Organic skin care has become a strong trend, but it is about much more. Many of us today want products that not only care for the skin but also protect our planet. Organic skin care is just that – skin care that utilizes the power of nature without using chemical additives, which makes it gentle on both the skin and the environment. Here we go through the basics, the benefits and what actually makes organic skin care so special.
What Is Organic Skin Care?
Organic skin care is based on using ingredients from plants and natural sources that have been grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers or other synthetic additives. They are also often free of parabens, silicones, mineral oils and sulfates, substances that can disrupt the skin's natural balance or cause long-term negative effects.
The label organic usually means that at least a certain percentage of the ingredients are organically certified, and these products are usually labeled by independent certification bodies such as ECOCERT , USDA Organic , or the Soil Association . Checking certifications is a good start to ensure that the products actually follow organic guidelines.
The Difference Between Natural and Organic Skin Care
A product can be natural without being organic. Natural skin care uses ingredients found in nature, but that doesn't mean those ingredients have been organically grown. Organic products go a step further by guaranteeing that the ingredients are free from synthetic chemicals and grown under sustainable and controlled conditions.
Why Organic Skin Care is Good
Our skin is our largest organ and absorbs a significant portion of what we apply to it. Therefore, synthetic chemicals, if used continuously, can potentially have a negative impact on the skin and on our overall health. Here are some benefits of using organic skin care:
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Gentler on the skin: Organic products often use natural extracts and oils that are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
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Supports the skin's natural balance: Organic ingredients, such as plant oils and plant extracts, often have a similar structure to our skin's own oils, which helps the skin maintain its natural balance and function.
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Free from harmful chemicals: Organic skin care typically does not contain parabens, silicones, or artificial fragrances, substances that can block pores or negatively affect skin health over time.
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Contains more nutrients: Organic ingredients are often more nutritious because they grow in mineral-rich soils and are harvested at their optimal ripeness. They can be rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids that support skin recovery and cell renewal.
The benefits for the environment of organic skin care
Organic skin care not only affects our skin but also the environment in general. Products that are organic support sustainable agriculture and reduce environmental impact in several ways:
- Reduced use of chemicals: Organic farming does not use chemical pesticides or fertilizers, which contributes to cleaner soils and less pollution of waterways.
- Biodiversity: Organic farming promotes a richer biodiversity by preserving habitats for insects, birds and other animal species.
- Eco-friendly packaging: Many organic skin care brands also invest in recyclable and degradable packaging, which further reduces waste and the climate footprint.
What to Think About
Choosing organic skin care can be a jungle with all the different labels and claims. Here are some tips to help you find the right products:
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Look for certifications: To be sure that the product is truly organic, you can look for certification marks such as ECOCERT or USDA Organic .
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Read the ingredients list: Short and understandable ingredient lists are usually a good sign. The fewer synthetic additives, the better.
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Look for active ingredients: Many organic products contain plant extracts such as aloe vera, chamomile and green tea, which are known for their soothing and healing properties.
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Try it out and give it time: The skin's needs are individual, so give the products time to work and find a routine that suits you.
How do you know a product is organic?
Finding the right organic skincare can feel like a jungle with all the labels and claims. One tip is to look out for certifications such as ECOCERT , USDA Organic and Soil Association , which ensure that the products are manufactured according to organic standards. An important, internationally recognized certification that can help you choose is COSMOS .
What is COSMOS Certification?
COSMOS, which stands for COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard , is a leading international certification for natural and organic cosmetic products. It ensures that the product not only contains organic ingredients, but also that it is produced with consideration for the environment. The COSMOS certification consists of two levels:
- COSMOS Organic : Requires that at least 95% of the ingredients from agriculture are organic.
- COSMOS Natural : Makes demands on natural ingredients, but without demands on a specific proportion of organic content.
COSMOS also guarantees that production is environmentally friendly, and that packaging is recyclable. By choosing a COSMOS-certified product, you can feel confident that your skin care is both sustainable and of high quality.
This is what the certifications can look like.
Short About Esse and M Picaut
Two brands in natural and ecologically inspired skin care that really stand out are Esse and M Picaut. Esse works with probiotics to strengthen the skin's natural defenses and microbiome, and they have a wide range of organically certified products. M Picaut is a Swedish brand that combines natural and organically certified ingredients with anti-aging components. M Picaut uses high quality, pure ingredients but does not have certification for its entire range. Even so, they are a very sustainable option and strive to avoid synthetic additives and harmful chemicals, making them a good choice for the conscious consumer.
Shop Esse Hudvård here!
Shop M Picaut Skin care here!
Summary
Organic skin care offers a gentle and natural solution for the skin while supporting a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. By choosing organic products, we not only get a more nutritious skin care routine, but we also make a conscious choice to reduce our climate impact. The benefits of organic skin care are many – from being better for the skin to having a positive impact on the environment.