What are organic cosmetics?
Organic cosmetics contain a maximum of ingredients from the plant kingdom (jojoba, argan, shea oil, etc.) and refrain from substances deemed undesirable such as perfumes, dyes and synthetic pigments, oils of silicone… – usually found in conventional cosmetics. The manufacturing processes are, moreover, respectful of the environment. Finally, the animals are not used for product tests, it is voluntary people who experiment them.
Why are organic cosmetics good?
Organic beauty products protect the environment and the planet (often recyclable packaging, no tests on animals, renewable raw materials from the plant kingdom, etc.). Quality and healthy, these products are also good for the health and for the skin. They enter into synergy with the latter, living matter. On the other hand, certain products entering into the composition of conventional cosmetics are singled out: they could cross the skin barrier. Studies are in progress …
How do you know that a cosmetic is organic?
To recognize an organic cosmetic, either you are able to decipher the list of ingredients present on the beauty products, or you trust the labels, a much simpler solution. Currently, there are four important labels (none European): BDIH (German label), Ecocert, CosméBIO and CosmEco, and Nature & Progrès. In practice, if an organic product is certified by a label, this means that it complies with the specifications established by the label in question.
Is there a better label than another?
Between the French labels and the German label, the difference is that for the former, we speak in terms of percentage (for example, for Ecocert certified products contain at least 95% of ingredients of natural origin) while for the label BDIH, the rule is that if the ingredient is available organically, it must be taken organically. In the end, we arrive at roughly the same result. There would therefore be no label better than another.
In organic cosmetics, can there be synthetic products?
Theoretically no! But unfortunately it is sometimes difficult to do otherwise. Ecocert and CosméBIO thus authorize the use of synthetic preservatives which are difficult to reproduce organically. Note that they are used in very small quantities: Ecocert specifications allow 5% synthetic materials in its products.
Do organic cosmetics keep well?
There is no conservation problem. Essential oils are thus used, and then on the packaging side, organic cosmetics brands offer pump bottles as often as possible to avoid contact with the air and with the fingers. As for the shelf life, they are reasonable, generally between 3 and 6 months after opening.
Are organic cosmetics effective?
Technical efficiency varies by product. Skin care (creams, oils, soap, etc.) are effective because most of them contain a high concentration of natural active ingredients. On the other hand, some products are more difficult to reproduce, such as shower gels, shampoos, bubble baths… which does not mean that they do not wash! Likewise, the effectiveness of vegetable dyes is more limited, in the sense that they do not cover gray hair.
Do we have fewer allergies with organic cosmetics?
No not necessarily. Certain people can be allergic to essential oils, to perfumes… Of course, at the base, organic cosmetics were developed in particular for people who had allergies with traditional products. But now, we can just as easily be allergic to plant extracts as to a synthetic fragrance. So be careful if you have an allergic ground …
Are organic cosmetics really more expensive?
It depends on the products. Face and body creams are not necessarily more expensive, in any case, they are less expensive than high-end treatments. For example, Thémis offers an anti-aging night care at 25,50 euros, Weleda, an Iris day cream at 14 euros and Cattier, a firming moisturizing milk for less than 6 euros. On the other hand, it is true that shampoos and shower gels are mostly more expensive. Why ? In particular because the foam is harder to formulate than for a conventional product. The good alternative: soap, both ecological and economical.
Can organic cosmetics be used by pregnant women?
They can be used by pregnant women. However, it is best to avoid those that contain essential oils in a very concentrated way. The ideal is to opt for the specific ranges for pregnant women. Brands such as Weleda, Dr Hauschka… offer it. As an anti-stretch mark treatment, we can apply, for example, during pregnancy rosehip oil (a vegetable oil) or shea butter.
Where can I buy organic cosmetics?
They can be found in organic stores (La Vie claire, Biocoop, etc.) and even in pharmacies. Note that the Naturalia brand has opened three organic cosmetics stores in Paris, Naturalia Beauté Bio, offering 60 brands and 1 references. You can also get it from the Internet.
Are organic cosmetics just a fad?
More and more brands are entering the organic niche. And we understand them, when we know that the growth of organic cosmetics brands is between 20 to 30% per year. L’Oréal has thus acquired Sanoflore and Clarins, Kibio. They also well integrated the fact that a cosmetic even if it is organic must provide a certain pleasure (texture, packaging…). This is why we now find brands with very glamorous products: Doux Me, Suzanne aux Bains, Clé des Champs, Virginale, Care by Stella McCartney… Organic beauty products are therefore on the rise even if they At the present time, there is a lack of consensus at the level of labels as well as of real efficiency tests.