It’s Organic September, the perfect time to celebrate all things organic—including your skincare! 🌿 If you’re looking for a beauty routine that not only gives your skin a healthy glow but also helps protect the planet, then opting for more organic skincare options could be the way to go. I talk about organic skincare a lot on my instagram account, but why does it matter so much? I decided to use Organic September to deep dive into why the ingredients you put onto your skin actually matter.
One of the biggest changes in the beauty industry in recent years has been the growing concerns over how exposure to chemicals in beauty products could affect our health. As a result of this, a lot of research has been put into the development of organic skincare products, with many more sustainable companies (such as Tropic), changing their whole skincare range over to organic formulations . Packed with nature’s finest ingredients, organic products offer benefits that are good for your skin and the environment. But with no actual standards in the beauty industry for which products can be marketed as ‘organic’. How do you know which products are green, or which ones are pulling the wool (or heavily fertilised soil) over your eyes? In this post, I’ll explore the key benefits of organic skincare and why choosing COSMOS certified products matters.
But first… What is Organic Skincare?
Technically ‘Organic skincare’ refers to products that formulated using only organically farmed ingredients. These are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, or artificial fertilizers, and without the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However in the UK, only 1% of organic material is needed for a beauty product to be labelled as Organic!!! This is greenwashing at its finest because a product with only 1% organic matter simply wont have the same health benefits as a product with 95% organic matter!
This is why ondependent Certification is so important. COSMOS Certification requires that at least 95% of ALL ingredients in a product to be organic. But they don’t only look at ingredients, they also look for sustainable farming practices, minimised packaging, a transparent manufacturing process, zero animal testing, zero genetically modified crops and the protection of wildlife and diversity. More about this later!
Ready to understand why organic skincare products are so much better?…..? Let’s dive in!
1. Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants (aka Skin Superfoods)
One of the biggest advantages of organic skincare (true organic skincare containing actual organic ingredients!) is that it’s loaded with fresh nutrient dense ingredients that are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Organic ingredients, like botanical oils and plant extracts, are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides making the soil very nutrient dense. This in turn ensures the plant contains an abundance of rich skin-loving nutrients. For instance, organic rosehip oil and argan oil are much higher in vitamins C and E—known for their skin-repairing and anti-aging properties, than their traditionally farmed counterpart. These antioxidants help combat free radicals, which can cause skin damage and premature aging, leaving your skin healthier, brighter, and more radiant.
By choosing organic skincare products such as those by Tropic Skincare, you’re giving your skin the natural goodness it needs to heal and thrive.
2. No Synthetic Ingredients (Just the Good Stuff!)
Unlike conventional beauty products, organic skincare is free from synthetic ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances which can put a strain on the bodys natural detoxification process. As i’ve experienced first hand these ingredients can also cause skin irritation and you can read about my eczema journey in this post. And worse than that, studies have shown that some ingredients such as phthalates and parabens can be endocrine disruptors (i.e. they can disrupt hormones) and may lead to health issues such as endometriosis, obesity and asthma in the long-term. True organic skincare avoids these additives and this is a why it’s so important to look for certification. When you see the COSMOS certification you know the products have been manufactured to strict organic standards, meaning they’re free from petrochemicals, GMOs, and synthetic fragrances. This ensures you’re getting a product that’s safer for your skin and your overall health. It’s like giving your skin a VIP pass to the cleanest, purest ingredients around. 🌿
3. It’s Better for the Soil (And Everything Else!)
Organic skincare isn’t just good for your skin—it’s better for the environment, too. Organic farming practices avoid harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which helps preserve soil health and encourages biodiversity. Healthier soil also means more nutrient-dense plants, which translates into more effective, potent skincare ingredients due to their abundance of vitamins and antioxidants.
However natural doesn’t automatically mean more sustainable as there are some ingredients such as Indian sandalwood which takes 30 years to reach full maturity before its essential oil can be harvested. Overharvesting puts this plant at risk of extinction therefore when you choose COSMOS-certified organic products, you can be sure you are supporting companies who value sustainable farming methods that prioritize soil health and promote ecological balance. These standards require that brands use organic farming practices that protect the land, water, and wildlife—meaning that your beauty routine is doing its part for the planet. So not only are you treating your skin to nutrient-rich ingredients, but you’re also giving the environment a little TLC. Win-win, right?
