Skincare Labels: Natural, Organic, Vegan & Cruelty-Free Explained
How often do you stand in a beauty store or pharmacy, staring at shelves of products, wondering what all those labelled benefits really mean? To say it can be overwhelming is an understatement.
Label terms like ‘Natural,’ ‘Organic,’ ‘Vegan,’ and ‘Cruelty-Free’ can overlap in meaning, and cause confusion. Knowing what these terms actually mean empowers you to choose products that align with your values and needs.
Let’s explore what each term means and how it influences your choices as a consumer.
🌿Natural:
Natural ingredients come from nature, including plants, minerals, and some animal by-products. These ingredients undergo minimal processing to retain their natural properties. Examples include essential oils, botanical extracts, and natural clays. A cosmetic labelled as ‘natural’ indicates its ingredients come from nature, however, as ‘natural’ isn’t a regulated term, these products may still contain a mix of synthetic and natural components.
🌾Organic:
Organic ingredients go a step beyond natural. They come from natural sources and are grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Certification bodies like Australian Certified Organic (ACO), enforce strict standards for organic products. An organic label ensures the product has been verified by a certifying body and is free from synthetic ingredients, pesticides, herbicides and GMO’s, promoting a ‘cleaner‘ option.
🥑Vegan:
Vegan products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. This includes avoiding common animal by-products like honey, beeswax, propolis, collagen (bovine or marine sources), tallow and lanolin. Vegan skincare and cosmetics cater to those who prefer or require products without animal components for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. Keep in mind, Vegan does not necessarily mean natural or organic. Check out our other blog for information on Ethical Beauty
🐇Cruelty-Free:
Cruelty-Free products and ingredients are never tested on animals. This label appeals to consumers who oppose animal testing and support ethical treatment of animals. Certification logos from organisations like Leaping Bunny or PETA ensures adherence to cruelty-free standards. It’s worth noting that a product can be cruelty-free without being vegan, natural, or organic.
🔑Key Takeaways:
The right product isn’t about trends; it’s about knowing what labels mean and choosing what aligns with your values and skin goals.
