Features and standards of organic cosmetics

Organic cosmetics have become popular in recent years among consumers looking for safe and environmentally friendly skin care products. But what does the term "organic cosmetics" really mean and what standards and certifications confirm its quality? In this article, we will look at the features and standards of organic cosmetics, their benefits and how to distinguish real organic products from conventional ones.

1. What are organic cosmetics?

Organic cosmetics are beauty products containing natural ingredients that are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other synthetic additives. Such products are not only safe for the skin, but also eco-friendly, as their production does not harm the environment.

Differences between organic and conventional cosmetics

The main difference between organic cosmetics and conventional cosmetics lies in their composition. While conventional cosmetics may contain synthetic ingredients such as sulfates, parabens and artificial colors, organic cosmetics use only natural ingredients such as plant extracts, natural oils and biodegradable ingredients.

• The composition of organic cosmetics for sensitive skin includes ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, lavender, which gently affect the skin without causing irritation.
• Organic cosmetics also eliminate the use of chemical preservatives and fragrances, making them ideal for people with allergies and sensitive skin.

What ingredients are included in organic cosmetics

Organic cosmetics contain ingredients that have been certified organic. These may include:

• Essential oils (e.g., lavender oil, rosemary oil),
• Plant extracts (calendula, chamomile),
• Natural moisturizers such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

These ingredients are not only safe for the skin, but also nourish it, improving its appearance and health. In addition, the production of such ingredients supports sustainable agriculture.

2. Standards and certifications for organic cosmetics

For a cosmetic product to be called organic, it must meet strict standards. There are international certifications that guarantee that a product meets the requirements of organic cosmetics.

What standards exist for organic cosmetics

There are several standards that govern the production and labeling of organic cosmetics. These include:

• Ecocert is one of the first standards for organic products used in Europe. Ecocert requires that at least 95% of the ingredients in a product are natural and a minimum of 10% are organic.
• USDA Organic is the standard used in the United States where products labeled organic must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients.
• COSMOS Standard is an international standard that establishes requirements for the production and certification of organic and natural cosmetics. COSMOS regulates not only the composition of products, but also their packaging, production and storage methods.

Main certifications of organic cosmetics

To be sure that cosmetics are truly organic, you should look for well-known certifications on the packaging, such as:

• Ecocert is one of the most common certifications in Europe.
• USDA Organic - a guarantee that the product meets high organic standards in the United States.
• COSMOS Organic is a standard that certifies that a product contains organic ingredients and complies with environmental regulations.

Products with these certifications undergo strict controls at all stages of production, from growing the ingredients to processing and packaging.

How to know if cosmetics are truly organic

There's a real one on the package organic cosmetics always include a certificate confirming its organic status. It is also worth paying attention to the composition of the product: if it contains synthetic flavorings, dyes or preservatives, such a product can not be considered organic.

• Organic cosmetics certifications in Europe and the USA ensure that the product contains natural ingredients grown without pesticides and other chemical additives.
• Certified products contain no harsh chemical ingredients and are safe for both skin and the environment.

3. Benefits of using organic cosmetics

Organic cosmetics have many benefits for both your skin and the environment. It helps to avoid the negative effects of chemicals, improves skin health and supports sustainable production.

How organic cosmetics affect the skin

The use of organic cosmetics has a positive effect on the skin. Thanks to natural ingredients such as plant oils and extracts, the skin receives the necessary nutrients that help to moisturize, soothe and protect it.

• Organic cosmetics without harmful chemical ingredients prevent irritations, inflammations and allergic reactions.
• The natural extracts contained in organic cosmetics help regenerate the skin and maintain its healthy appearance.

Environmental benefits of organic cosmetics

The production of organic cosmetics supports environmental principles: no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used, which helps reduce soil and water pollution. In addition, many organic cosmetics brands choose eco-friendly packaging that is biodegradable or recyclable.

• Sustainable organic cosmetics help reduce environmental impact and support sustainable agriculture.

Why organic cosmetics are better for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin reacts particularly acutely to harsh chemicals found in conventional cosmetics. Organic cosmetics, devoid of ingredients such as parabens and fragrances, provide gentle skin care without the risk of irritation.

• Eco-friendly cosmetics with natural ingredients are ideal for people with sensitive skin, as they are gentle on the skin and do not cause allergic reactions.

Organic cosmetics are a choice in favor of skin health and care for the environment. They contain natural ingredients that gently and effectively care for your skin without causing irritations and allergies. By choosing cosmetics with Ecocert, USDA Organic or COSMOS certifications, you can be sure of their safety and quality. In addition, the use of organic cosmetics supports environmentally friendly production and sustainable development.

Cosmetics users are gullible people. If it says "organic" on the label, they don't even think about whether it's true or false. In the U.S., an environmental group filed a lawsuit against 26 companies that stamped the term "organic" on all their cosmetics and developed their own standards for organic cosmetics. And in the UK, there is a law that says the term "organic" cannot apply to cosmetics.

There is a confusing situation around "organic" cosmetics. What kind of cosmetics can safely be called "organic"? The answer to this question is given by many governmental or private organizations. And each of them has developed its own standards for organic cosmetics.

Some believe that if there are no standards for "organic" water in the world, then there can be no "organic" cosmetics. Because by its composition, cosmetics contain more than 50% of water.

There is a rather interesting situation here. Recently, cosmetics users are eager to buy only "natural" cosmetics, and it is better if the cosmetics are also "organic".

According to the standards Soil Association: The label "organic cosmetics" must be placed on those that contain at least 95% of organic ingredients from the total chemical composition of the cosmetic. However, if the cosmetic contains only 70% of such substances, the cosmetic will still be considered "organic".

Ecocert: Cosmetics with at least 95% of ingredients of either organic or natural origin should be labeled "organic".

USDA: cosmetics must contain 95% of ingredients from organic farming or the natural ingredients must be derived by various chemical methods but from organic products. The percentage content of such products can also be 70%. Only if these rules are met can cosmetics be labeled as "organic".

COSMEBIO: 95% of the ingredients must be of natural origin. At the same time 10% of them must be certified organic.

All this would be funny if it weren't so sad. It seems that all these companies that develop standards for "organic" cosmetics are working under direct orders from cosmetics manufacturers. Until there are unified standards for what cosmetics can be labeled with the term "organic", buyers will be misled. However, fishing in troubled waters is a great way to make huge profits. So, the question: What is the best foundation to choose? becomes even more confusing.

Now let's try to understand the difference between the terms "natural" cosmetics and "organic" cosmetics.