Organic skincare has taken the beauty world by storm, and for good reason. With growing awareness of the potential harm that synthetic ingredients can cause to our skin and overall health, more and more beauty buffs are turning to natural and organic alternatives. But what exactly is organic skincare, and is there a science behind the hype?
What is organic skincare?
At its core, organic skincare is all about harnessing the regenerative power of nature to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Unlike conventional - and even "natural" - skincare products that can contain skin-irritating and environmentally damaging synthetic chemicals, organic skincare focuses on all-natural ingredients that work in harmony with the skin's natural processes.
From heavenly botanical extracts like prickly-pear (see here for our favourite face-firming oil by Typology) to soothing plant and essential oils like jojoba and rosehip, organic skincare brands now offer a wide range of natural and nourishing ingredients that not only sound delightful but can help improve the health and appearance of your skin.
What are the benefits of organic skincare?
One of the main benefits of organic skincare products is that they are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can irritate the skin and potentially harm our health. As our body’s largest breathing organism, skin has the ability to absorb what we put on it, as much as 60%. That's why it's important to avoid chemical-heavy products and opt for natural and nourishing ones instead.
In addition to being gentle on the skin, organic skincare products often contain high-quality natural ingredients that offer a range of nourishing and restorative benefits. For example, ingredients like green tea, chamomile, and lavender can help soothe and calm the skin, while coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter can provide deep hydration and nourishment. Organic skincare products also tend to be more concentrated than their conventional counterparts, meaning a little goes a long way.
Another benefit of organic skincare products is their environmental sustainability. It's important to note that conventional skincare products can have a significant impact on the environment. The manufacturing and disposal of skincare products can contribute to pollution, deforestation, and carbon emissions. Synthetic chemicals in conventional skincare products can also find their way into the environment, harming marine life and contaminating waterways.
By using sustainably sourced organic and biodegradable ingredients as well as natural colours and fragrances from plants and flowers, organic skincare brands help reduce the impact of their products on the planet. In addition, many organic skincare brands use minimal packaging with maximum recycled content, further reducing their environmental footprint.
Where can I find organic skincare products?
When choosing organic skincare products, it's important to ensure that they are truly organic and free from harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Beauty and wellbeing brands can have as little as 1% organic ingredients, but still claim to be “organic”.
To avoid this industry trick, look for certification stamps from reputable organisations such as Soil Association, a leading British non-profit working to transform the way Britain farms and cares for the natural world. Soil Association’s COSMOS Organic certification indicates that a product meets strict standards for organic ingredients, environmental sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Certified brands include Neal’s Yard Remedies, Pai (if you haven’t already tried it, the skin-brightening Rosehip Bioregenerate oil should be a daily staple), and Nourish London.
Choosing organic skincare products can be a fun and rewarding journey as you explore and experiment with natural ingredients that work best for your skin. Not only will you achieve healthy, glowing skin, but you'll also be contributing to a healthier planet and supporting sustainable practices in the beauty industry.
So if you're looking for a more natural and sustainable way to achieve beautiful, healthy skin, consider giving organic skincare a try. Your skin - and the planet - will thank you for it!