Natural vs. Organic

 “Natural” in the cosmetics industry does not always mean “preservative or chemical free”.  In fact, according to the trade journal Drug and Cosmetic Industry, “All plant [including those used in cosmetics] can be heavily contaminated with bacteria, pesticides and chemical fertilizers”.

For an ingredient to be certified organic it must undergo rigorous testing to ensure no pesticides or chemicals have been used. Although organic ingredients are grown without pesticides this does not prevent manufacturers from adding chemicals, synthetic ingredients or harmful additives when formulating the product.
Our own Health Canada has a “Hot List” featuring over 500 ingredients that should be avoided. Up until recently, I did not know this document existed.
 
Although Health Canada has recently implemented new standards to help consumers identify harmful ingredients, some weaknesses of the regulations are that:

·       Ingredient are listed in Latin names for ingredients which is hard for consumers to understand
·       Ingredients in cosmetics are not reviewed for safety before they are put on the shelves.
·       Warning labels are not required for cosmetics that contain chemicals associated with cancer
·       Studies do not always consider the long-term, low-dose health effects of cosmetic ingredients
·       Some combinations of chemicals may be more toxic than each one separately.

Which one is healthier for you? The answer is neither.

As a consumer you are the first line of defense to what you put on your skin. Read the ingredients. Look for the ingredients you need to avoid and familiarize yourself with our Top 25 Ingredients to Avoid.  Just because a products indicates natural or organic does not always mean it is the healthier choice.

Many products also advertise a percentage of organic products like 50% Organic. The flip side to that is like saying 50% Chemicals! Some companies even go so far as to say that the chemicals contained in the product are so miniscule that they have no effect on people. Would you consume a small dose of toxic waste? Why take the chance?

Everyday we are learning more about products that were deemed safe in the past such as baby bottles, plastic water bottles, prescription drugs that were approved by the FDA, food products pulled off the shelves.

As a consumer we put our health in manufacturers hands hoping they have our best interests in mind. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Informed People Make Informed Decisions, it’s your Health and your Decision.