Organic, natural, vegan cosmetics: what differences?

"Organic", "natural", "vegan"... These words are familiar to you, because they've become must-haves in the world of beauty. But it's not always easy to understand what they actually mean. Here's a quick guide to help you find your way!

Natural cosmetics, of which NUXE has been a pioneer for 30 years, involve formulating beauty care products using ingredients discovered in the heart of nature. Ingredients of natural origin include water, of course, but also plants (algae, flowers, seeds, etc.) and minerals (ingredients derived from the earth, such as clay). To be considered of natural origin, a cosmetic formula must contain at least 95% of these ingredients or derivatives.

But what about "organic"? Only plants grown according to organic farming principles and their derivatives (vegetable oils, floral waters) can be certified as "organic". Water or clay, on the other hand, will never be organic, as they are not derived from crops. Nor can certain plants be certified organic, such as seaweed harvested from the open sea. Certified organic cosmetics must comply with a strict formulation charter imposing a minimum proportion of ingredients of natural origin AND from organic farming. An independent certification body (such as Ecocert) awards them this designation. For example, the Cosmébio charter followed by NUXE certified organic skincare products imposes :

• 95% of ingredients of natural origin in the product;

• 95% minimum of organic ingredients in all plant ingredients;

• 10% minimum of organic ingredients on the total product.

On average, our skincare products contain 88% ingredients of natural origin, and many of our formulas exceed 95%. In fact, we share with you the percentage of natural-origin ingredients in each formula on our website. By following a strict clean beauty formulation charter, our laboratory is committed to ever greater naturalness in our formulas. Our plant extracts are obtained using environmentally-friendly green processes. 3 of our flagship skincare products are also certified organic, thanks to formulas that go far beyond the requirements of the Cosmébio charter:

• Vitamine [C] Sérum Eclat Vitaminé, Prodigieuse® Boost

It contains 5% stabilized vitamin C of natural origin, an optimal dosage for triple antioxidant, anti-aging and radiance action. Day after day, this certified organic vitamin C serum serum targets the first signs of aging, leaving your skin plump and radiant. 99% of total ingredients are of natural origin, and 80% of total ingredients are organically grown.

• Eye Flash - Fatigue-Fighting Moisturizing Eye Care, Crème fraîche de beauté® (fresh beauty cream)

Instantly de-fatigue your eyes and moisturize the fragile eye contour area with certified organic. It combines Vegetal Caffeine with Black Wheat Extract, a duo that awakens your eyes. Fine lines appear smoothed, dark circles and puffiness diminished. 99% of ingredients are of natural origin, and 28% of total ingredients are organically grown.

• Vitaminized Radiance Detox Mask, Prodigieuse® Boost 75 ml

This certified organic detox mask contains a citrus extract. It frees the skin of impurities in just 5 minutes. Its texture is refined, and your radiance is boosted. 98% of ingredients are of natural origin, and 51% of total ingredients are organically grown.

What about vegan cosmetics? First of all, let's review the nuances between "vegetarian", "vegan" and "vegetarian". Being vegetarian means choosing not to consume any ingredient or food of animal origin (meat, fish, etc.). Being vegan also means avoiding foods derived from animals, such as honey, eggs or milk.

Being vegan means adopting a vegan diet, but not just that. It's a real philosophy of life, a commitment to fight against all forms of animal exploitation. This personal ethic impacts on consumption in the broadest sense: we don't wear fur, we avoid buying clothes or accessories made of leather, silk or wool; we prefer vegan cosmetics, i.e. skincare products formulated without ingredients derived from animals. 

100% of NUXE products are vegetarian and 90% are vegan. Only the Rêve de Miel and Very Rose lip balm contain beehive products (honey, wax, etc.). Committed to protecting nature and animals, we have been working to save bees by sponsoring beehives with the association Un Toit Pour les Abeilles since 2010. Furthermore, in accordance with current European regulations, we do not test our finished products or their ingredients on animals.

Formulating effective skin care products using the treasures of nature is part of the NUXE DNA. Ingredients of natural origin obtained with respect for the environment are at the heart of our formulas, some of which have even been awarded organic certification. Our vision of 100% vegetarian cosmetics ensures that you find the best of nature in your beauty ritual.