Why use organic beauty and skincare products?

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, which is why treating it with care is essential to ensure it’s kept in the healthiest state possible. Switching your beauty and skincare products to organic alternatives can help to protect and nourish the skin whilst also protecting the shared earth that we live in. Absorbing up to 60% of what you apply to it, your skin deserves to be treated with products that are free from harmful ingredients to prevent any unwanted toxins from circulating in your body.

Here at Planet Organic, we understand the importance of using natural ingredients, which is why our collections of skincare and beauty products feature brands that use organically sourced, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin and better for the planet. Keep reading to find out more information on what organic beauty products are and the benefits of switching to an organic skincare routine.

What are organic beauty products?

The term ‘organic’ refers to a system of farming that works with nature, instead of against it, by prohibiting the use of artificial pesticides and fertilisers. Products labelled as organic within the food industry are legally regulated, however, no legislation currently exists for organic products in the beauty industry, meaning that some beauty products labelled as organic may contain as little as 1% organic ingredients. 

To combat this, the Soil Association has developed the internationally recognised COSMOS standard for organic cosmetics so that consumers now have guidelines they can trust. Any COSMOS-certified product will contain 95% organically grown ingredients that have been physically processed and passed thorough checks, from the farm to the finished product, to ensure they meet all organic requirements. 

The Soil Association defines organic beauty products as products that contain natural ingredients that have been grown on organic farms. Any beauty or skincare product that is certified organic will include:

• No GM (genetically modified) ingredients  

• No parabens, synthetic colours, dyes or fragrances 

• No nanoparticles 

• Recycled and recyclable packaging

• No animal testing.

Is organic skincare better?

In simple terms, yes organic skincare is generally better for your skin and overall health. However, due to the lack of regulation around the label of ‘organic’ within the beauty and skincare industry, it’s important to read the labels of products carefully to make sure that what you’re using is 100% organic. For skincare that is certified organic, there are endless benefits to the positive effects it can have on your skin including:

Help to support and strengthen your skin barrier

Organic skincare contains only naturally occurring ingredients that are free from harmful toxins and contain beneficial, plant-derived antioxidants and minerals that help to brighten, rejuvenate and hydrate your skin. Some of the most commonly used ingredients in organic skincare that are beneficial to the health of your skin include; honey, aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter.

Naturally hypoallergenic

Without the presence of harmful ingredients such as chemicals and synthetic fragrances, organic skincare is less likely to cause an allergic reaction or inflammation to your skin.

Better for the environment 

Because the ingredients in organic skincare are naturally grown and free from pesticides, they do not leave a negative impact on the environment. Organic farming is better for wildlife, produces less carbon dioxide, prevents toxic waste and causes a lower amount of pollution in the soil, water and air.

What are the best organic skincare products?

The best organic skincare products are those that contain 100% natural, sustainable ingredients derived from the land or the sea and processed in an environmentally friendly way. This includes  plant-derived, nourishing ingredients such as;

• Aloe vera - one of the most widely used skincare ingredients, especially for those with sensitive skin as it has antibacterial and regenerative properties that can help to heal the skin barrier 

• Shea butter - used to relieve skin irritation such as eczema, rashes and burns as it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that help to soothe and hydrate

• Jojoba oil - the chemical structure of this oil is similar to the natural sebum our skin produces, meaning that it will absorb into our skin quickly and balance our natural oils without clogging pores

• Coconut oil - has natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and can increase your skin’s barrier function and retain moisture due to its high lipid content

• Seed oils - offer skin barrier-enhancing properties that help to retain moisture and protect your skin's outer layer

• Tea tree oil - a natural oil that has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Below are some of our favourite organic skincare and beauty products at Planet Organic

Dr. Hauschka Apricot Day Cream £30 and Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream £14.95

Our skin is very delicate and needs a good-quality moisturiser throughout the day to act as a barrier against any harmful pollution and toxins it may be exposed to. This 100% organic Dr. Hauschka Apricot Day Cream helps to hydrate and refresh your skin, giving you a radiant complexion whilst the vitamin-rich formula and organic ingredients help to protect your skin’s natural barrier function throughout the day. 

