The Organic Skin care industry seems to take more “bashings” on what is truly natural and organic.
A typical Dictionary definition of the term “Natural” is… “….existing in, or caused by nature; not artificial; uncultivated; wild existing in natural state; not disguised or altered…” Which basically means originating from nature without being altered in any way. Unfortunately Marketing by the business community has put a new meaning (or meanings) on to what is truly Organic.
Look up the word “organic” in any typical dictionary and you are likely to see a definition something like "…produced and involving production without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers or synthetic chemicals…". One would think that if you call a product Organic, then that is exactly what you are getting.
Here is an example:
To produce Cocamide DEA, the agent in bubble baths & shampoos that makes it “foamy”, requires the addition of a synthetic chemical (and known carcinogen), Diethanolamine – DEA, to the coconut oil. It is therefore no longer natural, or for that matter… safe. If we look at the term “organic” on a label, we usually think it means “grown and cultivated without the use of chemicals” as stated above. And that is probably the conclusion most skin care & cosmetic companies would like us to come to when they use the rather soft term of “organic”.
Marketing companies use terms to confuse customers into believing a product is organic.
Another definition for Organic is “… of or containing carbon…” Carbon is found in everything that has ever lived. These companies are basically saying that a toxic petrochemical preservative called Methyl Paraben is “organic” because it was formed from leaves and organic matter that rotted over thousands of years to become oil, which was then used to make this preservative. This is ridiculous when consumers are looking for safer non-toxic products.
Also a large number of companies are claiming to use organic herbs in their products. But, unfortunately many of the other ingredients are not organic or safe.
If it says it on the label it must be true? The simple answer is NO.
Luckily, the term “certified organic” is governed by a number of internationally recognised bodies. This can then truly be called a natural product. Without the "Certified Organic" label, the organic claim basically has no substance.
To ensure you are buying a truly Certified Organic product, look for labels from Certification bodies. These products have been through stringent tests to receive their Organic Certification. Certification bodies exist in Australia, Japan & The USA as well as in other countries. More importantly, International Certification is your seal of International approval.

About the Author: Eric J. Smith is an Organic Gardener and passionate Environmentalist. He is dedicated to promoting the need for an Organic, Natural World. Find out more on Internationally Certified Organic Personal Care & Skin Products here.
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