but only the well-behaved ones.

• Soil Association: Their motto: "70-95% organic ingredients? Label it!" Water doesn't count, though.

• ICEA: They're the cool kids who insist on organic plant/animal materials. No shady characters are allowed!

Pros of using organic cosmetics:

• They are safer and healthier for the skin and the body, as they do not contain any synthetic or harmful chemicals that may cause irritation, inflammation, allergy, or disease.

• They are better for the environment and society, as they reduce the pollution and the waste of water, soil, and natural resources and support the biodiversity and the well-being of the farmers and the animals.

• They are more reliable and authentic than natural cosmetics, as they have clear, strict definitions and certifications that ensure their quality and integrity.

Drawbacks of organic cosmetics:

• They may be more expensive and less available than natural or conventional cosmetics, as they have higher production costs and lower supply.

• They may have some limitations or challenges in terms of formulation, preservation, or innovation, as they have to comply with the organic regulations and standards.

• They may still have some risks or controversies associated with them, such as the validity of the organic labels, the variability of the organic regulations, or the potential contamination or adulteration of the organic ingredients.

Which is better? Natural vs. organic cosmetics

Organic or not? It's a personal choice, but also a matter of skin, budget, and values. Many people pick organic cosmetics to avoid harmful chemicals. Our skin absorbs what we put on it, so why risk ingesting nasty chemicals like petrochemicals?

Organic farming is eco-friendly and socially responsible. It uses less water by skipping synthetic stuff that contaminates water sources. Pesticides and nitrogenous fertilizers are kept away from rivers and water tables. It makes ecosystems and us happier, as we need less water treatment.

It also preserves biodiversity. By using only natural phytosanitary products, allowed by the European regulation governing organic farming, it improves the health of earthworms and pollinating insects, including our bee friends. Birds, who are having a hard time in Europe, can find more food and less poison.

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