Organic Beauty
Michelle Grimes
Bryant & Stratton College
Research and Writing 1: Comparison
Mr. Jason Mullin
October 14, 2013

My bathroom counter is cluttered with beauty products there is grapefruit scented hand soap, a ginger body lotion, a serum that brightens my skin and oil made from a nut that makes my hair shine. The cabinets are filled with little pots and tubes that contain the most glorious colored eye shadows and lip-glosses. The last step of my morning beauty routine is applying lipstick; this morning it was an organic lipstick. While buying some organic items is beneficial to your health, are organic cosmetics? Do I buy lipstick based on what is good for me or do I buy lipstick because I found the perfect shade of merlot that makes my eyes pop? Are cosmetics made with “organic” ingredients safer for me then those made from other sources and does the organic claim persuade me to buy it or is shopping for cosmetics a ritual that fulfills my need to feel my best, not what is best for my health? The beauty industry is producing more organic cosmetics then ever, because of health conscious women. Organic means that it is natural coming from plant or animal based ingredients and is free from synthetic chemicals. Organic cosmetics are marketed to women as a safe alternative to traditional cosmetics. Plant oils, beeswax, pigment that comes from minerals and extracts from herbs are commonly used in organic cosmetics. Natural ingredients may be less harsh to the skin then those found in traditional cosmetics. The packaging on organic beauty items is very attractive often it is peppered with images of flowers and delicate plant leaves. The imagery on the packages reflects a feel of clean, healthy beauty. The marketing is of these products inspire me to use them based on the hope that I will improve my health. Traditional cosmetics are a staple to women; many have often used and purchased the same item or brand for years. Tried and trusted brands do contain chemicals and synthetic dyes and they make no claim to improve my health. These items appeal completely to my emotional side. Traditional cosmetics have sleek and shiny packaging with images of beautiful women with flawless skin and make-up. This marketing uses characters to inspire me to buy the products so that I may become beautiful like them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate organic cosmetics as being safer for you than cosmetics made from other sources. “The sources whether or not they are grown organically contain substances that may be toxic or allergenic.” (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Organic Cosmetics 2013,para 4). Organic labeling on cosmetics means that only 85% of the ingredients have to be organic. 15% can be any ingredient the company chooses to use, this information makes me question the ethical standard of companies that claims to be 100% pure or all natural. Traditional and Organic cosmetics can be bought at drug stores, department stores, and grocery stores in a variety of prices. Why is there such a great