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.
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 deoderant 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 labeled 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.
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Silky Underwear
An innovative product by LUSH, made with cocoa butter, jasmine, and cornstarch. It is a perfect body powder for the hot summer months when moisturizer is too much. |
Burt's Bees Head To Toe Starter Kit
Experience a tidbit 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 in Lavender & Shea
Moisturizing for dry skin and great for warding of razor burn or infections from razor cuts. |
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Tom's of Maine Toothpaste
As far as toothpaste goes, this has rated high amongst users across the board. It does not contain flouride (considered toxic), which is part of its widespread appeal. |
Mama Cocos Hawaiian Lip Balm
Choose from Red Hibiscus Rouge, Lemon Aid, Coconut Cream, and Hawaiian Vanilla. Tasty flavors and moisturizing 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
External Links
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US Site
GB Site