The definition of organic beauty.
Is it the same as clean, green or sustainable beauty?
Organic beauty has its own definition and today I will try to explain it.
Organic beauty is very much focused on growing ingredients without the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GM), herbicides and synthetic fertilisers.
Is it just a buzzword?
In terms of what it actually means, it’s one of the least ‘buzzy’ of beauty buzz terms.
This is because unlike other buzz words organic beauty has some more hard and fast rules. These include no:
- animal testing
- genetically modified organisms
- controversial chemicals
- parabens and phthalates
- synthetic colours, dyes or fragrances
- nano particles
Although, saying all of this doesn’t mean that it is somehow better than other industry standards because it is still a fairly unregulated term.
However, it does mean that, as a consumer it is easier to hold a brand accountable if they do go against what the advertise as ‘organic beauty’.
The problem
As a biochemist I don’t always agree with clean, green, sustainable or organic beauty because I disagree with the premise that man made = toxic.
It’s counterintuitive to want to look after the planet but reject science that could help us cope with an ever-growing population.
For example, fertilisers help us grow more food and GMO’s help us to pack those foods with nutrients that could help impoverished countries feed their population.
However, I also believe that you have to let people make their own decisions.
That is why it’s so essential that these definitions are clear, so as a consumer you know what you’re looking for.
