Organic beauty: What to look for (and avoid)

Organic beauty may sound like a healthier option, but is it really? Here’s what to look for when buying organic.

Organic beauty is gaining momentum, but is it actually better for you?

If you have sensitive or reactive skin, organic and natural beauty products may not always be the best choice.

Some natural ingredients, such as lavender, tea tree oil, lanolin, cinnamon, citrus and other essential oils, can trigger skin reactions.

Emma Hobson, education manager at The International Dermal Institute, says 100 per cent organic products can’t always deliver the results consumers are looking for, especially when it comes to advanced anti-ageing skincare.

“If you compare any age-fighting organic skincare product with one that uses a blend of natural and laboratory-derived active ingredients, there is no comparison,” she says.

So what you should look for when buying organic beauty products?

Ingredients

Don’t choose a product just because it has “organic” in its name.

Check the ingredients to make sure you’re actually getting what you pay for.

Some products that claim to be organic only comprise a small amount of organic ingredients.

Ingredients that make up over 1 per cent of the overall content of a product should be listed in descending order of concentration, so always check the packaging.

organic beauty

Correct organic accreditation

When it comes to accreditation, there isn’t one generic form of “organic”.

There are three different types to help you choose the level of organic you’re after:

  • 100 per cent organic: All ingredients, excluding water and salt, are certified organic.
  • Certified organic: The product contains a minimum of 95 per cent certified organic ingredients.
  • Made with organic ingredients: The product only contains 70 to 95 per cent certified organic ingredients.

Things to consider when buying organic beauty products

Buying in bulk

Natural, organic products have a shorter shelf life than regular cosmetics, so buying smaller sizes can help avoid the product “going off” before you finish it.

Use-by dates

Using a product after it has expired can harm the skin, so always check storage and use-by instructions.

Written by Nikki Yazxhi

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