Organic has become a politically correct word. It is commonly linked to environmental causes as well as many manufactured products, and is loosely associated with the concept of living in harmony with the natural world. Substances with that label should contain no artificial or synthetic ingredients considered to be health hazards, and buying organic skin care products online allows consumers to make well-informed choices.
Re-inventing a product as natural is not always an improvement. Most advertisers are well-aware of the underlying fears associated with environmental degradation around the world, and capitalize on that apprehension by advertising products as being produced in harmony with the environment. The petroleum industry is based on exploitation of a naturally occurring substance produced within the earth, but few people would recommend putting gasoline on their skin.
When used in food designations, the word implies that fruits, vegetables and livestock have been raised and harvested without the aid of pesticides. In cosmetic manufacturing, the meaning is harder to actually pin down, and can generally be whatever the maker chooses to advertise. There is no single governmental agency that strictly regulates cosmetics, and few standards that guarantee efficacy and purity.
Because standards vary, certification is also nebulous and widely inclusive. Many manufacturers actually establish their own standards and definitions regarding natural ingredients, and the term can be used even when there are only traces found in a particular formulation. Most over-the-counter cosmetics contain both natural and synthetic substances, and very few can honestly claim to be completely free of all potentially irritating chemicals.
Even substances that contain significant quantities of ingredients grown and produced naturally can be reactive in some people. Having pleasant names such as rosemary, eucalyptus or sandalwood does not change the fact that certain types of skin may find those substances irritating. Products containing artificial ingredients may actually produce less damage, and automatically condemning all synthetics would be a mistake.
The first step in choosing a product that will be beneficial is to carefully examine the label. If a substance is touted as completely organic, it must contain no external additions other than water or salt, and have been raised pesticide-free. The United States Department of Agriculture controls the standards for labeling foods in this manner, and its seal is a good indication that a product is genuine.
Substances that are not completely natural can still carry a similar label, but are allowed to contain ingredients grown using pesticides. A list of allowed materials in a particular product is usually available upon request. When buying cosmetics, a label may claim the product is made with natural substances, but in reality that means that up to thirty percent of the ingredients can be legally synthetic.
Buying skin care products over the Internet allows consumers to instantly research any questionable claims, and to read peer reviews. Simply enjoying an organic designation does not automatically mean that a product is superior, or even as good as those made with synthetics. When products cannot live up to certain advertising claims or have actually caused discomfort, it pays to carefully read and understand the label before buying.
Re-inventing a product as natural is not always an improvement. Most advertisers are well-aware of the underlying fears associated with environmental degradation around the world, and capitalize on that apprehension by advertising products as being produced in harmony with the environment. The petroleum industry is based on exploitation of a naturally occurring substance produced within the earth, but few people would recommend putting gasoline on their skin.
When used in food designations, the word implies that fruits, vegetables and livestock have been raised and harvested without the aid of pesticides. In cosmetic manufacturing, the meaning is harder to actually pin down, and can generally be whatever the maker chooses to advertise. There is no single governmental agency that strictly regulates cosmetics, and few standards that guarantee efficacy and purity.
Because standards vary, certification is also nebulous and widely inclusive. Many manufacturers actually establish their own standards and definitions regarding natural ingredients, and the term can be used even when there are only traces found in a particular formulation. Most over-the-counter cosmetics contain both natural and synthetic substances, and very few can honestly claim to be completely free of all potentially irritating chemicals.
Even substances that contain significant quantities of ingredients grown and produced naturally can be reactive in some people. Having pleasant names such as rosemary, eucalyptus or sandalwood does not change the fact that certain types of skin may find those substances irritating. Products containing artificial ingredients may actually produce less damage, and automatically condemning all synthetics would be a mistake.
The first step in choosing a product that will be beneficial is to carefully examine the label. If a substance is touted as completely organic, it must contain no external additions other than water or salt, and have been raised pesticide-free. The United States Department of Agriculture controls the standards for labeling foods in this manner, and its seal is a good indication that a product is genuine.
Substances that are not completely natural can still carry a similar label, but are allowed to contain ingredients grown using pesticides. A list of allowed materials in a particular product is usually available upon request. When buying cosmetics, a label may claim the product is made with natural substances, but in reality that means that up to thirty percent of the ingredients can be legally synthetic.
Buying skin care products over the Internet allows consumers to instantly research any questionable claims, and to read peer reviews. Simply enjoying an organic designation does not automatically mean that a product is superior, or even as good as those made with synthetics. When products cannot live up to certain advertising claims or have actually caused discomfort, it pays to carefully read and understand the label before buying.