The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Choosing Organic Skincare Products
Aloha! I'm Samara. As the co-founder of Eavara, I've spent years immersed in the world of natural and organic skincare. It's a passion born here in Hawaii, where abundant natural ingredients and a deep respect for the environment go hand in hand.
Over the years, I've watched organic skincare transition from a niche market to a mainstream phenomenon. While this shift is exciting, it has also led to confusion and misinformation.
Today, I want to talk about some of the biggest mistakes I see people making when choosing organic skincare products.
With this information, you can make more informed decisions about the products you use on your skin. Let's jump right in!
1. Assuming "Natural" Means "Organic"
One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the belief that "natural" and "organic" are interchangeable terms, which couldn't be further from the truth.
"Natural" is a largely unregulated term in the skincare industry. It usually means that at least some ingredients come from natural sources, but it doesn't guarantee anything about how those ingredients were grown or processed. A product can be labeled as "natural" and still contain synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or other non-organic ingredients.
"Organic," on the other hand, is a regulated term. In the U.S., a product must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding salt and water) to carry an organic label. And they must be grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetic engineering.
At Eavara, we're committed to using organic ingredients whenever possible. We believe that what you put on your skin is just as important as what you put in your body, and organic ingredients are often higher in beneficial nutrients and free from harmful pesticides.
2. Not Reading the Ingredient List
Another major mistake is not taking the time to read and understand the ingredient list. I get it — those long, scientific-sounding names can be intimidating. But understanding what's in your skincare products is crucial, especially if you're trying to make more conscious choices.
Here are a few tips:
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Product labels list ingredients in order of concentration. The first few ingredients make up the bulk of the product.
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Look for recognizable plant names and oils in the first few ingredients.
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Don't be fooled by a product that lists one or two organic ingredients after a long list of synthetic ones.
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Use tools like INCIdecoder or EWG SkinDeep® to familiarize yourself with various ingredients, their uses, and where they come from.
3. Falling for Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a marketing tactic where companies make their products appear more natural or environmentally friendly. It's deceptive and important to be aware of when shopping for organic skincare.
Some common greenwashing tactics include:
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Using earthy, green packaging even when the product isn't particularly natural or organic
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Highlighting one or two natural ingredients while downplaying the synthetic ones
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Using vague, unregulated terms like "eco-friendly," "natural," or "pure"
To avoid falling for greenwashing, look for certifications. The USDA Organic seal is a good indicator of truly organic products in the U.S.
4. Ignoring Individual Skin Needs
Just because a product is organic doesn't automatically mean it's right for your skin. People make this mistake all the time. They get so caught up in the "organic" label that they forget to consider their specific skin type and concerns!
Organic skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. If you have oily skin, you might need different ingredients than someone with dry or sensitive skin. For example, while coconut oil is a wonderful organic ingredient, it can be comedogenic for some people, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
At Eavara, we offer a range of products to suit different skin types and concerns, all while maintaining our commitment to organic, natural ingredients. We always encourage our customers to consider their individual needs when choosing products. We have something for everyone, from our Botanical Facial Cleaner to our Ultra Radiant Eye Cream.
5. Expecting Instant Results
In our world of quick fixes and instant gratification, many people expect dramatic results from skincare products overnight. This expectation can lead to disappointment with organic products, which often work more gently and gradually than their synthetic counterparts.
Organic skincare is about nourishing your skin over time, not providing a quick fix. Many organic ingredients support your skin's natural functions rather than forcing dramatic changes. For example, organic rosehip oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that support skin health, but it may take weeks of consistent use to see noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture.
Patience and consistency are key when using organic skincare. Give products time to work, and remember that true skin health is a long-term goal.
6. Storing Products Improperly
Organic products often have shorter shelf life because they don't contain harsh preservatives. A common mistake is not storing these products properly, which can lead to them spoiling before their time.
To get the most out of your organic skincare:
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Keep products away from direct sunlight and heat
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Store them in a cool, dry place
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Be mindful of expiration dates
7. Assuming All Synthetic Ingredients Are Bad
While we're big advocates of natural and organic ingredients here at Eavara, assuming that all synthetic ingredients are harmful is a mistake. Sometimes, they're beneficial and necessary to create stable, effective products.
For example, preservatives are crucial for preventing bacterial growth in water-based products. While we opt for naturally-derived preservatives when possible, the safety of the product is our top priority.
The key is to be discerning. Look for products that thoughtfully combine organic ingredients with safe synthetics when necessary rather than those that unnecessarily use synthetic fillers or harsh chemicals.
8. Not Considering the Entire Product Lifecycle
A truly organic and eco-friendly skincare routine goes beyond just the ingredients in the bottle. Many people forget to consider the entire lifecycle of the product, including packaging and production methods.
When choosing organic skincare, consider:
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Is the packaging recyclable or biodegradable?
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Does the company have sustainable production practices?
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Are ingredients sourced ethically and sustainably?
9. Skipping Sun Protection
Many people mistakenly believe that they don't need to worry about sun protection because they're using organic skincare. Unfortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, some organic ingredients (like certain essential oils) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Always incorporate a good sunscreen into your skincare routine, even if you're using all organic products. Look for reef-safe mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide physical protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.
10. Not Patch Testing New Products
Finally, a crucial step many people skip is patch testing. Just because a product is organic doesn't mean your skin will automatically love it! Allergies and sensitivities can occur with any ingredient, natural or synthetic.
Before using any new skincare product, always do a patch test:
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Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of skin, like your inner wrist or behind your ear.
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Wait 24-48 hours.
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The product is likely safe for you if you don't experience any redness, itching, or irritation.
Navigating the Skincare World with Confidence
Navigating the world of organic skincare can be challenging, but with this knowledge, you're well on your way to making informed decisions.
Organic skincare is more than just a trend; it's a commitment to your health and the health of our planet. By choosing organic products, you're nourishing your skin with nature's best ingredients, supporting sustainable farming practices, and reducing the chemical burden on our environment.
Here at Eavara, we're passionate about creating organic skincare products that are effective, enjoyable to use, and kind to the earth. With the right information and a bit of patience, we believe everyone can find an organic skincare routine that works for them.
So, the next time you're shopping for skincare, take a moment to consider these points. Read those labels, think about your specific skin needs, and always ask questions. Your skin — and the planet — will thank you for it!
*This blog offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is designated for education purposes only.You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read in this blog. The use of this information is solely at your own risk.
© 2024 Eavara Organic Skin Care Eavara LLC.