Cosmetics vs. Organic: Two (Almost) Opposite Worlds
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1. Definition and regulation
- <<classic>> cosmetics : mixture of natural and synthetic ingredients (mineral salts, artificial perfumes, etc.), authorized by European or American regulations .
- Organic : ingredients from organic farming , grown without pesticides, GMOs or chemical fertilizers . It is also a label , often COSMOS Organic, which guarantees a minimum of 95% natural materials (including a minimum of 20% organic).
2. Ingredients: quantity and origin
- Natural : minimum 95% ingredients of natural origin, but these ingredients are not necessarily organic .
- Organic : everything that is natural + from organic farming according to strict standards (verified laboratories) .
3. Certifications and labels
- Classic cosmetics : only follows safety standards (EU Cosmetics Reg., FDA, etc.), without organic or natural labels.
- Certified organic/natural : labels such as COSMOS , Ecocert , Natrue , Soil Association , Demeter . They guarantee traceability, respectful processes, absence of unsustainable oil/palm, etc.
4. Performance & Price
- Classic : often more efficient thanks to synthetic assets; more accessible in terms of price .
- Organic : sometimes less “flashy” but valued for its ethical, health and environmental aspects. Higher price, reduced impact, global approach .
5. Advantages & Disadvantages
| Criteria | Classic cosmetics | Certified organic cosmetics |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Natural + synthetic blend | 95% natural, 20% organic minimum, organic crops |
| Labels | EU/FDA standards, no environmental labels | Certified labels (COSMOS, Ecocert, etc.) |
| Transparency | Non-organic ingredients sometimes not displayed | Guaranteed traceability, strict analysis |
| Impact | Standard environmental impact | Pesticide reduction, ethical, sustainable |
| Price | Affordable | Rather high, investment conscience |
6. Beware of greenwashing
The terms “natural” or “organic” are not protected: without a label, brands can abuse them .
Always check certifications .
In summary
- A conventional cosmetic product is a safe and often effective formula, but may contain synthetic or petrochemical ingredients responsible for various side effects.
- A certified organic product meets health, ethical and environmental standards, with a more global commitment... but a higher price and sometimes less immediate performance.
Consumer advice
- Read labels and ingredients
- Favor recognized labels (COSMOS Organic, Ecocert, Demeter, etc.)
- Do not forget the global impact (packaging, culture, treatments)
Choose according to your priorities : performance, budget, health, planet
To conclude
The big difference is the degree of commitment :
Conventional = validated efficacy/safety
Organic = efficiency + respect for people and the planet