Organic, Natural, Biodynamic there once was a time when it took knowledge and know-how to track down and get your hands on such products but these days they are becoming much more readily available. . . but, what does that mean?
The term biodynamic skincare refers to ingredients sourced through a specific type of farming/agriculture. The method dates back to 1924 and is one of the original approaches to organized organic farming worldwide. Originating from a spiritual view of the universe, biodynamic farming regards the farm as a living organism. The best way to visualize this living organism approach is to think of a wild forest. The forest is a system with a high degree of self-sufficiency. In the same way, biodynamic farming practitioners view a farm as a closed system. Sustainability and self sufficiency is the key. Thus most seeds and fertilizers are self produced, and no artificial fertilizers or pesticides are used. Working by hand is essential (for the living connection between human and earth).
The term Organic skincare is similar in that it refers to ingredients sourced through farming that relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation to maintain soil productivity and control pests, excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides.
“Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.”
A Fantastic example of both a Biodynamic and an Organic skincare range is Jurlique. This is what they have to say about their products ingredients:
“Each of our products is developed with a specific “living energy blend” – a custom blend of our biodynamically and organically grown herbs and flowers, that when combined in our formulas, re-balances skin, naturally. biodynamic beauty, completely unlike any other. We hold ourselves to the strictest standards in the growing, developing, and sourcing of our ingredients. We seek to develop products with as many of the herbs and flowers grown on our farms as we possibly can. When that is not possible, we source from other biodynamic or organic farms. For those ingredients which do not yet exist in biodynamic or organic forms, we use all-natural or naturally-derived versions – and all of this with companies that practice fair trade.”
Natural skin care is the care of the skin using naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents and preservatives. The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals.
The Purist Company uses the purest botanical ingredients, chosen for their skin friendly compatibility, carefully crafted into highly effective formulas to give your more healthy looking skin. [A’kin] & [Al’chemy] products are free from sulfates, ethoxylates, parabens, propylene glycol, petrochemical cleansers, silicones, phthalates, mineral oils, DEA & artificial colours. [A’kin] & [Al’chemy] products are ingredient rich, vegan, using certified organic ingredients where possible, 100% natural botanical aromatherapy and formulated without animal ingredients or animal testing.