A little while ago, I received a very interesting query from a reader. I can’t remember who it is now, and I apologise, but I promised I’d explain it all in a blog post, which is this one right here 😀
Basically, the reader had noted that I was using quite a lot of natural and/or organic brands of skincare products in recent times in my skincare routine, and she was wondering if it was a conscious choice on my part. Was I veering towards using more natural and/or organic skincare, away from my love and use of chemical based products?
I thought it was a very interesting question because I hadn’t quite consciously noticed it on my part, but when I took a look at my skincare routine, the question made sense.
But I’m also curious about what you think. With natural and/or organic skincare products being more easily available these days (and from fairly established brands, not only indie brands) do you find yourself using more natural and/or organic skincare products? Is it something you consciously choose to use?
For my part, I’d say that my use of natural and/or organic skincare is quite unconscious on my part.
You see, I’m what I call a “dabbler”. I have no training in skincare or the beauty industry and I’m a consumer just like all of you right here. But I am curious and I like trying new things and because I blog, I’m very fortunate to have access to a wider selection of products than most.
Back in the day, when organic skincare was quite new in the local market, I gave some brands a try out of curiousity. I was a little sceptical and my scepticism was borne out when I reacted quite badly to the products. They made my skin very oily, did nothing much for my skin and gave me contact dermatitis on my hands. It was such an awful experience, I swore off organic skincare forever, and I was quite vocal about denouncing it.
I’d only trust the big skincare brands, I had a healthy suspicion of anything that touted itself as natural or organic, and I stayed far far away from anything remotely natural especially if it came from a small or indie brand. I wasn’t going to go through all that stress again! Contact dematitis is an AWFUL experience to go through.
But that was in 2009. Some time in 2013-2014, I started being reintroduced to natural and/or organic skincare brands again. I maintained my scepticism and fear and I said no to trying many brands. It wasn’t until I first agreed to try Antipodes from New Zealand, and found my skin responding to the products and actually enjoying using it, that I started changing my mindset and became more receptive to trying other brands and products.
It was also at about this time that I started enjoying the use of facial oils and realised that very few mainstream brands carried facial oils (all that is changing now as facial oils become more mainstream) so, with facial oils deriving their benefits from natural ingredients, I naturally (hur hur!) turned my attention to natural skincare brands.
But if you are wondering if I’m using more natural and/or organic skincare brands because I’m concerned about what is in the ingredient list of regular department store brands, my answer is no I’m not.
I dislike fear-mongering, which is what I feel a lot of natural/organic brands or websites try to do. We have to remember that not everything natural is safe. In fact, essential oils may provoke a more detrimental result on some people than a chemical based product. Just because it says it’s natural or organic, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. That’s two totally different things and I could go on and on about this. Suffice to say, don’t get me started on ranting at people who rant at me for not being “green” Bleh… 😛
I use products for their efficiency. If I use a product and it does what it promises, and I like it, I’ll continue using it and I’ll tell you how much I like it. If I use a product and I don’t like it, I’ll similarly tell you about it. Whether it is natural or not never affects my decision to like a product. If it does seem like I’m using more and more natural and/or organic skincare products in my routine, chalk it up to their efficiency in addressing my skincare concerns 🙂
But I know that very often, if I want results, I still need my chemical based products. I need my Alpha H Liquid Gold, I need my exfoliating toner, I need my anti-aging serums and retinols and for these, chemical based products deliver the best results. For facial oils, I’m happier going with something more natural simply because of where the oils are derived.
I suppose I don’t discriminate against natural and/or organic skincare anymore because I’ve realised that there are some very good brands out there that my skin takes to and likes. Antipodes, Pai, and REN come to mind for a more all rounded range of skincare that my skin likes in general. I haven’t used enough of Neal’s Yard Remedies to form an opinion of the brand. I also haven’t used many other natural and/or organic skincare brands, but I’m more willing to try them now than I was back in 2009.
And that is me and what I think. Now it’s over to you.
Do you find yourself incorporating more natural and/or organic skincare into your skincare routine? Is it a conscious decision?
I do notice however that good natural and/or organic skincare brands do tend to be a little more pricey. In a way, I suppose it’s only to be expected due to the ingredients used and because a lot of the time, the companies aren’t large corporate monsters who are able to spread the costs. I think for many, this might be our biggest stumbling block – the prices. But feel free to tell me if a natural/organic skincare lifestyle is what you’re seeking more these days, or if you’re happy to just use something chemical based? Talk away! 😀
Paris B
Hmm…interesting topic. While I don’t intentionally avoid natural/organic skincare products, I actually don’t have any in current active-rotation of products. And I don’t actively seek them out either. I just like to try new things here and there. And if a product works extremely well for me, I’d just stick with it for a long long time. Namely MAC Pro Eye makeup remover and Clarins cleansing foam. I’ve re-purchased these two so many times that it has become second nature. 😛 LOL.
