The organic movement is picking up steam – and attention. It is well known that high profile people, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, who blogs about healthy eco-conscious living, are embracing the growing trend toward organic makeup.
So what does the term ‘organic’ mean? First, the term implies that all ingredients in the product are natural, pure, and free of pesticides and carcinogens. But since there is NO authority governing the use of the term ‘organic’ – this can be misleading. In reality, unless the product actually claims to be “certified organic“, it may be organic, but it may also contain harmful pesticides and carcinogens.
Consider the following scenario:
Lanolin appears in a wide variety of cosmetics and beauty products. Lanolin is the wax coating found on the natural wool of sheep. What if the sheep were dipped in chemical pesticides to rid them of lice (a common practice in animal farming) before the lanolin was extracted? Unless the lanolin is purified and all traces of pesticides removed, the very same pesticides will appear in the lanolin where they will be absorbed by your skin. Unless the label says “Purified Lanolin” chances are it is not. In this case, the only alternative is to look for lanolin products from organically farmed sheep.
So if you are serious about using organic makeup, search for the term Certified Organic and look for the Certified 
Organic label. If the product you are using claims to be organic, but is not supported by the certifying body’s logo, it is not truly organic.
Now that you know a little more about the meaning of truly organic products, it’s time to find out what organic makeup is made from. Organic and natural cosmetics are made from mineral pigments and organic plant extracts, which provide natural sun filters, long-lasting color and deliver a healthy-looking radiant glow. Organic makeup can be made from plant materials only, or from substances derived from plant materials. Organic makeup may also mean that it is made from organic or naturally occurring compounds, including minerals. Unlike conventional makeup, none of these products contain any synthetic dyes (also known as synthetic colors), artificial fragrances or petro-chemicals, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Companies like Ecco Bella produce make-up from earth minerals infused with flower waxes. As a flower stays beautiful over time, this flower wax-infused make-up glides on and lasts longer. They also offer gluten-free and preservative-free cosmetics.
Lavera, a German cosmetic company, produces makeup that is certified 100% natural with certified organic ingredients that are free of harmful synthetics like parabens, emulsifiers, petroleum, lead, synthetic preservatives and fragrances. Their products are made from plant based alternatives that are certified organic whenever possible, they are also cruelty-free, and biodegradable.
Buyer Beware!
It would be a mistake to assume that organic makeup is necessarily better for you than chemically produced makeup. Plants can contain powerful toxins and carcinogens that are just as harmful to the skin and body as synthetically produced chemicals. Minerals can also have a high degree of toxicity that can be harmful. So if you are ‘going organic’ because you think it’s healthier, better for you, and less hazardous, make sure you do your homework, and make no assumptions.
The good news is that more and more companies are producing quality organic cosmetics, and governing agencies, both in the United States and abroad, are developing tougher standards and stricter guidelines for organic labeling.
Contact us and let us know what your favorite organic makeup product is and why you love it so much.
What an amazing post, Diane! So many women are STILL unaware of the dangerous toxins lurking in our personal care products. Having lost both my parents to cancer and having a mother-in-law currently in remission of breast cancer, this subject is the very reason and foundation to the development of my site (www.EVOKEElegance.com). From inception, EVOKE Elegance and our EEM Collection has been commited to providing ONLY the safest, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic personal care products as alternatives to the chemical laden conventional products from huge corporations that are only concerned with their bottom line. From au natural to glam, we’ve got it all (with new gift items to be uploaded over the next few weeks) making it easier for girly girls to turn green! Thanks for helping spread the word on the dangers of what’s hiding in our bathroom cabinets and vanities! Going to check out your skincare line!