The ingredients in organic, natural, and conventional cosmetics are virtually identical, with only minor differences. Despite this, a common misconception is that “organic and natural cosmetics are inherently safer than conventional ones.” This belief stems from the assumption that organic and natural ingredients are always safe, and therefore, products containing them must be as well.
Contrary to popular belief, organic and natural cosmetics aren’t safer than conventional cosmetics; their safety levels are comparable. This can be explained by the following six reasons:
- Organic, natural, and conventional cosmetics have nearly identical ingredients.
- Organic and natural ingredients aren’t universally safe.
- Such ingredients can contain impurities.
- No cosmetic product is made of 100% organic or natural ingredients.
- Including organic or natural ingredients doesn’t necessarily make a product safer.
- Organic and natural cosmetics lack standardized regulations, making their safety uncertain.
If there’s a distinction to be made, it’s usually in the price tag. Organic and natural cosmetics often cost more. For those who prefer using as many natural ingredients as possible, these might be the right choice. However, for those with sensitive or irritated skin, conventional cosmetics might be a better, and more cost-effective, option.
Choose products that best match your skin type and personal preferences. For those looking for gentle, highly moisturizing solutions, consider our product Axilio’s “Aquatect Gel!” Rich in natural ingredients like avocado and olive oil, it’s worth a try.
For those looking for gentle and highly moisturizing cosmetics, we recommend Axilio’s “Aquatect Gel!” This all-in-one moisturizing gel “Aquatect Gel” is rich in naturally derived ingredients like avocado oil and olive fruit oil. Please give it a try.
The Difference Between Organic Cosmetics, Natural Cosmetics, and Regular Cosmetics
The difference in ingredients between organic toner and regular toner is less than 10%
I know this because I’m involved in cosmetics development. Depending on the type of cosmetics being developed, the ingredients and their ratios are predetermined to some extent.
Let’s look at the difference in ingredients between regular toners and organic toners.
Common Ingredients in All Cosmetics
- Main active ingredients used in toners
- Composition of ingredients incorporated into toners. (Source: From “New Cosmetics Science 2nd Edition” published by Nanzando).
For instance, conventional toners are about 90% water, with the remaining 10% consisting of active ingredients, thickeners, preservatives, stabilizers, colorants, and fragrances. Whether you’re creating organic, natural, or conventional cosmetics, these ratios remain largely the same for all types of skincare products like lotions, gels, and creams.
When making organic cosmetics, natural cosmetics, or regular cosmetics, the ingredients are largely the same. This is also true for lotions, gels, and creams.
Depending on the type, approximately 40-84% or more of the product consists of water. Therefore, even if they are organic or natural cosmetics, more than half of the content is the same as regular cosmetics.
Ingredients in Organic Cosmetics
The only difference between organic or natural cosmetics and regular cosmetics is the beauty ingredients.
They are categorized as follows:
- If the beauty ingredient is organic, it’s “Organic Cosmetics.”
- If it’s a natural ingredient, it’s “Natural Cosmetics.”
- If it’s synthetic, it’s “Regular Cosmetics.”
In regular toners where 90% is water, the amount of beauty ingredients is around 5%. The remaining 5% will always include thickeners and preservatives.
Additionally, if the toner is colored, it contains “colorants.” If it smells good, “fragrances” are added.
Toners with colorants and fragrances will have even fewer beauty ingredients.
In other words, aside from the beauty ingredients, more than 95% of organic toners, natural toners, and regular toners are the same.
To put it another way, organic or natural toners consist of “5% or less of organic or natural ingredients” plus “more than 95% regular toner.”
Understanding Organic and Natural Cosmetics: What Do These Terms Really Mean?
Is there any distinction between organic, natural, and conventional cosmetics? What qualifies a product as organic or natural?
Defining “Organic Cosmetics”
The term “organic cosmetics” lacks a universally accepted definition. Regulations, which dictate the criteria needed for a product to earn an organic or natural label, vary by country and organization. Japan, for example, has several bodies each with a unique understanding of what constitutes “organic.” This lack of standardized regulation contributes to the ambiguity surrounding organic cosmetics.
