Your Guide to Organic, Natural & Clean Skincare

Ever felt like you're wandering through a skincare jungle, torn between two rival tribes? On one side, there's the lab-coated squad chanting "science is the answer!". And on the other, the eco-warriors swear by the power of Mother Nature's finest 🌿.

But hang on a sec! Aren't you tired of the endless back-and-forth? "Chemicals are harmful," they say, while others claim "natural stuff doesn't work." Your head might be spinning with debates like "synthetic products irritate" or "organic is more gentle"

So, what's the real deal, you ask? Where should you put your hard-earned skincare bucks? Today, we're diving headfirst into this mind-boggling dilemma to reveal the merits surrounding organic, natural, and clean skincare.

IS Natural and Organic skincare the same THING?

Natural skincare ingredients

• Obtained from nature

• Harness power of nature including plant-based extracts from flowers, fruits, herbs, and essential oils.

• Term is not regulated.  

Organic skincare ingredients

• Obtained from nature through organic farming

• Free from pesticides, synthetic chemicals, and genetically modified components (GMOs).

• Term is regulated.

Synthetic skincare ingredients

• Artificially created in laboratories.

• Offers precision and stability

• Includes synthetic active ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid.

Natural skincare is all about ingredients that come straight from Mother Nature – think plant-based extracts like those from flowers, fruits, herbs, and essential oils. The primary difference in natural versus organic skincare lies in how the ingredients are sourced. Organic skincare distinguishes itself by going a step further, utilizing natural ingredients specifically sourced from organic farming. Why the emphasis? It marks a comprehensive commitment to elevated cultivation practices, ensuring that each ingredient meticulously meets rigorous organic standards – a checklist that includes being free from pesticides, synthetic chemicals, and genetically modified components (GMOs). In essence, the term 'organic' not only implies a natural origin but also underscores a dedicated adherence to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices within the realm of skincare formulations.

Is Natural and Organic Skincare effective?

In the skincare realm, there's a prevailing myth that natural and organic skincare lacks potency compared to synthetic counterparts. Let's set the record straight. Skincare effectiveness should be determined by factors that include formulation, concentration, and scientific evidence. Just as some synthetic ingredients may fall short, certain natural ingredients prove highly effective and vice versa.

5 EFFECTIVE, SCIENCE-BACKED NATURAL INGREDIENTS

White/Green tea extracts / Rich in polyphenols, offering powerful antioxidant and anti-aging properties.

Chamomile Extracts / Contains chamazulene and bisabolol, which has anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.

Glycerin/ Attracts and retains moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and maintaining its natural moisture balance.

Aloe Vera / Contains amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory compounds that promote hydration and soothe irritation

Jojoba oil / Contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E, regulates skin oil production, and provides hydration without clogging pores.

Numerous scientific studies support the efficacy of a number of ingredients derived from nature. Take tea tree oil, for example—its essential oils boast potent antibacterial properties, making it effective in combating acne. Plant-based antioxidants found in white tea and green tea extracts showcase notable anti-aging capability by neutralizing skin-aging free radicals. Likewise, everyday natural skincare essentials like aloe vera and jojoba oil have substantiated their efficacy in hydration and moisturization.

Crucially, skincare potency hinges on formulation. Well-formulated products, synergize ingredients for enhanced efficacy. They adhere to recommended concentrations and pH values, ensuring optimal absorption. For this reason, a combination of both organic and synthetic ingredients can be found in many skincare formulations, aiming to harness the benefits of each. Ultimately, achieving optimal skincare results requires prioritizing science-backed outcomes, quality, and formulation in the products you choose.

IS Natural and organic skincare SAFER?

natural skincare ingredients that might cause skin irritation

• Fragrances (Both Synthetic and Natural): Despite their source, fragrances can trigger skin irritation, allergic reactions, and sensitivity.

• Certain Essential Oils: Oils such as lavender, peppermint, and citrus, often lauded for their aromatic properties, can irritate and sensitize the skin.

• Alcohols (Denatured Alcohol, SD Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol): Common in toners and acne treatments, these alcohols can overly dry the skin, strip natural oils, and weaken the skin barrier. Gentler alternatives like fatty alcohols, Phenethyl Alcohol, and Phenoxyethanol are safer and non-irritating. It's crucial to check product labels; if alcohol is listed among the top five ingredients, it may be cause for concern.

• Lemon or Citrus Extracts/Juices: These ingredients are used for their brightening effects but their high acidity can disrupt skin pH balance, cause irritation, and increase sun sensitivity.

