Natural ingredients, herbal scents, and eco-friendliness are perhaps the first things that come to mind when you hear the word "organic skincare". Once considered a niche trend amongst the eco-conscious, organic ingredients in skincare and facials have gained widespread popularity as they have been shown to have various benefits. Compared to the synthetic chemicals that were traditionally used in skincare, organic ingredients were said to be gentler and calmer. As such, many people assume that organic skincare is always better than other products.
Nevertheless, it is still important to properly understand what ‘organic’ means in the context of skincare, whether it is actually better for your skin, and how to ensure that the facial treatments and products you use are actually using organic ingredients.
What Does Organic Skincare Actually Mean?
When the word organic is used, it typically means that the method of production does not involve any synthetic chemicals i.e. pesticides and herbicides. As such, organic skincare means that it contains ingredients that are grown organically. In addition, many organic skincare products also limit using synthetic ingredients during formulation. Such products are said to be beneficial because synthetic chemicals can be harsh on our skin, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Many people also often confuse organic skincare with natural skincare. While the definitions overlap, there is a key distinction. For natural skincare products, they may contain ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or animal by-products (e.g. honey), but they may not have been grown organically.
Is Organic Skincare Really Better?
With every release of a new skincare product or skincare line, the selling point always seems to be its ‘organic ingredients.’ You may even see many celebrities and beauty magazines touting the benefits of investing in organic skincare. The constant marketing has, therefore, given the impression organic skincare will automatically be better for your skin. While it is a good thing that fewer synthetic chemicals are being used on our skin, that does not mean organic skincare will definitely work for you. Natural chemicals are just as likely to cause a reaction on your skin as will synthetic chemicals. Even if you have been to a skin specialist and they recommend an organic skincare product, you should still patch-test it to ensure that you do not react negatively to it.
Nevertheless, organic skincare teaches us to be more mindful of the ingredients that go into the products and make sure that they are helpful to our skin needs. As such, if you are wondering how you can choose the right organic skincare products, the next section will show you how.
How To Buy The Right Organic Skincare For You
An important thing to remember about organic skincare is that it is not possible for products to be completely organic. A few synthetic chemicals will need to be used so that the formulation can remain stable, prevent bacterial growth, and ensure long shelf life. However, the synthetic ingredients are usually kept to a minimum. Subsequently, the first thing you should always do is to read the ingredient labels carefully.
While everyone’s skin reacts differently, there are a few chemicals that are worth avoiding. These include sodium laureth sulphates, mineral oils, preservatives, dyes, and artificial fragrances, and petroleum-derived ingredients. If a skincare product claims to be organic, then its ingredient list should contain little of the above chemicals.
There are three other things you can do as well. They are:
- Look for the ‘certified organic’ label Organic skincare products do have some form of regulation that they need to adhere to. The most common is usually by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in which skincare products will be given a ‘USDA Organic’ seal if they meet the requirements. Japan, and certain European countries also have similar organisations. You can opt to research for the certifications awarded by these organisations and look out for them when you buy organic skincare products.
- Learn more about the skincare companyThe main aspect of organic skincare is about being transparent about the ingredients - their usage and also where they come from. Skincare companies that are committed to providing organic products will usually include where they get their ingredients from. In addition, reading reviews of their products is also helpful in ensuring that the company actually delivers on its promise of using organic ingredients.
- Opt for organic facial treatmentsMany facial spas in Singapore are also beginning to incorporate organic ingredients into their facial treatments. With the help of a trained professional, they can identify your skin needs, select suitable treatments, and ensure that your skin reaps the full benefits of organic skincare.
In essence, it is good to do adequate research before investing in organic products. Thankfully, skincare science is an ever-expanding field and organic ingredients are always being tested on their efficacy. As such, there are plenty of good skincare products on the market and you can easily choose one without worrying too much about its effectiveness. Alternatively, you can always approach a skin specialist who is knowledgeable in this area and will advise you accordingly.
With the help of our trained aestheticians and a wide range of facial treatments, we can help you achieve a natural glow! Contact us today to find out more.
