Why I Prefer Organic Cosmetics, and What Is Really Important to Know Before Choosing a Skincare Product?

We devote quite a bit of thought to what we put into our bodies. We check food ingredients, try to avoid unnecessary substances, and look for ways to stay healthy over the years.

But what about what we apply to our skin every day?

Face cream, serum, body cream, cleansing products, and hair products. Some of them stay in contact with the skin for hours, and we use them again and again over the years.

That is one of the reasons I am so interested in the composition of skincare products and in the source of their raw materials.

What is organic cosmetics, actually?

Organic cosmetics are usually cosmetics that contain ingredients of organic agricultural origin, according to the standard or production method used.

But here it is important to know something we are not always told.

The word “organic” on a cosmetic product's packaging does not guarantee that all of its ingredients are organic, nor does it necessarily indicate that the whole product has been certified.

There is a difference between a product that contains an organic plant extract and a product that meets a recognized standard for organic cosmetics.

Therefore it is worth checking not only the headline on the packaging, but also the ingredient list and the relevant certifications.

So why choose organic cosmetics anyway?

One possible advantage is the use of plant raw materials produced according to organic farming methods.

For those who care about reducing the use of certain pesticides in the growing process and supporting farming methods with defined environmental limitations, this can be a meaningful choice.

In addition, certain standards for organic cosmetics limit the use of certain groups of ingredients and production processes.

But it is important to understand that these advantages depend on the standard and on the specific product.

Is a natural ingredient always better for the skin?

Not necessarily.

Plants also contain very active substances, and some of them can cause allergies and irritation.

Essential oils, for example, are of natural origin, but can trigger skin reactions in sensitive people.

In contrast, ingredients produced through synthetic processes can be safe, stable, and very effective.

Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide are examples of ingredients whose origin or method of production alone does not determine their quality.

What about preservatives?

One of the most important things in cosmetics is microbial safety.

A product that contains water may allow the development of bacteria and fungi if it does not have a suitable preservation system.

Therefore a product without preservatives is not necessarily a safer product.

In my view, the right choice is not to avoid every preservative wholesale, but to make sure the product contains a suitable preservation system, has been tested for stability and safety, and is manufactured under controlled conditions.

And what about use over many years?

We don't use a face cream just once.

Many of us use skincare products every day, for decades.

That is why it is important to me to know what I am applying to my skin, what the purpose of each ingredient is, whether it is suitable for prolonged use, and what is known about its safety.

The fact that a certain ingredient is synthetic does not mean it accumulates in the body or is harmful over time. Each substance must be examined separately — its concentration, the manner of exposure, and the existing research information.

My daily recommendation

I love the idea of a conscious choice of products based on quality raw materials, with thought for the skin and for the environment.

But I don't believe we should be afraid of every chemical name in the ingredient list.

Water is also a chemical substance, and a natural plant extract is also composed of chemical molecules.

What matters is understanding what each ingredient does, whether it is needed, and whether the whole formula suits our skin.

In my eyes, good cosmetics are not measured only by how natural they sound, but by the quality of the raw materials, the balance between them, safety, and the result over time.

Nurit Rozenblat

With love,
Nurit Rozenblat
OrOrgani

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