The definition of organic is simply: Any compound containing carbon. The problem is, carbon is found in anything that ever lived on Earth. Organic food may now enjoy government recognition but there are no international regulations. Each country independently defines 'organic', and what is 'natural'. UK organic certification is given by the Soil Association, which has the most comprehensive organic standards world-wide for health and beauty products. They refer to "a marketplace currently saturated with unverified, unsubstantiated or questionable organic claims." The word 'organic' can be used on the labels of products that do include toxic processing materials. Unless a product boasts that it is 100% organic, it may still contain ingredients that are not from a natural origin and therefore are not chemical-free. It doesn't help that the cosmetics industry is exploitative. "About 25 years ago it was found that putting the word Natural on a package basically doubled sales." Say Green Products Alliance. Of course many things may be correctly described as natural and organic - including the class A drug Heroin (derived from poppies) - but that doesn't make it good for us. But most can agree on some points: Organic ingredients cannot/should not be synthetic, genetically modified, irradiated, or extracted using petrochemicals. Why should any of this concern us? Because up to 60% of any substances (toxic or otherwise) can be absorbed by the skin via cosmetic products and taken into the body. Reading labels, asking questions, and learning about ingredients, is the only way forward - whether we're talking essential foodstuffs or flirtatious lip-gloss.

NATURAL & ORGANIC HAIR CARE

Any quest to bring you the best natural and organic shampoos and conditioners invites both disasters and surprises. From Danish brand Urtekram, which left me with a horrific "what have I done to my hair?!" moment of regret, to the sublime and possibly perfect Paul Penders range. Let's go natural…

Paul Penders ShampooGENTLE (Jasmine) RinseGENTLE (Lemon) both £11.95, 250ml
The secret with this unique shampoo is that it is low in suds. High foaming shampoos tend to leave hair too dry as they strip the natural oils. This gentle shampoo is great for fine or damaged hair. Olive oil delicately cleanses the hair whilst 22 organic-grown herbs and essential oils adds shine and manageability. The conditioner or 'rinse' uses coconut oil and aloe vera to moisturise the hair and organic apple cider restores the scalp. No chemicals and not animal tested. It's slightly odd getting used to the 'low suds' formula. I tend to use more product than I need, because, Psychologically, you still expect proper foam. The rinse smells of lemony bananas and the shampoo left my hair feeling 'squeaky' clean, and seemed to stay clean for longer than usual. My hair felt in peak condition - not weighed down or dry, just glossy, soft, manageable and beautiful. One of the best shampoo and conditioners I've used in a long time (regardless of the added bonus that it's natural). How you imagine your hair should feel and look at its very best.