Just how much is the green beauty trend growing? For starter's, nearly 30 per cent of the beauty products introduced in the U.S. year were organic, a seven per cent increase from the previous year. According to the editor of the new Organic Beauty magazine, it is a $7 billion industry that is only getting bigger, and is not so much a trend as it is a lifestyle.

The terms "organic" and "natural" are somewhat ambiguous though, especially when pertaining to beauty. Just what does it mean when a product you pick up on a shelf is labeled "all natural" or boasts organic ingredients? Will these products actually work more effectively? And exactly what makes them organic?

Why do some of the ingredients sound like they could be chemicals?
One of the big selling points of these types of products is the fact that they should be more natural than the non-organic, non-natural alternatives on the shelf. Therefore, if you peruse the ingredient list and start to see a whole bunch of names that are hard to pronounce or that you don't recognize, especially ones that sound like chemicals, chances are it's not as green as the manufacturer would have you believe. Ingredients such as essential oils are fine; additives that end in "-ine" or are vague such as "fragrance" may be red flags.

Can you trust the organic label?
One would hope so, however a lawsuit last year initiated by Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps sought to expose companies who used the "organic" label, but still contain a significant amount of petrochemical compounds. The Dr. Bronner's company claimed that consumers purchasing such products expect the majority of ingredients to be free from such chemicals, as well as petrochemical preservatives, and instead contain ingredients made from certified organic ingredients. Products certified by OASIS or Ecocert are the ones in question; the only products that are properly regulated are those certified by the USDA National Organic Program.

Do organic products work better?
Just like any beauty product available today, both organic and non-organic, some will provide better results from you than others. Just because it's labeled organic or natural, does not necessarily mean that a product will work well for you. What is should mean is that the product isn't loaded with chemicals, such as carcinogens, or may contain more natural ingredients, such as essential oils. As for the results, experimentation with a product is the only guaranteed way to find out if it will actually work well for you.

Is organic beauty just the latest trend?
Not according to the aforementioned statistic claiming that the number of organic products available on the market increased by seven per cent in the U.S. last year. That would indicate the demand for these is high. Combine the sheer volume of products available with the publications devoted to the topic and it seems the answer is no. One magazine, "Organic Beauty" has reached a circulation of 150,000 across North America.

Will it cost more to make the switch?
Again, this question is relative to the amount you typically spend on the non-organic options. Organic and natural beauty products can cost more than the non-organic alternatives, but many of the lines available are still very affordable, even taking into account the recession. Smaller companies that only have their products available on their website may cost more than ones that are available in a retail chain. If cost is a concern, be a smart shopper. Many of the smaller companies will offer sales or specials, such as free shipping or a rewards program as incentive to buy. If the products you are interested in are available in a store in your area, keep checking local flyers to see when they go on sale, then stock up.

» The Denver Post