Natural and organic: despite the trend in cosmetics favouring these two, what really is the difference?

Walking through the cosmetics section of any department store or pharmacy these days, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by products which are boasting points of differences as being ‘natural’ or ‘organic’.

The packaging is always pretty; there are references to beautiful flowers, exotic fruits or earthy elements such as mud and minerals. Yet how are these claims of ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ ingredients verified and defined?

The truth is that the beauty industry itself doesn’t yet have the answers and there is no uniformed consensus as to the terms of conditions necessary to claim something as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ unlike the food and agriculture industries for instance.

In chemistry, any carbon-based compound is termed ‘organic,’ which, strictly speaking can include petroleum!

And in terms of the word ‘natural,’ well, it has been argued, that everything and anything is ‘natural’ because it was originally sourced from something in nature to then be converted into something else.

Natural and Organic - What's the Difference?

So, when we as consumers are drawn to the terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic,’ what is it that we are actually hoping or expecting?

In a recent survey it was found that 74% of consumers did not know the difference between ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ products, and in another survey it was found that 70 to 76% of consumers believed natural products would: improve their health, have less side effects, and are safer to use in the long term. Natural solutions are perceived to be the better option.

It would appear that the general trend of directing our attention towards a ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ alternative to skincare has resulted from media exposés of sensitisation from synthetic preservatives and synthetic-based ‘naturally derived’ ingredients.

Yet without uniformed definitions or even strict regulations by industry or government, it is up to the consumer to do their own research and understand just what each brand is trying to sell them with the products being labelled as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’.

How "Certified Organic" works

To start the process of some semblance of definition, Organic Monitor, a specialist research company, has come up with its own definition for natural and organic beauty products: “Organic products don't always have to be certified organic but they must contain certified organic ingredients. While, natural products must be made from plant extracts and natural ingredients and must contain low or minimal amounts of synthetic chemicals eg parabens, petrochemicals, and phthalates.”

In general the term ‘natural’ is still undefined, yet ‘organic’ is a term used to describe how the ingredient has been grown and processed; without harmful pesticides, herbicides or insecticides.

Certain organisations have been formed in order to ensure strict regulations, such as Australian Certified Organic. Companies whose ingredients make claims to being ‘certified organic’ must be able to prove the certification if anyone was interested to investigate. The good news for consumers is, as a rule, Australian natural cosmetic companies are ethical and go out of their way to produce natural cosmetics with nothing but the most pure and natural ingredients found in plants.