Unveiling the Mysteries of Sustainable Beauty: Understand the Differences Between Natural, Organic, and Vegan
The pursuit of conscious consumption has been on the rise, putting "natural," "organic," and "vegan" products increasingly on the shelves of stores and supermarkets.
Although there are still no official data showing the real dimension of this sector in South America, it is a fact that there is potential expansion, as the region has become an important source of natural ingredients.
In the current era, where environmental awareness and concern for animal welfare are constantly growing, the cosmetics market is witnessing a true revolution: the emergence of the Green Beauty concept. However, even with the growing popularity of these products, many people still find themselves confused about the differences between natural, organic, and vegan products.
Organic items:
Organic products are those manufactured without pesticides, using pure raw materials sourced from natural origins, and because they are ecologically correct, non-GMO, they bring health benefits. These items do not use animal testing and are considered cruelty-free; however, they are not always vegan, as they may contain substances derived from fauna, such as milk, honey, eggs, collagen, albumin, and gelatin, for example. The main standards for organic COSMETICS are private ones like IBD and
as current official government standards refer only to food.
Natural products:
Natural items do not contain chemical elements or any type of toxic component. They must mandatorily have natural raw materials and no percentage of synthetic substances is allowed except those that are proven natural, non-petroleum-derived, and non-GMO. And like organics, they are free from animal cruelty, which does not mean they are necessarily vegan.
Vegan items:
Products labeled as "Vegan" are those that do not use raw materials of animal origin and that, in their manufacturing process, are not tested on animals. In addition, they are 100% cruelty-free. But they are not always considered organic or natural, as they may contain chemical substances like petroleum and silicones in their composition.
Cosmetics industry: Green Beauty concept in focus
The absence of a standardized and globally accepted meaning for the term Green Beauty often leads to misconceptions and confusion. "Due to the lack of a clear definition of what green beauty is, understanding the consumer's point of view on the subject, who they are, and what they want should be a priority for developing successful strategies," comments Ildiko Szalai, Senior Research Analyst at Euromonitor International.
Therefore, cosmetics manufacturers and consumers establish the concept based on certification, ingredients, and ethical positioning, which can be divided into different categories and labels.
Clean Beauty is a movement that refers to products free from questionable substances that can cause harm to health.
Despite the lack of definition for the concept, users have increasingly higher expectations for these products. They seek not only effectiveness but also transparency, sustainability, and ethics. Aware of environmental impacts, these consumers value supporting brands that share their values.
For this group that seeks a concept of purity in beauty products, expectations are high. They expect products to be produced sustainably, using natural and organic ingredients, avoiding the use of harmful chemical substances. Knowing how to identify the characteristics between vegan, organic, and natural is essential to making informed choices aligned with their personal values.
Potential growth of sustainable items in the cosmetics industry
A survey conducted by the portal Use Orgânico revealed that 48% of Brazilian consumers express interest in products with natural formulas, while 21% value cosmetics with fewer chemical additives. This trend reflects the search for healthier options that are less harmful to the skin.
Although organic products stand out for using certified raw materials and being free of pesticides, they still represent a small portion of the Brazilian and South American market in general, with less than 5% of global revenues in the cosmetics sector, according to Ecovia Intelligence, which specializes in research and consulting in this area.
If the Brazilian public is so open to using products with natural formulas, why do they still represent such a small slice in Brazil? Some factors can be considered, such as the availability of products in certain regions or sales channels, making them less accessible to consumers. Moreover, natural and organic cosmetics tend to have a higher price due to the costs involved in sustainable production, which can also increase the cost of products.
Although awareness is on the rise, the Brazilian public is accustomed to using traditional brands and products, which are more widely publicized and have an established market presence. Changing these consumption habits and adopting products considered green beauty requires a continuous process of awareness and education.
Awakening a conscious transformation
Fortunately, this process is already underway. A study by Euromonitor, a market strategy company, points out that the strengthening of social media, communication among consumers, and the increase in the number of people with allergies have boosted the search for ethical products. This indicates a promising scenario for the trade of sustainable products.
Although the number of consumers of natural cosmetics is still modest compared to the benefits these products can offer, it is likely that availability will increase and prices will become more accessible as more brands and manufacturers commit to sustainable production. Continuous education on the advantages of natural products and consumer awareness about the importance of sustainability and personal health are essential to boost demand, and these changes are already occurring.
Over time, it is expected that the Brazilian public will become increasingly open to natural cosmetics, increasingly valuing conscious and sustainable beauty. Although the change in consumption habits takes time, signs of progress are present and point to a promising future in the natural, organic, and vegan cosmetics industry in Brazil.
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