Introduction
In the past few years, consumers have been advertised skin care products that are classified under the ‘Natural’ tag. This has led many consumers to believe that the words natural and organic can be used interchangeably in skin care products.
However, this is not the case. There is a lot of difference between the two! Using natural and organic skincare products means you are informed about the benefits of using the same and the effects they have on your skin.
Yet, as a consumer, it is important to know about their major differences and then make an informed decision basis that.
In this article, we speak to leading skincare expert, Amanda Jo of Organic Bunny and ask her to help us with the differences between the two terms.
Natural skin care Products: What are they?
The first thing you need to know about natural skin care products is that brands, which produce them have no overriding authority, which certifies products as ‘natural’.
In common understanding, a natural skin care product is one, which has been created using or derived from either-
- Plants
- Animal By-product
- Minerals
Another thing a consumer should look at carefully is the list of ingredients on the label. This will help in understanding whether the core ingredients of the skincare product are truly natural or not.
However, a lot of brands are misusing the same in current times. In other words, using the word natural is done with a marketing and advertising intent. Brands know that people are slowly getting educated about the benefits of organic and that they can use this to their advantage.
Organic Skincare Products: What are they?
Organic skin care products and brands, which manufacture them need to adhere to strict protocols and guidelines. The most emphasis is paid on the procurement of the ingredient. Questions like the following are very important-
- Has it been created using pesticides or chemical additives?
- How is the packaging done (recyclable eco-friendly materials)?
- Is harvesting the ingredient done responsibly?
Consumers also need to understand that organic skincare products need certifications from governmental institutions and authorities to get the tag. The same is not true for brands, which market and sell natural skin care products.
In order for a product to earn certification from the government, the percentage of natural ingredients in it should range from 75%-90%! This is a huge requirement, one that many large-scale skincare brands cannot fulfill.
Major Differences between Natural and Organic skincare Products
You might have got some idea about the differences between the two by reading the earlier sections. However, for the benefit of our readers, Amanda Jo of Organic Bunny lists down the following major differences-
- Certifications-
Brands that are manufacturing organic skin care products need to apply for testing and certification by authorities. This is a far more complicated and trying process, as the authority can withhold the same if the standards are not met. This is why organic products are always better than just natural skincare products, as they are far more extensively tested.
- The Process-
A natural skin care product can be packaged in a harmful plastic case. This is never the case with organic products as every aspect of the product needs to be rigorously environmentally friendly in nature. This includes harvesting, procurement, processing, as well as packaging. The process is far more responsible and sustainable for organic skincare products.
- Pricing and Affordability-
While one of the ingredients of a natural skin care product can be ‘natural’, others can very well be mass-produced using chemicals in a factory. This can bring down their prices. Organic skin care products, on the other hand, tend to be a bit on the expensive side, given the expensive techniques used in the entire process.
- Results and Effects-
There is a lot of difference in the effects of organic skincare products to natural products on your skin. Once you try it out for yourself, you will realize that the two have entirely different results on your skin. While a natural skin care product can be effective, it can in no way match the positive results of organic and ethically sourced skincare products.
The Final Word
Amanda Jo of Organic Bunny hopes that this article has been able to shed some light on the finer intricacies between natural and organic skincare products. If you are someone who would like to add value to the article by adding to the list of differences, please do so in the comments section below.
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