Organic skincare has become increasingly popular as more of us look more closely at the ingredients in the products we use, how they are sourced and the impact they have on the planet.
What does certified organic skincare really mean? And are some of the most common assumptions about organic beauty actually true? We’re separating the myths from the facts.
Myth 1: Natural and organic skincare mean the same thing
Fact: Natural and organic and not interchangeable terms.
Generally, natural refers to ingredients that originate from natural sources, such as plants, minerals or flowers. However, a natural ingredient is not necessarily organically grown.
Organic, on the other hand, relates to how agricultural ingredients are grown, sourced and processed.
This distinction becomes particularly important in the beauty industry because terms such as “natural” and “organic” are not regulated in the same way they are for food. According to the Soil Association, without independent certification there is no guarantee that a beauty product marketed as organic actually meets recognised organic standards.
Myth 2: If a skincare product says "organic", it must be certified organic
Fact: Organic claims and organic certification are not necessarily the same thing.
A product can use organic ingredients without the finished formulation itself being independently certified. Certification provides an additional level of transparency because the ingredients, formulation and manufacturing process are assessed against an established standard.
COSMOS is an internationally recognised standard for organic and natural cosmetics. Products certified to the COSMOS Organic standard must meet requirements surrounding areas such as ingredient sourcing, processing, manufacturing and environmental impact.
Myth 3: Certified organic skincare must contain 100% natural ingredients
Fact: Not every cosmetic ingredient can be classified as organic.
One of the most common misconceptions around certified organic skincare is that every ingredient in the bottle must be organically grown. In reality, ingredients such as water, salt and minerals cannot be certified organic because they are not agricultural ingredients.
COSMOS Organic instead sets specific requirements for the ingredients that can be organically produced. For example, at least 95% of physically processed agricultural ingredients within a COSMOS Organic formulation must be organic.
It means that seeing a percentage below 100% organic on a certified skincare product doesn't make it any less authentically certified - it simply reflects the different types of ingredients required to create the formulation.
Myth 4: Organic skincare isn't as effective
Fact: Organic and results-driven skincare can go hand in hand.
Organic certification tells us about the standards surrounding ingredients and how a product is produced. It doesn't determine how effective a formulation can be. The performance of any skincare product depends on its complete formulation, the quality and concentration of its ingredients and how those ingredients work together.
At ishga, the heart of our organic skincare is our unique Hebridean seaweed extract, created from four species of brown seaweed sustainably hand-harvested from the pure, clean waters surrounding the Outer Hebrides. Using a bespoke low-temperature extraction process, we harness the naturally occurring antioxidants, vitamins and bioactive minerals found within the seaweed before combining the extract with carefully selected natural and organic ingredients.
Myth 5: Organic skincare must be preservative-free
Fact: Preserving a cosmetic formulation properly is important for both its safety and stability.
There can sometimes be an assumption that the fewer ingredients a product contains - particularly preservatives - the better the product must be.
But skincare products containing water and natural ingredients can provide an environment in which microorganisms grow. Formulating products so that they remain safe throughout their intended shelf life is therefore essential.
COSMOS allows carefully controlled ingredients and processing methods where they are required to produce safe, stable and effective cosmetics. The important distinction isn't necessarily whether a formulation contains a preservative, but rather which ingredients are used, why they are needed and whether the overall formulation meets recognised standards.
Myth 6: Organic means "chemical-free"
Fact: Everything around us is made from chemicals - including water, plants and our own skin
Water is a chemical compound. The antioxidants found naturally in seaweed are chemical compounds. Essential oils are made from naturally occurring chemical compounds too.
The phrase “chemical-free” is often used when talking about natural products, but what's important is how ingredients have been sourced, processed and formulated.
Organic certification standards such as COSMOS set requirements around which ingredients and processes can be used, while also encouraging principles such as green chemistry and responsible manufacturing. Rather than thinking about skincare as simply “natural versus chemical”, it's better to consider the quality, provenance and purpose of the ingredients within a formulation.
Organic skincare, with transparency at its heart
At ishga, we are certified organic. Our products have been put through rigorous testing so you can be safe in the knowledge that our skincare range has met the organic standards. When you see the COSMOS or Soil Association logo you can be reassured that every step of the manufacturing process has been thoroughly checked by unbiased auditors.
For us, organic skincare is about more than a label. It's about knowing where our ingredients come from, treating the environment responsibly and combining the best of the Hebrides with science to create high-performing skincare.
