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What does organic mean?
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I was slightly amused by yesterday's Midbrain post about how manufacturers are trying to create "organic" depilatories. It reminded me of a question I always think about when I hear the word "organic".
What do people think "organic" means?
When I was in college, organic meant any molecule that had Carbon (and usually Hydrogen). This would mean ingredients like mineral oil and petrolatum would be considered organic molecules. Somehow, I don't think that's what the rest of the world believes.
So I ask you, what is organic? And while we're at it, what is "natural"?:confused: -
In the world of health and beauty products, I assume it means, "made from plants" or even "made from plants that were grown without chemicals." I also assume it means "more expensive."
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If it's made of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen I'd say it's organic. If it is not scientifically enhanced or altered in addition to being made of 'organic' materials I'd say it's natural.
But I don't buy into the hype. Synthetics are advances, they do not hinder products. -
organic to me... meant... the worst series of classes that i've ever had to endure... organic chem.. aaah!! memorizing reactions, etc.
i DO wonder how the term organic got its current trendy meaning.. hMmm... -
To me it means "Over priced stuff that usually isn't any better then the so-called non-organic stuff that easily deluded people buy because it's so "green" and hip." That's why I prefer kosher things. There's set rules for them that are strictly enforced. With organic you never know if it really is organic unless you make it yourself.
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Unfortunately, it is a much abused term. Most companies are trying to capitalize on Organic/Natural by adding one plant oil or so into a mix of synthetic ingredients.
The blend by itself may not be bad. However, the claim that their oganic product is better than the drugstore stuff may be over rated at times.
Salicylic acid is a nturally derived ingredient but calling a 1% Salicylic Acid Face Wash Organic is a shame.
I think some countries have regulation to certify stuff as organic. For example, in India it means no artificial fertilisers/pesticides were used to grow the crop.
The carbon molecule organic is a different thing & refers to chemistry. To me, both are different.
Mineral Oil is organic as per the chemistry classification and naturally derived so i'm thinking natural too.
To me, there is no such ting as organic or natural. I just lok for a good blend of mild synthetic ingredients and standardized natural extracts. -
Unfortunately, FDA in the states does not regulate the marketing tactics and words being used by cosmetic companies. I've written on this topic.
http://www.thevanya.com/blog/general-skin-care/organic-skin-care-products-exist/
No products consist of "pure" 100% organic ingredients. If there were, they would go bad extremely fast. Maybe 3-4 days during hot summer? -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_certification
Basically there are regulations on naming products containing certified organic raw materials in the US and Europe and these materials can only be deemed organic unless certified by an accredited governing body, e.g. the soil association.
That said, it is still a little sketchy on whether the product should be listed as organic or whether it should say 'contains organic ingredients'.
As for natural, my opinion is that it should be anything extracted and isolated in its pure form. Anything else would be classed as 'naturally derived', though sometimes the difference between the two is minimal if at all. -
Poison Ivy is organic too. :-D
Just because a product is labeled organic does not mean it is better. I agree with PurpleRules that it also generally means 'more expensive'. -
Organic products are those that have no preservatives or processed ingredients. In organic, all came naturally. It is as if such was just freshly picked from where it came from.
www.zerofungus.com -
We had organic chemistry in high school and all I know is that it looks like a beehive and has letters CHN.I really don't know how you could make a truly purely organic product, I feel like if it can stay that long on the shelves it might not be as organic as you'd hope. I'm not a chemist.I noticed though that many organic products has a ton of ingredients listed on them. When I can't finish reading an organic product without blinking. I won't buy it.
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