The Differences Between Organic, Holistic, Clean, Ethical, and Natural Skincare

The world of natural skincare can be a confusing one. When you’re browsing for that perfect new moisturizer or cleanser, it isn’t always easy to spot the differences between similar-sounding products. 

If you’re confused about which type of skincare will work best for your skin and peace of mind, keep reading for our expert guide to understanding the differences among the various natural skincare options and how to choose the right skincare product for you. 

Read to the end to learn about an amazing skin care company that combines all aspects of the above-mentioned skin care types into one conscious brand! 

Quick Reference Guide

Before we get into the nitty gritty of each, here’s a super basic comparison for your convenience:

🌿Organic skincare products are made with ingredients that are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or other harmful chemicals.

🌿Holistic skincare products are made with ingredients that are intended to promote overall health and wellness of the mind, body (skin) and spirit.

🌿Clean skincare products are made without the use of synthetic ingredients such as artificial fragrances, lab-created colorants, and preservatives.

🌿Ethical skincare products are made with ingredients, packaging, and shipping materials that are sustainable, biodegradable, or recyclable. Most ethical brands also support fair wages, fair-trade, and planet-saving initiatives.

🌿Natural skincare products are made with ingredients that occur naturally in the environment and are the least refined as possible.

To learn more about each, read on below. 

What is Organic Skincare?

Organic skincare uses ingredients that are grown without any pesticides, herbicides, and artificial fertilizers, in order to be certified by an independent organic certification body. 

Organic products are therefore thought to be better for your skin and your health, as they don’t contain toxic chemicals. 

Organic skincare products may be a little more expensive, but many agree they are well worth it, especially for those who have sensitive skin. 

You can find a range of organic skincare products from cleansers to toners and moisturizers. 

What is Holistic Skincare? 

Holistic skincare products are made in a way that aims to encourage overall health and wellness of the mind, body (skin) and spirit.

This form of skin care focuses on the idea of hygiene being not just a daily duty but more of a holistic process that infuses self-care into your daily routine.  

In other words, it’s more than just applying a cream to your skin, it’s about taking care of your whole body and skin through a healthy, mindful lifestyle, as well as with non-toxic skincare products. 

Typically, in holistic skincare, you’ll see natural ingredients such as essential oils and unrefined shea butter combined with energetic enhancements such as cleansings and blessings. 

Holistic skincare can support daily reflection and growth by creating an aromatic atmosphere to step away from the chaos and take a moment to recharge yourself.

What is Natural Skincare? 

Natural skincare uses ingredients that are as close to their natural state as possible.

Ideally, natural products do not contain synthetic ingredients, but unfortunately, some do so you must read about the ingredients on the label. 

Because there is currently no federally regulated definition of the word “natural”, the ingredients used can vary greatly from one brand to another.

Reputable natural skincare companies may not be certified organic, but they are typically free from non-nature-made ingredients and in their least refined state as possible. 

Some natural skincare products may also be cheaper than organic skincare products simply because they do not require expensive certification. 

What is Clean Skincare? 

Clean skincare products are made with high-quality ingredients that meet a certain standard of ‘cleanliness’, but they don’t have to be certified organic or natural. 

Clean skincare products are made without any cheap and potentially harmful ingredients such as toxic preservatives, fragrance oils or SLS. 

Clean skincare is a good option if you have sensitive skin as it typically avoids the common dirty ingredients found in most store-bought skincare preparations that can lead to skin irritation. 

What is Ethical Skincare?

Ethical skincare products are made with ingredients, packaging, and shipping materials that are sustainable, biodegradable, or recyclable. 

Most ethical brands also support fair wages, fair-trade, and planet-saving initiatives.

While many ethical skin care brands also choose 100% natural or organic ingredients, not all are committed fully to using zero artificial ingredients, and vice versa. 

Not all natural, organic or clean skin care brands are committed to being ethical. 

Some may choose natural ingredients such as palm oil which have devastating effects on our planet, but can still be certified organic. 

Ethical skincare companies also typically seek carbon-neutral status, renewable or recyclable packaging and shipping materials, and even green energy sources to fuel their operations.

How to Choose the Right Natural Product for You?

Choosing the right natural product for you may take some time, trial, and error. 

First, you must decide which type of skin care aligns with your values:

If you strongly believe in the health of the planet above all else, search for an ethical skincare company that offers the skin products you need. 

If you strongly align with the belief that you are what you eat and put on your skin, search for a skin care company that uses simple, clean ingredients.

If you believe that your skin is intimately connected with your mind and spirit, seek a holistic skin care company who cares for the products consciously, infusing the power of positivity into each product they create.

And so on…

Second, you must decide which products you actually need in your routine. 

So many of us have been conditioned to believe that we need a serum for this, a cream for that, an oil for here and a lotion for there. 

This is false and can lead to an abundance of unnecessary skin preparations in our repertoire. 

When choosing natural skincare, it’s always best to go simple. 

Find a quality cleanser, moisturizer, and exfoliant that can be used on the body and face equally. 

Lastly, don’t give up after just one try. Natural, organic, clean, holistic, or ethical skincare companies are not all created equally. 

Do your research, try what you find, then move on to the next brand if those products don’t fit your needs. 

Nefertem Skincare – The Best of All Skincare Types

Nefertem skin care products encompass the best of all skin types. 

They are made with 100% natural ingredients, 90% organic, and contain zero artificial ingredients. 

They are proudly classified as clean skincare as well as holistic. 

They carefully select every ingredient to ensure the utmost purity, then cleanse and bless those ingredients as they are being made into products. 

In addition, Nefertem is an ethical brand in that they always choose the planet and people over profit. 

Their packaging and shipping materials are made of renewable and recycled or recyclable materials. 

Plus, they only source ingredients from suppliers who are committed to nondestructive production and harvesting. 

Nefertem is truly the best choice for any conscious skin care seeker. 

Try Nefertem today and experience the difference!