Differences Between Beauty Products With "Green" Labels

Gone are the days when going green with beauty meant needing to compromise effectiveness. Plant-based products now rival the rest of the market, often surpassing their efficacy. Superfood ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables, provide nutrients that benefit our skin, and fewer chemicals reduce dryness and skin damage.

It is becoming increasingly important to be aware of products that may seem environmentally friendly but are not. Companies can use the word "natural" on their products even if they contain synthetic chemicals and other potentially harmful ingredients like petroleum. Don't worry, though. With the right knowledge, it is easy to distinguish between a genuinely natural product and one that only claims to be.

Here, we're going to take a look at the labels that beauty brands use for their products and what their differences are:

Natural

When shopping for products with the word "natural" on the label, it's essential to look closely at the ingredients. It may not be regulated, but it's still possible to find products that are made with mostly natural ingredients. Pay attention to the list of ingredients and look for synthetic ingredients near the bottom of the list, if they are even included at all.

Some ingredients that occur in nature may have scientific names that sound artificial. For example, sodium chloride is just regular salt from the ocean, and citric acid is found in citrus fruits like lemons. With practice, you will be able to recognize these names. Additionally, there are other ways to ensure your product is environmentally friendly.

Organic

The term 'organic' refers to ingredients that are organically farmed and regulated by the FDA. However, it's worth noting that a product only needs a specific percentage of organic matter for it to be cleared to declare being made with organic ingredients on the label. The particular percentage can vary from one state to another. If you want something organic, you must look for the USDA Organic seal that signifies the product contains 95 percent of organic ingredients.

Plant-Based or Synthetic-Free

A synthetic-free product does not contain man-made ingredients, meaning it is made from natural elements or compounds. A plant-based product is made from botanical ingredients, and these terms are not legally regulated. It is important to note that a product can be synthetic-free and not organic or vice-versa, just like kale can be non-organic.

Vegan

A vegan product is totally free of any animal byproducts or ingredients. However, it's still possible for vegan beauty products to contain synthesized chemicals, so long as no animal sources are used. It's essential to always read the label and check the ingredients list to ensure the product is vegan.

Cruelty-Free

The Leaping Bunny symbol on a cosmetics label indicates that no ingredients in the product were tested on animals. The Leaping Bunny website lists major beauty brands that don't test on animals. Although smaller or indie brands may not be certified, they may still be cruelty-free. To be sure, check the packaging or do a quick Google search.

In 2013, Europe put into effect a law that made it illegal to test cosmetics on animals within the region. In the U.S., some states are also creating laws to prohibit animal testing for cosmetics. However, China still requires companies to test on animals to sell in the country, meaning many major brands still conduct animal testing. You can find out more information about this by doing some research online.

Conclusion

The world of green beauty products can be pretty confusing with all the labels like 'organic,' 'natural,' and more. By understanding what each label means, you can make an informed decision when selecting a product. This quick guide should help you understand the labels a bit more and make it easier to choose the right product for your needs. Ultimately, it is important to do your own research and read the labels carefully before committing to a purchase.

Sabali Pure is a company that makes organic, natural, and synthetic-free products using only natural plant-based ingredients and fairtrade practices. We have a commitment to providing our customers with products that are good for their health and the environment and that come in eco-friendly packaging. Our mission is to make sure our customers have access to information about why our products are the best choice for them. Check out our products today!