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What Are the Different Types of Organic Beauty Products?

Melanie Smeltzer
Melanie Smeltzer

Organic beauty products are typically made of natural ingredients that do not contain and have not been treated with manmade additives or chemicals. Many feel that, unlike synthetic cosmetics, organic products are less harmful to the environment and to the user. Several of the most popular types of natural beauty products consist of makeup and skincare products; however, organic shampoos, conditioners, and soaps are also available.

Some of the most popular varieties of organic beauty products include cosmetics such as foundation and concealer, eye shadow and liner, lipstick and lip balm. Mineral makeup is a well-known option for this type of beauty product. Organic foundations, eye shadows, and eye liners often consist of mineral-based ingredients like mica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Lipsticks and lip balms often contain plant materials or beeswax, essential oils from flowers such as chamomile or sunflowers, and pigments derived from herbs, insects, or vegetables. Other natural ingredients may be added to these products to help enhance their healthful benefits, such as vitamin E, shea butter, and hemp seed oil.

A woman applying organic mascara to her eyelashes.
A woman applying organic mascara to her eyelashes.

Skincare items such as facial and body lotions are also common types of organic beauty products. One of the most popular natural ingredients is shea butter, a fatty substance extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. Aloe vera, honey, and olive oil are other popular bases for organic lotions. Additionally, herbs and essential oils, milk and yogurt, fruits, and oats may be used. These same ingredients may also be found in organic body washes and facial scrubs.

Some lip balms are organic.
Some lip balms are organic.

Although cosmetic and skincare items are some of the best-known types of organic beauty products, other natural items are available, including shampoos and conditioners, hair colors, teeth whitening products, and makeup applicators and accessories. Organic haircare often consists of moisturizing ingredients such as olive or coconut oil, or cleansing ingredients like lemon or nettle leaf. Natural hair colors generally use herbs and vegetables to create the dye.

Organic skin care products often contain shea butter, aloe vera, honey, or olive oil.
Organic skin care products often contain shea butter, aloe vera, honey, or olive oil.

Unlike synthetic teeth whitening formulations, which often contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and peroxide, organic products generally bear milder herbal extracts, resins, and essential oils. Some of the most commonly used ingredients include clove, ginger root, and basil. Natural makeup applicators and accessories often consist of organic cotton swabs and balls, and brushes made up of goat, squirrel, or badger hair.

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    • A woman applying organic mascara to her eyelashes.
      By: haveseen
      A woman applying organic mascara to her eyelashes.
    • Some lip balms are organic.
      By: Nazzu
      Some lip balms are organic.
    • Organic skin care products often contain shea butter, aloe vera, honey, or olive oil.
      By: picsfive
      Organic skin care products often contain shea butter, aloe vera, honey, or olive oil.
    • Organic eye shadows often contain mineral-based ingredients.
      By: ctvvelve
      Organic eye shadows often contain mineral-based ingredients.
    • Some teeth-whitening products are organic.
      By: sanneberg
      Some teeth-whitening products are organic.
    • Many of the most popular natural beauty products are makeup and skincare products, though organic shampoos, conditioners, and soaps are also available.
      By: seen
      Many of the most popular natural beauty products are makeup and skincare products, though organic shampoos, conditioners, and soaps are also available.
    • Olive oil is used as a moisturizing agent in many organic beauty products.
      By: margo555
      Olive oil is used as a moisturizing agent in many organic beauty products.
    • Lipsticks commonly contain essential oils from flowers such as sunflowers.
      By: Smileus
      Lipsticks commonly contain essential oils from flowers such as sunflowers.
    • Organic beauty products often contain minerals like mica for shine.
      By: Tyler Boyes
      Organic beauty products often contain minerals like mica for shine.