When we think about organic products, many of us envision filling our grocery carts with fresh, wholesome foods. However, there’s a vast array of certified organic beauty products waiting to be explored in natural health stores! Let’s embark on this journey together.
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Why Opt for Organic in Your Bathroom?
If you’re choosing organic food, it’s only logical to consider organic beauty products as well. Similar to organic foods, these beauty products are crafted without synthetic preservatives, pesticides, petrochemicals, or genetically modified organisms. Many ingredients found in skincare are absorbed through our skin, so choosing organic makes sense.
Moreover, the plants used in personal care products (from cotton to coconut to chamomile) are agricultural crops just like those used in our meals. Organic farming practices benefit the environment and the individuals involved, employing less water, fostering healthy ecosystems, minimizing pollution, protecting farmer health, and encouraging nutrient-rich soil.
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Key Certifications to Look For
While certification standards vary between organizations, a product labeled as “organic” in Canada typically means that at least 95% of its ingredients are sourced without pesticides. If the product contains between 70% and 94% certified organic ingredients, it can claim to be “made with organic ingredients.”
However, it’s worth noting that not all ingredients need to be 100% organic—some safe ingredients (like water) cannot be certified as organic.
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Organic Products to Consider
Skin and Hair Care
You’ll find organic alternatives for all your daily essentials, from shampoos to sunscreens, at natural health retailers.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, you’ll be pleased to know that organic options are readily available. Stock up on items like lip gloss, bronzers, foundations, tinted moisturizers, mascaras, and more. Check out brands from Europe and Australia, in addition to North America.
Feminine Hygiene
Organic feminine hygiene products are extensively available. Discover various options at your local natural health store.
Baby Care and Children’s Products
Given their higher vulnerability to environmental toxins due to their body weight ratio and developing systems, it’s crucial to choose organic for babies and young children. Thankfully, numerous organic options exist, including diaper creams, wipes, shampoos, lotions, and more.
Accessories
Non-organic cotton is a highly polluting crop. Look for organic cotton products such as swabs, rounds, and balls in the body care sections of health retailers.
Unscented?
For those seeking fragrance-free options, be cautious of the terms “fragrance-free” or “unscented.” These may indicate the presence of masking fragrances.
Hypoallergenic
The term “hypoallergenic” has no strict definition and is not legally or scientifically regulated.
Unpronounceable Ingredients
While an extensive ingredient list or difficult-to-pronounce components may raise concerns, companies often list scientific names—so “orange peel extract” could appear as “Citrus aurantium dulcis.”