4. Gentle Enough for Even the Most Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, organic skincare is a great option because many conventional products contain petrochemical based fillers and artificial fragrances that can trigger irritation, redness, or breakouts. Organic skincare will only ever contain natural ingredients. At Tropic the base ingredient for most moisturisers will be a butter such as Shea butter or Illipe butter. This means there is no need to include the petrochemical based fillers as a starting product. If you have sensitive skin look for ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera, which are known for their calming and soothing properties. Natural oils, like jojoba oil are also good because it has a composition that closely resembles the skin’s natural oil. Or I can really recommend Tamanu cream as it has sooo many healing properties! We couldn’t live without it in this house! Read more about why I love is so much in this post about Dougie’s Eczema journey.
Because organic products avoid synthetic chemicals, they are far less likely to cause allergic reactions for those who are sensitive (like me!). For those dealing with conditions like eczema, rosacea, or dermatitis, choosing organic skincare for sensitive skin can make a world of difference, providing your skin with the gentle care it needs without any unnecessary irritation.
5. The Eco-Friendly Choice (Because the Planet Deserves Love, Too!)
Beyond the ingredients, organic brands like Tropic Skincare are often more environmentally conscious in the whole of their production process. For example Tropic use sustainable packaging, such as glass, biodegradable materials, and refillable and recyclable containers. They also prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing methods, which help reduce their carbon footprint (they are a carbon negative company).
Again COSMOS certification ensures that not only are the ingredients organic, but the entire production process follows environmentally friendly practices. This includes sourcing sustainable farming practices, reducing waste, and choosing packaging that minimizes environmental impact. By switching to organic skincare, you’re reducing your environmental footprint, helping cut down on waste, and supporting a more sustainable planet. Plus, you can totally feel good about your skincare routine knowing you’re doing your part for the Earth. 🌍💚
Why COSMOS Certification by the Soil Association is Kind of a Big Deal?
Okay, so what is COSMOS certification? Well, it’s one of the most trusted standards for organic beauty products. Think of it as the “seal of approval” for products that are truly organic, sustainable, and safe for you and the planet.
To get COSMOS certified, brands must meet strict requirements like using sustainably sourced ingredients, eco-friendly manufacturing methods, and ethical packaging. That means when you see the COSMOS logo, you know the product you’re holding is legit! 🌿✨ No greenwashing, no gimmicks—just real, organic goodness.
When you see the COSMOS certification on a product, you can trust that it meets rigorous standards for organic integrity and environmental sustainability. Products with this certification must use organic ingredients, avoid harmful chemicals, and follow ethical sourcing practices. They are also required to use eco-friendly packaging and limit their environmental impact during production.
COSMOS certification is internationally recognized and ensures that the skincare you choose is genuinely organic, sustainably produced, and cruelty-free. This certification guarantees transparency and trust in a world where “greenwashing” can sometimes mislead consumers. So when you see the COSMOS logo, you know you’re getting a product that’s safe for you and the planet.
The Final Glow-Up: Why Organic Skincare is the Best Choice for You and the Planet
So, why choose organic skincare? Switching to organic skincare offers a wide range of benefits—not just for your skin, but for the environment too. From being rich in antioxidants and free from harmful chemicals to supporting sustainable farming and being gentle on sensitive skin, organic skincare is the perfect way to care for your health and the planet.
When you choose products with COSMOS certification by the Soil Association, you know the product contains at least 95% organic material and you’re making a conscious decision to support high standards of quality, sustainability, and transparency. It’s a win-win for you and the world around you.
I thoroughly recommend Tropic Skincare products. I have been using them for five years now and my skin has never felt healthier. You can read more about my skin journey at my instagram account SkincarewithEmma_x .
Ready to make the switch to organic? Your skin (and the Earth) will thank you… and do let me know if you notice any changes x
If you’ve found this article useful please let me know and give me a follow at @skincarewithemma_x You can read more about my skincare journey here : my skincare journey
