Buying an organic beauty product isn’t as simple as taking it off the shelf and dropping it in your shopping basket. You need to be aware of harmful ingredients and certification logos before you make your way to the till.
CERTIFIED DOUBTS
It seems everything is ‘certified organic’ these days, but Caro Copeland, CEO of Tocara Skin and Body Science and an international trainer for Dr. Hauschka warns you to be wary of this guarantee. A product can only be considered the real deal if the whole product including all of its ingredients has been certified by a legal body, says Robyn Astl, founder and co-owner of Faithful To Nature.
‘There seem to be different requirements from different boards on the percentage of organic matter required in order to be certified organic,’ says Copeland. Make sure there is a reputable certification board’s logo on the box of a product stating whether it’s certified natural or organic before you buy it.
DODGY SYNTHETICS
Melissa Whittle from Clarins believes the most important aspect to consider when buying an organic beauty product is to check what percentage is actually organic. ‘Most products only need a small percentage of organic ingredients to be labelled organic or natural.’
‘Organic claims don’t need to be verified, so be vigilant of conventional products trying to pass as organic,’ agrees Esse Organic Skincare representative, Dee Steyn. ‘Some include the smallest percentage of an organic ingredient and trump the claim.’ She suggests educating yourself on ingredient listings so you can understand product’s labels. ‘Get in touch with companies and ask questions: honest, sincere suppliers should have no trouble giving you the low down.’
Some product ranges claim to have ‘organic active ingredients’, adds Copeland, but what they add to these active ingredients to keep them preserved is a little perturbing. This marketing strategy is misguiding, she says, as you will see ‘organic active ingredients’ typed in bold, but underneath it you’ll find all sorts of synthetic chemical preservatives, fragrances and colourants.
Astl agrees. ‘Synthetic skincare products do not have any therapeutic value and come hand in hand with many undesirable effects.’
OH-SO-ORGANIC
We’ve found a few organic products which are safe to invest in.
Clarins Gentle Soap (R225)
‘This is our first organic product,’ says Whittle. Certified natural and organic, this soap contains 99% natural ingredients, including organic shea butter and hazelnut oil.
Available at: Visit
Clarins to find your nearest stockist.
Trevarno Nail Conditioner (R115 per 15ml)
‘Trevarno’s certified products are at least 95% organic for their creams, with the other 5% comprising of the purest natural ingredients,’ says Astl. ‘Oil products in the range are 100% organic.’
Available at:
Faithful To Nature
Esse Rich Moisturiser (R285.50 per 50ml)
Contains anti-oxidant and omega-6 enriched marula oil, as well as olive leaf extract, which improves the skin’s elasticity. It is 100% natural and 77% organic.
Available at: Visit
Esse Organic Skincare for your nearest stockist.
Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream (R370 per 30ml)
Natural rose wax and rose hips can repair, soften and nurture your skin.
Available at:
Dr Hauschka