With organic products progressively entering the mainstream, it is only natural for a certain amount of confusion to arise in regards to what it exactly means to be “organic”. The beauty and skin care industry, in particular, is riddled with companies touting “all natural ingredients” and yet these claims can occasionally be mere marketing ploys rather than factual statements. For the average consumer searching for, say, organic skin care products, marketing tricks and illusions can force the hand of a buyer to purchase a skin care product which contains a number of manufactured ingredients despite contrary claims. When searching for organic products, and particularly organic skin care products, learn the marketing ploys to avoid so that you can be assured that product you purchased is, in fact, a certified organic item.

One of the more prominent slight of hand used in the organic skin care industry is the words “natural” and “all-natural”. To use the distinction “organic”, a manufactured is required to meet certain criteria set by the USDA. To use the word “natural”, however, as in “Natural Skin Care Products”, there is no criteria to follow and, currently, the USDA has no regulatory authority over products making the claim that they are “100% All Natural”. When perusing for an organic health and beauty product, be on the look-out for how a manufactures employs the term “natural”. If it is most prominent keyword in a skin care product’s description, and there is little to no reference to a product being organic, chances are that there is, in fact, nothing organic at all about it and the manufacture is just trying to be slick with their marketing.

Another clear distinction to make is the difference between “100% organic” and the label “made with organic ingredients.” For the former to be applicable, a product must contain no less that 95% organic ingredients within it. For the latter to be applicable, a product must contain no less than 70% organic ingredients. While both labels are much more reputable and authentic than the term “natural”, for a true organic skin care product look for the clearly defined “100% organic”.

While the distinctions between organic, made with organic ingredients, and natural may seem minute, it is extremely important to know the difference for those who want the full organic experience. Its gets even more important for those looking for organic skin care products because of the obvious application to one’s face and epidermis. Organic skin care products are, indeed, much safer than traditional beauty products and cosmetics. The secret, however, is not to be tricked by simple marketing ploys that advertise a false product to a certain demographic. Organic skin care products exist and can provide the safe anti-aging effects you desire; just be aware that with a great idea comes misinformation looking to cash in on that idea.