How to recognize an organic cosmetic product?

There are 3 factors to consider to determine if you are dealing with a natural and organic cosmetic product:

• The composition of the product and the origin of the ingredients.
• The brands' labels and certifications.
• The environmental requirements of the brands

Many brands are not very transparent about these elements, so it is normal to be skeptical. It is even more understandable since these are also skincare products. 

Many cosmetic brands play with words and designations to try to make their products appear organic and natural. We often hear about this "greenwashing," which makes choosing a brand or product complicated.

In this article, you will discover how to distinguish the fake from the real and thus, know how to choose organic cosmetics suited to your needs.

The difference between an organic product and a natural product

There are very few differences between an organic product and a natural product. In fact, all organic products are natural products, but the reverse is not true.

The difference lies in the meaning of the terms "organic" and "natural." For example, most organic labels refer to organic farming. Products that are not cultivated are therefore, by definition, not organic. For example, water or minerals found in certain cosmetic formulas. 

Natural products are products composed of few so-called "petrochemical" ingredients and controversial substances such as alcohols and silicones, for example. 

By studying the Cosmébio charter, a reference in the organic and natural cosmetics sector, we learn more about the requirements that must be met when selecting ingredients. For example:

• Organic products must be composed of 95% plants from organic farming.
• Natural products, 95% ingredients of natural origin.

In fact, it is easier to obtain a natural cosmetics certification than an organic cosmetics certification, as the requirements are much higher.

The composition of the products

It is important to ask the right questions regarding organic and natural cosmetic products. 

The formula and composition of a product are the first of these. Indeed, no matter what the packaging or label says, it is by looking at the ingredients that you will know what to choose. 

Most of the time, organic cosmetics are chosen because their formulas are shorter than traditional cosmetic products. The shorter the formula, the easier it is to justify an organic and natural approach. This is quite logical since the fewer ingredients there are, the more likely it is that the requirements for the proportions of organic and natural products are met. 

The first thing to consider is therefore the length of the ingredient list of your cosmetic products.

Labels and certifications

This is undoubtedly the fastest way to know whether you can trust a product or not. Labels and certifications are created for two reasons. To allow brands to demonstrate a commitment to more responsible cosmetic production and to reassure consumers who are looking for a product that aligns with their values. 

There are many labels and certifications that demonstrate the benefits of a cosmetic product, including:

• Ecocert
• Cosmebio
• Cosmos Bio
• NaTrue
• Nature & Progress
• Slow Cosmetics

The work of these labels is to comply with a certain set of specifications, sometimes very strict. The goal is to control the quality of products upstream so that you do not have to do it once in your supermarket aisle. 

The environmental requirements of brands

An organic and natural approach demonstrates a deep respect for the environment.The brands that stand out the most in the field of natural cosmetics are those committed beyond simple product certification. 

Endro Cosmeticsis a brand that is committed at every level of the customer and user experience. The Breton cosmetics brand adheres to 3 unwavering pillars to ensure its consumers healthy, sustainable, and economical products:

• Production in Brittany: All Endro cosmetic products are designed, formulated, and produced in Brittany, in Lannion. To ensure the lowest possible carbon footprint for its activity. 
• The zero waste approachof Endro Cosmétiques has built the brand's reputation. Cosmetics and solid products to limit the use of plastic.Recycled packaging and short formulas to limit the impact of production on the environment. 
• The rejection of petrochemicals and controversial substances is at the heart of endro's conviction. No more endocrine disruptors, silicones, alcohols, and other ingredients we no longer want to see in our bathroom.