From The Beauty Brains Forum Member: Taiwanese Girl
I’m not a gal that’s totally into “organic” products. First, the term “organic” boggles my mind, because to me and everyone else who studied chemistry in college, organic means any compound with carbon atoms (attached to 1-4 hydrogen atoms). So since we’re composed of carbohydrates and proteins and fat (which all contain carbons with hydrogen atoms attached), we’re organic! Anyhow…. I do think that organic farming is great for the environment, whether or not the products really have any benefits to it or not. From my own experience, as well as speaking with cosmetic industry insiders, organic or natural cosmetic products aren’t any better than regular ol’ products.
Intriguingly Organics
With that being said, I was really interested in trying Origin’s new Organics line, Origin Organics. Origin Organics products are certified under the strict requirements of USDA National Organic Program. I’m always out to prove my own opinions to be wrong, so I began testing the products I received with an open mind.
I received the Purifying Tonic (a toner), the Nourishing Face Lotion (a moisturizer), as well as a great 100% Organic Cotton Canvas Reusable Shopping Bag. The Purifying Tonic is 95% certified organic, and the active ingredients are: Organic Lavender Alcohol Blend, Organic Vinegar, and Organic White Willow Bark. The Nourishing Face Lotion is also 95% certified organic, and the active ingredients are: Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Glycerin, and Organic Rosemary Extract.
Let’s start with the good first: the bag is awesome! It’s cute and chic, and definitely makes a bold statement when you take it out to shop either at the grocery store or the mall. Now, let’s get on with the skincare products.
Irritatingly Organic
I looked up the ingredients on Paula Begoun’s website, The Cosmetic Cop, and guess what? Most of the ingredients can cause irritation. And boy, did it irritate my skin! Let’s begin with the Purifying Tonic. With the main ingredient being alcohol, it’s bound to be drying and mildly irritating. Does it matter that it’s an organic lavender blend? Absolutely not! The smell was also horrendous, to a point that I couldn’t sleep because of it. It reminded me of this Chinese herbal massage oil called “Red Flower Oil” that my parents use. Did it soothe or calm my face? No. Did it clean and clear my pores? How do you tell if a product cleans or clears your pores anyway? You can’t.
The Nourishing Face Lotion didn’t get any better. This product irritated my face so badly that it was red for at least half an hour every time I used it. After using it for a few days consecutively, my cheeks were permanently red, and I had trouble covering it with foundation*. The moisturizer itself was light, but it didn’t absorb very well. I felt like it left a greasy film on my face, and it certainly didn’t work well underneath foundation. I think it might work better for someone with drier skin that is not prone to irritations. The biggest problem I had with this was that when I use it at night, I really couldn’t sleep either because of the smell. It smells like this herbal medicine my godfather makes to cure all stomachaches, but trust me, it doesn’t smell good, nor does it taste good. Not only that, the smell was so strong! My husband would not come near me to give me a good night kiss because it smelled that strongly.
Over done Organics
While I applaud Origin’s efforts of introducing an Organic line that meets USDA requirements for organic products, I don’t think they made great products. The Purifying Tonic and the Nourishing Face Lotion did more harm than good in my opinion. It could be that my face is too sensitive and oily for the products, so if you have dry skin that tolerates everything, it might work for you. That is, if you enjoy the smell of strong herbal medicine on your face. But if you are super gung-ho about using only natural and organic products, go over to an Origins counter and smell it for yourself.
*If you are wondering, I went back to my normal regime, which is detailed in the “Introduce Yourself” thread on the Beauty Brains forum, and after 2 days the redness was gone.
What do YOU think about Origins products? Leave a comment and let us know. Or, you can start a thread and talk to Taiwanese Girl directly in the Beauty Brains Forum. And if you’re interested in getting free goodies of your own, join the Forum now and show us you’ve got what it takes to be a Beauty Brainiac!
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Thanks for the review. I almost purchased the line myself until I read the ingredients of the tonic (ALCOHOL). I was also disappointed that the face lotion does not contain SPF.
I have had terrible reactions to Origins products. Last time I tried one of their items I broke out in hives! I just cannot do “all natural”!!
Re: Origins Organics – I only see the “active” ingredients on the website. What are the “inactive” ingredients, i.e. the preservatives. It might be those preservatives that are causing the reactions.
If you have access to the “inactive” ingredients, please post them on your site and/or send to me.
i found your account while googling “bad skin reaction” with regard to the organic nourishing lotion. the stuff makes my face go chemical-burn red and i break out into a carpet of tiny pin-head sized bumps. i’ve had acne all my life, but i’ve never seen anything like my reaction to this. i’m feeling pretty angry not just about how embarrassed i am of my face, but that i’m out of the money – an ounce of that stuff cost $50! i wrote them a letter begging to let me return it for a store credit. i can’t believe the stuff doesn’t have a warning for sensitive skin.
Well what you expect from a company that is owned by a perfumed and chemical based brand that has decided to go natural in my opinion just for the profits.
There are some really bad natural and organic lines out there but there are some really fabulous organic lines out there as well.
I would suggest trying the John Masters Organic line.
I must be the odd-ball of the Origins company… I have had nothing but excellent results (aside from the toner, I must admit, alcohol and skin isn’t a good combination). The Nourishing Face Lotion has done wonders on my skin. I used to get a few pimples here and there with the Paula’s Choice brand (which did clear up a good deal of acne that I had before I used her products); but with a combination of using Origins Organic Nourishing Face Lotion and Neutrogena’s On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, I haven’t had any breakouts for a few months. The only negative feedback I can provide about the face lotion is that there is barely anything for the price. An ounce didn’t do me but a few weeks, despite its effects (on my skin anyway). I’ve only recently begun using Origins, and I do agree with Sandra. I was a bit skeptical about using Origins because of its founding background. But for me, it’s doing good so far.
And Lindsey, you should be able to return it if you aren’t satisfied with the product. When I purchased my products, I asked them about their return policy and basically it’s 100% guarantee or your money back. Hope it all worked out for you.
Origins is the BEST skin care I have used. Including the Organic toner. It is not for every skin type but for an oily breakout prone person it is perfection! I have never used any skin care that has been as successful! I recommend going to an Origins counter and having them suggest what is right for you! Once you find the right system for you, trust me, you will be very happy! Also Origins commitment to the environment is amazing and the price is very reasonable!
WIth thin, eczema-prone skin (which is more difficult than your average “sensitive skin”, the Organics Nourishing Face Lotion was a MIRACLE to me. There was no irritation but a sheer healthy shine. I do think that with a 95% USDA certified organic product, it is really as natural as you can get. It sucks to hear that you got bad reactions from it. Hence, the 5% could be the irritants or you may be allergic to the oils? =\
I tried the lotion and think its amazing. I used it just one time and woke up to skin reminicent of the kind when I was eight. I’m not making this up. I had absolutely no irritation (and I suffer from excema) and woke up to alabaster skin (which means when I was using other products, THEY were irritating my skin). I do not believe there are any preservatives in this product. This lotion took away my fine lines, my big lines, and made my pores look smaller. Yes I will keep using it and I’m so glad that Origins made it.
Many thanks for sharing this wonderful article. Just as before quite inspiring.
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I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve introduced to your post. They are very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. Could you please lengthen them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.
Just tried the organics plantscription eye cream 5 days ago (twice daily) and stopped on day 3 with bumps and redness all over my face but mostly under the eyes. I’ve never had a reaction like this before. I hope it goes away soon.