Does body care count? Cause I absolutely love love love EO’s body lotion and Honest company’s body lotion. 😀 Again, I don’t love them just because they’re natural/organic. It just so happened that they are.
Ahhh I have to use that EO body wash I bought from iherb in my last order! But yeah, I feel the same way about things. If it works well, I use it. If it’s natural and/or organic, it’s a bonus. If it’s not I won’t lose sleep over it!
I’ve actually been moving away from natural products and into the chemical-y stuff. I used to use more natural products but for the past couple of years, I noticed that for my skin to be in its optimum condition, I need the stronger stuff. Lactic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, vitamin C and so on. However, for products like toners and moisturisers, I wouldn’t say no to natural products especially if they smell good. 🙂
I think for the treatment stuff, we need the chemicals for results. But for maintenance, if a natural stuff works, it works. That’s how I approach things these days. I have to admit that the natural brands have definitely upped their game in recent years. Before this, it was all just hippie gobbeldygook 😛
I don’t actually, although organic products seem to be better for the skin. It is because of the short time that it is still usable kind of puts me off. One organic products actually broke me out even more and that was a nightmare!
However, to each its own skin =)
Absolutely! And yes, they do tend to have a shorter lifespan so now, I try not to switch around too much, if I’m using a natural product so I actually finish it up. It’s hard with face oils though coz we use so little each time, that I never finish any before they turn bad!
I am with the group of people who do not seek out these so called natural skincare products. Not only is it sometimes more expensive, but some of their marketing just irritates me. For example, what I found out was that even though they claim that it’s ‘organic’ or ‘natural’, their ingredient list still states that it contain tons chemical components, etc (also, like you said, essential oils are not necessarily good for everyone). Also, I am also more of a go-with-the-latest-tech person when it comes to skincare because why not? Haha. But yeah, love my chemical exfoliant and all the ingredients that are deemed to be more “chemically” (e.g. Niacinamide/ Hyaluronic acid) that my skin loves.
Ooh so many of the top natural/organic brands are really pricey aren’t they? Tata Harper comes to mind, and I must be crazy for wanting to try it to see how wonderful it is haha! But yes, there is no real regulation for natural/organic products is there and that’s the real problem because people can claim anything. I like the chemical exfoliants too. They work so well for my skin!
I’ve found personally that my skin tolerates organic stuff better because they are gentler and contain less ingredients that could potentially freak my skin out. I will forever swear fealty to rosewater and rosehips oil because they saved my skin from disaster hah. (I also really like Antipodes because they are from NZ and I love the Lord of the Rings lolz)
However I’m generally not loyal to organic products, I equally favour dermatological brands or anything that doesn’t make my skin react. For skincare I now only splurge on facial oils, serums and makeup removers because all the other stuff I use are drugstore and inexpensive so yay!
P/S: I hope you’ll review the Pai Rosehip oil one day? I saw it at the Gardens a few months back and was intrigued by it but for the price (RM140 I think) it’d better nourish my skin, take out the trash and give me foot massages as well lol.
I love rosewater too! I use it as a toner and it’s great and smells nice to boot! 😀 Antipodes is a great brand isn’t it? I’ve really enjoyed using most of their products and they actually work as promised which is why I appreciate them more. Thanks for reminding me about the Pai Rosehip oil. I keep meaning to review it but then something else pops up and I forget! So, I’m going to put it in rotation for next week 🙂 I actually didn’t know we can get it here! To be fair though, you don’t need very much each use because it’s quite oily, and I actually even like using it as a mask. I’ll elaborate further in my forthcoming review 😉
Hmm I never really thought about it. Definitely not consciously seeking natural skincare products… If it works, I’m in!
Seems to be what most of us here think too! 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about organic vs chemical but I have removed fragrance from most of what I put on my face. It’s made a huge difference in my skin tone, texture and clarity. This has included facial cleansers, cleansing balms, masks, toners, serums, moisturizers and foundations. I’ve always used physical over chemical for my SPF but I don’t know if it’s been by choice since that’s what my mom slathered all over me growing up. I believe everyone should use whatever works for them.
