Let’s be real; the products you put on your skin are important. From fighting acne to keeping your skin hydrated, a proper skincare routine is essential if you want to keep your skin truly happy and healthy. However, not every product on the market has your best interest in mind when it comes to ingredients and may even contain ingredients that do more harm than good. This is a big reason many people today are making the transition from regular non-organic products to all-natural organic products. And today, we’re going to talk about why this is important.
In this article, we’re going to explore the topic of organic and non-organic skin care and their differences. From their major downsides to their major benefits, let’s dive in and get started.
What Ingredients Are Typically Used in Skincare?
To start, there are a lot of ingredients you’ll find in typical skincare products on the market. Most inexpensive skincare products you find at the drugstore contain very similar ingredients that are most often known to be full of chemicals, additives, and artificial ingredients that you don’t want to be putting on your skin. With that said, here are some of the most common ingredients found in non-organic skincare.
1. Alpha-hydroxy acids
Starting off, one of the most common ingredients in skincare products is alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). From helping reduce pigmentation to tackling age spots, AHAs can be found in most anti-aging products and serums. However, despite their youthful promise, they are also known to be harmful in high concentrations and have been known to break down the skin’s protective barrier, leaving the skin dry, irritated, and damaged.
2. Polyhydroxy acids
The next common ingredient you’ll see in most skincare is polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). PHAs have similar effects as alpha-hydroxy acids but are commonly used for those with sensitive skin instead, as they are less likely to cause burning than AHAs. The downside to these is, when mixed with other ingredients, such as Vitamin C or retinol, they can cause damage to the skin and result in swelling and irritation.
3. Phenoxyethanol
Next, phenoxyethanol is a preservative that's used in most drugstore cosmetics, perfumes, and toiletries to protect from bacteria. However, unfortunately, most of the phenoxyethanol you'll come across is synthesized in a lab and, in certain dosages, is believed to be incredibly harmful to the nervous system.
4. Salicylic acid
Next, salicylic acid is a common skincare ingredient that is used to penetrate deep into the pores to remove dead skin. However, because salicylic acid is so strong, it is also notorious for causing irritation. This is because it penetrates deep in the pores to remove dead skin and flakiness, but in the process, it can also remove too much of the natural oils of the skin, leaving it dry and irritated.
5. Hydroquinone
Next, hydroquinone is a common ingredient found in many beauty products and is often referred to as a lightening agent. This is because hydroquinone is used to lighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots. However, since hydroquinone is known to be a skin bleaching ingredient, it has been known to cause irritation in many.
6. Retinoids
Next, retinoids are commonly used in beauty products to improve acne and early signs of aging. However, using any form of retinol has been shown to make your skin more prone to sun damage, which can lead to discoloration, inflammation, and damage to your skin’s protective barrier.
7. Phthalates
Next, phthalates are typically used as a softening ingredient in moisturizers and shampoos. However, phthalates are also known to have a negative effect on hormones and may influence the reproductive system in a negative way. Unfortunately, they are often included in fragrances within products, so they are very difficult to avoid.
8. Sulfates
Next, an ingredient found in nearly every non-organic beauty product is sulfates. Sulfates help to give products a foaming agent and can be found in everything from cleansers to shampoo. The most common sulfates found in beauty products are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium Laureth sulfate (SLES). These harsh ingredients are known to strip away moisture and the skin’s protective barriers, causing severe irritation and damage.
9. Fragrance
Next, artificial fragrances in beauty products are another common ingredient you’ll want to watch out for. Used in around 50% of beauty products, synthetic fragrances have been unknown toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the skin and have negative hormonal effects.
10. Formaldehyde
And lastly, formaldehyde is another popular ingredient that is most commonly used as a preservative in beauty products, such as lotions, nail polishes, and various makeup pieces. Surprisingly, exposure to formaldehyde can cause severe allergic reactions to the skin, including nausea, coughing, and a burning nose, and therefore should be avoided at all costs.
For more information regarding the effects of common non-organic ingredients as well as others, be sure to check out clevelandclinic.org for additional insight.
Downside Of Typical Ingredients
Now, the biggest downside to using typical ingredients while they are cheap, they are cheaply made. Therefore, many of these products contain toxins that are unnatural, chemical-based, and harsh to your skin. And believe it or not, your skin absorbs around 60% of what you apply to it. Therefore, using products with toxins that are non-organic can have a huge effect on your overall health in a very negative way, which is why many tend to opt for organic ingredients instead. With that said, here’s a list of some of the ingredients that you’ll find in organic skincare products, as well as their benefits.
What Ingredients Are Used In Organic Skin Care?
Oils
When it comes to ingredients in organic skincare, think all things natural. If it comes from the earth and isn’t made in a lab, you can bet that it’s organic. With that said, oils are a very popular natural ingredient that many organic brands implement into their beauty products for their antioxidant-rich properties. A few of the most common oils in organic skincare include:
- Argan oil: Rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, Argan oil is effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is also excellent at regulating sebum and can help reduce acne.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a powerful protectant agent for your skin, as well as an excellent natural antibiotic.
- Grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants and linoleic acid, which is known to reduce acne and retain moisture. On top of that, it is also anti-inflammatory.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal ingredient that can be used to soothe irritated skin.
- Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is similar to our skin’s natural structure and can help to balance out sebum production and reduce acne.
- Rose oil: Rose oil is known to be incredibly hydrating to the skin. It is naturally rich in antioxidants and minerals and is known to soothe just about any irritation.
- Lavender oil: Lastly, lavender essential oil is a natural soother and plays a large part in treating acne and inflammation, just like rose essential oil.
Botanical extracts
In addition to natural oils, many organic skincare products also contain natural botanical extracts for their soothing and therapeutic properties. Here are a few of the most commonly used in most organic beauty products.
