When I was about 15 . . . okay, maybe more like 13, I began to break out—and badly. Zits, blemishes, acne . . . whatever you want to call it, it was very upsetting. Over the years, I tried a plethora of well-known products and even some prescriptions from my dermatologist, who grew as frustrated as I did at my lack of progress. Now that I’m 30 (yikes), I have to say that my skin is clearer and more vibrant than it has been in years; I attribute this to drinking more water and managing stress (yoga works wonders), but mainly because of my change in skincare and makeup. I found organic products made with essential oils more soothing and, most important, healing for my skin.

If your facial care and makeup products contain a laundry list of ingredients (many of which you probably can’t pronounce), then it’s time to explore the world of organic skincare.

Natural vs. Organic

The term organic refers to products containing ingredients grown and processed without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides. In the United States, organic beauty falls under the USDA’s standards for organic foods. A product must contain 100 percent organic ingredients to bear the USDA organic seal and at least 70 percent organic ingredients to use the term “organic” on their label. ECOCERT is an internationally recognized organic certification that guarantees the genuine practice of environmental respect throughout the formulation and manufacturing of the product. The main difference between “natural” and “organic” (it’s easy to be confused) is that there are no official guidelines as to what constitutes “natural” beauty products, whereas “organic” products must abide by regulations; natural products are not certified by third parties, while organic products are. So, your face cream claiming “natural shea butter” on the label does not mean the entire product is natural. The rest of the list may contain synthetic or even toxic ingredients. At this time there are no regulations guiding the use of chemicals in skincare products.

Are organic products really better? The jury is still out, but research is currently being done on this topic. As a rule, why not use things closest to nature, as less is always more.

Better Beauty

Juice Beauty, www.juicebeauty.com
Organic skincare products rich in vitamins and nutrients—no pesticides, parabens, or petroleum derivatives. Products include ingredients from sustainable farms.

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, www.drhauschka.com
This unique line of holistic body and facial products uses plant ingredients that have been grown biodynamically or organically, or ethically wild-harvested.

Farmaesthetics, www.farmaesthetics.com
Committed to “sustainable beauty,” these gorgeously packaged products are100% natural, utilizing certified organic herbs, flowers, and grains from American family farms.

Physician’s Formula Organic Wear, www.organicwearmakeup.com
100% natural ECOCERT certified organic makeup in a dazzling array of shades and colors.  

Om Aroma, www.omaroma.com
Organic products free of paraben, formaldehyde, mineral oil, synthetic dye, and fragrance.

Guide to Organic Labels

100% Organic: Must contain 100% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt).  This is the only label that guarantees a completely organic product.  These products can carry the USDA Organic Seal.

Organic or Certified Organic: At least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt).  These products can carry the USDA Organic Seal.

Made with Organic Ingredients: At least 70% of content is organic. Front panel can say “Made with Organic” and list up to three specific ingredients.  These products cannot carry the USDA Organic Seal.

Less Than 70% Organic: Can only list organic ingredients on the ingredient panel, but not on the front panel.  These products cannot carry the USDA Organic Seal.