Shopping for natural beauty products which are cruelty-free, free from harmful ingredients, vegan, kind to sensitive skin and organic-certified can feel like a thankless task.
This is especially the case when one realises that “clean” beauty doesn’t necessarily mean the formulations include certifiably organic ingredients. Rather, clean beauty, according to Sephora consists of products formulated without certain ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils.
We chatted with Rachael Divers, Resident Make-Up Artist at Face The Future, for some further insight into the world of organic beauty.
What makes a makeup product certifiably organic?
“Certifiably organic makeup products are those that have been formulated using ingredients sourced from organic methods, free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To be certified organic, makeup products must adhere to strict standards set by certifying bodies, ensuring transparency and authenticity in the ingredients used.”
Are organic beauty products better?
“Organic beauty products can offer numerous benefits compared to traditional beauty products. They are often gentler on the skin as they contain fewer harsh chemicals and potentially irritating ingredients. Additionally, sourcing from organic methods promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility, something that is very important to our consumers. Choosing organic beauty products can contribute to healthier skin and a cleaner planet.”
Are organic beauty products kinder to skin?
“Yes, organic beauty products are generally kinder to the skin due to their natural ingredients and absence of harmful chemicals. Many people with sensitive or reactive skin find that organic makeup formulations cause less irritation and inflammation, resulting in a calmer complexion. Furthermore, organic ingredients often possess nourishing properties that can benefit the skin, such as the Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer which contains antioxidant ingredients to reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles.”
Why is organic skincare and makeup more expensive?
“The higher cost of organic skincare and makeup products can be attributed to several factors. Organic ingredients are derived from more sustainable practices which may incur higher production costs. Additionally, the certification process for organic products involves rigorous testing and auditing, adding to the overall expense. Despite the higher price point, many consumers view the investment in organic beauty as worthwhile, considering the potential health and environmental benefits.”
What does clean beauty actually mean?
“Clean beauty refers to products that are formulated with non-toxic, ethically sourced ingredients, and are free from potentially harmful substances such as parabens, phthalates, sulphates, and synthetic fragrances.
Clean beauty advocates transparency in labelling and prioritises the use of natural, environmentally friendly ingredients. I always recommend the Jane Iredale range for sustainable beauty, for high-quality products that work without potentially harmful chemicals or damaging the environment.”
It's important to note that due to the presence of minerals and pigments in beauty products, there’s no such thing as 100 per cent organic makeup – since some materials simply aren’t farmed or ‘growable’. However, products and brands can achieve organic certification if a certain portion of ingredients are certifiably organic.
Keep scrolling for the best organic makeup brands on the market.
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RMS Beauty
Since its inception in 2009, RMS Beauty has been setting the standard for truly clean, organic beauty.
Not only are products by RMS Beauty certifiably organic and sustainably sourced, but many of them contain raw, living, food-grade ingredients that are virtually untouched when added to formulations.
The brainchild of make-up artist Rosie Marie Swift and made in the USA, RMS Beauty ensures pro-active ingredients such as enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants remain fully intact for supreme effectiveness. This is truly the future of skincare-based makeup.
Buy now, Naturismo
Dr Hauschka
Where possible, Dr Hauschka sources certifiably organic products for their makeup and skincare ranges. The brand is supported by NATRUE which offers an international quality seal to help eco-conscious beauty consumers identify authentic natural and organic cosmetics.
As of 2023, cosmetic products can only be certified with the NATRUE label if at least 95 per cent of natural substances or derived natural substances come from certified organic farming. Prior to this, NATRUE accepted formulations which were between 60 and 95 per cent organic, which is why there remains some percentage variation across Dr Hauschka’s makeup range. When it comes to raw materials such as mica, Dr Hauschka sources the mineral from responsible and ethical suppliers.
Buy now, Naturismo
Odylique
Odylique is a family business that was founded in the 1980s to help treat eczema-prone skin. From the onset, the brand has been committed to guaranteeing the production truly organic products, which is why Odylique has been certified by the Social Association since 2003.
From skincare to makeup, the entire Odylique range is also GMO-free, allergen-friendly, cruelty-free, fair-trade-friendly and free from any artificial chemicals. Each product is freshly made by hand in the UK for a holistic approach to eco-conscious beauty.
We’re fans of the Organic Lip Silk, as well as the new Natural Foundation.
Buy now, Naturismo
Semi-organic beauty brands
Jane Iredale
Jane Iredale prides itself on providing ‘skincare makeup’. Headquartered in west Massachusetts and inspired by the bucolic environments of the surrounding Berkshire hills, the brand is available in over 50 countries through various luxury retailers, fine spas, salons, medical offices and more.
When it comes to official certifications, Jane Iredale boasts more than we’ve ever come across. They are cruelty-free certified by both PETA and Leaping Bunny, have ECOCERT Natural and Organic Certification on a selection of products and seven of the brand’s SPFs are recommended by the US Skin Cancer Foundation.
Nevertheless, it’s important to check the fine print to discern whether the product you’re in the market for is certifiably organic. While Jane Iredale offers brilliantly clean beauty, they only employ organic ingredients where possible. That being said, all products are vegan, pro-nature, microplastic free, alcohol-free, palm oil free, coral safe and vegan – which is fairly fantastic going.
Buy now, Face the Future
Ilia Beauty
On a mission to deliver more than just clean beauty, all of Ilia’s products are made up of 85 per cent bioactive plant extracts which are sourced from controlled organic agriculture. These skin-centric ingredients include jojoba oil, cocoa butter and more.
Founder Sasha Plavsic learned of the wonders of organic ingredients through her mother, who co-founded an organic food co-op with several families in her hometown. What started as a mission to recreate her favourite lip balm with clean ingredients quickly became a globally renowned beauty brand.
As remains the case with several clean beauty brands, Ilia Beauty products are not certified organic unless expressly stated with regard to certain ingredients. This is because organic percentages vary across their products. All of Ilia’s products are a hybrid of natural and organic ingredients, active botanicals and safe synthetics.
Buy now, Space NK
Inika
Two-thirds of products by Inika are certified organic, just be sure to double-check the label. Founded in Australia, the brand makes use of the finest Australian botanicals and pure minerals to produce hi-octane makeup which protects your skin – and they’ve got over 60 awards for product excellence and innovation to show for it.
None of Inika products contain animal-derived ingredients as well as no petrochemicals, synthetic substances, mineral oils, parabens, sulphates, talc, fragrance, chelating agents or bismuth oxychloride.
Buy now, Naturismo
Benecos
Apart from the brand’s nail polishes, all of their products are certified BDIH Natural, while some are certified COSMOS Organic (an agreement reached between five European certification bodies). Offering plant-based makeup at a reasonable price point, Benecos follows the principles of “green chemistry” to eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances at all points of production.
Buy now, OnlyNaturals
