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 brands and specialty store shelves offering “clean” products, it is easy to feel lost between these two terms.
More and more of you are looking for products that respect your health and the environment. And brands have understood this well.
So, is a natural product really safe?
How is a cosmetic product certified 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 grown exponentially, driven by increasing consumer demand.
For several years, you have been paying closer attention to the ingredients in your cosmetic products. Helped by apps that tell you, with a simple scan, whether a product is good or bad for your health. Driven by the desire for products that are gentler on the skin and respectful of the environment, many of you are turning to natural products.
However, it should be noted that the term "natural" is not strictly regulated, which can lead to products that appear to be natural but conceal synthetic ingredients.
Thus, a natural cosmetic product must contain at least 95% ingredients of natural origin (ISO 16128 standard). But recognizing a natural product is not always easy, as more and more products on our shelves feature “green” packaging.
Unfortunately, some brands engage in what is known as greenwashing. They claim their products are natural even though they contain petrochemical-derived ingredients, silicones, BHT, phenoxyethanol…
It is therefore crucial to remain vigilant when faced with fake natural products.
To make informed choices, check the ingredient lists and favor products with certifications from independent organizations, such as COSMOS NATURAL® or SLOW COSMÉTIQUE®.
Do not rely on packaging, which sometimes plays on a natural look to mislead you.
More than a simple trend, natural cosmetics are a way of life. They favor ingredients of plant origin and minimize 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 grown according to the rules of organic farming, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In the composition of an organic cosmetic, 95% of what can be organic must be organic.
To make things easier to understand, COSMOS® created a standard to harmonize the rules of the various European certifying organizations.
Here are the conditions for a product to be approved as organic and carry the COSMOS ORGANIC® label:
- 95% of the ingredients must be natural
- At least 95% of the plants used must come from organic farming
- At least 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 are opting for rigorous ingredient traceability and a guarantee of minimized environmental impact.
How can you recognize an organic cosmetic?
Organic cosmetics are often recognized through official labels issued by certification organizations. They indicate that the product complies with 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 guarantees a cosmetic without controversial ingredients (sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, endocrine disruptors), without synthetic colorants, as well as cultivation and manufacturing methods that respect the environment and people.
Organic products at Laboratoire Graine de Pastel
At the heart of this cosmetic revolution, Laboratoire Graine de Pastel stands out through its commitment to authentic and beneficial products.
The naturalness and safety of our skincare products are at the heart of our approach.
This approach is based on a demanding formulation charter:
- 100% French active ingredients
- At least 95% ingredients of natural origin
- No petrochemical derivatives
Our dedication to quality is reflected in our choices, such as purchasing 60 hectares of organic farmland in the Gers region. This approach ensures complete control over our plant-based active ingredients as well as responsible farming.
In addition, the personal commitment of Carole, the founder, to agroecology on our own organic medicinal farm reflects her passion for the authenticity and purity of the ingredients.
Choosing between natural and organic cosmetics is not always simple. 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 Laboratoire Graine de Pastel perfectly illustrates how choosing authentic and organic products can have a positive impact on our skincare routine and the environment.
It is an investment in our long-term well-being and in the sustainability of our world.
