What is the difference between natural, organic and vegan beauty products?

You want to feel good about the beauty products you buy, but making sense of the label isn’t always easy. Does “natural” mean the same thing as “organic” or “naturally derived”? And if a product is vegan, can you assume it’s cruelty-free?

Between the claims on the packaging and the little symbols beside them, it can be hard to know what you’re getting. Each term means something different, and understanding those differences can help you choose.

Here’s a closer look at some of the terms you’ll come across. 

Distinguishing between natural or naturally derived products

These expressions appear on all kinds of beauty products, but they don’t necessarily mean the same thing. 

“Natural” generally describes an ingredient or product that comes directly from sources such as plants, minerals or certain animal materials. On its own, though, the word doesn’t tell you how much of the formula is natural or how its ingredients have been processed.

“Naturally derived” means an ingredient derived from a natural source but may have been processed, purified, or modified before being added to the finished product. For example, a plant-derived substance might undergo several transformations before it ends up in a cream or serum.

In other words, a naturally derived ingredient starts with a natural raw material but may no longer be in its original form. And a product labelled “natural” isn’t necessarily made entirely from natural ingredients. 

Natural also doesn’t automatically mean better, gentler or more environmentally friendly. A natural ingredient can cause a skin reaction, while a synthetic one can be safe and well tolerated. 

Look beyond that single word on the package. The ingredient list, certifications, and other qualities you care about will give you a fuller picture of whether a product aligns with your priorities. 

What makes an ingredient organic?

“Organic” tells you more than where an ingredient comes from. It indicates how it was produced, in accordance with specific standards and practices. In organic farming, those practices aim to protect the environment, support biodiversity, respect natural cycles, and preserve soil quality. Certain practices are prohibited, including the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).*

A plant ingredient, for instance, can be grown using organic farming methods and certified organic. That doesn’t mean the beauty product containing it is entirely organic. 

A product may include one or more organic ingredients alongside non-organic ones. Seeing “organic” on the label doesn’t necessarily mean it applies to everything inside. 

In Quebec, certification helps verify that a product described as organic meets the applicable standards. Look for the certifying organization’s name on the packaging or label to identify a certified organic product.

Keep in mind: “Organic” and “natural” aren’t interchangeable. An ingredient can come from a natural source without being organic. Organic ingredients, meanwhile, come from production processes that meet specific criteria.

Vegan: No animal-derived ingredients

A vegan product contains no ingredients sourced from animals, including substances produced by animals. 

That rules out some ingredients you might not immediately think of, such as beeswax, honey and certain milk derivatives. 

A product can contain no animal ingredients and still have been tested on animals. Likewise, a cruelty-free product isn’t necessarily vegan. 

That’s why these qualities are listed separately in our Beauté éthique section. 

What does cruelty-free mean?

A cruelty-free product has not been tested on animals. Depending on the certification or the brand’s commitments, that requirement may also extend to its ingredients and certain stages of production. 

It’s a separate consideration from whether a formula is vegan.

Some brands back up their commitments with recognized certifications, such as Leaping Bunny, which helps verify that they do not test on animals. 

To make shopping easier, look for the “Cruelty-free” icon in the Beauté éthique section to find products that meet this criterion. 

Packaging counts, too

There’s more to a beauty product than its formula. If you’re trying to make more responsible choices, consider the materials used in the packaging, how much there is, whether it can be recycled, and any design choices intended to reduce its environmental impact.

Environmentally responsible packaging is one of the selection criteria for our Beauté éthique section.

Some brands also make broader commitments. Teaology, for example, is part of the selection, holds B Corp certification and has initiatives focused on its social impact.

What should you look for when you shop? 

A single claim on the label won’t tell you everything.

A vegan product may not be locally made, and a natural one may not be organic. Cruelty-free formulas can still contain animal ingredients. Packaging also has its own qualities to consider, regardless of what’s inside.

There’s no single way to make more informed beauty choices. What matters is knowing which qualities are important to you. 

Whether you prioritize vegan formulas, cruelty-free products, organic ingredients, environmentally responsible packaging or businesses closer to home, the Beauté éthique section makes it easier to find products that fit.

Once you understand the labels, you can shop for products with a clearer idea of what you’re really choosing. 

Shop the Beauté éthique section

*Sources (french only) https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/agriculture/agriculture-biologique