The ultimate guide to the difference between
natural, organic, vegan, clean and fair trade beauty
How do you really know whether or not your skincare product is organic? Is your cleanser cruelty-free? And is your lipstick actually vegan?
But first things first – there is no legal definition or requirement to label a product as natural, organic or vegan. The only legal requirement is to list the ingredients according to the global standard of INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). Ingredients are listed from the highest percentage to the lowest, while ingredients under 1% can be listed in any order. However, names aren’t necessarily listed in their most common form – for example, water is listed as aqua, which is its scientific name.
Natural Products
Often the most overused description in beauty, a product can be described as natural even if it is just 1% naturally-sourced, plant-based or mineral ingredients. The best way to know exactly what is in the formula is to check the ingredients list. In a natural product, you’d expect the botanicals up top and any synthetic ingredients nearer the bottom. Natural extracts will be named according to their scientific or Latin name so check a cosmetic dictionary if you’re not sure.
Most products require some level of preservatives that are often synthetic; therefore, 100% natural products will have a significantly shorter shelf life and require cold storage at a constant temperature.
In the UK, the Soil Association’s Cosmos Natural logo guarantees the products do not contain GM ingredients, controversial chemicals, parabens, phthalates, synthetic colours, dyes or fragrances. It is a significant reference concerning natural products.
Organic
Products only need to contain a minuscule percentage of organic ingredient to label themselves as organic. Yes, really!
So how to tell whether a product is truly organic? We have provided much organic knowledge in previous issues. Again, the clearest way of understanding the organic credentials of a product is to always check the label and look out for certifications such as ECOCERT. This certifies that the products are sourced and manufactured using sustainable, organically-farmed ingredients and are not tested on animals, free from harsh chemicals, nano particles, parabens, synthetic dyes and artificial fragrances. Find certified brands of hair, makeup and skincare on the ECOCERT official website.
Vegan
Again, there is no legal regulation on a product labelled as vegan so check the brand’s credentials to assess their values. The quickest way to ensure that products are vegan is to look for the Vegan Society Logo. It certifies that products do not contain any animal extracts or animal by-products in the ingredients or the manufacturing process. Also, that the products and ingredients have never been tested on animals.
Another logo to look out for to make sure your products are cruelty-free is the Leaping Bunny logo; it’s the only internationally recognised symbol guaranteeing no animal testing was carried out in developing the product. Vegan supporters heavily focus on animal protection. Meanwhile, this also shows people’s increasing awareness and consideration to the future of humankind and the planet. Environment protection and sustainability have become heated topics today.
China law has strict regulations around animal testing, so any products sold in China will automatically have been tested on animals. It might be change soon as some news was told in the industry about the animal test will be replaced by other tests which is more friendly to Vegan and organic product. Looking forward.
It’s worth noting that a product labelled ‘vegan’ doesn’t necessarily mean that botanical replacements are used in place of animal-derived ingredients; they can include synthesized ingredients made in a laboratory.
Some common cosmetic ingredients derived from animals sources include glycerin, collagen, gelatine, retinol. The Vegan Society also recommends avoiding ingredients – pearl, silk, snail gel, milk protein, cochineal (E120), tallow, lanolin, unless specified as made from synthetic origin.
Clean
Generally, ‘clean’ products will be free from sulphates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, pesticides, petroleum derivatives, artificial colouring and synthetic fragrances. Within the EU, a label must list any potential allergens that may cause sensitivity (in concentrations over 0.01%). These ingredients are often included in italics at the end of the ingredients.
Fair trade
This ensures ingredients – usually the key botanical extract such as coconut, argan, apricot and brazil nut oils as well as shea butter – are bought at a fair price. This ensures sustainable wages for the local, small scale farmers who grow the crops. These products also provide support for community projects from clean drinking water to improving local healthcare. Look for the Fair trade mark to indicate if ingredients are sourced fairly. Two of our favourite destinations for Fair trade products are Odylique and Fair Squared.
I am sure you are already a pro in skincare products now!
