-Guest Post by Amber Evans, Charleston Naturally
We often get asked what the difference is between organic and natural skin care products. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different. Brands are regulated on which label they can use according to their ingredients, processes and even packaging. The FDA regulates this because it’s important to inform consumers about which products they choose; essentially, your health and the world’s future can be in your hands.
Natural products just mean that their ingredients use products that are found in nature. This does not account for the way these companies process their ingredients. Your general rule of thumb can be to look at the ingredient list; if there are long words that you can’t pronounce, don’t buy it.
Organic skin care products are regulated by three tiers. There is 100% organic, which means everything from the plant to the extraction to the process is chemical-free. There is “organic,” which means that up to 95% of the product is organic. The last is “made with organic ingredients,” which means that about 70% of the product is organic. This will help you better navigate the tricky beauty labels trying to catch your attention.
Many beauty companies use harsh dyes and chemicals with dioxins and parabens to achieve what they perceive the consumer wants. However, Charleston Naturally knows that the consumer really wants clear, youthful skin without killing all of the earth’s natural resources. That’s why they carry lines like Pevonia, ilike, Dr. Hauschka and Suki. These brands are all environmentally conscious and have the consumer’s health at heart, so they utilize botanical extracts to cleanse and moisturize. They are gentler on your skin, but just as effective for clearing blemishes or diminishing the look of fine lines.
