Natural vs Organic Skin Care products: Is There Really a Difference?

Did you know our skin absorbs up to 60% of what we apply? If you’re mindful about your skincare routine, you’ve probably heard of natural skincare products and organic skincare products. But do you understand the difference between them and which is best for you? Let’s uncover the true essence of both!

The Truth about Skincare: Understand Your Products

Globally, people are embracing a movement toward better living standards and enhanced quality of life. The health of our skin is a crucial factor that influences not only our physical and biological well-being but also our psychological and emotional state, impacting our confidence and overall effectiveness. To truly benefit from natural skincare products, it’s important to understand them better.

Merely choosing products labeled as 'natural' doesn’t guarantee optimal results, and it’s unwise to leave your skincare routine to chance. Instead, focus on the specific ingredients that provide your skin with the essential nutrients it needs.

What does ‘All Natural’ or ‘Natural’ mean?

While the term ‘Organic’ is fairly well-regulated across the US, EU, UK, and Australia, ‘All Natural’ or ‘Natural’ lacks similar oversight. Unless explicitly stated, ‘Natural’ doesn’t necessarily mean organic. In fact, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, this is one of the least regulated sectors in the beauty and cosmetics industry, which was worth $49.50 billion in the US alone in 2019.

The lack of regulation makes it challenging to discern what is truly natural. It's important to remember that ‘Natural’ does not always equate to safety or benefit. Many people rely on marketing claims and slogans without examining ingredient lists.

Generally, certification bodies define ‘Natural’ skincare products as follows:

• Ingredients derived from plants, flowers, and minerals found in nature
• No genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• Free from parabens, sulfates, and other harmful substances
• Minimal or no petrochemical ingredients
• Not tested on animals
• Produced in a way that preserves the integrity of the natural ingredients

Understanding these criteria can help you make more informed choices when selecting natural skincare products.

Natural vs. Synthetic: What’s the Difference?

According to a recent survey, 69% of women aged 35-54 are increasingly choosing natural skincare products, with 6 in 10 now reading product labels before making a purchase. This raises an important question: Are we right to be cautious about chemicals in our skincare, or are we simply jumping on the natural bandwagon without a scientific basis?

First, let’s clarify: everything is a chemical, there’s no such thing as completely ‘Chemical-free,’ as even water is a chemical. The more accurate term is ‘Synthetic,’ which refers to ingredients that are lab-created to mimic the effects of naturally derived substances. On the other hand, ‘Natural’ implies that the ingredients are not synthesized in a lab.

However, natural products aren’t always ideal. They might not be ethically sourced or truly organic. For instance, while mineral oil is technically natural, it’s not suitable for skincare, and non-organic palm oil can have severe environmental impacts. In a nutshell, it’s not enough for a product to be labeled as ‘Natural’ for the best results; your natural skincare products should also be organic and ethically sourced.

Why Choose Natural Skincare Products?

Environment Friendly

Synthetic chemicals in conventional skincare products can be harmful not only to human skin but also to animals and plants. When these chemicals leach into the soil, they can disrupt local ecosystems. Additionally, the production of traditional skincare products often generates significant pollution, contributing to a negative carbon footprint.

Gentle on Your Skin

When you apply skincare products, their ingredients gradually enter your bloodstream, affecting your body’s processes. Natural skincare products use ingredients that are beneficial and gentle, minimizing potential adverse effects. By choosing natural skincare products, you reduce the risk of negative health impacts, leading to healthier and more radiant skin.

Cruelty-Free

Many mainstream skincare brands test their products on animals, a condemned practice that raises serious ethical concerns. Natural skincare product manufacturers often avoid animal testing, allowing you to support ethical practices and avoid contributing to animal cruelty.

Is Organic Better than Natural?

Let's explore how ‘Natural’ and ‘Organic’ differ in skincare products. Though often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings. A product labeled as ‘Natural’ means its ingredients come from nature, but this doesn’t guarantee that they are ‘Organic.’ Natural skincare products might still contain synthetic chemicals, unlike Organic products, which must meet stricter standards.

Key Differences Between 'Natural' and 'Organic' Skincare Products:

• 'Natural' Ingredients: Natural skincare products feature ingredients derived from nature.
• 'Organic' Ingredients: Organic skincare products also use natural ingredients but must adhere to stricter standards. Look for organic certification logos on the label to ensure authenticity.
• 'Natural' as a Marketing Term: The term ‘Natural’ can sometimes be used as a marketing gimmick. Always check for certification to verify the product’s authenticity.
• 'Organic' Regulations: Organic skincare products are subject to more stringent guidelines regarding farming practices and ingredient sourcing.
• 'Vegan' and 'Cruelty-Free': These terms are not synonymous with ‘Natural’ or ‘Organic.’ They refer to different ethical practices and should be considered separately.
• Price: Organic skincare products generally cost more due to their rigorous production standards.

100% ‘Natural’ or 100% ‘Organic’ Skincare Product is a Myth!

A transparent skincare brand will specify the percentages of its ingredients that are ‘Natural’ and those that are ‘Organic.’ Simply claiming that a product is natural and organic is not sufficient and can be considered misleading. Always check the precise percentages of natural and organic ingredients.

For instance, the label on Refresh Botanicals Daily Facial Moisturizer indicates that it is 99.7% natural and 83.7% organic. It’s important to note that many skincare products are water-based, and since water cannot be certified as organic, finding a 100% organic skincare product is nearly impossible. While the product may be highly natural, it may not be entirely organic. Additionally, some products might include wild-harvested ingredients that are as pure and natural as possible but cannot be certified as organic due to their non-organic farming methods.

Also Read: 5 Steps to Effectively Use Face Clay Mask for Spotless Skin