What is Natural Skincare?
Natural skincare refers to products made from ingredients that are naturally produced. However, the term "natural" lacks a legal definition. A practical definition might be: "any material that is harvested, mined, or collected, and subsequently processed (e.g., washed, decolorized, distilled) to isolate chemicals that originally existed in the source material."
Organic skincare products are a subset of natural skincare, made from ingredients that are organically grown without chemicals, genetically modified materials, synthetic residues, or harmful substances. This makes organic skincare products healthier and safer.
Benefits of Natural Skincare
Safer
Natural skincare products avoid harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of allergic reactions, inflammations, and irritations. If an allergic reaction does occur, it is easier to identify the natural ingredient (e.g., peanuts or strawberries) responsible.
Skin-Friendly
Organic skincare ingredients follow the same standards as organic food, avoiding harsh chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers. This ensures that the skin receives pure and beneficial ingredients without harmful fillers that can cause damage.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
Organic products use ingredients grown without toxic pesticides and fertilizers, minimizing their environmental impact. Organic farming supports wildlife, reduces pollution, and generates less carbon dioxide and hazardous waste. By choosing organic skincare, you contribute to environmental sustainability.
Effective
Natural and organic skincare products have been effective for centuries, penetrating deep into the skin and providing visible results without side effects. These products contain up to 95% active ingredients, compared to 5-10% in synthetic products, ensuring that the skin receives the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Cruelty-Free
The beauty industry often faces criticism for animal testing. Organic skincare products, made from natural ingredients, generally do not require animal testing. By choosing organic products, you are likely supporting cruelty-free practices and contributing to the movement against animal testing in the industry.
Can We Trust Labels?
Labels like “natural” and “clean” are not well-regulated, making it challenging to know exactly what you are getting. Even natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions, which is problematic for people with sensitive skin.
While companies cannot freely use the word “organic,” a natural product label does not guarantee that it is 100% natural, as some chemicals might still be present. It is advisable to focus on products with fewer ingredients, adhering to the principle that “simple is best.”
By being discerning about labels and understanding the benefits and definitions of natural and organic skincare, you can make informed choices that benefit your skin and the environment.
