Understanding the Difference between Organic and Natural

What is the difference between organic and natural skincare products? The beauty industry is always bringing forth newer and more advanced products for people to use. The fanciful wordings and catchy phrases on these products lure in people to buy their products but they are not always clear about the types of ingredients that are used. In many cases, companies call their products “natural” but what does that really mean?

Two of the most common words found on numerous beauty products are “natural” and “organic.” Not being aware of the exact meaning of these two words, individuals are thrown off as to what percentage of purity may be in each product. While one of these terms is known to be legally regulated, the other is vague.

Since associating each term with a designated definition is hard, it is important to understand the exact meaning of these words. This way, it will be easier for you to determine if you want to go for a natural solution or an organic.

Organic– of, relating to, or derived from living matter

Natural– existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind

What Is Organic?

Although, the two dictionary definitions above are along the same lines, if you do thorough research, you will come to a solid conclusion. The conclusion would be that the term ‘organic’ is one that is strictly regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The official website of U.S. Department of Agriculture states that any organic operations done must show off that they are protecting the natural resources, providing conservation to biodiversity, and only the usage of approved substances is occurring.

The only way a product can be organic is if the farming operation or its facility is meeting all the standards that have been approved and set by the National Organic Program. The job of the National Organic Program is to create, produce, handle, label, and enforce all the certified organic products of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In other words, it is safe to say that products that are classified as organic do not get that label easily. Anything with the organic label (including food and other products) have to undergo strict regulatory processes and anything you get will not have even the smallest percentage of pesticides, or additives.

What Is Natural?

The term natural does not have strict regulations and it can be used more freely as compared to organic. When it is used in products, it typically means that this specific product was formulated without the help of any synthetic oils, fragrances, or dyes. In addition, the term ‘natural’ can be attached to any product that is mostly made up of the elements that are provided by nature. There are no legal processes the product will need to go through before it can hit the market. Also, a “natural” product could contain plant based ingredients that have been treated with pesticides.

Now that you have the basic understanding of organic and natural, it will be easier to determine what your choice will be. Either way, both the products will be good to use, but if you are the type of person that likes proof, then going for organic products will be better.