CBD Natural Cosmetics & Organic Cosmetics: Your Guide to Genuine Quality

Showering, washing hair, applying creams, caring – for almost every application area, cosmetic products in natural and/or organic quality are now available. However, not everything that carries a pretty seal or a green leaf on the packaging is necessarily natural or even organic cosmetics. It is worth taking a closer look here.

Meaning of the term "organic" in food and cosmetics

In the case of food, the designation "organic" means that the production, processing, and labeling of a product or food is regulated by clear legal guidelines. Organic production aims to protect important foundations of life: such as fertile soil, clean groundwater, or the diversity of species and varieties. Compliance with these guidelines is checked by independent control bodies from the field to the shelf. Only foods that adhere to these guidelines may call themselves organic and bear an organic seal.

What does the term "organic" stand for?

What is relatively clearly regulated for food leaves room for interpretation in cosmetics. Because even though all EU countries are subject to the same Cosmetics Regulation, there is currently no uniform legal definition for the terms natural cosmetics and organic cosmetics across Europe. While there are various natural cosmetics and organic quality seals, these are usually based on private law and therefore on potentially different criteria and guidelines. This makes it difficult for both consumers and manufacturers to keep track. In Austria, on the other hand, the terms natural cosmetics and organic cosmetics are clearly defined and legally regulated:

What is natural cosmetics?

By definition, natural cosmetics in Austria may only consist of natural raw materials of plant, animal, and mineral origin. The extraction and further processing of these raw materials may only use physical, microbiological, or enzymatic methods. Only preservatives, emulsifiers, and surfactants may also be used in chemically manufactured, nature-identical quality.
Important: Even natural cosmetic products may bear indications of organic components. However, these must refer to the respective ingredient and must not create the impression that the entire product is meant. This is to prevent organic seals and various other organic claims from misleading consumers.

How does organic cosmetics differ from natural cosmetics?

In addition, there are – at least in Austria – further legal restrictions for organic cosmetic products, such as regarding production, calculation of the organic content, labeling and presentation, as well as advertising and the control system. In organic cosmetics, the natural ingredients are divided into plant and animal products (substances of agricultural origin) as well as mineral substances and water (substances of non-agricultural origin). Plant and animal components of agricultural origin must comply with the regulations on organic or ecological production at least 95%. Additionally, depending on the product category, a minimum percentage of organic components must be present in the finished product.

An organic product may only carry designations such as "organic," "ecological," "Bio-," "Öko-," "organic," or "eco" in relation to the entire product if the product and its components comply with the extensive guidelines for organic cosmetics.

How to recognize good organic cosmetics?

Lots of green on the packaging does not necessarily mean organic cosmetics. Unlike food, where not every product may call itself "organic," terms like "plant cosmetics," "natural cosmetics," "natural cosmetics," "organic cosmetics," or similar are not protected in some countries. Whether a cosmetic product is truly organic can be verified by reputable labels. Among the most trustworthy is the Austria Bio Garantie.

Austria Bio Guarantee: The strictest organic cosmetics seal

In Austria, the guidelines for the production of organic cosmetics are defined by the legislator. The legally binding rules are among the strictest standards for organic cosmetics at all. Whether these guidelines are adhered to is checked, among other things, by the Austria Bio Guarantee as the responsible control body. Organic cosmetics certified according to the Austria Bio Guarantee standard can be recognized by the corresponding information on the product:

• Plant and animal components of agricultural origin must come from 95 % organic/ecological production
• The total proportion of organic ingredients in the finished product must be at least 20 %
• The organic components are listed in the ingredients list (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients - INCI)
• The packaging displays the code number of the control body (AT-Bio-301) and/or the Austria Bio Guarantee label
• The packaging also includes the note: Manufactured according to the guidelines for organic production

Is organic cosmetics better than regular cosmetics?

Whether a conventional or an organic product is better suited for a specific application area depends on a whole range of factors. However, in some respects, cosmetics produced according to organic standards have advantages, as they are manufactured taking special criteria into account.

The advantages of organic cosmetics:

• Environmentally friendly and sustainable production
• ​Preservation of biodiversity
• Protection of natural resources
• Application of high animal welfare standards
• Production using natural ingredients
• Simple manufacturing processes

CBD in organic and natural cosmetics: Effects & benefits for the skin

Even though hemp and CBD are currently literally on everyone's lips: Currently, there are only a few providers of organic-certified CBD cosmetics in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. However, especially the skin can benefit from CBD as an ingredient in organic and natural cosmetics. This also depends on the composition with other nourishing plant extracts. With a well-thought-out and well-coordinated combination of active ingredients, CBD-containing organic cosmetics can provide extremely effective care.

Effects of CBD in cosmetic oils, ointments, or creams

• sebum-reducing
• antioxidant
• nourishing
• protective

Conclusion: What to look for in CBD natural cosmetics

Organic cosmetics have a whole range of advantages for both users and the environment. However, when choosing suitable organic cosmetics products, it is advisable to take a close look at the ingredient list and to orient oneself according to common organic certifications.

Sources:
Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety: https://www.ages.at/themen/kosmetik/spezifische-themen/bio-und-naturkosmetik/
Austria Bio Guarantee
Consumer Health.gv.at: https://www.verbrauchergesundheit.gv.at/lebensmittel/bio/RL_0003_3_Biologische_Produktion_gueltig-ab_1-7-2018_2.docx?6spr2g

Image source: ©Shutterstock; Austria Bio Guarantee