1. Aloe Vera
First, aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial plant with many uses. It’s an incredible moisturizer for the skin and contains Vitamins A and C, as well as powerful enzymes that naturally help to treat burns, dry skin, and acne. Its gentle nature also makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin.
2. Witch Hazel
Next, witch hazel has been used in skincare for centuries for its soothing effects. Most commonly used in toners, witch hazel has many benefits for the skin, including soothing inflammation, tightening pores, and helping to prevent skin damage. On top of that, it may also help with reducing acne, as it can clear away excess oil build-up.
3. Green tea extract
Next, green tea extract is a gentle ingredient that can help to reduce signs of aging. It is known to reduce swelling, calm irritation, and reduce puffiness.
4. Centella Asiatica
Next, Centella Asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola, is a powerful ingredient known for its anti-aging properties and intense moisturizing properties. Rich in antioxidants, Centella is a great source of amino acids and can be used to soothe dry, irritated, and inflamed skin.
5. Gingko Biloba extract
And finally, Ginkgo Biloba extract is a powerful natural ingredient with medicinal properties that is most often used for its powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Ginkgo leaf also contains many powerful antioxidant properties that help to fight free radicals and can even help to tackle pigmentation problems with it’s natural lightening properties.
Natural Body Butters
And lastly, body butter is another popular ingredient in organic skincare and comes in a variety of different levels of richness and texture. A few of the most common body butter types include:
- Cocoa butter: Cocoa butter is popular for its nourishing, hydrating, and soothing effects on the skin and is rich in fatty acids. It is also known for its impeccable moisturizing and protective properties.
- Shea butter: Shea butter is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that contains high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins that are known to soften, soothe, and heal the skin.
- Avocado Butter: Avocado butter is a natural sunscreen and penetrates deep for lasting hydration, truly unlike any other.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Organic Ingredients
Now that we’ve talked about some of the most common organic ingredients in skincare products, here are some of the major benefits of using organic ingredients.
1. Organic skin care products do not contain harmful ingredients
To start, perhaps the biggest benefit of organic products is that they do not contain harmful or artificial ingredients. This is because organic skincare products contain all-natural ingredients from the earth and are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other additives.
Non-organic products, on the other hand, contain synthetic, man-made ingredients such as mineral oils, sodium laurel, Laureth sulfate, and pesticides. With long-term use of non-organic products, these ingredients can cause hormone imbalances, irritation, and organ toxicity.
2. They are non-allergenic
Next, organic products are also non-allergenic, which means these are less likely to cause allergic reactions unless you are allergic to one of the natural ingredients. This also means that they are less likely to cause inflammation and irritation in your skin due to their gentle nature that hasn’t been treated with chemicals. Therefore, if you have an allergy or extremely sensitive skin, organic products are likely to be your best friend.
3. They’re better for your skin
Next, using organic ingredients is also much better for your skin in the long run. While synthetic ingredients found in non-organic products may be fast-acting, they are also causing a lot of unseen harm on the inside and can even weaken and damage your skin. With organic products, they are instead nourishing your skin instead of doing it harm, helping to strengthen your protective barrier as well as deeply moisturize for a softer and healthier look.
4. They work better
Next, organic skincare products also work better than non-organic products. This is because when plants are grown naturally and organically, they maintain a higher level of their natural antioxidants than non-organic plants that are chemically treated. Surprisingly, it is believed that around 95% of an organic skincare product's contents are active ingredients, as opposed to synthetic skincare products, which contain around only 5% of active ingredients.
You can also read more about active ingredients and their role in skincare here on biologi.com.
5. You're supporting cruelty-free skincare products
Next, an unfortunate number of beauty companies of today conduct animal testing to ensure that their products are ok for human use. However, because natural ingredients are not chemically changed or man-made, they do not need to be tested. Therefore, when you buy beauty products that are natural and organic skincare products, you are buying cruelty-free products and are helping to rid the world of animal testing, which is truly incredible.
6. You're helping the environment
And lastly, because organic products use naturally grown ingredients that are not chemically modified, they don't leave a harmful footprint on the planet. Not to mention, it’s also much healthier for wildlife altogether and doesn’t leave behind any damaging waste. Therefore, by investing in all-natural and organic products, you're also helping to minimize negative environmental impacts and support a healthier and more sustainable way of living.
Do Organic Ingredients Really Work?
And finally, when it comes to the question of if organic ingredients really work, the answer is yes. While non-organic ingredients may show signs of improvements in the skin, in the long run, they are causing more harm than good and can lead to a mess of health issues down the road. Not to mention, they are only temporary fixtures. Organic ingredients, on the other hand, are a lifestyle. These ingredients come straight from the earth and are gentle, long-lasting, and have been proven to help heal, protect, and soothe your skin with lasting results that don’t have any hidden side effects. Therefore, organic products are the way to go in order to achieve healthy, lasting, and long-term results for many years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, organic skincare is truly the purest and easiest way to take care of your body. From natural organic ingredients that supplement your body to helping to reduce a carbon footprint, making the change to organic ingredients is truly an adjustment that is doing so much more than just helping the skin. We hope that this article has helped to give you some insight into the dangers of using non-organic products and how you can get on your way to creating your healthiest skincare routine while also helping to preserve the health of our planet.
Sources:
https://simplynaturale.co.uk/why-is-important-to-use-natural-organic-products-49-w.asp
https://lamav.com/blogs/articles/5-reasons-to-choose-organic-skin-care
https://www.byrdie.com/skincare-ingredients-glossary
https://www.allure.com/story/skin-care-terms-glossary-definitions
https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-living/natural-skin-care-ingredients/