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Natural Health and Beauty Products Buying Guide

There are a lot of benefits to using organic products,  especially if you have any problems with lots of chemicals, whether for sensitive skin irritation, or minor allergies to toxins. Many beauty specialists recommend only organic products for hair and body, because without the harsh chemicals, you can bring out the natural beauty of your hair and skin, and with the added vitamin E  that generally comes with the organic products, you're sure to see an improvement in the quality of your hair and skin. Organic products traditionally lack the chemicals that make your hair and skin greasy (believe it) and thus require fewer washings, latherings, and moisturizings, so you could spend more on organic products, but you'll use less over time, and therefore probably spend the same as you did for non-organic products. And a lot of the products work better for a lot of people than their chemical filled counterparts, because they utilize products and ingredients that aren't traditionally used in main-stream beauty products. Some organic products can be expensive, so pick out a budget before buying. You get what you pay for, but a lot of organic products can work just as well as their expensive organic neighbors. Pick what works for your skin or hair type, and what works with your budget. Looking and feeling great are wonderful, but the are hard to enjoy if you're worried about going broke from them.

Increasing Trend

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.

Face

Jason Red Elements 

Jason products are well-known in the organic sector. Their new line "Red Elements" is infused with not green, but red tea. Both the cleanser and toner have shown promise.

Nature's Gate Organics Forget Your Lines Wrinkle Diffuser 

Helps relax facial muscles to decrease the appearance of fine lines.

Zia Oat Milk Detoxifying Mask 

Best for soothing sensitive or irritated skin. Perfect for anyone with problem or sensitive skin. Ideal for those with rosacea or eczema as well.

Avalon Organics Renewal & Vitality Facial Cleansing Gel 

Fine for normal to dry skin, but it also helps soothe sensitive skin too. The mild formula is fine for daily use.

Body

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.

Hair

Kiss My Face Shampoo 

Kiss my face is not only organic, but also affordable. Lots of types to choose from, all kinds of conditioners and different hair needs addressed.

Burt's Bees Shampoo 

Both the shampoo and Burt's bees conditioners  combat different issues from dull hair to color treated hair. They work and smell great and aren't too expensive. 

Aveda Shampoo 

Slightly pricier, but all of the Aveda products are organic, and work amazingly well. A huge range of products from shampoo to Aveda Leave In Conditioners. 

Other

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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Related Guides

Skin Care

Hair Care

Mineral Cosmetics

Bath and Body

Cosmetics and Beauty Tools
 

Important External Links

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Biologische Gezondheids- en Verzorgingsproducten Shopgids
FR: Cosmétiques Bio