Is Organic Skincare a Myth? The Truth Behind Clean Beauty & Conscious Ritual

By Meleesa Luna, Founder of LaB.OTANICA Plant Magic

Hola,

I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s ease in together and begin this honest conversation about what “organic” really means in the world of beauty.

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked, “Is this really organic?” or confidently said, “I only use clean skincare.” 

I’d have a drawer full of pretty bottles with good intentions and very little substance.

Unfortunately, many of them don’t offer the nourishment or integrity we deserve.

That’s why I wrote this blog. My intention is to offer clarity and sacred insight into what "organic" and "clean beauty" truly mean.

As a certified herbalist and organic cosmetic formulator, I want to reveal what lies  behind the labels and marketing. 

There’s so much more to understand. This includes greenwashing, USDA misconceptions, petroleum-based “natural” ingredients, synthetic preservatives, and wasteful packaging.

So let’s explore all of it together.

At first glance, the word organic feels safe, natural, and pure.

But in chemistry, organic simply refers to any compound containing carbon. That means:

• Petroleum is organic.

• Gasoline is organic.

• And yes, plant oils are organic too..

So when a label claims something is organic, that doesn’t automatically mean it is safe, nourishing, or aligned with Earth-honoring values.

While the USDA has established standards for organic food, skincare products operate in a gray zone.

Many products can be labeled “made with organic ingredients” and still contain:

• Synthetic fragrances.

• Petrochemicals.

• Preservatives that don't align with a conscious ritual.

This is why ingredient knowledge matters. It’s the key to reclaiming your skincare practices with intention and integrity.

As a blooming herbalist and certified organic cosmetic formulator, I respect the USDA Organic certification and what it represents.

The USDA Organic label ensures that products meet specific criteria , including the use of organic feed for animals and the prohibition of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in crop production.

However, I believe true organic integrity goes beyond what any label can convey.

These Certifications Often Miss the Deeper Story

They rarely account for:

• Condition of the soil.

• Well-being of the farmworkers.

• Long-term sustainability

• Regenerative practices.

Instead, I ask different questions:

• Was the plant nurtured in clean, chemical-free soil?

• Were the farmers supported and compensated with dignity?

• Were regenerative practices used to honor the Earth?

• Were the people harvesting those plants treated fairly?

This holistic approach aligns with the principles of regenerative agriculture , which emphasizes soil health, ecological balance, and social fairness.

At  La.BOTANICA  , this is the kind of organic we believe in:

One rooted in the sacred relationship between people, plants, and the planet. 

In my years in the beauty world, I’ve seen a lot.

Brands often label products as “clean” or “natural” while using ingredients that contradict those claims.

Many popular terms like clean, green, organic, or non-toxic , are not regulated.

Under the Trade Secrets Act, companies aren’t even required to list every chemical in their products.

This means that terms like “fragrance” or “parfum” can legally conceal toxic ingredients, hormone disruptors, or allergens.

Even when a product’s packaging looks eco-conscious and pure, the ingredient list often tells a different story.

In some cases, there’s no clear story at all. And honestly? This isn’t just confusing.

It’s misleading, and it manipulates our trust. You deserve transparency. You deserve the truth.

There’s a widespread belief that all preservatives are harmful, but that’s not true.

In any skincare formula containing water, preservatives are essential. Without them, bacteria, mold, or yeast can grow, posing a risk to your skin and health.

At La.BOTANICA, we only use eco-certified preservatives. They are effective and gentle, designed to protect both your skin and the formula.

We also use natural emulsifiers like lecithin and xanthan gum . These help create stable and hydrating products without introducing harsh synthetics.

That said, some preservatives can be harmful.

This is why ingredient education is essential. If a product claims to be “preservative-free” but contains water, it could be unsafe unless used and stored carefully.

Smart beauty means making conscious choices. It’s not about fear. It’s about education and soulful awareness.

Clean beauty involves more than what’s inside the jar. It’s about every stage of a product’s life cycle:

• Minimal packaging.

• Sustainable sourcing.

• Ethical labor.

• Products that respect the land, the body, and the energy around them.

The beauty industry generates over 120 billion units of packaging each year . Sadly, much of it ends up polluting our oceans or landfills.

So we have to ask: What is all this glam packaging really for?

At La.BOTANICA, we keep it simple:

• We minimize plastic.

• We prioritize glass and recyclable materials.

• We produce small batches that are intentional and long-lasting.

Because this isn’t about trends or waste. It’s about nourishment, care, and remembering what matters. 

Let’s expand the definition. For us, clean beauty isn’t about:

• A 12-step skincare routine.

• The latest TikTok obsession.

• An influencer’s shelf of half-used serums.

It’s not about chasing “non-toxic” out of fear. And it definitely doesn’t come from perfectionism.

Instead, clean beauty is about:

• Plant medicine that honors your cycles.

• Earth-rooted rituals that support body and spirit.

• Herbal remedies that truly nourish.

• Slowing down, reconnecting, remembering.

It’s ancestral.
It’s feminine.
It’s future-facing.
It’s sacred .
And it’s yours to reclaim.

With this in mind, let’s explore three of our most-loved offerings. Each is formulated for healing, pleasure, and protection.

Ceremonial Luxury Body Oil

Hydration, elasticity, and radiance in one sacred ritual.

• Calendula to support repair

• Avocado & babassu oils for deep moisture

• Clary sage & orange to uplift and clear energy

Ritual: Apply post-shower or after dry brushing. Massage gently and breathe deeply. Let your skin glow and your joy rise.

B-MAGIC Rescue Balm

A sacred balm for skin regeneration.

• Infused with yarrow, lavender, and calendula.

• Ideal for dry patches, cuticles, elbows, and post-procedure skin.

Ritual: Keep it close: on your altar, in your bag, or beside your bed. Apply freely wherever needed. Use it daily. Let it be your healing companion.

VIXIN Herbal Decongestant Balm

Inspired by abuelita remedies, a breath of ancestral wisdom.

• Formulated with camphor, menthol, peppermint, clove, and cinnamon to open airways and ease sinuses.

Ritual: Rub onto chest, neck, temples, or feet. Breathe deeply. Exhale heaviness. Return to your breath.

For far too long, the beauty industry has sold us poison disguised as luxury.

They’ve called hormone disruptors “glow.” They’ve wrapped carcinogens in promises of self-care.

Now you know better.

• You’re asking deeper questions.

• You’re reading the ingredients.

• You’re choosing differently.

And this time, you’re choosing to honor your body, your Earth, and your lineage.

You deserve to feel sacred in your skin.

You deserve products rooted in truth and Earth-honoring practices.

You deserve rituals that nourish your soul and protect your body .

This is more than skincare. This is plant magic liberation .

Where clean beauty becomes a ritual of remembrance. Where your glow begins with truth.

We’re here to:

• Honor the Earth, the makers, and the women who came before us

• Create beauty rituals that regenerate, not deplete

• Guide you toward products that feel like a yes in your body, your heart, and your soul

Become part of our vibrant botanical family by following us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Tune in as founder Meleesa Luna offers insightful tips and techniques for natural beauty and herbalism, empowering you to embrace and cherish your skin. Wishing you a summer season filled with warmth, joy, and radiant beauty!

https://www.snexplores.org/article/explainer-chemistry-organic-carbon

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/04/style/clean-beauty.html

https://formulabotanica.com/natural-preservatives/