Skincare products with natural and organic ingredients are often seen as safer options than those with synthetic components. They steer clear of harsh preservatives like parabens, alcohol, and formaldehyde releasers, boasting purer ingredients that suit sensitive skin.

However, it's vital to know that 'natural' or 'organic' labels don't guarantee safety. Some natural and organic ingredients, like fragrances, essential oils, and certain alcohols, can actually be harmful to your skin.

Keep in mind that both natural and synthetic ingredients can lead to skin irritation and allergies. To make wise skincare choices, conduct patch tests and understand your unique skin type. Ultimately, informed decisions come from diligently reading product labels and scrutinizing ingredients.

IS Natural and organic skincare more PREMIUM?

The concept of 'premium' skincare is multifaceted, encompassing aspects such as ingredient quality, efficacy, safety, and formulation practices. While natural and organic ingredients are a significant aspect of this discussion, they represent just one facet of what makes skincare products truly premium. To be considered premium, a skincare product should ideally include the following 3 points.

non-beneficial fillers in skincare

Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is a common filler used in many skincare products like moisturizers and creams. While it can lock in moisture, it doesn't offer any nourishing or healing properties for the skin. Some people find it heavy and pore-clogging.

Paraffin Wax: Similar to mineral oil, paraffin wax is used in various skincare products for its emollient properties, but it doesn't provide any additional skincare benefits.

Silicones: Silicones like dimethicone are often added to skincare products to create a smooth texture and enhance the product's spreadability. While they can temporarily make the skin feel smoother, they don't have any long-term skincare benefits and can trap debris and sweat in pores.

Fragrance: Fragrances are frequently used to make skincare products more appealing. However, they can be irritating to sensitive skin and may cause allergies or other adverse reactions.

Artificial Colorants: Artificial colorants are sometimes added to skincare products for aesthetic purposes. They serve no functional skincare purpose and may trigger skin sensitivities in some individuals.

1. Science-Backed Active Ingredients: The backbone of any skincare product is its active ingredients. These are the heavy lifters, the ones that deliver on those glowing promises. But it's not just about having these actives; it's about their concentration and efficacy. Too many products on the market tout anti-aging benefits, yet they skimp on the levels of these crucial ingredients, or worse, use less effective versions. For instance, opting for vitamin C derivatives when the golden standard is l-ascorbic acid, would indicate a compromise. For an in-depth understanding of active ingredients that truly make a difference, refer to our comprehensive guide, ‘Prologue: Skincare Heroes’.

2. A Nourishing Base: Many commercial skincare products include fillers like mineral oil, paraffin wax, alcohol and silicones that dilute formula and reduce production costs. These fillers do not provide skincare benefits and can detract from the product's effectiveness. A truly premium skincare product would not cut corners and include a high concentration of nourishing ingredients. In this context, some ingredients are more costly and beneficial than others. For example, jojoba oil is a more expensive and advantageous ingredient compared to palm oil. Additionally, the choice of organic jojoba oil over non-organic variants would reflect an even higher commitment to quality. This is because organic farming methods, produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, enhances the purity and nutrient content of the oil.

3. Clean ingredients: Clean beauty is a movement dedicated to formulating products with safe, non-toxic ingredients. It's about steering clear of chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors, which are frequently used to extend product shelf life but can be harmful or irritating. It's crucial to remember that 'clean beauty' isn't a regulated term so always read the ingredient lists, even when products are labeled with 'clean beauty', to ensure you're making informed skincare choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is natural and organic skincare more expensive?

  Natural and organic skincare ingredients often incur higher raw costs compared to synthetic ones, primarily due to labor-intensive farming practices, lower yields in organic cultivation, and the rigorous processing and quality control needed to ensure purity and effectiveness. These factors combine to make the production of natural and organic ingredients more expensive.

• Is natural and organic skincare vegan?

  Natural and organic skincare products are not automatically vegan. "Natural" and "organic" refer to the sourcing and growing of ingredients, not the exclusion of animal-derived ingredients. Vegan skincare, in contrast, contains no animal products or by-products. To ensure a product is vegan, it's essential to look for specific vegan claim on product label.

• Are Organic Skincare Products Better for Sensitive Skin?

  Organic skincare products can be gentler on sensitive skin due to the absence of harsh chemicals. However, it's important to note that natural ingredients can still cause allergic reactions in some people.

• Do Natural and Organic Skincare Products Have a Shorter Shelf Life?

  They may have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional products as they typically contain fewer preservatives. Always check the expiration date and store them as instructed.

• Is Organic or Natural Skincare good for Acne-Prone Skin?

  Depends on the ingredients. Certain natural ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for acne-prone skin.