Natural Health and Beauty Products
Organics have become increasingly popular over the last few years, thanks in large part to consumer concern for the environment, health and safety. In fact, organic products have had such an overwhelmingly positive response that unlike the general toiletries and cosmetics industry, the organic sector alone is expected to grow at a yearly rate of 9% during the next few years (compared to a 1% increase within the non-organic sector).
It's not surprising that many mainstream brands and manufacturers have joined the trend, not only claiming to be eco-friendly, but also creating their own lines of "organics." However, it is important to remember that it is the ingredients that count, not advertising gimmicks. Misleading claims on many health and beauty products include the term "natural" or "organic" when in fact there is nothing organic about them at all.
This guide is offered as a way to enhance your knowledge and awareness of the organic world of health and beauty products by giving you information about some of the best brands and products.
New to Organics?
If you are just catching on to the organic trend, then there are a few things that you might want to know before delving into this mysterious world -- especially when it comes to organic health and beauty products. Here in the United States, no standards have been passed for non-food products as far as organics go. Sure you will see the "USDA Organic" stamp on everything from soy milk to quinoa, but you probably won't see it on any makeup or face wash. Unfortunately, even when you do, there is no guarantee that these so-called organics are entirely as safe as they sound. The explanation of which labels mean what is just the basics. For more information regarding product labels, see the official sites: National Organic Program (NOP) and Eco Cert. You may also benefit from reading about this subject in detail at Organic Consumers Association.
- 100% Organic: This means your products are made entirely of organic products. Such products may bear the USDA organic seal of approval.
- Organic: Close to perfection, but not quite. These products have around 95% organic material in them.
- Made with Organic Ingredients: This means very little. It could have 2% or as much as 75% organics of the end product -- such products most certainly will not bear the USDA Organic stamp.
About Organic Ingredients
With all organic products, the most important thing to look at are the ingredients. That means becoming accustomed to reading labels and looking for the good and bad. No marketing scheme, falsely labeled or otherwise misleading claims can tear you away from the truth once you know how to decipher the language of the label. Learn more about ingredients here:
Introduction to Organic Companies
Choosing from the countless number of brands can be difficult, especially if you are new to organics, but there are a few that stand out for their innovative products. - Dr. Hauschka
 is a German holistic company that focuses primarily on skin care (but also cosmetics and hair care). This cruelty-free brand offers quality organic products, but at a relatively high price. Most of the products cost about the same as any designer cosmetic, such as Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent. Their daily skin care kits, which are great for vacations or weekending, make excellent gifts and can be used as an introduction to their various skin care lines. Some favorites from Dr. Hauscka's makeup line include the lipsticks and the mascara. See the FAQ for more information about the product line and their philosophy.
- Burt's Bees is similar to Dr. Hauschka as far as ingredients go, but the prices are nearly half. They are most prized for their skin and lip care products, but Burt's Bees cosmetics are also available. One thing to note about this company, despite its large following, is that their products sometimes use ingredients that can be irritating to sensitive skin.
- Ecco Bella and Aveda both have quality brand eye makeup with a wide fan base. Aveda is also prized for the Moisture Plus Tint SPF 15 and the Night Nutrients moisturizers.
Product Spotlight
Here are some popular organic beauty products around as per recommendations and reviews from users on the Web. In general, you can expect each of the brands mentioned below to offer a wide variety of quality skin and body care products or cosmetics that will treat your body the way nature intended.
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Silky Underwear
An innovative product by LUSH, made with cocoa butter, jasmine, and cornstarch. It is a perfect body powder for the hot summer months when moisturizer is too much. |
Burt's Bees Head To Toe Starter Kit
Experience a tidbit of everything Burt's Bees has to offer with this kit full of sampler size products. It works well as a gift or as a travel kit for yourself. |
L'Occitane Shea Butter
This is one of the most famous products by L'Occitane. Nonetheless, they offer a wide range of quality products for your skin including a new Grape Body Care line. |
Kiss My Face Moisture Shave in Lavender & Shea
Moisturizing for dry skin and great for warding of razor burn or infections from razor cuts. |
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Tom's of Maine Toothpaste
As far as toothpaste goes, this has rated high amongst users across the board. It does not contain flouride (considered toxic), which is part of its widespread appeal. |
Mama Cocos Hawaiian Lip Balm
Choose from Red Hibiscus Rouge, Lemon Aid, Coconut Cream, and Hawaiian Vanilla. Tasty flavors and moisturizing cocoa butter make these great lip balms. |
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
Perhaps one of the best lip balms around. Simply ask any beauty addict and most likely she'll have tried it and loved it! |
Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Rose Hip Seed Oil
This oil is a concentrated blemish fighter that helps soothe the skin while keeping it clear and fresh. |
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