You are spot on Tracy! I too believe that everyone should use whatever their skin likes and tolerates because not all of us have the same skin nor level of tolerance. I used to be fine with having fragrance in products because I never really was bothered by it (and my skin wasn’t too) but in recent times, I find that a lot of overly fragranced products really irritate me (physiologically, not physically) so if it’s too heavily fragranced I usually choose not to continue using it. I hate it when fragranced products leave me with a heavy head!
Hi! It’s been a while I left a comment here 🙂 The topic is very interesting and I would like to say that as a chemist, you are so true while saying that somethings aren’t safe solely because they are organic/natural. In fact most of natural ingredients effects skin more badly (and cause other concerns), that is why there is chemistry, that is why there is a list of ingredients.. to reduce its bad (side) effects.
I myself, as an oily skinned gal (with acne, OF COURSE!), started using oils for like two years now. Black cumin oil, argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, jojoba oil and hemp oil… they all have their jobs in my skincare regime. What I do now, and didn’t do before, is check the ingredients list more carefully. I seriously react to caprylic/capric trygliceride, which is an ingredient that you can find in almost every moisturizer (or other skincare products). But it must be noted that C/CT is the essence of cocnut oil. So either natural or chemical, this stuff is bad for me, so I don’t use products that contain it. I believe it is better to go to the center of your skin concern and try to solve the problem in a smaller scale, find the problematic ingredient for you and avoid it. Other than that, I only choose organic/natural skincare because it is usually much more affordable than high end products 🙂
Hi Casey, how nice to hear from you again! I hope you’ve been keeping well 😀 It’s very interesting hearing from a chemist on this subject because as you know, I’m not one so I just shoot off my mouth sometimes hehe… But I’m glad to know I’m right about essential oils not being safe. In fact, pregnant women aren’t even supposed to use essential oils which should tell us something about their safety right? 🙂 I am with you about checking the ingredient lists. My skin doesn’t like coco betaine which is a coconut derivative and it doesn’t like high concentrations of lavender oil too. So I’m careful to avoid products that contain these 🙂
My beauty preference is not affected by whether a product is organic or not. Looking through my holy grail products, I think most of them aren’t actually. 🙂
So far, some of the more effective anti-aging products I’ve used are pretty strong/harsh and aren’t marketed as being organic, e.g. 40% glycolic acid (MUAC) and 20% vitamin C serum (Glo-therapeutics).
Yep I sometimes think the older we get, the more help we need, hence the chemicals LOL But for those who get natural/organic products to work, that’s good for them!
I tend to buy whatever is on special offer, depending on my budget. The most important thing is that it works, rather than whether it’s natural. I try to avoid products that are tested on animals and there are some makers I avoid as I don’t like their adverts / product names.
That’s good policy to keep to – whether a product works. Oh product names get to me too, although I’m less bothered by some brands than a lot of people are. I usually figure there’s one good item in every range… but it doesn’t always apply LOL!
I’m all about anything that’s mostly alcohol free and gentle for my sensitive skin. I’m not really focused on finding natural products, not that I ever do experiment with products because I am a scaredy cat! The last time I tried something as organic as pure aloe vera gel, my skin went crazy! But some things which are recommended by my religion, I take them into moderation because they really do work. Things like olive oil and an unpopular oil, black seed oil/minyak habbatus sauda is a miracle worker for the skin! Actually, our Prophet says the black seed is the best curer for any kind of sickness. There a ton of good foods that the religion recommend (eg. honey, goat’s milk, figs etc) but for now, I’ve been sticking to the black seed oil for my spots and drinking date cider twice a day. The date cider is so good for your health in general, the first week that I started drinking it, my skin was super duper glowing and healthy.
I remember you saying that you had sensitive skin so it’s wise not to play around too much. I’ve never actually heard of the black seed oil but it sounds most intriguing, especially since it has religious affiliations too! I actually love dried dates and I look forward to Ramadhan every year when they start flooding the local market hehe…
Interesting topic! I am open to natural and organic products but evaluate them based on efficacy.
So far the organic products that I’d like to try are out of my price range so I haven’t purchased full products (Aesop, Jurlique, Neal’s yard, etc.). As a result I don’t have any in use at the moment.
For natural but not necessarily organic products I have enjoyed using some Japanese brands like Leaf & Botanic and Matsumoto – both effective for me, and I found extra virgin? coconut oil very effective on my hair, with the bonus of a nice scent.
