"Organic" has become one of the most powerful terms in the food and self-care sectors. We encounter it everywhere – on food packaging, in beauty advertising, and increasingly in the textile industry. According to a press release from the Institute for Retail Research in Cologne last year, approximately 91 percent of people in Germany buy organic products, albeit with varying frequency.

When people think of "organic skincare," they often immediately think of pure, plant-based formulations – free from chemicals or additives. But the truth is: in skincare, "organic" alone is no guarantee of quality.

What your skin really needs are ingredients of high purity and proven efficacy, and a formulation that supports skin health.

In this blog post, I will therefore take a closer look at what "organic" actually means in skincare and why this label should not be the only criterion when you decide for or against a skincare product.

What does "organic" mean in skincare?

In the EU, the term "organic" is clearly defined in the EU Organic Regulation for food products. The designation is subject to strict regulations and is even more stringent under some recognized organic labels. Labeling is mandatory; without it, the term "organic" cannot be used in advertising.

In the cosmetics sector, and therefore also in skincare, the situation is different. Here, the EU Cosmetics Regulation applies. The regulation does not legally define the term "organic," and consequently, there is no mandatory labeling requirement. However, the regulation states that no one may advertise with claims that are misleading, untrue, or unsubstantiated. This includes the term "organic."

Anyone can declare cosmetic products accordingly, but must be able to provide proof of this during an inspection. In the absence of specific legal requirements, inspectors often refer to the voluntary standards of organic cosmetic labels, which cosmetic manufacturers can use to obtain certification. In Germany, this is checked on a random basis by the relevant state authorities.

In short, it can be said that in most cases an organic ingredient comes from a plant that was grown without synthetic chemicals and is then processed only minimally in order to preserve as many natural properties as possible.

But the term doesn't tell you:

• whether the ingredient is effective

• how your skin reacts to it

• whether it was tested for safety or stability

An unstable, highly concentrated, or improperly stored organic extract can do more harm than good to the skin.

The three ingredient categories in high-quality skincare

If you want skincare that is safe, effective and skin-friendly, you should look beyond the "organic" label and ask more specific questions about the quality of the ingredients.

Here are three important categories:

1) Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients

Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients are subject to stricter standards than conventional cosmetic raw materials. They must:

• be highly pure

• exhibit a constant concentration

• be free from impurities

• clinically tested for safety and efficacy

These are often the same active ingredients that are also used in dermatological treatments or prescription skincare.

Contrary to popular belief, pharmaceutically pure ingredients are by no means "aggressive". On the contrary – they have been specifically tested and optimized to deliver the best results in every respect.

You won't always see "pharmaceutical grade" on the packaging. But reputable brands that use such ingredients—like Doctor Eckstein—place great emphasis on clinical studies, dermatological recommendations, and quality testing in everything they develop.

2) Certified, natural ingredients

Despite what marketing might suggest, "natural" doesn't automatically mean "high-quality." Some natural ingredients come from uncontrolled environments – without traceability or standardization. Others, while minimally processed, quickly lose their effectiveness or are unstable on the skin.

Certified natural ingredients are tested by independent organizations regarding origin, processing, and preservation. Among the most trusted standards are:

• COSMOS
  COSMOS is a European standard that assesses the origin of ingredients (whether natural or organic), their processing, environmental impact, and packaging of a product. COSMOS also sets clear limits for synthetic preservatives and fragrances.

• Ecocert
  Ecocert is one of the first certifications for natural and organic cosmetics. It requires that a specified percentage of ingredients be either of natural origin or organically grown. Furthermore, strict rules apply to processing, storage, and labeling – to prevent greenwashing and promote environmental responsibility.

• NaTrue
  NaTrue certifies products based on the proportion of natural or organic ingredients. Synthetic dyes, fragrances, and harsh preservatives are prohibited. At the same time, NaTrue requires transparent labeling so that consumers know exactly what they are consuming.

3) Biological ingredients

To avoid any misunderstanding: Certified organic ingredients are by no means the problem. If they are responsibly sourced and processed, they can be an excellent addition to any skincare formula.

Oils and extracts from organically grown plants can:

• be rich in antioxidants

• naturally anti-inflammatory

• packed with essential fatty acids and nutrients

• less likely to contain pesticide residues

But here too, the following applies: The label “organic” tells you how a plant was grown – not whether the ingredient obtained from it is suitable for your skin.

For example, an organic essential oil can be too strong or irritating for sensitive skin. Even the best organic ingredient loses its effectiveness if it is poorly processed, exposed to light, air, or heat, or incorporated into an unstable formulation.

Conclusion: A biological ingredient is only effective if it is pure, stable, and thoughtfully integrated into the final product.

What should you pay attention to instead?

Some people make the mistake of relying solely on labels. It's much more important to assess the quality of the ingredients, the stability of the formulation, and the skin compatibility of a product.

1) Quality of ingredients

The quality of a skincare ingredient does not depend on whether it is organic, natural, or synthetic. What matters is:

• free from impurities

• responsibly sourced

• Tested for consistency and performance

Look for brands that are transparent about the quality of their ingredients. Clear formulation standards are a sign of integrity.

2) Stability of the formulation

Many powerful active ingredients – such as retinol, vitamin C, or other antioxidants – are sensitive to air, light, and pH levels. Without proper stabilization, they can oxidize, decompose, or lose their effectiveness before they even reach your skin.

A stable formulation is a safe formulation. When buying and using it, you should:

• Check the ingredient list for preservatives (microbial stability).
  Preservatives are essential in water-based products because they protect the formulation from microbial contamination. A certain degree of preservation is also important in organic products.

• Note changes in texture, color, or smell (physical stability)
  Slight variations between batches are normal. However, if a product darkens significantly, develops an unpleasant odor, or separates, it may be deteriorating. Always store skincare products away from light and heat – and discontinue use if they appear spoiled.
  
  

3) Skin compatibility

No ingredient – whether organic or not – is ideal for every skin type. Particularly sensitive or blemish-prone skin can react to essential oils, natural plant extracts, or certain natural fragrances, even if they are pure and of high quality.
In such cases, gentle, pharmaceutically pure ingredients often offer better tolerability and more reliable results. Another advantage: if the product has been dermatologically tested for skin compatibility.

The best choice is the one that suits your skin right now. This can change with the seasons, your environment, or your skincare routine. Choose products based on their performance – and how your skin reacts to them.

Focus on quality

An organic label can be reassuring. But it shouldn't be the sole deciding factor in your purchase.

Your skin doesn't care whether an ingredient was harvested in a field or manufactured in a laboratory. What matters is that the formulation is effective, stable, and tailored to your skin's individual needs.

At Doctor Eckstein®, we combine the best of nature and science. Our formulas unite proven plant extracts with advanced, skin-supporting active ingredients such as peptides and liposomes. Every product is developed to the highest standards and supported by dermatological research.

We deliberately focus on a selection of pharmaceutically pure, certified natural and organic ingredients – and are guided by the purity, effectiveness and quality of the ingredients in the development of our skincare.

Are you ready to get more out of your skincare? Discover the skincare solutions from Doctor Eckstein® now!

Take care, Verena

Sources:

European Commission (2013). Commission Regulation (EU) No 655/2013 of 10 July 2013 establishing common criteria for the justification of claims relating to cosmetic products , OJ L 190, 11.7.2013, p. 31. CELEX: 32013R0655 I IFH Cologne (2024). Organic share 2030: Between 8.1 and 17.3 percent – the growth in area is decisive. Press release of 10 June 2024