RIE'S SUSTAINABLE DAILY - VOL. 14

[Understand the criteria of organic cosmetics!]

Photo by Angélica Echeverry on Unsplash

Hello I’m Rie, Borderless Creations Ambassador!

Have you ever wondered about the difference between natural & organic cosmetics and petroleum derived cosmetics?

Recently, the number of items that are described as additive-free, natural, organic, etc. is increasing, but many people may not know which item to actually choose. 

In order to solve such a problem, this time we will introduce a comparison of the differences between the standards of organic cosmetics and petroleum derived cosmetics by different categories!

Firstly, when you hear the term "organic cosmetics", you may think that they are gentle on the skin and have good ingredients, but unlike foods, organic cosmetics do not have a unified definition or labeling restrictions. Therefore, depending on the product, products containing only 1% organic ingredients can also be called organic cosmetics. In other words, it is important to have your own standards when choosing organic cosmetics!

[Standard]

• Organic cosmetics = certified cosmetics.
• Petroleum derivedcosmetics = general cosmetics, natural cosmetics, additive-free, cosmeceuticals, etc.

※ Additive-free and natural cosmetics are the manufacturer's standards.

[Purpose]

• Organic cosmetics = To keep your skin healthy. (Promotes the skin's natural barrier function and self-healing ability.)
• Petroleum derived cosmetics = To improve the appearance and usability of the skin. (The original protective function of the skin is reduced.)

[Manufacturing method]

• Organic cosmetics = 70% or more of organic ingredients derived from plants are used. Petroleum derived components and animal experiments are not possible.
• Petroleum derived cosmetics = using mineral oil and synthetic ingredients, with animal experiments

※ In Europe, animal experiments are prohibited for both organic cosmetics and petroleum-based cosmetics.

[Ingredients]

• Organic cosmetics = healing effect, use of effective plants. (Bolysine oil, etc.)
• Petroleum derived cosmetics = Stable and easy-to-use materials such as synthetic surfactants, synthetic polymers, and synthetic fragrances are used. (Uses sodium lauryl sulfate to cause artificial irritation to the skin.)

※ Synthetic surfactants are the same material as plastics, and synthetic fragrances may be carcinogenic. These petroleum derived ingredients are also used in detergents, emulsifiers and moisturizers.

[Cost]

• Organic cosmetics = materials, labor costs, equipment costs are expensive (cultivation, extraction, storage, etc.). Advertising costs are low.
• Petroleum derived cosmetics = cheap materials, stable ingredients, cost of several tens of yen, and high advertising costs.

It has been researched that organic cosmetics and petroleum derived cosmetics have the above differences! By making such a comparison, I think it will be easier to understand the criteria for choosing organic cosmetics.  Next time you look for cosmetics, take these differences in mind!