Thanks to modern scientific advances and increasing environmental awareness, we now have more access to commercial organic products. This includes the rapidly-expanding organic cosmetics market.
Most standard cosmetics include a wide variety of chemicals, preservatives, and contaminants, which can come with a number of different side effects. The organic cosmetics movement claims to solve this problem with “all-natural” formulations that provide the efficacy without the chemical safety issues.
However, before you make the switch to organic cosmetics, make sure that you’re buying products with real organic ingredients and proven efficacy, instead of falling prey to greenwashing tactics. Find cosmetics are made from natural products, do not contain harsh chemical additives, and are not tested on animals.
Below are the benefits of choosing organic when it comes to your cosmetics:
Avoid Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are used in chemical cosmetics to avoid product breakdowns and bacterial formation. However, these preservatives have also been linked to a number of different health concerns, like infertility, cancer, and allergies. Organic products very rarely include parabens, a major health and safety advance.
Limit Skin Irritants
Many people have sensitive skin, and harsh chemicals can cause all sorts of irritation like redness, swelling, itching, and blistering. However, organic products are often formulated differently to exclude many key allergens and irritants. They are also made from all-natural ingredients that are usually much easier on the skin. But beware – according to the FDA, “many plants, whether or not they are organically grown, can contain substances that may be toxic or allergenic.”
Minimize Toxins
Detailed reverse-engineering analyses from independent analytical chemistry labs like LabDoor have found heavy metals in best-selling cosmetics powders, creams, and gels. The cosmetics in your medicine cabinet could include trace amounts of lead, mercury, cadmium, and/or arsenic, which open up the risk of severe long-term side effects. High-quality organic products can be developed and manufactured with fewer heavy metals and other toxins.
Benefit From Dual Regulation
All cosmetics products are regulated for labeling and safety requirements by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the products must be approved by the USDA before they can be labeled organic as well. For more on the distinction between the USDA and FDA regulation of organic cosmetics, please reference this USDA document “Cosmetics, Body Care Products, and Personal Care Products” from its National Organic Program.
Summary
Overall, there are quite a few different advantages to choosing organic skincare and cosmetic products instead of those that contain chemicals, dangerous preservatives, and even toxins in their true list of ingredients. Just be careful – An ingredient’s source does not determine its safety. Take the time to search out products with proven efficacy and safety benefits.
- Header Image: Flora Cusi (Flickr)
- “Organic” Cosmetics – FDA
- Benefits of Organic Skincare Products – Global Healing Center
- What are the Benefits of Organic Cosmetics? – Livestrong
- The Beauty Benefits of Organic Cosmetics – Daily Glow