In the world of produce, organic is king. Pesticide- and chemical-free fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses are not only healthier for your bod, but better for the planet and of course, the animals you're eating (if you are in fact a carnivore). When it comes to skincare and beauty products, however, don't be fooled by 'organic' labels.

By taking a quick walk down an aisle in your favorite beauty supply store, you'll notice labels upon labels advertising "organic" and "all natural" lotions, makeups, cleansers, etc. Don't be fooled by these labels. While the USDA monitors food products for organic status, there is no such process in place for the skincare and beauty industry - which means you're paying extra for a product that most likely isn't organic (or as organic as you think it is).

There are only a couple of ways to truly know if your products are coming from organic sources - first, the widely recognized green and white "USDA ORGANIC" label, which is only applied to products that meet the standards set by the USDA. The other option is of course, to buy from a trusted local vendor, farmers market, etc. that would allow you to easily investigate the sources of their ingredients. This isn't feasible for the majority of people, offers less of a selection, and of course, takes a bit more effort. You could also research methods by skincare and beauty companies online and buy via the internet.

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Our hopes are high that one day, a more strictly regulated process will be in place for beauty and skincare products that aim to be sustainable, additive- and pesticide-free and animal-friendly. For now, you'll just have to do your research before you head to the shops with your holiday gift cards in tow.

Do you know any skincare or beauty lines that truly are organic? If so, please share in the comments!

via bellasugar

Thanks to Lauren for the article suggestion!