Organic skincare certification for personal care items can be confusing. The process is similar to that of the organic food industry, but unlike the certifications for organic food, organic skincare is not government regulated nor is there global harmonization. An understanding of the different types certifications and rules makes your choice as a consumer easier.
- Look out for the Proper Certification: It’s important for consumers to understand that buying a bottle marked “organic” will contain 95 percent organic ingredients, but those marked “natural” or “made with organic ingredients” may still contain the bad stuff. It has become a buzzword that brands use, but it doesn’t always stand true.
- Our skin is our Biggest Organ: So it can absorb what is applied to it. We know how important it is to eat good quality food with fantastic ingredients – it’s the same for skin. The better the ingredients, the healthier the skin. Organic is so important both inside and out to avoid pesticides but also because of the beautiful ingredients full of antioxidants, vitamins and phytonutrients that make our skin glow. A quick tip for organic lovers, keep it simple when it comes to moisturizing and stick to oils. Extra virgin coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil and really, any sort of oil, work great to hydrate skin both on your face and body.
- You know what you’re getting with Natural Ingredients: There is a big difference between organic and non-organic cosmetics. At a genuine Organic lab beautiful plant oils are used instead of petroleum, and instead of artificial colour plants and herbs are used. Instead of preservatives like parabens that can disrupt the hormone system natural preservatives are used, and instead of artificial fragrance essential oils are added to increase the therapeutic activity of the cosmetic.
- Beauty and Wellbeing are inextricably linked: We’ve always approached beauty from the inside because beauty is about being healthy; energy, vitality, a balanced mind and body. If your cells are healthy they can regenerate and stay healthy longer, leading to radiant skin and an energy that can’t be hidden – the kind of glow that people comment on.
- Give up Sugar: Long-term effects of consuming sugar include premature aging and scarring. Sugar attaches to proteins in the bloodstream, forming new molecules, called advanced glycation end products (or AGEs), that damage both collagen and elastin, contributing to sagging and wrinkles. AGEs also deactivate natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving the skin more susceptible to sun damage. According to a 2007 study in the British Journal of Dermatology, these effects increase at the age of 35 and continue rapidly as you age. Giving up sugar can make a huge difference – it’s in so many things that are bad for us that you notice the difference quickly. Detox is another way to make a little change with big results – it makes such a difference in skin, energy, sleep and mood etc.
- Just Being Organic, Doesn’t Mean it’s Good for You: Not all organic products are going to work for everyone. While anything containing coconut oil, aloe vera, chamomile and green tea are safe for you, some oils can exacerbate acne or pimples if you have oily skin. Products derived from fruits can sting the skin and may cause rashes or sensitivities.
- Opt for Home made Products: For a body scrub opt for salt or sugar, body oil and a nice, warm bath. A great natural toner for oily skin is lemon juice. This astringent may be too harsh for sensitive, sunburned or dehydrated skin. Put into a spray bottle the juice of half a lemon, 1/2 cup of witch hazel and 1/2 cup of warm water. Mist on the face, chest and back. This should last up to a week.
Know your skin and the products well, check what works and doesn’t work for you.
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Each certifying body creates a set of guidelines that a product and manufacturer must meet in order to be certified natural and/or organic. These rules will define requirements such as:
Part of the requirements also include the regular auditing by a third-party organic certifier of both the manufacturers ingredients and processes to ensure it is compliant with all the rules of the certification standard. There are a few general guidelines which apply to most certifications such as
Today there are a number of international organizations with organic skincare certification standards.
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How does certification work?Related Links
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
