The average person uses approximately 10 skin care products per day, from eye cream to hand lotion. Do you know what you are putting on your skin? Your skin is absorbent much like a sponge, it is the largest organ in the body and all toxic chemicals that go on your skin get absorbed. Most people absorb approximately 130 chemicals when using their regime. Though most are deemed as “safe” from the FDA, lets get to the bottom of identifying more natural and organic skin care as well as the difference between organic skin care and other types.

First of all, know what you are using. Phthalates, for example, which are often found in artificial fragrances, are a class of hormone disruptor which can be linked to birth defects, sperm damage, infertility, and other issues. More than 1,110 personal-product ingredients have been banned for use in cosmetics in Europe because of concerns that they may cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive ills. In contrast only 10 are banned here in the U.S. That is a huge discrepancy!

One of the ways to ensure your safety and create a more healthy skin approach is using only natural and organic products. They are rising in popularity and now they are easier than ever to come by. Be aware, however, that these terms are not interchangeable. Not all natural skin care means that it is free of harmful substances. To start with Organic products are strictly monitored and have to be approved by the USDA. This means when a product is labeled organic there is some weight behind it. Unlike natural products that have a lot looser guidelines. Natural products generally don’t include ingredients like petrochemicals, parabens, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes and synthetic colors. However; there is no rigorous screening.

Organic products as mentioned above have an arduous task of passing all USDA guidelines. In order to be organic, an ingredient must have been derived without the use of synthetic pesticides, petroleum fertilizers or sewage sludge fertilizers, and it must not be genetically modified. A USDA Organic Seal shows that a product has organic content of 95% or higher. However, products with 70% or higher organic composition can be labeled “Made With Organic Ingredients.” What this means is that products claiming they’re made with organic ingredients could potentially also contain harmful synthetic ingredients and non-organic substances.

All in all the safest bet for your skin is try to stay as organic and all natural as possible. Advertising can skew the true contents of a product so do your own research and take the time to see what ingredients you are putting on your skin. You never know what is being absorbed until you check!

Need help finding an all-natural or organic skin care line? Let us know! We’d be happy to help you find the best skin care that is not only chemical conscious, but is best for your delicate skin!