Organic skincare has captured the attention of consumers across the globe in recent years. This growing trend is largely attributed to an increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with synthetic chemicals and a heightened desire for products that are not only effective, but also safe for both the user and the environment.
But what exactly constitutes organic skincare and is it genuinely better for you?
In this article, we’ll explore the definition, standards, ingredients, science and consumer perceptions of organic skincare, and share why you should choose Wild Child as your organic skincare manufacturer.
| Understanding Organic Skincare: Organic skincare products use natural ingredients free from synthetic chemicals and pesticides, meeting strict certification standards for authenticity and purity.Benefits and Market Trends: Organic skincare offers potential health benefits, reduced skin irritation, and environmental sustainability, with growing consumer demand and market growth indicating a strong trend towards natural products.Considerations for Skincare Companies: Transitioning to or developing an organic skincare line involves obtaining certifications, ensuring product efficacy, and leveraging the increased appeal of organic products to enhance brand image and market positioning. Discover how Wild Child can help today! |
What Is Organic Skincare?
Let’s start by defining what organic skincare is. While the definition of what ‘organic’ constitutes varies around the world, it’s generally accepted that organic skincare refers to products made from natural ingredients that are grown and processed without the use of laboratory-made substances. These could include synthetic chemicals (often used in fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides), antibiotics, hormones, parabens, sulphates or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Organic skincare typically emphasises the use of pure, botanical components like plant extracts, essential oils and natural butters, which are often richer in nutrients and gentler on the skin compared to synthetic counterparts.
Avoiding potentially harmful substances in the production and processing of organic skincare products is believed to be better for both our skin and the environment. This proposition can be very appealing to consumers, often allowing organic skincare products to command a premium price tag.
Certification Standards
When skincare companies make claims about their products being organic, consumers want to know that the product they are purchasing is actually organic—that’s where certification comes in.
Organic certification is an optional process that skincare companies can choose to obtain if they want to reassure consumers that a product is genuinely organic. Organic certification can be obtained by engaging an organic certification body to assess whether a product meets specific standards relating to ingredients, manufacturing processes and packaging.
It’s common to see skincare products listing claims like ‘100% organic’, ‘made using organic ingredients’ or ‘certified organic’. However, in Australia, this doesn’t guarantee that a product is actually organic. Skincare companies can make these claims even if they haven’t obtained organic certification.
While the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) does require businesses that make claims about the organic credentials of their products to be able to prove those claims, organic certification is not a legal requirement.
Common Organic Skincare Ingredients
Organic skincare products boast a variety of natural ingredients known for their beneficial properties. Some common ingredients you’re likely to find in organic skincare include:
- Almond oil
- Aloe vera
- Argan oil
- Beeswax
- Candelilla wax
- Carnauba wax
- Castor oil
- Cocoa butter
- Coconut oil
- Finger lime
- Glycerin
- Green tea extract
- Jojoba oil
- Magnesium sulfate
- Shea butter
- Vitamin E.
At Wild Child, we’re also lucky enough to have access to a range of unique ingredients and botanical extracts you won’t find anywhere else. Some of the organic ingredients we use in our formulations include:
- Kakadu plum
- Desert quangdong
- Muntries
- Lemon myrtle.
The Science Behind Organic Skincare
Understanding the science behind organic skincare can help consumers make informed decisions about the products they use. However, while organic skincare offers numerous benefits, it also has some limitations and drawbacks.
Benefits of Organic Skincare
It’s widely accepted that organic products are better than non-organic products because they reduce health and environmental risks by minimising exposure to toxic and persistent organic chemicals (chemicals that are slow to break down).
Here are some of the benefits related specifically to organic skincare:
- No harmful chemicals: Our skin acts like a sponge absorbing approximately 80% of the ingredients we apply to it. Organic skincare products are free from synthetic chemicals, parabens, sulfates and artificial ingredients, minimising physical exposure to these potentially harmful substances.
- Rich in nutrients: Organic ingredients often contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
- Gentle on the skin: The absence of harsh chemicals in organic skincare reduces the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions, generally making these products suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Eco-friendly: Organic farming practices are better for the environment, reducing pollution and promoting biodiversity.
Limitations and Drawbacks
While organic skincare offers a range of benefits, there are also some limitations or drawbacks, such as:
- Shorter shelf life: Without synthetic preservatives, organic skincare products tend to have a shorter shelf life and some may require refrigeration.
- Higher cost: Organic ingredients and sustainable practices often cost more to produce and uphold, making organic skincare products more expensive than their conventional counterparts.
- Varied effectiveness: While many organic ingredients are highly effective, some consumers may not experience the same results as they would with synthetic products specifically formulated for certain skin concerns.
- Inconsistent certification standards: Organic certification standards vary across the globe, creating some inconsistencies about what the definition of organic entails.
Despite these limitations, many consumers believe the benefits of organic skincare outweigh the drawbacks.
Consumer Perceptions and Market Trends
No question, demand for organic products is on the rise. The Australian Organic Market Report 2021 published by the Australian Treasury highlighted that the Australian organic industry is valued at more than $2 billion and is tipped to continue to grow.
Australians are also buying more organic products than ever before, with 80% of shoppers (which equates to around 9 million households) having purchased an organic product in the 12 months leading up to the time of the report.
Consumers are also becoming increasingly more savvy when it comes to purchasing organic products. More than half of organic shoppers claim to check for certification marks on their organic purchases, and 39% say they would avoid purchasing an organic product if it didn’t display a certification mark.
This rise in demand for organic products also aligns with broader movements towards holistic wellness and eco-friendly living, reflecting a shift in consumer values towards health, transparency and environmental responsibility—so it only makes sense that the same trend would apply to skincare products, with consumers seeking out natural, organic alternatives that promise purity and sustainability.
At Wild Child, we’ve also seen the shift, with more of our clients wanting to manufacture organic skincare products or add an organic offering to complement their other skincare products.
Trust Wild Child as Your Organic Skincare Manufacturer
When you choose Wild Child, your organic skincare products will be crafted with care using the purest ingredients nature has to offer, without harmful chemicals or synthetic additives. Our location in Australia also means we have access to unique botanicals and fragrances you won’t find anywhere else.
An artisan in premium natural and organic product development, our team of expert chemists will support you through the formulation process to create an organic skincare offering your customers will love.
If you’re looking for an organic skincare manufacturer, contact the team at Wild Child.