The market for natural cosmetics is growing, as the data show: in 5 years there has been a 177% increase between bio-perfumeries, e-commerce of organic cosmetics and green cosmetics companies. But what does organic cosmetics consist of? What are the differences between the terms "natural", "organic", "eco-bio", "vegan", "cruelty free" and others? We explain it to you in this article.
Difference between natural and organic cosmetics
Natural cosmetics:
It is a cosmetics formulated with ingredients of natural origin, which can reach 98% (the remaining part is composed of chemical additives that make the product more pleasant, ie relating to texture, smoothness, fragrance and conservation).
Organic cosmetics:
Organic cosmetics are defined as those composed of ingredients from the plant world, such as minerals and plants, provided that the latter come from organic farming. They must be processed using "green chemistry" methods, that is, methods that allow the use of certain synthetic molecules, made in the laboratory, provided that they are sustainable and biodegradable.
Eco-bio products :
It means that in addition to being organic, they have a low environmental impact thanks to their packaging, processing system and biodegradable raw materials.
Organic product:
It is often mistaken for "organic product": the difference is that, in addition to vegetable and mineral ingredients, they contain ingredients of animal origin, such as milk, honey, beeswax, but always obtained with sustainable farming methods.
Vegan product :
Product that does not contain ingredients of animal origin, but only vegetables and minerals.
Cruelty-free product:
It is not tested on animals, both about the finished product and the ingredients. This is a valid prerogative for all cosmetics, even those that are not strictly natural or organic.
The "fundamentals" of green cosmetics
Sustainability is the keyword of organic cosmetics. The products must be obtained through processing methods that respect nature, they must have recycled and/or recyclable packaging and, in general, they must follow a low-pollutant production process. The green light is therefore given to processes of extraction of active ingredients that respect both the plant and the environment. Some examples? Liquefaction, fermentation and maceration: these are methods that extract the principle in the highest purity without damaging the environment.
As far as industrialization processes are concerned, organic cosmetics are often produced by short-chain companies. It means that they "pick up" natural ingredients from farmland not far from the factory. It is the concept of zero km that we talk about for food: now it is also valid for natural and organic cosmetics. That's why they often have relatively lower prices.
Recycled and recyclable packaging
Banned plastic or, if there is, often comes from recycled bottles. Yes to glass, aluminum and bamboo packaging. Also, naturally oriented cosmetics are offering refillable packaging to reduce waste. But this is an objective that is increasingly being pursued by all cosmetic companies.
Simplifying the beauty routine: solid and multitasking products
Being on the side of nature in cosmetics also means saving on the quantities of products used for hygiene and personal care. Liquid products, for example, give way to solid "blocks" (as is the case, for example, with solid shampoos) that on contact with water or body heat are transformed into nourishing butters, shampoos, perfumes and even toothpastes.
On the same wavelength are multit sking products that cleanse or moisturize face, body and hair. In short, the idea is to propose an essential beauty routine, also to have less impact on the environment.
How to understand that a product is green?
First of all, it is important to learn how to read the INCI (abbreviation that stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), that is the list of ingredients placed on the back of the package. A product is natural if many terms appear in the list in Latin, which usually correspond to the botanical name of a plant or in English referring to ingredients from the plant world.
No animal testing: what do you know?
Usually on the package is the symbol of the bunny with the words "cruelty-free", but although it is a fairly universal icon, it can not be said that it is mandatory. This means that cosmetics - which do not use animal tests - are not required by law to include this symbol.