I tend to agree with you Kuri, that a lot of organic/natural products that do work tend to be quite pricey. I think it’s to do with the concentration of active ingredients. I didn’t know there were Japanese natural brands! So many Japanese brands I know are chemical based and have a lot of alcohol which is why I’ve stopped using most of them. But it’s great to know that they too now have natural products to cater for the growing market. Maybe we’ll see them here soon!
The definition of natural/organic skincare isn’t that clear cut but one way to look at it is, do they contain the dirty dozens? A lot of the better products in this category are actually formulated with the active ingredients, and that’s why they work wonders. Those formulated with pure botanical extracts are those that produce less-than-astounding results but are good for those with sensitive skin.
Personally, having used conventional chemical products for most part of my life, I’ll say my skin is a lot healthier looking these few years after switching to natural/organic skincare. But I am not a purist and hence, can tolerate many ingredients that are a no-no for the strict green beauties.
Anyway, I avoid the conventional chemical laden products not for health reasons. I have a theory that certain chemical ingredients do more harm to our skin than they admit so the best way to approach skincare is really to look at the ingredients. Some stuff do wonders short term but more harm when used longer. Unfortunately, there’s no telling till some time later.
It’s a good point you’ve raised, Sesame about the active ingredients in the products. Ultimately, that’s what makes them effective. It’s good to know that you’ve found natural/organic skincare better for your skin and that you’re spreading the word about them too. I’ve picked out quite a few brands/products I’d never known about before from your blog so it’s very helpful 🙂
I find that we’re a long stretch from those early days of organic/natural, where it all looked like something your hippy aunt mixed up herself with oils. Packaging has improved vastly, luxury aspect, textures, ingredients and bloody results!! They know their stuff and do things without chemicals.
I still prefer certain types of products to be chemical but other than that.. my skin reacts better to less chemicals.
You’re absolutely right Phil! I’m glad I gave natural/organic products a second chance. Honestly, my first encounters were awful and the way they try to greenwash you really put me off. I hate it when brands do that – putting down others. You’re lucky to have access to a lot of them in Europe. But for this, I have online shopping to thank 😀
Hi Paris,
I’ve been using la mer products for 2 years until recently I noticed that my skin can’t tolerate with the mineral oil. I got whiteheads, red spot on top left of my cheek, itchy and milia. I can’t resist to scratch my skin. Gradually, I stopped using the treatment lotion and try to use organic/ natural moisturizer just to see whether my skin will be ok or not. Surprisingly my skin accepted it well. Then I try to use creme de la mer again, sadly the spot suddenly pop up. Then next day when I use the organic moisturizer the spot disappeared. Maybe is time for me to use the organic/ natural products.
Thanks for sharing Laili 🙂 My skin can’t handle La Mer creams either but I’m not even sure if it’s mineral oil because I’ve used products with mineral oil before without problems. That said there seems to be differing opinions about mineral oil but I’d say use whatever makes your skin happy 🙂 if it’s organic products so be it!
Hi pb (i wish i knew your real name hehe), thanks for renewing my interest on the subject. For me, i do try to avoid “dangerous” ingredients consciously in my new purchases. My principle is, if the product addresses my concern and does not give me any issue (without the “dangerous” ingredients), I am happy to continue with that routine. I do fear the accummulation effect of these “dangerous” ingredients although the FDA claims that usage of parabens is insignificant.
Can i know how much time you normally give yourself in testing out your products?
My sis also has contact dermatitis (on hands) with shampoo and handwash but has been unsuccessful in troubleshooting, except for just avoiding the affected brands. She only has a hunch that it might be citric acid, the common ingredient but some brands she is okay…
Hi Irene, you know, I’ve gotten to used to being called Paris or PB in real life now! Haha some of my friends even call me PB so I guess that’s my “real” name eh? 😉 I usually give myself up to 4 weeks for anything involving skincare. But I have noticed that if I react to a product then it can be in as little as 1-2 weeks or even a few days. What I do is cut out all new products, go back to what’s tried and true. Heal my skin and then try again. If the problem comes back, it’s the new product. Ingredients can sometimes be sketchy because how it’s formulated can play a part as well and sometimes, it’s in the combination of products that causes problems, not 1 ingredient per se. I hope your sister finds a solution soon!
It’s funny but I am now more inclined in using organic skin/hair care now. I guess some organic products are annoying in their marketing strategy is because they are not really ‘organic’ in the first place.
What I feel is we, as consumers, must do our own research before we actually buy the products and of course not all organic are ‘good’; we shouldn’t have super high expectations for each and every product 🙂