Compare Organic Skin Care Products

Unlike commercial skincare brands, organic skincare products nourish and condition your skin without relying on chemicals and synthetic substances that may be harmful to your skin. Unfortunately, not all skincare products are made alike, and what may work for one person may not work well for another. When choosing an organic skincare product, compare the different options by using several important criteria to ensure you're getting the best treatment for your skin.

Verify It's Organic

Even though a product has the word "organic" in its name, the product may not actually be certified organic. Be weary of products that state, "Made with organic ingredients." In many cases, only a couple of the product's ingredients are organic, while the rest may be traditional, synthetic substances. If you want a completely organic skincare treatment, choose a product with a "USDA certified organic" label printed on its package. That means the product meets the organic specifications set by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Check for SPF

If you plan to wear organic lotion during the day, the Mayo Clinic recommends using a skincare product with a sun protection factor. Most skin problems, such as wrinkles and discolorations, are caused by over exposure to the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology ranks sunscreen as the most important anti-aging skincare ingredient. Choose an organic skincare product with an SPF of 15 or higher for a natural way to protect your skin from the elements.

Look for Irritants

Many organic skincare products contain natural, herbal ingredients that may irritate your skin. Continued use and irritation can make your skin susceptible to wrinkles and other health problems, warns skincare tester Paula Begoun, author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me." Begoun claims that some of the most common herbal and highly irritating ingredients in skin products include menthol, witch hazel and cinnamon. When choosing an organic skincare that contains these ingredients, be sure to do a skin test before using the product on your face to avoid any potential irritation.

Identify the Active Ingredients

Many skincare brands use marketing hyperbole and promise miracles based on their ingredient content. For some, these claims are unfounded. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests reading the ingredients list to determine whether the active ingredients in the product are right for your skin needs. If you're trying to treat dry skin, make sure the product contains emollients or humectants like glycerin. If you're treating the signs of aging, the AAD recommends products that contain vitamin A, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid and peptides. All of these ingredients can be derived from organic sources.