Does your skincare need to be organic? Here’s the shizzle.

Organic v. Conventional? Does it matter?

On first blush (pun fully intended), hellz yeah seems like the sensible answer. Organic means a safer product, and one that creates less environmental impact than conventional. But essentially, it depends on the brand and how transparent they are about their ingredients. Going through USDA Organic certification is expensive and arduous, and is a process that a small indie brand likely can’t afford. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t care about the source of the ingredients. Many indie skincare and cosmetic brands go organic for the high percentage ingredients, like the base oils and butters in a balm, or the rose water in a toner. Even though the product isn’t “certified” as such as a whole, the bulk of the product is organic. These companies often require documentation from their ingredient sources that the ingredients be non-GMO and pesticide free as well, even though they aren’t technically certified. Being USDA Organic certified is great, but it’s a high bar and shouldn’t prohibit you from using some really great, safe brands.

Bottom line, as it always is… read labels and if you’re still confused, ask the company. Look at their About page and FAQs. If they don’t respond satisfactorily or have little information available on their website (some companies don’t even list ingredients at all!), then maybe you should move on down the cosmetic aisle.