As the green movement continues to impact the general population and consumers show increased interest in eco-friendly products, the demand for natural skin care is greater than ever.
The cosmetics market is now flooded with products claiming to be organic, all-natural or vegan. For shoppers new to this emerging retail segment, the options can be overwhelming.

While cosmetics and skin care products that boast organic, natural or vegan ingredients share some common characteristics there are distinct differences between brands.

Organic makeup is that which consists of at least 95% organic ingredients. These cosmetics use no petrochemicals, sulfates, hydrogenation or artificial preservatives, and all cleansing agents, pigments and moisturizers are made with materials that have been grown or produced using organic methods.

The easiest and most definitive way to determine a product’s organic content is to look for the USDA Certified Organic seal. Cosmetics and skin care that have been certified by the USDA undergo the same stringent inspections as organic foods. The seal ensures that products have been thoroughly analyzed for organic content and that manufacturers are required to comply with rigorous federal guidelines to maintain the recognition.

Natural cosmetics generally incorporate ingredients like plant-based dyes, essential oils, herbs and mineral powders. Many natural skin care and makeup lines use organic materials, but not always. Truly natural cosmetics use at least 95% biological ingredients and are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic preservatives and artificial chemicals that pose potential risks to the body.

There is currently no federal regulation of natural skin care or cosmetics, so some companies that label their products as all-natural may use many of the same petroleum-based mineral oils, binders and emulsifiers found in traditional cosmetics, along with natural botanicals and plant extracts.

Veganism is a lifestyle that has far-reaching implications in all aspects of daily living, including cosmetics and skin care products. Vegan cosmetics are all-natural and can be organic, but the main characteristic is a complete absence of animal ingredients in both the products themselves and at all points in the manufacturing process, and a commitment to cruelty-free materials that are never tested on animals.

Vegan Cosmetics is a non-profit organization that exclusively applies certification to vegan skin care products. Brands that carry the group’s Vegan Certification Trademark have been thoroughly evaluated by an independent laboratory and are guaranteed vegan, using no animal ingredients or animal testing.

There is much conflicting media coverage about the myths and facts surrounding the organic, natural and vegan cosmetics movement. Critics insist that these products are strictly a marketing ploy that preys on consumer’s increasingly prevalent fears about the negative effects of synthetic materials and chemicals on the body. Supporters claim that natural skin care and cosmetics improve the look and feel of the skin, and are more environmentally responsible than traditional skin care products.

The debate over natural skin care may continue for some time, but the fact is that there are several brands working hard to develop organic, vegan and all-natural cosmetics that are both eco-conscious and aesthetically beneficial.