After food, the beauty industry notably skin care is aggressively incorporating organic and natural ingredients. But I cannot help being sceptical because these days the word organic has become the new marketing buzzword as ‘natural’ once was.
In this segment we will look at these following questions:
What is certified organic? Is there a difference between certified organic and organic? Why buy certified organic? Do certified organic products really work?
So what is organic?
Certified Organic products are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To earn the right to be certified organic, products whether primary or secondary, have to meet strict criteria enforced by the certifying body.
Is there a difference between certified organic and organic?
Definitely, certified organic ingredients/products must measure up to strict controls enforced by an internationally recognised certifying body. With organic products you are taking on trust the claim by the manufacturer that they have been produced without the using chemical fertilisers or pesticides, or that they contain no genetically modified inputs.
Why buy certified organic?
Simple, especially in the current climate, it is good for the soil, environment and people; there are no synthetics whatsoever and no GMOs .
Do certified organic products actually work?
This is where it gets tricky, currently all beauty products are certified to food grade standards:
• To obtain organic certification for a product, a minimum of 95% of all ingredients of agricultural origin must be certified organic. The remaining 5% of ingredients however are also bound by strict guidelines. For example, they cannot be synthetic chemicals or artificially processed ingredients.
• If the product contains more than 5% non-certified organic agricultural ingredients it cannot be certified organic; however it may be registered by a certifying body as an approved product
• Water, salt, and minerals cannot be included in your claim.
• Water generally makes up to 70% of total ingredients in many skincare creams. Therefore 95% of the remaining 30% of ingredients need to be organically certified.
So where does this leave consumers who want beauty products that are certified organic and actually work therapeutically and scientifically? Consumers need to read the labels carefully, look for the certifying body’s stamp of approval and research a product before buying (this is recommended in any scenario).
Bodies that certify:
o In Australia - NASAA, Organic Growers of Australia, Australian Certified Organic, Demeter, Safe Food Queensland, The Organic Food Chain and TOP (Tasmania Organic Producers).
o Some International certifiers– Ecocert, USDA Organic, IFOAM, Soil Association
For information on certification bodies around the world - http://organic.com.au/certify
The following brands and products they produce contain at least 80% certified organic ingredients and 100% of all ingredients are natural. As well they contain:
o No Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
o No Petrochemicals
o No Petroleum By Products
o No Artificial Fragrances
o No Artificial Colours
o No Harsh Detergents
o No Animal Derivatives
o No Harmful Chemicals
o No Animal Testing
o No Artificial Preservative
Moreover they also take into consideration reducing waste, recyclable packaging, and reducing the manufacturing foot print.
Most importantly they work both therapeutically and scientifically to improve the way your skin feels (common sense will preclude that this improvement is different for everyone). Primarily all these products work and are to a large extend certified organic.
If you want to read more about the changes suggested for organic certification for beauty products - http://www.bfa.com.au/index.asp?sec_id=135 - scroll until you come to New Cosmetics Standards
The brands:
Phyt’s (pronounced fits)
This French company has been producing an array of skin care that was sustainable long before it was fashionable (33 years). This range is a well kept secret, people who have tried them swear by them and retail outlets are restricted. I believe the results from using this range are phenomenal. Try everything but if you want to start –
• Eye makeup remover oil for sensitive eyes – WOW
• Water soluble cleansing milk
• Anti-aging lifting nutritive cream
• Anti-wrinkle serum
Origins Organics
For a brand of this magnitude to go certified organic is a huge thing and Origins has done a range that is absolutely magnificent. Origins Organic range is small but growing. The dedication and labelling is quite exceptional. They are working closely with major certifiers worldwide to create a truly global certified organic product. A simple yet effective range for body, hair and notably skin.
Try:
• Face tonic - excellent
• Foaming face wash
• Purifying tonic
• Silkening body spritz – try it to believe it
• Conditioning hair oil
Jurlique
Jurlique’s biodynamic range is a tight range of 4 products. Renowned for its sustainable plant-based skincare worldwide, Jurlique has set a new standard in skin care by introducing this biodynamic range. Biodynamic is farming based on the work of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. It involves crop rotation and composting, as well as relying on special plant, animal and mineral preparations, and the rhythmic influences of the sun, moon, planets and stars.) Currently Jurlique is working with Demeter (the biodynamic certifier in Australia) to have an effective certifying regulation for biodynamic beauty.
Try
• Serum
• Refining Treatment
• Night Lotion – this is divine
• Eye cream
Stem Organics
A new player to the world of organic skin care, this brand is highly sophisticated in its approach to skin care. Each product is well made, labeled and very effective. These guys are taking sustainability to another level - even their postal packaging (ie bubble wrap) is biodegradable, and they have a good understanding of what is needed to nourish and protect the skin. Most products contain at least 80%certified organic ingredients; certain products are also vegan.
Try
• Exquisite face fluid – a definite favourite
• Fresh Start Serum
• Gentle Cleansing Milk
• Intensive Eye Serum
John Masters Organics
This brand has been leading the organic production in America for years. The company’s passion and dedication to certified organics and sustainability is well documented. The range is wide and thorough. The incredible ingredients and its results driven formulations have won many fans worldwide including countless celebrities. Masters is currently working closely with USDA to help come up with a better cosmetic certification and to completely certify his huge range.
I love his body and hair care range. Try:
• Rose and apricot antioxidant day crème
• Linden blossom face crème cleanser
• Firming eye gel
• French green clay & green tea purifying mask
Organic Spa
Another proud Australian that is creating effective certified organic skincare, the products are not only vegan but concentrated thus allowing you to use less to achieve good results. By trying the products you’ll quickly realise how effective this range is:
• Foam cleanser
• Wrinkle defence
• Eye gel
• Vitamin c serum
Jacqueline Evans
Remember this name, the newest kid on the block, the range is only a month old and it is definitely the one to watch. Made by a naturopath who after many years in England decided to come home and package the formulations she had been using on her clients there. A simple yet thoroughly succinct and effective range of seven products that will convince you that organics is the only way to go for your skin.
Try
• Chamomile & walnut scrub
• Argan & rosehip moisturising cream
• Rooibos facial toner
• Liposome eye gel
• Argan & rosehip face serum
Stockist
John Masters Organics - http://www.spaorganics.com.au/ 1300 552 110
Jurlique - http://www.jurlique.com.au , 1800 805 286
Jacqueline Evans – http://www.jacquelineevans.com.au 03 9530 4227
Origins – Myer/David Jones, www.origins.com/organics
Organic Spa – http://www.organicspa.com.au 02 6680 3266
Phyt's - http://www.phyts.com.au 1300 656 627
Stem Organics - http://www.StemOrganics.com 03 9593 6461
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