"Organic", "eco", "natural", "vegan" - these are the most popular prefixes on cosmetics packaging today, guaranteeing high sales. But, alas, in most cases, the word 'eco' is not a guarantee of ethical production, but only a marketing ploy. There aren't many brands that have taken on ecological responsibility - they can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
There is also a difference between "natural" and "organic". In the first case, it is enough to contain a few ingredients of natural origin (chamomile and nettle extracts are fine). The second has much more requirements for such products: the formula should use at least 95% organic ingredients, those grown on special farms without the use of pesticides and other "chemicals". At the same time, each ingredient must have a certificate.
Organic cosmetics packaging also has certain requirements. They are made of recycled plastic or biodegradable material.
In addition, organics are not tested on animals. By the way, the composition and requirements for organic cosmetics are very close to "bio" cosmetics - they also use 95% natural ingredients.
But what about the other 5%? These, too, have restrictions. For instance, these should not include petrochemicals. Most of them are oils, waxes, lanolin, natural preservatives, etc.
Myth #1: Organic cosmetics do not cause allergies or irritation
An allergen can be an ingredient for absolutely anyone, regardless of whether it is organic or chemical. If you are an individual intolerant to the components when using organic, the dermatological problems are exactly the same: itching, rashes, redness. And the degree of "naturalness" has nothing to do with it. By the way, it is essential oils that often cause a hyperimmune response. So read the label carefully in any case!
Myth #2: Organics are good for everyone
Have you ever met any cream that gets ten girls equally excited about? We haven't. Even oily skin comes in many shapes and sizes: oily dehydrated, oily just plain, oily inflamed, oily with comedones and so on. Which means it requires a different approach to skin care. What works in one case is totally useless in the other. Organic make-up may never work for you. It's the absolute norm. And it should be selected by a beautician, not a friend or an insta-blogger.
Myth #3: Organics = folk recipes
There is the same similarity between these two concepts as there is between ballet and folk dancing. All the ingredients in organic cosmetics are carefully selected so as not to 'argue' with each other. Vitamins and anti-vitamins, trace elements interfering with the assimilation of the "neighbour" are never there. Which is difficult to foresee when making masks at home.
Myth #4: there are no "synthetics" in organic cosmetics at all
Most often such ingredients are added as preservatives. Other ingredients are regulated by a special list of permissible and temporarily permissible ingredients.
Other ingredients are regulated by a special list of admissible and temporarily admissible ingredients. The latter include emulsifiers, fragrances, preservatives and antioxidants of artificial origin.
Myth #5: Organics can have a long shelf life
Organic cosmetics with a suitable composition have a shelf life of less than 12 months. And this is explained by the certificates. No natural ingredient can provide longer preservation, completely suppressing the reproduction of harmful micro-organisms.
The first thing you should pay attention to when buying - the shelf life. If it is more than a year old, it is definitely not organic.