30 July 2020Décryptage

What are the differences between organic and conventional cosmetics?

What we apply to our skin every day has a direct impact on our health and the environment. In response, demand for organic products is booming, and so-called "natural" and/or "organic" cosmetics are flourishing on the market. But what are the differences between conventional (so-called "natural") and organic cosmetics, and how can you easily recognize them?

What is an organic cosmetic?

Organic cosmetics are made from natural raw materials from Organic Farming , with an environmentally friendly production method. Unlike conventional cosmetics which use synthetic chemical ingredients or ingredients from petrochemicals, organic cosmetics emphasize vegetable oils, essential oils, natural waxes . All synthetic materials that are aggressive to the skin and body, or pollute the environment, are banned from the formulations: parabens and other endocrine disruptors, silicones, sulfates, dyes and synthetic perfumes.

The benefits of organic cosmetics

For health

Switching to organic allows you to avoid carcinogenic components and endocrine disruptors . There's no risk of compromising your health by applying your creams daily. Especially for expectant mothers : using natural cosmetics is a good way to ensure you don't pass on any dangerous ingredients to your baby.

For the skin

Our skin absorbs all the care we apply to it. Using conventional cosmetics with harmful ingredients , such as silicones, parabens, or mineral oils and waxes, can cause irritation, dryness, breakouts, or discomfort. Allergic reactions are also more common.

In organic cosmetics , chemical and synthetic ingredients have been replaced by plant extracts, floral waters, vegetable oils and essential oils . Much more effective, organic treatments are also better assimilated by the body by penetrating the skin deeply.

For the planet

Switching to natural and organic cosmetics also means being more respectful of the planet . Ingredients from Organic Agriculture are grown with respect for the land and the people who work it. The same goes for the manufacturing process of cosmetics as well as their recyclable packaging which limits the impact on the environment.

Quality products

Organic cosmetics are manufactured using green processes without chemical transformation; they are therefore of better quality .

The natural and organic ingredients that compose them are active , with very specific actions for the skin . For example, Léonia often replaces water with floral waters or aloe vera juice .

Finally, organic skincare products are also better absorbed by the skin thanks to the biological relationship between the epidermis and plants. Indeed, the composition of natural and organic ingredients has greater affinities with the natural constituents of the epidermis.

Frequently asked questions about organic cosmetics

Are organic cosmetics pleasant?

A few years ago, organic cosmetics were criticized for their unpleasant textures and odors. Innovation in organic and natural cosmetics has continued to evolve, and sensoriality is now at the heart of the products .

Organic cosmetics today offer a variety of pleasant textures that penetrate the skin easily without leaving a greasy, sticky finish. The same goes for perfumes, formulated exclusively with ingredients of natural origin, which are crafted by formulators and perfumers who create divine scents .

Are organic cosmetics effective?

Organic cosmetics contain 30 to 40% of active ingredients of natural origin known for their effectiveness, whereas conventional cosmetics often contain only 1 to 2%. In addition to being more effective, they contain far fewer synthetic ingredients that are harmful to your health and the environment .

Do organic products have a shorter shelf life?

On each product, a small pictogram representing an open jar is displayed. This is the PAO (Period After Opening) . It tells you, in months, the recommended duration of use of the product once it has been opened. In general, the shelf life after opening ranges from 6 to 24 months for conventional cosmetics and from 6 to 12 months for organic cosmetics .

NB: For hygiene reasons, whether the product is organic or not, it is best to renew the treatment every 6 to 8 months after opening.

Are organic cosmetics more expensive?

With the democratization of organic beauty products, the price range has become as varied as that of conventional cosmetics. You will therefore find organic products accessible and available everywhere , even in supermarkets. Choosing organic cosmetics also means choosing to take care of your skin, your health and the planet by favoring more noble and more respectful ingredients. The quality/price ratio is therefore to be taken into account if you wish to favor more natural and effective care.

How do I know if my cosmetic product is truly organic?

Only the official labels present on the product packaging are the guarantee that the cosmetic complies with certain manufacturing and composition rules and is indeed organic.

For example, all Léonia treatments bear the ECOCERT labels, our certification body and COSMEBIO.

Labels such as Ecocert and Cosmebio Cosmos Organic are the most widespread in France and guarantee a composition that respects the environment and your skin.

The main organic labels in cosmetics

Ecocert

Ecocert is an independent French certification and inspection body . It is the first certification body to develop a standard for " ecological and organic cosmetics ." The Ecocert charter is approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry.

This label imposes a certain number of constraints in order to guarantee an environmentally friendly cosmetic product:

- The use of ingredients derived from renewable resources and processed using environmentally friendly processes. The label verifies:

- The absence of GMOs, parabens, phenoxyethanol, nanoparticles, silicones, PEG, synthetic perfumes and colorants, ingredients from animals (except those produced naturally by them: milk, honey, etc.)

- The biodegradable or recyclable nature of the packaging.

- A minimum threshold of natural and organic ingredients to be achieved to obtain certification: In all cases, a minimum of 95% of the total ingredients must be natural or of natural origin.

Cosmebio

Cosmébio defines itself as " the professional association for natural, ecological and organic cosmetics . The association brings together all the players in the sector and has nearly 400 members in France and internationally. Since 2002, Cosmébio has been working to develop natural and ecological cosmetics based on products from organic farming and green chemistry ."

To carry this label, a product must be manufactured by a company that is a member of the association and its formula must have been certified organic by the ECOCERT and Qualité France standards . Only these two standards are considered to comply with the COSMEBIO association charter.

Cosmebio-labeled products do not contain any synthetic fragrances, synthetic colorants, GMOs, synthetic preservatives, or ionizing treatments, and the finished products are not tested on animals. They must also comply with:

- At least 95% natural and naturally sourced ingredients

- At least 95% of plant ingredients come from Organic Farming

- At least 10% of all ingredients are from Organic Farming

Cosmos Organic

The presence of the logo with the mention COSMOS ORGANIC affixed underneath indicates that the cosmetic is organic according to the current COSMOS specifications with:

95% minimum ingredients of natural origin
95% minimum organic ingredients on all ingredients that can be organic (such as plants, beeswax, milk, etc.)
20% minimum organic ingredients in the total product (10% for rinse-off and mineral products - water and minerals considered non-organic because they are not grown)