How did it start?
Growing awareness about the importance of health care, the problems of obesity, and the emergence of new diseases and allergies have accelerated research into the benefits of organic products. In recent years, consumers have become increasingly informed about the ingredients in products, the negative effects of excessive use of chemicals and hydrocarbon derivatives, and the methods used to manufacture them.
The first studies conducted on organic products at Newcastle University in 2007 confirmed that their composition is more balanced and has greater nutritional value compared to traditional products.
Today, the organic market has expanded significantly, including beverages, clothing, children's products, cosmetics, and medicinal products, among others.
What makes today's organic cosmetics more effective than those previously prepared naturally? It's a combination of technology, research, development, and proven effectiveness.
Organic or natural?
What is a Natural product?
Natural is everything that can be found in nature, everything derived not only from plants but also from minerals and the animal world (milk, honey, etc.). When talking about natural cosmetics, the terms "organic" or "bio" are often used, but they are not necessarily the same.
The ultimate goal of this type of cosmetic is to avoid or reduce the use of chemical compounds obtained through laboratory synthesis, prioritizing natural ingredients such as plant and seed extracts and oils. However, they are not necessarily more environmentally friendly or harmless, as there is no information on where and how the plants used were grown, and they may also contain a number of synthetic raw materials.
All organic products are natural, but not all natural products are organic.
What is an Organic product?
Organic cosmetics are composed of plant-based ingredients grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers, hormones, or pesticides, and are not genetically modified. These cosmetics are not tested on animals and must be free of synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives, mineral oils, glycols, silicones, and other chemical compounds. They may contain certain compounds only in concentrations established by regulations approved by special organizations and certification authorities. There is a specific list of preservatives for organic cosmetics that may be used in regulated concentrations.
Some animal products can also be considered organic, as long as the production process does not involve animal abuse (e.g., honey, milk, lanolin).
Organic cosmetics often have seals that confirm their safety, the origin of their ingredients, and the manufacturing process at each stage.
How to recognize organic cosmetics?
The lack of official regulations governing natural and organic cosmetics often causes confusion among consumers. In response to this lack of regulation, laboratories and industries have made an effort at self-regulation to provide consumer protection, joining together in various Federations and Associations.
Cosmetics made under organic cosmetics standards must have the following information on their labels:
- Seal from an organization certifying that the cosmetic is organic. Several seals may be present, indicating that the certification was carried out by more than one organization.
- The percentage of ingredients of natural origin (ECOCERT, COSMEBIO, COSMOS standard)
- The percentage of organic ingredients (ECOCERT, COSMEBIO, COSMOS standard)
- The composition must indicate organic ingredients.
- Components that are NOT contained in the product must be indicated separately on the label.
Some Organizations that certify organic cosmetics:
5 Basic Requirements of Organic Cosmetics
1. RAW MATERIALSOrganic:
- Obtained from organic crops
- Obtained from nature under strict controls (wild collection method)
- Raw materials certified by a competent body in the matter
- Compounds must be grown or derived from environmentally friendly regions
- Genetically modified raw materials,
- Mineral oils and other hydrocarbon products,
- Synthetic polymers SLS, SLES, MEA, DEA
- Synthetic fragrances
- Silicones
- Ingredients of animal origin that involve animal abuse
- Radioactive components
According to recent studies, only 11% of the 10,500 chemicals used in modern cosmetics can be considered harmless and nontoxic.
3. PRESERVATIVES- A limited number of preservatives are permitted
- Only natural preservatives are allowed
- The percentage of preservatives is strictly regulated
- The use of parabens, formaldehyde and its derivatives, bronopol and phenoxyethanol is prohibited.
- All animal testing is prohibited.
- Each product undergoes strict controls for allergic reactions and microbiological tests.
- Packaging must be biodegradable or reusable.
- Harmless to the environment
- Must not contain PVC
- Use of glass, metal, paper, PE, PP, PET, PVC-free and other chlorinated polymers.