If you like to buy organic when possible at the grocery store, you might be wondering if shopping organic is also important when it comes to makeup. Organic beauty is a growing category in the cosmetics market, so there are plenty of opportunities to shop organic when it comes to selecting your next mascara, blush or lipstick. However, before you do, let’s answer some questions you might have about organic beauty, including:

• What does organic mean?

• What does organic cosmetics mean?

• Why should I try organic cosmetics?

What is organic?

The word “organic” indicates that a product or its ingredients are grown without using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Organic farming is an increasingly appreciated practice because it has many environmental benefits over conventional farming, including supporting biodiversity and cutting down on pollution.

What does organic cosmetics mean?

What is organic beauty? As it turns out, the FDA does not define or regulate what the word “organic” means as it pertains to cosmetics. However, if a cosmetic product is made of agricultural ingredients—that is, ingredients derived from fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts or other plants—the USDA has set some parameters for how the word “organic” can be used on labeling for cosmetic and beauty products.

Cosmetics companies can use the USDA’s organic seal on makeup if the products have anywhere from 95% to 100% organic ingredients. If at least 70 percent of the ingredients use in a formula are organic, the USDA allows cosmetics to be labeled “made with organic ingredients.”

Makeup products that are made from ingredients that are less than 70% organic can’t be labeled as organic. However, the ingredient list may include identification of single ingredients that are organic, which may be the case for a foundation made with organic jojoba oil or a lip gloss made with organic peppermint extract.

Ecocert is another certifying body that grants organic certifications for cosmetics that meet certain criteria. In order to be labeled with the Ecocert Organic Cosmetic seal, at least 95% of the plant material a beauty product contains must be organic.

Why should I try organic cosmetics?

“I definitely like the idea of organic ingredients in cosmetics when sourced responsibly, but there is always the challenge of finding brands that do what they say they do,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “We carefully evaluate the brands that we carry and trust the purity of their ingredients and the quality of their products, but we also verify this in many ways.” In addition, if supporting organic farming is important to you, one way you can support that cause is by purchasing organic cosmetics and beauty products.

7 organic beauty products your makeup routine needs

Looking to add some organic beauty products to your makeup bag? Here are a few dermatologist-recommended organic cosmetics to help you get started.

The Organic Pharmacy Sheer Glow Liquid Blush

British beauty brand The Organic Pharmacy proudly features formulas with ingredients that are sustainably sourced and organic when possible, making them a great choice for your next organic beauty purchase. This liquid blush provides soft, sheer-looking color that’s easy to apply with its plush doe-foot applicator. It also contains vitamin E to help condition and nourish skin while you wear it.

Eminence Organics Citrus Lip Balm

Hungarian brand Eminence Organics specializes in creating USDA-certified organic beauty products. This clear lip balm with a citrus scent is formulated with a number of organic ingredients, including organic calendula flower oil, shea butter, lemon balm leaf extract and hawthorn berry extract. The shea butter helps seal in moisture, while natural peptides work to hel lips look firm and smooth.

RMS Beauty Straight Up Volumizing Mascara

One of the guiding philosophies of RMS Beauty is that products are “farm-to-face,” so you’ll find that their makeup products are formulated with organically grown ingredients when possible. This volumizing mascara contains organic shea butter and cornstarch to condition lashes while adding volume and definition. It also contains peptides to help nourish and strengthen lashes over time. For best results, apply one coat to thicken and lift lashes, and build with two to three coats for dramatic volume.

COOLA Rosilliance Organic BB+ Cream SPF 30

This lightweight BB cream from COOLA contains more than 70% organic ingredients, including organic rice bran oil, rosemary leaf extract, sunflower seed oil, orange water, glycerin and safflower seed oil. It helps even out skin tone with a sheer, natural-looking tint and contains titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Rose stem cells also provide a boost of antioxidant protection plus a light rose scent that you'll love.

Juice Beauty PHYTO-Pigments Liquid Line & Define

Juice Beauty’s entire line of products complies with COPA, the California Organic Products Act, meaning the company purchases a minimum of 70% of its ingredients from organic farmers. Made without synthetic dyes, this liquid eyeliner uses plant-derived pigments to provide a dramatic jet black color to help give your eyes the definition you’re looking for.

Dr. Hauschka Sheer Lipstick

German beauty brand Dr. Hauschka always strives to create its cosmetics using organic and ethically sourced ingredients. This sheer lipstick has a creamy, lightweight texture thanks to rosehip oil, argan oil and beeswax. Mineral pigments help provide a sheer wash of color in a variety of hues, from Aprikola (a bright apricot) to Muskrose (a deep oxblood).

jane iredale Pommisst Hydration Spray

jane iredale’s entire line of hydration sprays have been designated certified organic by Ecocert. This Pommisst Hydration Spray is the perfect final step in your organic beauty routine. It helps set your makeup for all-day wear and can also be used as a pick-me-up to add a touch of hydration and radiance throughout the day. It contains a number of organically farmed ingredients including aloe, pomegranate extract, white tea extract, algae extract, rosemary extract, olive leaf extract and pomegranate seed oil. All of these organic botanicals work together to provide antioxidant protection and help condition your skin.

Now that you know what organic beauty is, you can keep the eco-friendly vibes going and learn how to create an organic hair care routine and more on the LovelySkin Blog.