If you’ve been shopping for skincare recently, you’ve probably noticed two trends; organic skincare and science-backed skincare.

Organic brands usually promise natural, plant-based ingredients to achieve flawless and healthy skin. They suggest that if something comes from nature, it’s automatically better for the skin.  While pharmaceutical skincare focuses more on science-backed formulas that have been specially formulated to support and protect skin health - but which one is actually better?

Let’s explore the differences between organic / natural skincare vs science-backed skincare to finally discover which one really is better for the skin. 

What is Organic Skincare?

Organic skincare is usually formulated from naturally derived plants and botanical ingredients - such as aloe vera, chamomile, coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils. They’re often sold as a natural alternative to conventional skincare and usually highlight that they are free from genetically modified ingredients, harmful pesticides, parabens or other chemicals. 

On the surface, organic, natural or green skincare may seem like a first choice for anyone looking to achieve healthy, glowing skin. After all - if a product is natural, it must be better for the skin… right? However, when it comes to organic vs science-backed skincare, it’s not always straightforward.

What is Science-backed Skincare? 

Science-backed skincare takes a different approach than organic skincare. While some pharmaceutical skincare products include naturally derived plant and botanical ingredients, their primary focus is on how these ingredients interact with the skin; ensuring they are safe, effective, and able to deliver the promised benefits.

Products are developed using scientific research and are specially formulated to support and protect the skin. They tend to use ingredients and formulations that often have gone through extensive testing and clinical studies to ensure they are safe and deliver consistent results. 

Unlike organic skincare, science-backed skincare is designed around the science of healthy skin. Every ingredient is chosen for a purpose - whether that’s keeping the skin hydrated, supporting or repairing the skin barrier, reducing irritation or protecting the skin. This is why it’s often recommended for people with sensitive, dry or problematic skin. 

Is Organic Skincare Better Then? 

When comparing organic and science-backed skincare, “organic” does not automatically mean better. Although organic products may contain natural ingredients and appeal to those seeking a more natural lifestyle, this does not guarantee that they are safer, gentler, or more effective.

Many ingredients found in natural ingredients and green skincare, such as essential oils, fragrances and plant extracts can still cause skin problems such as irritation, allergic reactions and sensitivity; especially for those with sensitive skin.

Also, a lot of organic skincare still isn’t regulated in the same way as pharmaceutical skincare. This means that products labelled as natural or organic can differ from brand to brand in terms of ingredient quality, effectiveness and formulation. Therefore, the label itself doesn’t guarantee that a product has had extensive testing or been specially formulated to support skin health. 

What About Synthetic Ingredients? 

There is a big misconception in the organic vs science-backed skincare debate is that all synthetic ingredients are harmful. However, many synthetic ingredients have been specially formulated and purified and have had rigorous testing to improve safety and effectiveness before being sold to consumers - so can often be more beneficial to skin health than organic or green skincare that have undergone little or no clinical testing.

Why Pharmaceutical Skincare Is Often Better For Skin Health

While organic skincare can offer some benefits to skin health, science-backed skincare has been scientifically-formulated to support skin health - which is why they are often recommended by dermatologists and skincare professionals. This is because;

Scientifically Tested 

Unlike some natural skincare that focus on marketing claims, pharmaceutical skincare is developed using scientific research, testing and clinical studies. Every ingredient is chosen and specially formulated to achieve specific results, whether that’s hydrating dry skin, supporting the skin barrier or helping sensitive or problematic skin. 

This is why pharmaceutical skincare is often favoured by those with sensitive or problematic skin, because they are specifically made to support skin health and are less likely to cause irritation or further skin problems. 

Supports the Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is your body’s first line of defence, helping to lock moisture in while keeping irritants, pollutants and bacteria out. When the skin barrier becomes weakened or damaged, skin can become dry, itchy, sensitive and prone to irritation. 

Many factors, such as weather changes, over-cleansing, stress and conventional skincare products can weaken the skin barrier. This is why pharmaceutical skincare products are specially formulated to help restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier. This makes them more beneficial to those with sensitive or problematic skin, as a stronger skin barrier helps the skin lock in moisture, feel more comfortable and become less sensitive to everyday irritants. 

Same pH as Healthy Skin

A healthy skin barrier naturally has a pH value of 5.5, but many skincare products can be too alkaline which disrupts this natural balance. When this happens, the skin barrier becomes weakened and leads to dryness, irritation and sensitivity.

Not all pharmaceutical skincare products are specially formulated to match the skin’s natural pH which is one of the things that sets sebamed apart from other brands. Every sebamed product has been developed with a pH of 5.5 to strengthen the skin barrier  helping everyone's skin stay healthy, balanced and hydrated. 

Result

While organic skincare may appeal to those looking for natural ingredients, organic doesn’t automatically mean better for your skin. When it comes to organic vs science-backed skincare, what is more important is how a product is formulated, how well it supports the skin barrier and whether it has been tested to be safe and effective. This is why pharmaceutical skincare is better for the skin as it takes a science and ingredient led approach to skin health to work with the skin rather than against it.