In 2016, the authoritative Japan Cosmetic Industry Association established guidelines based on ISO 16128 for labeling cosmetics with natural and organic indices. These guidelines aimed to unify labeling requirements in Japan based on the ratio of natural and organic ingredients in cosmetics. However, the guidelines state the following:
- They do not determine whether a product is organic.
- They do not regulate the safety and quality of natural or organic cosmetics.
- They are optional, and not all products display them.
In summary:
- Products labeled according to the guidelines may not necessarily be organic.
- Even if they are organic, their safety and quality are unknown.
- There is no need to use the guidelines.
Global Standards for Organic Cosmetics
There are no global unified standards for organic cosmetics. Although you might think that you cannot trust Japanese organic cosmetics because there are no standards, the same is true globally. However, international certification bodies exist. For example, four famous certification bodies in Europe are the Soil Association (UK), ECOCERT (France), ICEA (Italy), and Demeter (Germany). Recently, efforts have been made to establish global unified standards, such as NATRUE and COSMOS. However, even COSMOS allows the use of some petroleum-derived synthetic ingredients.
Defining “Natural Cosmetics”
The term “natural cosmetics” is more of a marketing expression than a regulated category. For the purpose of this article, we define cosmetics using natural ingredients as “natural.” However, the term remains unregulated, allowing any product to be labeled as natural without repercussions or legal risks.
Any Cosmetic can be called “Organic” or “Natural”
Given the lack of unified definitions, marketers have the freedom to label any cosmetic product as organic or natural. These terms are generally used to evoke the image of “natural goodness,” often influencing consumer choice.
What You Should Know Before Using Organic Cosmetics
Before diving into the world of organic cosmetics, it’s crucial to arm yourself with accurate information, as there are several misconceptions surrounding this topic.
We introduce some basic knowledge you should know before using organic cosmetics.
You might have been misled by incorrect information about organic or natural cosmetics until now.
“Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
The term ‘natural’ often evokes images of plant or animal-derived ingredients, leading many to assume that such ingredients are automatically safe.
However, nature is rife with substances that are harmful to humans.
Here are some poisonous animals:
- Pufferfish
- Scorpionfish
- Snakes
- Rays
Here are some poisonous plants:
- Poison Ivy
- Stinging Nettle
- Spurge Laurel
- and more
Touching these poisonous plants can cause skin irritation.
Also, cedar and cypress, as well as pollen from grasses and daisies, are causes of allergies.
Even natural substances can harm our skin. Rather, natural substances contain many components that can cause allergies.
Actual Cases of Allergies Caused by Natural Ingredients
In 2010, an allergic reaction caused by “Tea Drop Soap” occurred, and it is believed that wheat was the cause.
Professor Shinichiro Kajiyama of Kinki University also warns in “Don’t be deceived by natural-derived ingredients” that natural substances are optimized for the physiology and environment of the species that produce them, not for human physiology.
“Organic” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
Organic ingredients are derived from plants that are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
However, the absence of synthetic additives doesn’t automatically make them safe.
If that logic held, then all non-organic foods and cosmetics would be considered dangerous, which is not the case.
So, are ordinary cosmetic ingredients dangerous because they contain pesticides?
In fact, there are no past instances where pesticides have been detected in cosmetic ingredients.
Whether it’s organic, natural, or ordinary ingredients, they do not contain pesticides. Therefore, their safety is the same.
“Organic” is a Term Born in the Textile Industry
A couple of years ago, I explored the idea of creating a towel specifically designed for sensitive skin.
After consulting multiple towel manufacturers, I found that just like in the world of cosmetics, an “organic” label on a towel doesn’t necessarily guarantee it’s better for your skin.
There has never been a case where pesticides were detected in textiles. Therefore, both organic and ordinary towels have the same safety and functionality.
