What Are Organic Skin Care Products?

The beauty industry offers natural skin care products to clean, tone, and moisturize your skin. These products are made with ingredients from organic and inorganic sources.¹ But you’ll notice some natural skin care products are specifically labeled “organic.” 

Organic skin care products contain untreated, natural ingredients from organic sources. Their ingredients are grown without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. They are free from any harmful chemicals.² 

More and more people opt for organic skin care products to nourish and protect their skin. Accordingly, experts have predicted that the increased use of these products will expand the global organic skin care market at the rate of 8.9% per year from 2022 to 2030.³ 

Here’s why the demand for organic skin care products is increasing. 

What Are Organic Skin Care Products?

A skin care product is organic when it has organically farmed plant-based ingredients. Organic ingredients may include plant resins, extracts, essential oils, or herbs. They are rich in nourishing active ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which promote skin health.⁴

Organic skin care products are produced and processed without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, chemicals like parabens and sulfates, or GMOs. However, the percentage of organic ingredients in skin care products can vary based on local laws. In the U.S., organic products are certified based on regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Agriculture Department (USDA).⁵ 

The USDA has the following labels for organic skin care products:⁶ 

• 100% organic. The product is certified organic and is entirely made of organic ingredients. 
• Organic. At least 95% of the product contains organic ingredients. The remaining 5% may contain non-organic substances.
• Made with organic ingredients. At least 70% of the product contains organic ingredients. 
• Less than 70% organic ingredients. The product has some organic ingredients but can’t be called “organic.”  

What Are Organic Skin Care Benefits?

According to the FDA, organic skin care isn’t necessarily safer or more effective than non-organic products.⁷ However, organic skin care products have some benefits. You may include organic products in your skin care routine for the following reasons:

1. Regulated for quality and purity

Organic skin care products are regulated to ensure their ingredients are all-natural and chemical-free. In turn, this ensures the quality and purity of the skin care product. Also, the product is clearly labeled to help you understand its organic content.⁸ 

2. Chemical-free

Organic skin care products are free from unnatural and harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. They also don’t contain chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates commonly found in non-organic skin care products. They may also have no preservatives.⁹

3. Gentle on your skin

Organic skin care products are ideal for people with sensitive skin. They are gentle on the skin because they have little or no chemicals. They are less likely to cause irritation, allergies, and other side effects associated with chemical exposure.¹⁰

4. Environment friendly

Chemical pesticides and fertilizers used on farms can pollute the environment, harm wildlife, and decrease biodiversity. Organic skin care products have naturally sourced ingredients from farms that don’t use harmful chemicals. Producers also use sustainable practices to grow and process organic ingredients. Ingredients are called organic only if they maintain or improve the condition of the air or soil where it is grown.¹¹ So, organic products can be good for the environment.

5. Biodegradable

Organic ingredients used in skin care products are biodegradable. Unlike non-organic chemical ingredients, they don’t accumulate in the environment as they break down easily.¹²

6. Cruelty-free

Many organic skin care products are not tested on animals. This makes them vegan and animal cruelty-free.¹³ 

How to Choose Quality Skin Care Products?

Organic skin care may seem ideal because of its benefits. But finding the right product based on your needs can be confusing — there are so many organic and non-organic skin care products to choose from. 

Here are some tips to help you find quality skin care products:

• Understand your skin type: Before you buy skin care products, you must know your skin type. It can affect how your skin reacts to a product. You can have a normal, dry, oily, or combination skin type. To identify your skin type, wash your face and wait a few hours. Observe your skin in its natural state. If you have oily skin, your skin will look shiny. You may have dry skin if you notice tightness, flakes, or scales. You have a combination skin type if your forehead, nose, and chin are shiny or oily. If your skin appears hydrated and not oily, you have normal skin.¹⁴
• Create a daily skin care routine: Skin care products like anti-aging remedies may take time to show results. They work best when you use them regularly. So, create a daily skin care routine to understand what products work best for you.¹⁵
• Research before buying products: When buying skin care products, read the labels to find the active ingredients. This will also help you identify whether the product is organic and chemical-free. If the label mentions unfamiliar ingredients, look them up to see how they work. Research the product brand and ingredients present in it. Check whether the product is certified and complies with the USDA and FDA guidelines.¹⁶
• Use products that contain sunscreen: Protecting your skin from sun damage is the easiest way to improve your skin health and prevent signs of aging. Sunscreen helps reduce sun damage, premature aging, and the risk of developing skin cancer.¹⁷ When you choose beauty products, look for those with sunscreen or SPF to keep your skin young and healthy.¹⁸
• Check for allergies: Your skin may be allergic to certain environmental factors or products. Get yourself tested for allergies. When buying skin care products, check for ingredients as they may be potential allergens.¹⁹
• Avoid products with harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can harm your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Use mild, organic skin care products to prevent skin damage.²⁰ 
• Talk to a skin specialist: If you still have doubts about your skin type or the products you’re using, consult a skin specialist. They’ll help you find the right skin care products for you.

Learn More About Skin Care 

Skin care is essential. But determining the right products and identifying the best skin care routine can be complicated. My Skincare Routine offers a reliable repository of information on skin care. You can go through various articles and other resources to learn more about your skin and the best skin care routine for you.

SOURCES:

1. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
2. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
3. Grand View Research: “Organic Skin Care Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Face Cream & Moisturizers, Face Cleanser, Face Serum, Body Wash), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030.”
4. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
5. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
6. USDA: “Cosmetics, Body Care Products, and Personal Care Products.”
7. FDA: ““Organic” Cosmetics.”
8. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
9. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
10. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
11. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
12. Medical News Today: “What is organic skin care and how is it different?”
13. FDA: “Allergens in Cosmetics.”
14. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: “Choosing the Best Skin Care Products.”
15. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: “Choosing the Best Skin Care Products.”
16. FDA: ““Organic” Cosmetics.”
17. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine.”
18. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: “Choosing the Best Skin Care Products.”
19. FDA: “Allergens in Cosmetics.”
20. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: “Choosing the Best Skin Care Products.”