Organic cream vs. "chemical" cream: what are you really putting on your skin?

July 12, 2023

Every day we apply creams and lotions to our bodies, but how often do we really read the label?

In this article, we will clarify things once and for all by comparing organic and conventional (or "chemical") creams. You will discover how they differ and, most importantly, their real impact on your body and well-being.

From raw material to bottle: the origin of ingredients 🌿

The real dividing line between an organic cream and a conventional one lies mainly in two factors: what's inside and how it's produced.

Organic cream: respect for the skin and the environment

An organic cream is the result of a careful selection of natural and organic ingredients. The formulation explicitly excludes the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and toxic substances throughout the supply chain. The ingredients are traceable and rigorously certified by relevant bodies. Furthermore, the production methods are eco-sustainable: every step is designed to minimize environmental impact, respecting nature's rhythms.

Conventional cream: the logic of the laboratory

Traditional creams are based on synthetic ingredients, meaning molecules created or artificially reproduced in a laboratory. To mimic the properties of natural components, ensure artificial stability, and extend the product's shelf life, aggressive preservatives, dyes, and other synthetic substances are often included, which, in the long run, can prove toxic or irritating to the skin barrier.

From the first touch to the results: the skin's response

To truly understand what you are buying, let's analyze the behavior of these two types of creams across three key aspects:

1. Feel and absorption

Conventional formulas: often provide an immediate sensation of lightness, smoothness, and silkiness. Be careful, though: in most cases, this is a superficial "sheen" created by silicones that risks clogging pores and does not allow the skin to breathe properly.
Organic formulas: have a skin-friendly texture. Although they may initially require a little more massaging—precisely because they are free of synthetic emulsifiers and silicones—they truly penetrate the tissues. They are thoroughly absorbed by the skin without leaving occlusive or artificial residues.

2. Real benefits and results

Chemical formulas: offer an immediate but purely aesthetic and temporary "wow" effect. It's a kind of invisible trick: as soon as you wash your face, the effect fades, and the skin returns to its original state.
Organic formulas: work over time. Being gentler and deeper, visible results require a little more patience. However, these are lasting benefits because natural active ingredients improve skin health from within, eliminating the risk of sensitization or adverse reactions.

3. Production times

Quality and purity require time. The creation of an organic cream is a long and meticulous process that respects the extraction times of plant raw materials and protects the planet. In contrast, the production of a conventional chemical cream is decidedly faster and more economical, as it is based on standardized and mass-replicable industrial reactions.

Learning to read the INCI📋

⚠️ The "Blacklisted" (to avoid in chemical creams): pay particular attention to parabens and their sodium salts, used as cheap but aggressive preservatives. Check that there are no:

Methylparaben (E218)
Ethylparaben (E214)
Propylparaben (E216)
Butylparaben

Skin allies (to look for in natural creams): organic formulas replace laboratory chemicals with living ingredients, rich in antioxidant, emollient, and nourishing properties:

Lasting essential and vegetable oils (such as Argan, Jojoba, Almond)
Medicinal plant extracts (hydrating and soothing)
Natural vitamins (A, C, E) that protect the skin from aging much longer

In summary: awareness is your best ally🎯

Learning to read the label of your cosmetic products is the first step towards making an informed purchasing choice. Only then can you understand if the product in front of you is suitable for your specific needs and if it is doing good for both you and the planet that hosts us.