If you’ve ever strolled down the skincare aisle and noticed that organic products often come with a heftier price tag, you’re not alone. It’s a question that puzzles many: why exactly are organic skincare products more expensive?
While our prices here at Simple Soul aren't prohibitive in the least bit, they aren't drugstore either. We're very transparent about the way we price things, and that gives us a great deal of insight into the wider world of skincare as well.
Let's walk through the main factors that influence the cost of natural or organic skincare, and decide which ones are real and which ones might be a bit overhyped shall we?
The Cost of Organic Ingredients
One of the primary reasons organic skincare products are more expensive is the cost of the ingredients themselves. Organic ingredients are often pricier than their non-organic counterparts for several reasons.
First, organic farming practices are more labor-intensive. Farmers who grow organic plants must adhere to strict guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, they rely on natural methods to keep their crops healthy, such as crop rotation, organic compost, and natural pest predators. These methods require more time and effort, which translates to higher costs.
It's also worth noting that these methods aren't as fool proof as synthetic ones. Yes, we obviously prefer the organic theme here at Simple Soul- but as a certified, card-carrying Kentucky girl- the fact of the matter is that if you're using natural pest control, it just isn't going to work as flawlessly as the chemicals. Crop rotation isn't a perfect science. Using organic compost is freaking expensive and easy to mess up. Every failed crop means a spike in prices for the next one that comes in due to supply and demand.
Without synthetic chemicals to boost growth, organic plants grow more slowly as well. This ALSO results in smaller harvests, which drives up the cost of the raw materials.
Finally, organic certification itself is costly. Farmers must pay for the certification process, which involves rigorous inspections and paperwork to ensure they meet organic standards. This cost is often passed down to the consumer in the form of higher prices.
Sustainable and Ethical Practices
Another factor contributing to the higher cost of organic skincare is the commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. Many organic skincare brands prioritize environmental sustainability and fair trade practices, which can be more expensive to implement.
For instance, sourcing fair trade ingredients ensures that farmers and workers are paid fairly for their labor. This is especially important for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and various essential oils, which are often sourced from developing countries. Fair trade practices help to improve the living conditions of workers and their communities, but they also add to the overall cost of the ingredients.
Sustainable packaging is another consideration. Organic skincare brands often use eco-friendly packaging materials, such as glass, recycled plastic, or biodegradable options. These materials are more expensive than traditional plastic packaging, but they are better for the environment.
For every $2 face wash you buy, you have to understand that a corner was cut somewhere. This somewhere is often labor costs. If you're a millenial or gen Z, this likely doesn't surprise you.
See below for how we price our basic sugar scrubs, and how that works out in the real world.
If you're reading that, and you're thinking "oh wow- you're paying $40/hr?!", the answer is yes. Simple Soul has a hardcore commitment to ethical labor practices. That's like...the whole brand. No one should have to work their fingers to the bone to turn over enough to make rent. This number represents the lowest amount we are ethically comfortable with paying our employees.
Smaller Batch Production
Organic skincare products are often made in smaller batches compared to mass-produced conventional skincare products. Small batch production allows for greater quality control and ensures that the products are fresh when they reach the consumer. However, producing smaller quantities is more costly.
Large-scale production benefits from economies of scale, where the cost per unit decreases as the quantity produced increases. Notice above how we're paying $0.05 per label? That's because we're printing them in house on sticker paper, and cutting them apart. To match this price from an outsourcer- we'd need to buy an average of 10,000 stickers at a time. The truth of the matter is that we are not now, nor have we ever sold 10,000 of something at once. Our website wont even allow it, because it would overwhelm our team (and remember, we categorically refuse to do this to our employees).
Research and Development
Creating effective organic skincare products requires significant research and development (R&D). Companies invest in finding the best natural ingredients, testing different formulations, and ensuring product safety and efficacy. This process can be time-consuming and expensive.
Unlike conventional skincare products, which can rely on synthetic chemicals to achieve desired results, organic products must find natural alternatives that are just as effective. This often involves extensive testing and trial and error, adding to the overall cost of development.
I cannot express to you how many pounds of shea butter I've sourced that were garbage and went straight in the trash. How often I've ordered a fragrance online that was listed as organic, and it showed up in a box covered in chemical ingredient names. There is a very real cost of doing business that contributes to the overall sourcing and development of new products when you're trying to remain true to certain roots.
Higher Quality Ingredients
Organic skincare products often use higher quality ingredients, which can contribute to their higher price point. For example, instead of using inexpensive filler ingredients like mineral oil or synthetic silicones, organic products might use luxurious plant oils like jojoba, argan, or rosehip oil. Jojoba oil is around $150 per gallon for reference.
These high-quality ingredients not only cost more but are also often sourced from specific regions known for their optimal growing conditions. Sourcing ingredients from their native regions can ensure the highest potency and efficacy, but it also adds to the cost due to transportation and import fees.
Marketing and Branding
Organic skincare brands often spend more on marketing and branding to educate consumers about the benefits of organic products and justify the higher price tag. Hellooooo the blog you're on.
This includes everything from creating informative packaging and labels to investing in social media campaigns and influencer partnerships.
Building a brand that consumers trust and associate with quality takes time and money. Companies may also invest in certifications and memberships with organizations that promote organic and sustainable practices, further adding to their marketing expenses.
Limited Shelf Life of Organic Ingredients
Because organic skincare products are free from synthetic preservatives, they often have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional products. This means that products must be sold and used within a certain timeframe to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
A shorter shelf life can lead to higher costs for both manufacturers and retailers. Manufacturers may need to produce and ship products more frequently to keep up with demand, while retailers must manage inventory carefully to avoid waste. These factors contribute to the overall higher cost of organic skincare products.
So What do I do with this Information?
While the higher price tag of organic skincare products can be a shock- understanding the reasons behind the cost can help you make more informed purchasing decisions.
Organic ingredients are more expensive to grow and harvest, sustainable and ethical practices add to production costs, and small batch production, research and development, regulatory compliance, and higher quality ingredients all contribute to the final price.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in organic skincare products is a personal one, but knowing what goes into these products can help you appreciate the value behind the price tag. Whether you choose to go organic or stick with conventional products, the most important thing is to find a skincare routine that works for you and makes you feel good in your skin. Now go buy a sugar scrub made by someone who has a fair wage.