Organic Health and Beauty Products Buying Guide

Organic,  green, all natural...these are just a few of the countless terms that describe what has become a movement among developed countries. The trend toward healthier, simpler, and less damaging products has brought us hybrid cars,  energy efficient appliances,  solar panels,  wind power,  and countless other environmentally-friendly things. Organics have become increasingly popular over the last few years, thanks in large part to consumer concern for the environment, health and safety.

Contents[Hide]

If you are just catching on to the organic trend, then there are a few things that you might want to know before delving into this mysterious world -- especially when it comes to organic health and beauty products.  The term "organic" has different meanings in different countries. Most countries have developed (or are currently developing) standards for organic certifications. Here in the UK, a team of organizations (including the Soil Association and the Organic Farmers and Growers) have the power to certify a food  product as organic. Products that are not food, however, are yet to face a strict set of regulations. Thus, organic shampoo  or deodorant  may not be as earth-friendly as you thought. You may see an organic certification stamp on everything from soy milk  to quinoa,  but you probably won't see it on any makeup  or face wash.  Unfortunately, even when you do, there is no guarantee that these so-called organics are entirely as safe as they sound. If you're really intent on buying the most natural product out there, you may benefit from reading material from the Organic Consumers Association.

Now that organic  consumerism has become a larger slice of the profit pie, it should come as no shock that many mainstream brands and manufacturers have joined the trend, not only claiming to be eco-friendly, but also creating their own lines of "organics." However, it is important to remember that it is the ingredients that count, not advertising gimmicks. Misleading claims on many health and beauty products  include the term "natural" or "organic" when in fact there is nothing organic about them at all.

Organic Ingredients

As with all health  and beauty products,  the most important thing to look at are the ingredients. If you're buying organic, these labels are even more important, since you have to decipher and determine the legitimacy of the claim. That means becoming accustomed to reading labels and looking for the good and bad. No marketing scheme, falsely labelled or otherwise misleading claims can tear you away from the truth once you know how to decode the language of the label. Before you buy is a website that discusses the difference between "natural" and certified-organic products. Cosmetic's Cop offers a glossary of ingredients that beauty products may contain. Natural Health Magazine explains natural herbal ingredients and what they do to help your skin, plus gives several product recommendations.

Quick Picks

Here are some popular organic beauty products around as per recommendations and reviews from users on the Web. In general, you can expect each of the brands mentioned below to offer a wide variety of quality skin and body care products or cosmetics that will treat your body the way nature intended.

Face

Jason Red Elements 

Jason products are well-known in the organic sector. Their new line, "Red Elements," is infused with not green, but red tea. Both the cleanser and toner have shown promise.

Earthbound Organics Avocado Night Cream 

Macadamia and carrot oils give rejuvenating properties to rich cream.  Fights against wrinkles and soothes dry skin as you sleep.

Organic Apoteke Detox Face Mask 

Contains Dead Sea mud and pineapple extract, so this mask will extract impurities, exfoliate, and improve the general tone of your skin.

Avalon Organics Renewal & Vitality Facial Cleansing Gel 

Fine for normal to dry skin, but it also helps soothe sensitive skin too. The mild formula is fine for daily use.

Body

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder 

Powdered herbs, flowers, and natural clay help absorb dampness during those hot summer months.  This product is talc-free.

Burt's Bees Head To Toe Starter Kit 

Experience a titbit of everything Burt's Bees has to offer with this kit full of sampler size products. It works well as a gift or as a travel kit for yourself.

L'Occitane Shea Butter 

This is one of the most famous products by L'Occitane. Nonetheless, they offer a wide range of quality products for your skin, including a new Grape Body Care line.

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave 

Moisturising for dry skin and great for warding of razor burn or infections from razor cuts.

Other

Tom's of Maine Toothpaste 

As far as toothpaste goes, this has rated high amongst users across the board. It does not contain fluoride (considered toxic), which is part of its widespread appeal.

Mama Coco's Hawaiian Lip Balm 

Choose from Red Hibiscus Rouge, Lemon Aid, Coconut Cream, and Hawaiian Vanilla. Tasty flavours and moisturising cocoa butter make these great lip balms.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm 

Perhaps one of the best lip balms around. Simply ask any beauty addict and most likely she'll have tried it and loved it!

Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Rose Hip Seed Oil 

This oil is a concentrated blemish fighter that helps soothe the skin while keeping it clear and fresh.

Related Guides

Bath and Body

Cosmetics and Beauty Tools

Vegetarian and Vegan Guide

Green Guide

Eco-Fashion

External Links

  • OrganicConsumer.org: Find an organic store or product in your area with this handy search.
  • EWG.ORG: The Skin Deep Report--see this list of "high concern" brands and more.
  • GreenChoices.org: A listing of eco-friendly products and some vegetarian options.
  • HSUS.org : An article related to the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals.
  • CPSC.gov: Consumer Product Safety Commission--always a good resource. 

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Biologische Gezondheids- en Verzorgingsproducten Shopgids
FR: Cosmétiques Bio