Adding Organic or Natural Ingredients Doesn’t Boost Cosmetic Safety
Much like a single drop of milk won’t turn a glass of water white, a small infusion of organic or natural ingredients won’t revolutionize the properties of a cosmetic product. Assuming these ingredients are kinder to the skin, a product boasting 100% organic or natural ingredients would still only be made up of 5% ‘organic or natural’ components and 95% ‘conventional cosmetic ingredients.’
If traditional cosmetics could potentially irritate the skin, it’s implausible to expect 5% of organic or natural components to neutralize the effects of the remaining 95%. Organic and natural ingredients do not inherently possess properties that reduce skin irritation. No known cosmetic ingredient has this miraculous effect. Therefore, integrating organic or natural elements doesn’t inherently make a product less irritating to the skin.
For example, adding a little milk to water does not make the water white.
In reality, the safety of organic, natural, and synthetic ingredients for the skin is exactly the same.
Organic and Natural Ingredients Contain Impurities
It’s worth considering that organic and natural ingredients are not entirely pure; they can contain impurities. Depending on the type, these impurities could potentially cause skin irritation, allergies, or other adverse reactions. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high temperatures or sunlight can compromise the quality of these ingredients, making it crucial to opt for cosmetics that are free from harmful impurities.
For example, jojoba oil is a vegetable oil derived from jojoba seeds. It contains about 5% impurities during extraction. Companies that handle jojoba oil perform safety tests for these impurities. If it’s proven that they don’t irritate the skin, then they can be used in cosmetics.
Therefore, safety tests are essential for organic or natural ingredients because they can contain dangerous impurities.
Allergies Caused by Impurities
In the 1960s, there was an outbreak of an unknown skin disease known as “Facial Black Dermatitis” (now called “Pigmented Cosmetic Dermatitis”). Various studies found that the cause was impurities contained in cosmetic ingredients, which led to allergic reactions. Since then, stricter regulations have been implemented for cosmetic ingredients.
100% Organic and Natural Ingredient Cosmetics Do Not Exist
The idea of organic cosmetics is a myth. Cosmetics made from 100% organic and natural ingredients do not exist. This is because if they were made from 100% organic and natural ingredients, they would not qualify as cosmetics. Cosmetics always contain synthetic ingredients. For example, preservatives.
According to the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law in Japan, cosmetics that are stable for over three years from the date of manufacture do not need to specify an expiration date. The law, formally known as the “Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy, and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices,” regulates the quality, efficacy, and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and also cosmetics, including their manufacture, labeling, sale, distribution, and advertising.
Given the requirement to ensure a three-year stability for unopened cosmetics, the inclusion of preservatives is essential. And these preservatives are added at the ingredient level, not just to synthetic but also to organic and natural ingredients.
Other synthetic ingredients are also added to maintain the texture of cosmetics like milks, gels, and creams. For example, solubilizers, thickeners, pH adjusters, and antioxidants are stability agents.
For these reasons, 100% organic and natural cosmetics do not exist.
The Necessity of Preservatives
While it might technically be possible to create 100% organic or natural oils, these would lack preservatives, leading to rapid oxidation, spoilage, or even rot, similar to perishable foods. The reality is there’s no real benefit to producing completely organic or natural products. In fact, they may not be advisable for individuals with vulnerable skin barriers, such as those with dry or sensitive skin.
Organic and Natural Ingredients Are Not Necessarily Gentle on the Skin
Organic and natural ingredients aren’t inherently safer or more gentle on the skin compared to their synthetic counterparts. The common perception is that ingredients sourced from organic or natural origins are automatically safe. However, the actual safety level of both organic and natural ingredients is comparable to that of regular, synthetic ingredients. In fact, given the absence of impurities, standard ingredients may even offer a safer option.
Please note that the information could be especially relevant for a skincare company interested in organic and natural products.
Determining the Safety of Cosmetics
Verify cosmetic irritation through 4safety tests
There are four types of safety tests related to cosmetic irritation:
- Human Patch Test (24-hour occlusive patch test)
- Allergy Test
- Stinging Test
- Non-comedogenic Test
All are evaluated based on objective criteria by third-party agencies. These tests serve as one indicator in determining the safety of cosmetics. It is recommended to use products that have undergone these tests.
