オーガニックコスメとは？成分の見分け方と選び方

What are organic cosmetics? How to identify ingredients and choose them

Table of Contents

  1. Definition of Organic Cosmetics
  2. Differences Between Organic Cosmetics and Conventional Cosmetics
  3. Types and Meanings of Organic Certification Marks
  4. How to Read and Identify Ingredient Labels
  5. List of Ingredients to Avoid
  6. Benefits of Choosing Organic Cosmetics
  7. Common Questions and Misconceptions
  8. How to Choose Organic Cosmetics That Suit You
  9. Summary

Introduction

"Organic cosmetics," "natural cosmetics," "natural beauty products"—you've probably seen these terms more often in drugstores and online shops. However, many people might be wondering, "Are they really good for my skin?", "What criteria should I use to choose?", or "How are they different from regular cosmetics?"

The truth is, there is no clear legal definition of "organic cosmetics" in Japan. Because of this, some products claim to be "organic" even if they contain only a small amount of organic ingredients.

This article, supervised by a beauty expert, provides a detailed explanation of how to identify genuine organic cosmetics, how to correctly read ingredient labels, and how to choose products that suit your skin.

By reading this article, you'll gain confidence in choosing cosmetics and be able to make choices that are kind to both your skin and the environment.

Definition of Organic Cosmetics

What is "Organic"?

Organic refers to organically grown agricultural products cultivated without chemically synthesized fertilizers or pesticides, or products made from such ingredients.

In agriculture, organic standards typically include:

  • No chemical fertilizers or pesticides: Cultivated in soil that has been free of chemical substances for at least 3 years.
  • No genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Does not use genetically modified crops.
  • Environmentally sustainable farming: Cultivated using methods that do not pollute soil, water, or air.
  • Animal welfare considerations: For livestock, provides appropriate breeding conditions.

Definition of Organic Cosmetics

Organic cosmetics are cosmetic products made primarily from organically grown plants, using as few chemical synthetic ingredients as possible.

However, there is no legal definition of "organic" for cosmetics in Japan. While standards vary by country and certification body, general criteria often include the following:

Key Standards - A certain percentage of ingredients are plant-derived and organically certified. - Avoids or minimizes the use of synthetic fragrances, synthetic colorants, parabens, and other chemical substances. - No animal testing (cruelty-free). - Environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. - Uses biodegradable ingredients.

Difference from "Natural Cosmetics"

Natural cosmetics use naturally derived ingredients, but not necessarily organically grown ones. They may also contain some chemically synthesized ingredients.

Organic cosmetics use organically grown ingredients and meet stricter standards. They tend to have a lower environmental impact and be less irritating to the skin than natural cosmetics.

In essence, "organic cosmetics are natural cosmetics," but "natural cosmetics are not necessarily organic."

Differences Between Organic Cosmetics and Conventional Cosmetics

Differences in Ingredients

Conventional Cosmetics - Heavy use of petroleum-derived synthetic ingredients. - Chemically manufactured surfactants, preservatives, and fragrances. - Lower cost, suitable for mass production. - Long shelf life.

Organic Cosmetics - Primarily use organically grown plant extracts and plant oils. - Naturally derived preservatives (e.g., vitamin E, rosemary extract). - Higher cost, but less burden on the skin. - Shorter shelf life, but use fresh ingredients.

Differences in Manufacturing Processes

Conventional Cosmetics - Mass production using high temperature and pressure. - Chemical synthesis for ingredient stabilization. - Prioritizes efficiency and cost reduction.

Organic Cosmetics - Low-temperature processing to preserve active plant ingredients. - Minimal chemical processing. - Manufacturing methods with low environmental impact. - Emphasizes traceability (tracking ingredients).

Environmental Impact

Conventional Cosmetics - Consume a lot of energy during production. - Wastewater can potentially pollute the environment. - Primarily plastic packaging. - Ingredients are often not easily biodegradable.

Organic Cosmetics - Use renewable resources. - Highly biodegradable ingredients. - Tend to adopt recyclable packaging. - Lower carbon footprint.

Types and Meanings of Organic Certification Marks

To identify genuine organic cosmetics, checking for reliable certification marks is the most reliable method.

Major International Certifications

1. COSMOS (Cosmos) - Europe

COSMOS ORGANIC - One of the strictest international certifications. - Manufactured using physical and biological processes. - Over 95% of plant ingredients are organic. - Over 20% of the finished product consists of organic ingredients (excluding water). - Prohibits genetically modified ingredients.

COSMOS NATURAL - Meets COSMOS standards, but the proportion of organic ingredients is not specified. - Uses naturally derived ingredients.

2. ECOCERT (Ecocert) - France

One of the world's largest organic certification bodies, a predecessor to COSMOS.

  • Over 95% of the finished product is naturally derived.
  • Over 95% of plant ingredients are organic.
  • Over 10% of the finished product consists of organic ingredients (excluding water).
  • Prohibits synthetic fragrances, synthetic colorants, silicones, parabens, etc.

3. USDA ORGANIC (U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Certification) - United States

  • Applicable to cosmetics as well as agricultural products.
  • Over 95% organic ingredients.
  • Strict auditing system.