As we know, during sleep our bodies launch into repair mode, therefore investing in a good quality, organic night time moisturiser is essential to ensure your skin absorbs all the nutrients it needs to heal any damage it has been subjected to throughout the day. This Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream is one of the best organic moisturisers that contains natural, healing ingredients such as calendula, shea butter and cold-pressed seed oils that help to promote cell-regeneration, strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, reduce moisture loss and maintain elasticity.

Lucy Bee Organic Reviving Cleansing Cream £22.50 and Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum £26.25 

Facial cleansers are one of the most important parts of any daily skincare routine, as they help to remove any dirt, oil and unwanted debris that may have accumulated throughout the day. This Lucy Bee Organic Reviving Cleansing Cream is a 100% certified COSMOS organic cleanser that contains natural, cruelty-free ingredients that help to effectively remove makeup and dirt. Containing hyaluronic acid for anti-ageing, turmeric to reduce inflammation and redness, and passion flower oil to protect against environmental stresses, this cleanser is the perfect organic addition to your daily skincare regime. Designed to help hydrate and nourish even skin tone and improve texture, this cleanser is not only beneficial for your skin but is also kinder to the environment as it is 100% palm oil free and comes in recycled packaging.

In the same way our bodies need essential vitamins every day, so too does our skin, which is why adding organic facial serums into your routine can help improve skin health. As our bodies age, our skin slows down the production of collagen which is responsible for providing strength to your skin’s barrier and maintaining elasticity, this is where a serum such as the organic Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum can help. Vitamin C serums help to boost collagen production whilst providing an all-day glow and enhanced skin protection. Containing Kakadu plum which has up to 100 times the amount of vitamin C that is found in oranges, the antioxidant-rich Vinaza grape and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this serum uses these natural, organically grown ingredients to help create a supple, glowing complexion. 

Browse through the full collection of organic skincare to find the right products to suit your skin type and desired results.

Is organic makeup better for your skin?

Yes, organic makeup is often much better for your skin and wellbeing than non-organic beauty products. Organic makeup is made using natural ingredients that are free from toxins, use quality ingredients that nourish your skin and are not tested on animals. The natural ingredients used in organic makeup can prevent skin irritation and inflammation and also help to prevent clogged pores as the ingredients are often non-comedogenic, natural and gentle on your skin.

Dr Bronner's Naked Lip Balm £4.40 and Dr.Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint £21.00 

A beauty essential that every person needs is a lip balm and this organic Dr Bronner's Naked Lip Balm is the perfect all-natural solution. Made from organic avocado oil, beeswax, hemp oil and more natural ingredients, this all-purpose balm is designed to nourish and hydrate and can be used not only on your lips but also any dry patches on your hands, feet, face and body.

Makeup is a great way to help conceal any imperfections and even out skin tone without exposing your skin to harmful chemicals or harsh sun rays. This Dr.Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint offers the perfect blend of skincare and beauty, offering a natural way to intensify your skin tone organically. This bronzing tint can be used alone, under foundation or in combination with moisturiser to not only even skin tone but soften the appearance of any blemishes.

Browse through our full collection of natural beauty products to find more organic makeup to add to your collection.

Why is organic so important for beauty as well as food?

The same arguments in favour of organic food also apply to organic beauty and skincare. The use of organic farming for both food and beauty is better for the planet as a whole. Beauty products are a luxury and should be created in a thoughtful way that does not destroy nature and instead ensures that ingredients are farmed using certified organic methods.

The use of organic farming within the beauty and skincare industry can provide many solutions to the current ecological issues we face. The soil used on organic farms stores twice as much carbon than non-organic farms, meaning that this excessive amount of carbon is being kept out of the atmosphere. The prohibited use of nitrogen fertilisers on organic farms also means that they are using less energy and offering protection to biodiversity. 

On average, organic farms are home to 50% more plants, insects, and birds than non-organic farms and we rely on these creatures to pollinate our crops. Therefore, organic beauty products not only benefit us but their ethical production can have a positive impact on biodiversity.

Make the switch to organic beauty and skincare

If you’re looking to make the change to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly skincare and beauty regime, Planet Organic is the perfect choice to find everything you need to get started. Browse through our full collection of organic skincare and beauty and choose from a wide range of natural products to find the right ones suited to you.