Organic cosmetics are gaining popularity among consumers in today’s market due to their natural benefits. Organic cosmetics not only promote healthy skin but also contribute to effective environmental protection. Join us in exploring the fascinating world of organic cosmetics in this comprehensive article!
1 What is Organic?
Organic, also known as Organic, refers to compounds found in animals and plants. The farming or production process must always be clean, without the use of synthetic compounds, chemicals, growth stimulants, or genetic modifications. The farming conditions should be environmentally friendly, aiming for ecological balance. The harvesting process must be manual.
For animals, it is essential to ensure the use of 100% organic feed, excluding synthetic hormones or antibiotics.
Reputable organizations worldwide that can provide trusted organic certification include: ICEA in Italy, USDA in the USA, and Soil Association Organic in the UK.
Organic, a term often used interchangeably with Natural
2 What are Organic Cosmetics?
In the food industry, organic certification serves as a trusted guarantee of product safety and quality. Consequently, organic ingredients are the primary choice for renowned cosmetic manufacturers.
Organic cosmetics are products formulated with ingredients derived from 100% organic sources or containing minimal amounts of chemical substances. As a result, these cosmetics are generally safe and pose no health risks to consumers. Typically, a product labeled as organic will contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients and only 5% of other components.
Organic cosmetics prioritize natural, organic ingredients
To obtain organic certification, each ingredient used in the product must be sourced from certified organic farms and undergo rigorous verification processes.
The main drawback of organic cosmetics is their higher price tag and lack of fragrance compared to conventional products. However, you can rest assured about their safety as they do not accumulate harmful chemicals in the body.
3 Are Organic Cosmetics Safe?
Conventional cosmetics available in the market today pose potential health risks due to harmful ingredients such as preservatives, fragrances, and synthetic additives. This concern has driven consumers to explore organic cosmetics to minimize the adverse effects of unnecessary chemicals.
Organic cosmetics offer a safer alternative
Using organic cosmetics significantly reduces exposure to toxic chemicals that can harm the skin and overall health. However, it is essential to understand that organic cosmetics do not guarantee absolute safety for the following reasons:
- Organic cosmetics may contain ingredients that have not been thoroughly tested for safety. Certain plants, even when organically grown, inherently possess harmful components. To address this, manufacturers must take responsibility for ensuring the safety and transparency of their product ingredients.
- Moreover, as the trend for organic cosmetics grows, unscrupulous individuals may falsely advertise conventional products as organic.
4 Outstanding Advantages of Organic Cosmetics
The key advantages of organic cosmetics in terms of ingredients include:
- Organic cosmetics use distilled plant/flower water (hydrosols) instead of pure water, which is commonly used in conventional cosmetics.
- Auxiliary ingredients in organic cosmetics exclude softeners or solvents derived from harmful chemicals such as petroleum, paraffin, and formaldehyde.
- Organic cosmetics do not contain artificial colors, preservatives, or synthetic fragrances. Notably, organic products also refrain from using controversial ingredients like parabens, sulfates, BHT, and PEGs.
Organic cosmetics offer a multitude of benefits
The advantages of organic cosmetics in terms of their benefits include:
- High safety profile for the skin and the body due to the absence of harmful substances. Even pregnant women and new mothers can confidently use these products.
- Farms growing organic plants refrain from using pesticides and other chemicals.
- Organic cosmetics do not contribute to water and air pollution.
- Organic ingredients are biodegradable and do not accumulate in the environment.
5 Standards for Organic Cosmetics
Cosmetics labeled as organic should be certified by reputable organizations such as Cosmébio (France’s Organic Cosmetics Association), ECOCERT® (the world’s largest organic certification organization/France), ICEA (Italy), or Association (UK). Currently, most organic cosmetic products in the market are primarily certified by Cosmébio and ECOCERT®.
Organic cosmetics adhere to strict standards
However, since January 1, 2017, organic labeling worldwide has been standardized under the “COSMOS Standard” to ensure international harmony. Therefore, in addition to the Cosmébio and ECOCERT® logos, certified organic cosmetic products will also feature the words “COSMOS ORGANIC” on their packaging.
To meet the COSMOS ORGANIC standard, cosmetic products must fulfill two main requirements:
- Contain a minimum of 95% plant extracts from organic farming, with certified organic origin.
- The total organic content in the formula should reach at least 20% (10% for rinse-off products).
- Note that water is considered a natural ingredient but not organic as it is not derived from agriculture.
6 Organic Cosmetics Certifications in Vietnam
ICEA – Bio Eco Organic – Italian Organic Certification. Products imported to Vietnam:
- Organic Bio Bio Bababy baby care range.
- Bio Mama range for pregnant women and new mothers.
- Bio Lady range for women.
The Soil Association – UK-based Organic Certification Body. Products available in Vietnam under the Organic Bentley brand:
- Lip balm
These products can be found in major shopping centers or specialty stores catering to mothers and babies.
Reputable organic certifications for cosmetics in Vietnam
7 Are Handmade Cosmetics Organic?
In many countries, products that have not received official certification cannot be sold or labeled as organic. This fact may lead to consumer confusion between organic and handmade cosmetics.
While handmade cosmetics use natural plant-based ingredients, they do not necessarily meet the international standards for organic certification.
In Vietnam, the production and sale of cosmetics are not tightly regulated, leading to a proliferation of so-called organic products in the market, making it challenging to distinguish genuine organic offerings.
Handmade cosmetics may not necessarily be organic
In conclusion, this article has provided insights into the world of organic cosmetics and the considerations when using these products. While organic cosmetics offer more beneficial ingredients than conventional alternatives, it is crucial to exercise caution when selecting and purchasing these items.
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