4. NATRUE (NaTrue) - Europe

  • Three levels of certification (Natural, Organic, and Natural with organic portion).
  • Prohibits petroleum-based ingredients.
  • Prohibits animal testing.

5. BDIH (German Association of Cosmetics, Toiletries, Perfumery and Detergents) - Germany

  • Strict ingredient standards.
  • Prohibits synthetic fragrances and colorants.
  • Prohibits animal testing.
  • Environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

Japanese Certifications

JOCA Mark (Japan Organic Cosmetics Association)

  • 100% natural ingredients.
  • Completely free of petroleum-derived ingredients.
  • Unique strict Japanese standards.
  • Still less recognized but one of the strictest standards.

Organic JAS Mark

  • Primarily for food, but can also apply to cosmetic raw materials.
  • Proof of organic agricultural products.

How to Read and Identify Ingredient Labels

Cosmetic ingredient labels are legally required to list ingredients in descending order of concentration. By learning to read ingredient labels correctly, you can identify genuine organic cosmetics.

Basic Rules for Ingredient Labels

1. Listed in descending order of concentration The ingredient listed first is present in the highest amount. Typically, for toners, it's "Water," and for creams, it's "Water" or "Oil."

2. Ingredients under 1% are not necessarily in order Ingredients with a concentration of 1% or less may appear in any order.

3. Colorants are listed together at the end Coloring agents are listed together at the very end, regardless of their concentration.

4. Uses International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) names For international products, INCI names (globally standardized names) are used.

How to Identify Organic Cosmetics

Step 1: Check the first 5 ingredients

The first 5 ingredients on the label make up the majority of the product.

Typical example of organic cosmetics

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Glycerin,...
(* indicates an organically certified ingredient)

Typical example of conventional cosmetics

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil,...

Step 2: Check for the presence of synthetic ingredients

Check for the absence of the following synthetic ingredients (details in the next section):

  • Synthetic surfactants (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
  • Synthetic polymers (e.g., Dimethicone, Carbomer)
  • Synthetic preservatives (e.g., Parabens, Phenoxyethanol)
  • Synthetic fragrances (listed simply as "Fragrance")
  • Synthetic colorants (Tar dyes: e.g., Red 202, Yellow 4)

Step 3: Check the types and amounts of plant ingredients

Good signs - Many botanical Latin or common names are listed. - Organic ingredients are clearly marked with symbols like "*", "**". - Explicitly states "Organic ○○ Extract."

Warning signs - Plant ingredients only appear in the latter half of the ingredient list (low concentration). - "Plant extract" is listed, but without specific plant names.

Step 4: Check for certification marks

In addition to the ingredient list, check the packaging for reliable certification marks.

List of Ingredients to Avoid

When choosing organic cosmetics, it is advisable to avoid products containing the following ingredients:

1. Synthetic Surfactants

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - Powerful cleansing agents commonly used in shampoos and facial cleansers. - Strong degreasing power, potentially damaging the skin's barrier function. - High environmental impact.

Alternatives: Amino acid-based surfactants like Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Alanine.

2. Synthetic Polymers (Silicones)

Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone - Used to create a smooth texture. - Can potentially clog pores. - Difficult to biodegrade, high environmental impact.

Alternatives: Plant oils (e.g., Jojoba oil, Argan oil).

3. Synthetic Preservatives

Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben) - Highly effective as preservatives, but concerns about endocrine disruption. - Potential for allergic reactions.

Phenoxyethanol - Used as an alternative to parabens, but can be irritating.

Alternatives: Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosemary extract, Hinokitiol.

4. Synthetic Fragrances

Listed simply as "Fragrance" - Potentially a mixture of thousands of chemical substances. - Can cause allergies and skin irritation. - Opaque ingredients.

Alternatives: Essential oils, plant extracts.

5. Synthetic Colorants

Tar dyes (e.g., Red 202, Yellow 4, Blue 1) - Petroleum-derived synthetic pigments. - Some components have concerns about carcinogenicity. - High environmental impact.

Alternatives: Natural pigments (e.g., beetroot, gardenia, turmeric).

6. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil, Petrolatum, Paraffin - Oils refined from petroleum. - May hinder skin respiration. - Concerns about long-term use leading to reduced skin function.

Alternatives: Plant oils, Shea butter, Beeswax.

7. Other Ingredients to Note

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) compounds - Used as emulsifiers. - May weaken the skin barrier.

DEA / TEA (Diethanolamine / Triethanolamine) - Used as pH adjusters. - May generate carcinogenic substances.

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) - Used as a stabilizer. - Low biodegradability, high environmental impact.

Benefits of Choosing Organic Cosmetics

1. Gentle on the Skin

Less irritating Less irritation from synthetic ingredients, making them often suitable for sensitive or atopic skin.

Supports the skin's natural functions Natural ingredients help maintain the skin's barrier function and enhance its self-healing capabilities.

Reduced allergy risk Fewer allergens like synthetic fragrances and colorants, leading to a lower risk of allergic reactions.

2. Environmental Consideration

Biodegradable Natural ingredients are easily broken down by microorganisms, reducing the risk of water pollution.

