Organic cleansers differ from typical commercial products by being free of synthetic chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. In fact, in order to be labeled as organic, the formula must contain only plant-based ingredients that are grown and harvested under industry standards established by the certifying agency in the country it is produced. In the U.S., the National Organic Program of the Department of Agriculture defines these standards, while European manufacturers follow guidelines set forth by the European Commission. Different types of organic cleansers are available in various forms, such as solid bars, liquid washes, or creams. They also vary in formulation accordingly to skin type, or to address specific skin care issues, such as acne or excessively dry skin.
For example, organic cleansers formulated to combat acne prone skin contain a variety of botanical essential oils that serve as a substitute for triclosan, a synthetic antibacterial agent associated with promoting the creation antibacterial resistant strains of bacteria that has also been linked to an increased risk of liver damage. The essential oils typically found in these types of organic cleansers instead include tea tree, lavender, geranium, rosemary, and sweet orange.
Dry or mature skin types benefit from organic cleansers formulated with the essential oils of calendula, carrot, rose geranium, comfrey, sage, and marigold. These types of organic cleansers typically contain additional plant extracts that hydrate skin, such as aloe vera gel and grapefruit extract. Sensitive skin formulas take advantage of the soothing properties of chamomile essential oil, and oils obtained from wheat germ, avocado, and sweet almond.
Organic cleansers made as soap in solid bar form also vary in ingredients and formulation. Commercial bars of soap are generally made by combining animal fat with an alkali in a process known as saponification. Organic soap, on the other hand, is made from vegetable-based fats derived from soybeans, olives, or coconuts. It is interesting to note that a byproduct of saponification yields natural glycerin, but many manufacturers of commercial soaps remove this substance for the purpose of selling it to other markets. On contrast, organic soaps that retain the original glycerin content are labeled as “cold-pressed.”
Some organic cleansers are also designed to exfoliate skin. These types of products are helpful for rejuvenating mature skin since they help to remove dead skin and encourage cellular renewal. In addition to essential oils, these products often contain botanical infusions and hydrosols to help smooth fine lines. To promote exfoliation, they may also contain silica particles, jojoba beads, or seaweed extracts.
