Organically Glamorous

In crop terms, “organic” means the products were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. For animals, it means the edible byproduct was reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones.

Now, organic foods are becoming much more widely available. In fact, according to a recent MSNBC report, organic food sales within the United States have enjoyed 17 to 20 percent growth for the past few years while sales of conventional food have grown at only about 2 to 3 percent a year.

With this new move toward organic products that go in the body, more and more people are looking for organic products for the exterior as well. Origins Skincare is one of the many companies meeting this growing demand.

In skincare terms, according to Lynn Mazzella, vice president of Origins’ global product development, organic ingredients are grown and harvested in a very specific manner. The use of pesticides, herbacides, fertilizers and genetically modified organisms are not permitted in organic farming.

“The USDA/National Organic Program regulates organic farming and livestock practices for the food industry,” Mazzella says. “There is a voluntary program in place for personal care products with the National Organic Program.”

Consumers should look for organic certification on their personal care products to confirm that they are truly organic.

And there’s an important distinction between “organic” and “all natural,” says Mazzella. Organic skincare products use organically harvested ingredients. All natural products can be sourced from agriculture, sea, earth, etc. “Currently in the US, there are not specific guidelines to growing or sourcing all natural ingredients,” she adds.

While both all natural and organic products have proved effective in addressing consumers skincare concerns, it’s really a consumer choice. “Just as a consumer can chose to buy fresh carrots in the grocery store or organic carrots,” Mazzella says. “Both have health benefits.”

So, when you walk in the Origins store at Rookwood Commons, you’ll find that most Origins products are all natural, but there are two collections of organic products.

When asked if the all natural and organic products are more expensive than traditional skincare products, Mazzella says, “Organic and natural ingredients can be more expensive based on availability season, weather conditions, etc.” But a growing number of consumers are willing to shell out the little extra for natured-based personal care products.

“At Origins we feel that nature has always provided the solution to many skincare concerns,” Mazzella says. “Nature has provided us with many cures for common ailments and has provided the starting point for many of today's pharmaceuticals.”