Sustainable ingredients Organic farming maintains soil health and protects biodiversity.

Cruelty-free Many organic cosmetic brands do not test on animals.

3. High Nutritional Value

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants Organically grown plants tend to have higher nutritional value than those grown with chemical fertilizers.

Utilizing the power of plants Incorporates the wisdom of phytotherapy (herbal medicine), which has thousands of years of history.

4. Transparency and Reliability

Ingredient traceability Many organic brands disclose the origin and manufacturing process of their ingredients.

Third-party certification Products that have passed strict evaluations by certification bodies are highly reliable.

5. Holistic Approach

Affects both mind and body Natural scents (essential oils) can also have psychological effects through the sense of smell.

Joy of use Experiencing the blessings of nature while using products enriches the skincare routine.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

Q1: Are organic cosmetics less effective?

A: This is a misconception. While they may not offer the immediate results of products with synthetic ingredients, organic cosmetics enhance the skin's natural power and foster long-term healthy skin. Consistent use can lead to more fundamental improvements in skin quality.

Q2: Are organic cosmetics expensive?

A: Not necessarily. While raw material costs may be higher, many products are effective in small amounts, making them cost-effective in the long run. Some brands also offer affordable products.

Q3: Are all organic products safe?

A: This is a misconception. Even natural ingredients can cause allergies. Essential oils, in particular, are highly concentrated and may not suit everyone's skin. Always perform a patch test to ensure compatibility with your skin.

Q4: Do organic cosmetics have a short shelf life?

A: This is true. Since they don't use synthetic preservatives, their shelf life is shorter than conventional cosmetics. Aim to use them within 3 to 6 months after opening. However, this also indicates that fresh ingredients are being used.

Q5: If there's no certification mark, is it not organic?

A: Not necessarily. Obtaining certification can be costly and time-consuming, so some smaller brands may not have it. However, you can still assess their organic nature by checking the ingredient list.

Q6: If it says "organic," is it genuine?

A: This is a misconception. Since there's no legal definition in Japan, products with even a small amount of organic ingredients can claim to be "organic." Always check for certification marks and the ingredient list.

How to Choose Organic Cosmetics That Suit You

Step 1: Understand Your Skin Type

Dry skin - Look for rich moisturizing plant oils (shea butter, argan oil, jojoba oil). - Moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. - Mild, amino acid-based cleansers.

Oily skin - Products with a refreshing feel. - Ingredients that balance sebum (tea tree, lavender). - Light-textured moisturizers.

Sensitive skin - Products with simple ingredients. - Gentle plant ingredients (chamomile, aloe vera). - Products without essential oils, or with low concentrations.

Combination skin - Ingredients that balance (rosewater, geranium). - Consider using different products for different areas.

Aging skin - Anti-aging ingredients (argan oil, rosehip oil, vitamin C derivatives). - Plant extracts with antioxidant properties.

Step 2: Clarify Your Goals

Basic skincare - Use a full line of cleansing, face wash, toner, and moisturizing cream. - Start with a simple routine.

Targeting specific concerns - Spots/Dullness: Vitamin C, arbutin, licorice extract. - Wrinkles/Sagging: Retinol alternatives (bakuchiol), peptides. - Acne: Tea tree, salicylic acid (willow bark extract). - Pores: Clay, witch hazel.

Step 3: Perform a Patch Test

Always perform a patch test before using a new product.

Method 1. Apply a small amount to the inside of your arm. 2. Observe for 24 to 48 hours. 3. If there is no redness, itching, or swelling, you can use it on your face.

Step 4: Start with a Small Amount

Instead of buying a full line at once, try one product first.

Recommended approach 1. Change your cleanser or face wash first. 2. If you like the feel, add a toner. 3. Gradually expand your routine.

Step 5: Check the Brand's Philosophy

Checkpoints - Does it disclose the origin and cultivation methods of its ingredients? - Does it conduct animal testing? - Does it practice fair trade? - Is its packaging environmentally friendly? - Is the company highly transparent?

Summary

Organic cosmetics are a kind choice for both your skin and the environment. However, it's important to not just judge by the word "organic," but to choose with proper knowledge.

Key points of this article

  1. There is no legal definition of organic cosmetics in Japan → Judge by certification marks and ingredient labels.
  2. Ingredient labels are in descending order of concentration → The first 5 ingredients make up the majority of the product.
  3. Reliable certification marks → COSMOS, ECOCERT, NATRUE, JOCA, etc.
  4. Ingredients to avoid → Synthetic surfactants, silicones, parabens, synthetic fragrances/colorants.
  5. Long-term perspective → Focus on nurturing the skin's natural power rather than immediate results.

First Steps You Can Take Today

Start by checking the ingredient labels of products you use daily.

Make smart choices for your skin and the planet.

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TwoTrees offers a wide range of high-quality skincare and body care products made with carefully selected organic ingredients.

  • Frankie APOTHECARY: New Zealand-based skincare harnessing the power of plants.
  • 4Starlings: A noteworthy brand that maximizes the power of natural ingredients.

View Skincare Products View Body Care Products

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