Note: Just because a product has passed these tests does not mean everyone will find it non-irritating. Detailed results of these tests are not typically disclosed.
What is a Stinging Test?
This test aims to assess sensory irritations, such as stinging, itching, and sensations of warmth. It involves comparing the effects of the cosmetic product with distilled water on selected sensitive skin types.
What is a Non-comedogenic Test?
This test helps determine whether a skincare product is likely to contribute to acne. A sample of the product is applied to the back, followed by a histological examination to evaluate its acne-inducing potential.
Efficacy tests also reveal “effects”
Once you’ve determined the “safety,” you would be concerned if the skin care product has a proven “effect.”
For this, the term “efficacy-tested” is recommended.
What is an efficacy test? (Example for moisturizing skin care products)
After establishing safety, the next logical step is to evaluate the effectiveness of the skincare product. For this, products that are “efficacy-tested” should be considered.
In the cosmetics industry, this is known as the “anti-wrinkle evaluation test.” If the test confirms the effects, you can label it as “reduces the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness” and also note that it is “efficacy-tested.”
Introducing Our All-In-One Moisturizing Gel that Passed 4 Safety Tests
Today, we introduce an all-in-one gel that rigorously focuses on “moisturizing”.
This product has undergone rigorous third-party evaluation and has successfully passed four distinct safety tests, earning it a ‘safe for use’ status. Though it has been designed to be gentle on the skin, it’s important to note that individual reactions may vary.*
Cleared Safety Tests:
- Human Patch Test (24-hour Occlusive Patch Test)
- Allergy Test
- Stinging Test
- Non-Comedogenic Test
*Note: It may not be irritation-free for everyone.
This gel has also undergone efficacy tests focused on moisturizing properties, and it has been proven to:
- Prevention of skin roughness
- Increase in skin moisture
- Improvement in fine lines due to dryness
Recommended High-Moisturizing All-in-One Gel: Aquatect Gel
If you’re in search of a reliable skincare product that prioritizes both safety and efficacy, we recommend Earthcare Asia’s Aquatect Gel.
Earthcare Aquatect Gel is an all-in-one moisturizing powerhouse, ideal for anyone who is struggling with dry skin, which helps improve the skin for those who are concerned about dryness.
Having passed the four safety tests (*) and efficacy tests, it is a well-balanced product in terms of “safety” and “effectiveness.”
*Note: It may not be irritation-free for everyone.
A single bottle of Aquatect Gel replaces the need for multiple skincare basics like toners, lotions, and creams. This not only saves you time and effort but also minimizes skin irritation by reducing friction during application to just one-third of a regular skincare routine. Plus, it leaves your skin feeling firm and well-hydrated.
It was actually proven that “skin moisture increased after four weeks of continued use of Aquatect Gel.”
By utilizing Aquatect Gel, which “rigorously focuses on moisturizing,” your skin will maintain a proper moisture balance.
Summary
Individuals seeking organic or natural cosmetics often do so with the belief that these options are kinder to the skin.
However, the reality is that the skin-friendliness of a product is not determined by whether it’s organic, natural, or conventional. In fact, the composition of these different types of cosmetics is more than 99% similar.
Just because it is extracted from natural sources doesn’t mean it’s gentle on the skin. Additionally, neither organic nor natural ingredients contain pesticides.
It’s worth noting that conventional cosmetics may actually be more skin-friendly due to lower risks of contamination during the extraction process. The inclusion of organic or natural ingredients does not necessarily elevate the safety profile of a product.
In summary, the efficacy and safety of organic, natural, and conventional cosmetics are largely comparable. The primary difference lies in the cost, with natural and organic options often being more expensive.
If you derive great satisfaction from using premium products, then organic or natural cosmetics might be worth the investment for you. However, if your primary concern is skin-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, conventional cosmetics are a sensible choice.
Beyond the ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ labels, there are other critical factors to consider when aiming for skincare products that are genuinely gentle on the skin.
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