Organic September is the perfect time to shine a light on what “organic” really means in cosmetics. Yet, despite the growing interest in organic skincare and haircare, there are still plenty of myths circulating in our industry. As formulators, it’s important we separate fact from fiction — not just for compliance, but also for innovation and sustainability.
Here are 5 of the most common myths I hear, and why they don’t hold up:
Myth 1: Organic means 100% natural and unprocessed
Busted: Organic certification does not restrict formulators to raw plant extracts alone. Processes such as esterification, hydrogenation, or fermentation are permitted if they meet criteria set by standards like COSMOS or NATRUE. This allows for functional, stable ingredients that still meet organic requirements.
Myth 2: Organic products don’t perform as well as conventional ones
Busted: Performance gaps are narrowing quickly. From bio-based surfactants to natural emulsifiers and fermentation-derived actives, organic products can now rival conventional benchmarks in texture, stability, and efficacy.
Myth 3: Organic certification limits innovation
Busted: Quite the opposite! Demand for organic has driven creativity in ingredient development. We now have access to upcycled materials (from food and agricultural by-products), natural preservation systems, and innovative bio-based solvents and emollients. Organic frameworks often inspire more innovative thinking, not less.
Myth 4: Preservatives are banned in organic cosmetics
Busted: Preservatives are essential for consumer safety, and certain ones are permitted in organic formulations. Examples include organic ethanol, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and multifunctional ingredients like glyceryl caprylate. The key is designing a robust preservation system that works with the formulation’s pH, packaging, and water activity. In the Green Chem Finder you can find 100% naturally derived Benzoic acid and even Potassium sorbate! This allows you to use Annex V preservatives retaining an all natural content.
Myth 5: Organic = chemical-free
Busted: This is perhaps the biggest misconception. Everything is made of chemicals — water, oils, essential oils, even the air we breathe. The difference lies in the feedstock (organically grown plants) and the processing methods (must comply with organic standards). Organic doesn’t mean “chemical-free”; it means chemistry inspired by nature
Final Thoughts
For cosmetic formulators, organic certification should not be seen as a limitation, but as an opportunity to align performance, innovation, and sustainability. Busting these myths helps us design better products, communicate more clearly, and inspire trust among consumers who are increasingly curious about what “organic beauty” truly means.
To discover and find preservatives suitable for organic cosmetics, visit the GreenChemFinder compendium