Organic, Natural, Clean. Are they the same?

“100% Natural,” “Organic,” “All-natural ingredients.” Sounds familiar? Companies are making their name by including these phrases on their labels! These are so popular that I’m sure you’ve come across these phrases at some point, whether it be on food packages, on skincare products, or even on cleaning products.

As we become more aware of harmful ingredients in foods and skincare and the negative ways in which they can impact the environment, we as consumers are quickly enticed by these terms. We strive to play our role in saving the environment. But how do we know if these products are worth the money? How do we know it’s not all part of some marketing strategy? Are these products really organic, clean, or natural?

I think there are a few things we should know when it comes to clean, organic, and natural products. While there are strict standards that must be met for a product to be considered organic, the same does not necessarily apply to the term “natural.” The properties for a product to be classified as natural are quite broad, and you would be surprised to know that sometimes, it makes absolutely no difference if the product is natural or not. 

There are also myths that organic products are similar to homemade skincare remedies or that organic products do not work. Some people even believe that organic and natural products are the same thing. Believe it or not, these terms are not interchangeable. You heard that right, there are actually a fair amount of differences between organic and natural products. As you can see, there is quite a bit to address with this topic, so let us first start by understanding what these terms mean. 

What are organic products?

Organic products refer to produce that has been grown without chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides. With regard to skincare, organic products are made using organically grown produce. 

Are they really organic?

In order for food to be labeled as organic, it must be certified by an organic certification agency, such as the National Organic Program in the USA. You may also see the USDA organic seal on some products, which means that they are free of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and adhere to the aforementioned requirements. Companies that use this seal without being certified by an agent can be fined, so it is safe to say that USDA organic certified products are actually organic. Typically, organic skincare products do not contain parabens or sulfates! 

Are organic skincare products worth it?

When it comes to skincare, I believe in using what is best for your skin. With organic products, you are limiting the amount of potentially harmful chemicals you’re putting on your skin, which is a huge plus. This means that you are reducing the risks of irritation, breakouts, and skin cancers.

Note: Reading the ingredients is always helpful, as some products are not 100% organic; they may only contain certain ingredients that are organic. 

Not only are organic brands beneficial for your skin, but when supporting skincare companies that produce organic products, you are directly supporting organic farming, which is an awesome way to decrease environmental harm. 

Natural skincare products

Products that are truly natural are typically derived from plants, flowers, and minerals, should not include parabens, sulfates, or GMOs, and should not be tested on animals. However, unlike organic products, natural products are not assessed or held to the same high standards to ensure that they are actually natural. With this in mind, it is highly likely for companies to simply use the term “natural” as a marketing ploy. It also means that products can still contain harmful chemicals since they are not certified. 

It is important to remember that although “natural” skincare products may not always be the best option, there are certainly perks to using them:

• No animals are harmed, as natural products are not tested on animals.

• Natural products are more environment-friendly as they should not contain artificial chemicals, so production industries will not emit them into the environment. 

• They are safe for your skin since they are supposed to be formulated with natural ingredients

Clean skincare products

Clean skincare products refer to those that are rid of ingredients that may be harmful to the environment and consumers. The major difference between the term “Clean skincare” compared to organic and natural skincare is that clean products can still contain synthetic chemicals. 

In Conclusion

Based on what we have discussed thus far, while natural products can be genuine, you cannot always decipher if the information on the packaging is true. I would definitely say organic products are a safer route to take if you are truly passionate about your impact on the environment, while also taking good care of your skin and overall health. Now, I cannot just leave you without some options, so let us get into some product recommendations. 

Organic and natural skincare recommendations:

Alteya Organics is a great source of genuine organic skincare products. As reported by the Alteya Organics website, they stand by the aforementioned standards of USDA, which guarantees that organic ingredients are used and products are clinically tested to ensure safety. You should also know that this entire brand is based on the idea of clean and safe skincare, so you can absolutely check out their wide range of products. 

Jessica Alba’s brand, Honest Beauty, is constantly enhancing the quality of their products by generating new ways that they can protect consumers and the environment. According to their website, there are over twenty-five hundred chemicals that they exclude from their products to reduce risks. Based on my research, I think it's safe to say that there are numerous measures in place, to make their products clean and user-friendly. 

Gabriel Cosmetics produces both natural and organic skincare products. Their website states that all their products are made from 100% natural ingredients, and they do not use synthetic chemicals. The Gabriel Sea Clay Purifying Mud Mask and Sea Mineral Tonic are among their popular organic options and provide optimum hydration for all skin types. 

Summary 

And that’s a wrap, my friends! I do hope you were able to learn something and maybe even motivated to try organic and clean products to do your part in saving the earth, while treating your skin!