Beauty and skincare lines have been jumping on the organic bandwagon in droves. Last year, sales of organic and natural cosmetics exceeded $7 billion. But does "organic" mean what you think it means? Time reports on a few things you should know about "organic" beauty products:
- The USDA is the only organization that can certify something as organic, and they will only do so if all the ingredients, packaging, and production meet the same stringent standards required for organic food.
- A USDA certified organic product is still allowed to have 5% non-organic ingredients. If a product is even 70% organic, it can claim to be made with "organic ingredients.
- It's important to check labels carefully, and if the USDA seal is missing, it might not actually be organic at all.
- Organic products are not necessarily more gentle. In fact, many can irritate sensitive skin because they use pure oils as preservatives.
The bottom line is that while anything organic is better for the environment, organic beauty products are not necessarily better for your skin.
black'Up
Marithe' F. Girbaud
Hugo Boss
I think most of the Origins and Aveda organic lines are certified USDA (not 100% sure). I use both and really enjoy the benefits of them. I find that when I use moisturizers and products from companies that use tons of artificial ingredients my skins reacts poorly. I know they aren't for everyone, though.
1My new face stuff is awesome! And very organic!
It's the Juice Beauty that you can buy at Sephora.
My skin has never felt so soft!
2Hmmm, good to know. I never considered those things.
3I love my Avalon Organics.
4I love organic and natural beauty product lines...I'm trying to use mostly lines like this. I've always loved Burt's Bees, and 100% Pure and Alba Botanicals are also amazing.
5Organic is definitely better for your skin. The skin is our largest organ and it absorbs everything-parabens, carcinogens, etc. Do you really want to put those in your body?
6I love alba botanicals!
Guidolina, I agree-- I try not to put things on my skin that I wouldn't want in my bloodstream. So much gets absorbed by our skin and then has to get filtered out (or washed off). I'm avoiding parabens and phthalates as much as I can.
Stacy Malkan's book "Not Just A Pretty Face" is really informative.
7Burt's Bees stuff along with L'Uvalla are good organic brands. However, I think that overall, it's probably more beneficial to use organic products on your skin because chemicals are chemicals, not something natural and even if the FDA has tested them, there may be some adverse reactions long-term that are unforeseen. I always try to get organic products especially for something I'm putting on my face.
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