With the growing emergence of natural and organic cosmetics, the world of cosmetic products has undergone a revolution in recent years.
Between pharmacy shelves overflowing with new products and new brands and the shelves of specialist stores offering “clean” products, one quickly finds oneself lost between these two terms.
More and more of you are looking for products that respect your health and the environment. And brands have clearly understood this.
So, is a natural product really safe?
How is a cosmetic product certified as organic?
In this article, we will demystify the world of natural and organic cosmetics, while exploring the essential aspects to consider when selecting them.
What is a natural cosmetic?
The movement in favor of natural cosmetics has experienced exponential growth, driven by increasing consumer demand.
For several years now, you've been paying closer attention to the ingredients in your cosmetic products. Helped by apps that, with a simple scan, tell you whether a product is good or bad for your health, and driven by the desire for gentler, more environmentally friendly products, many of you are turning to natural options.
However, it should be noted that the term "natural" is not strictly regulated, which can lead to products that appear to be natural but actually contain synthetic ingredients.
Thus, a natural cosmetic product must contain at least 95% naturally derived ingredients (ISO 16128 standard). However, recognizing a natural product is not always easy, as more and more products are sporting "green" packaging on our shelves.
Unfortunately, some brands engage in what is known as greenwashing. They claim to have natural products when in fact they contain petrochemicals, silicones, BHT, phenoxyethanol…
It is therefore crucial to remain vigilant against fake natural products.
To make informed choices, check ingredient lists and favor products with certifications from independent organizations, such as COSMOS NATURAL® or SLOW COSMÉTIQUE® .
Don't trust the packaging, which sometimes plays on a natural aspect to deceive you.
More than just a trend, natural cosmetics is a lifestyle. It prioritizes plant-based ingredients and minimizes the use of potentially harmful chemical additives.
What is an organic cosmetic?
Organic cosmetics go even further by incorporating principles of sustainability and respect for nature. Organic cosmetic products must comply with stricter regulations than natural products.
To be certified organic, a product must be composed primarily of natural ingredients and be grown according to organic farming practices, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In the composition of an organic cosmetic, 95% of what can be organic must be.
To make it easier to find your way around, COSMOS® has created a reference framework with the aim of harmonizing the rules of the various European certification bodies.
Here are the conditions for a product to be certified organic and to bear the COSMOS ORGANIC® label:
- 95% of the ingredients must be natural
- A minimum of 95% of the plants used must come from organic farming
- A minimum of 20% of the entire formula must be organic (10% for rinse-off or mineral products)
The main difference between organic cosmetics and natural cosmetics lies in the level of regulatory requirements.
An organic cosmetic is always natural, but not all natural products can be classified as organic.
When you choose organic products, you opt for rigorous traceability of ingredients and a guarantee of minimizing environmental impact.
How to recognize an organic cosmetic?
Organic cosmetics are often recognized through official labels issued by certification bodies. These labels indicate that the product meets high organic standards.
However, it is important to remain vigilant, as the market is unfortunately flooded with fake labels.
Make sure the label is issued by a trusted authority and beware of products that seem too good to be true.
Here is a list of labels you can trust:
- ECOCERT ®
- COSMEBIO ®
- COSMOS ORGANIC ®
Choosing a product certified by an organic label ensures you a cosmetic product, free from controversial ingredients (sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, endocrine disruptors), free from synthetic dyes, and with cultivation and manufacturing methods that respect the environment and people.
Organic products at the Graine de Pastel Laboratory
At the heart of this cosmetic revolution, Laboratoire Graine de Pastel stands out for its commitment to authentic and beneficial products.
The naturalness and safety of our products are at the heart of our approach.
This approach is based on a demanding set of guidelines:
- 100% French assets
- at least 95% naturally derived ingredients
- no petrochemical derivatives
Our commitment to quality is reflected in our choices, such as the purchase of 60 hectares of organic farmland in the Gers region. This approach guarantees complete control over our plant-based ingredients and ensures sustainable farming practices.
Furthermore, Carole's personal commitment, the founder's, to agroecology in our own organic medicinal farm, testifies to her passion for the authenticity and purity of ingredients.
Choosing between natural and organic cosmetics isn't always easy. However, by understanding the nuances between these two terms and paying attention to labels and certifications, you can choose products that are good for both your skin and the planet.
Our Graine de Pastel Laboratory perfectly illustrates how choosing authentic and organic products can have a positive impact on our skincare routine and on the environment.
This is an investment in our long-term well-being and in the sustainability of our world.
