Cosmétique Naturel Suisse Bio et Synthétique L'ALPAGE Suisse Guide Complet Comparatif

Organic natural cosmetics VS synthetic: Swiss guide 2025

Written by: Team L'ALPAGE Suisse

|

Published on

|

Time to read 8 min

Organic vs Synthetic Cosmetics: The Swiss Comparative Guide 2025


Organic cosmetics are experiencing particularly strong growth in Switzerland in recent years, with sales increasing by 10-20% per year depending on the year, while traditional cosmetics are growing more modestly at 5%. Indeed, we are seeing a major transformation in our cosmetics industry, particularly with the shift of natural products from niche boutiques to major beauty retailers. Nowadays, most brands have a natural image or at least natural ingredients that they promote.


This development is not surprising, as we see that Swiss consumers are placing increasing importance on sustainability and health in their cosmetic choices. The Swiss organic cosmetics market has firmly established itself, reflecting a marked preference for organic and ecological products. Historic brands, some of which have been around for almost 100 years, have paved the way for this natural revolution. Now the natural positioning of a cosmetic brand is fairly shared by all the major brands on the market


Faced with these significant changes, we understand the importance of distinguishing organic cosmetics from synthetic products. In this comparative guide, we will analyze in detail the differences between these two approaches, their impacts on the skin and the environment, to help you make informed choices for your beauty routine.


The Fundamental Differences Between Organic and Synthetic

The distinction between organic and synthetic cosmetics is based on fundamental differences in their composition and manufacturing.


Composition and Main Ingredients


Organic cosmetics are distinguished by their commitment to ingredients from organic farming. These products mainly contain:

  • Pure vegetable oils, first cold pressing
  • Natural vegetable butters
  • Hydrosols and floral waters
  • Solvent-free plant extracts

Furthermore, synthetic products incorporate components created in the laboratory, including chemical preservatives and artificial emollients. They are not necessarily bad, far from it! They are sometimes even ingredients considered much safer by cosmetic researchers, because they are better controlled and with more hindsight. But some ingredients from chemistry have a less positive image than natural ingredients as a whole.


Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of organic cosmetics follows strict standards defined by European Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. The processing methods respect green chemistry, using processes such as cold pressing, distillation and drying.On the other hand, synthetic cosmetics undergo more complex transformations, often resulting from petrochemicals.


Environmental Impact


Organic cosmetics support sustainable agricultural practices that preserve ecosystems. Manufacturing processes are designed to minimize environmental impact, including reducing waste and energy consumption. In contrast, synthetic ingredients can contribute to environmental pollution, from their production to their disposal as residues in water.

Meilleures Crèmes Anti-Rides pour une peau 30-50ans Guide L

Analysis of Active Ingredients

In-depth analysis of active ingredients reveals significant differences between natural and synthetic formulations.


Effectiveness of Natural Assets


Organic cosmetics demonstrate a remarkable concentration of active ingredients, even reaching up to 45% of active ingredients in their composition.. In particular, essential oils and hydrosols have particularly interesting properties. For example, Apricot essential oil has a nourishing power, and Edelweiss oil has remarkably high anti-oxidant powers, while Pelargonium essential oil rivals retinol in terms of anti-aging effectiveness.

Natural active ingredients offer several distinctive advantages:

  • Vegetable oils and butters rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, H, K, PP and omegas
  • Hydrosols with soothing and moisturizing properties
  • Better assimilation by the epidermis thanks to their natural affinity with the skin

Performance of Synthetic Components

In contrast, synthetic assets are characterized by a more targeted action, generally representing 1% to 5% of the total composition conventional products. Furthermore, some synthetic molecules, such as collagen, have limitations in their effectiveness due to their large molecular size, limiting their skin penetration.

Thus, according to a study of 60 million consumers, half of conventional anti-wrinkle treatments show insufficient effectiveness. Indeed, synthetic formulations often favor economical excipients and filler ingredients, to the detriment of active ingredient concentration.

Impact on the Skin

Cosmétique Suisse  Plante alpine Naturel Bio Synthétique Chimie L

OUR CARE FORMULAS CONTAIN 10 TO 45% ACTIVE INGREDIENTS, ESTIMATED TO BE UP TO 5-20X MORE CONCENTRATED THAN A STANDARD CREAM*

*vs. Standard Cream estimated at 0.3-2%

Innovative Technologies in Cosmetics

The question of skin tolerance represents a crucial aspect in the choice between organic and synthetic cosmetics.


Tolerance and Allergies

Allergic reactions to cosmetics affect a significant number of users, regardless of the natural or synthetic origin of the ingredients. In particular, products must mention allergens when their concentration exceeds 0.001% in unrinsed products and 0.01% in rinsed products. Characteristic symptoms include:

  • Redness and itching
  • Burning sensations
  • Swelling of exposed areas
  • Photoallergic reactions

Be careful though: the presence of ingredients of natural origin is not synonymous with absolute safety. Indeed, some natural ingredients are very powerful, and can create reactions on certain already sensitized skin. We In this case, we recommend the use of quality dermocosmetic care for Sensitive Skin.


Skin Absorption

Furthermore, the absorption of ingredients varies considerably depending on their origin. Natural components, especially vegetable oils, have a better affinity with the lipid structure of the skin. Indeed, their molecular composition facilitates more effective penetration and optimal assimilation by the epidermis.


Long Term Effects

Studies show that Organic cosmetics offer longer lasting results. However, some synthetic ingredients, such as parabens, can disrupt hormonal balance. Antimicrobial preservatives, present in many conventional products, may accumulate adverse effects, particularly in sensitive populations such as pregnant women and children. Thus, the simplicity of natural formulations, with fewer interactions between ingredients, helps reduce the risks of long-term skin reactions.


Laboratoire cosmétique Concentration Actifs Cosmétique Soin Anti-Ride Anti-Age L

TOTAL CARE CREAM THE BASKET OF DELIGHTS

Total Care Cream is a delicious and ultra-innovative concentrate with 99.9% ingredients of natural origin to take the best care of your skin every day with intense hydration for 24 hours (+91% after 6 hours)**:

- Cherries and raspberries intensely hydrate the skin throughout the day.

- Butterfly lavender will help lift the skin with an anti-wrinkle action.

- Organic Alpine rose helps protect against skin aging with its anti-oxidant action.

Its ultra-creamy texture melts on contact with the skin.

** Effectiveness test on 10 women.


Buying Guide for Natural Organic vs Synthetic Cosmetics in Switzerland

To ensure theAuthenticity of organic cosmetics in Switzerland, a rigorous certification system governs the market.


Labels and Certifications

In Switzerland, organic cosmetics must meet strict certification standards. The most recognized labels include Cosmos, NaTrue and BDIH, each with their own specific requirements. Notably, to obtain the Cosmos Organic certification, at least 95% of the plant substances must come from controlled organic cultivation. Furthermore, NaTrue certified products fall into three distinct categories, ranging from basic natural cosmetics to fully organic products.


It can be noted, however, that there are a plethora of labels, and that consumers are not always informed about the minimal differences that there may be between these labels. This is why the % of ingredients of natural origin is often a much better indicator of naturalness of a product that the labels.


Value for money

On the one hand, The costs of organic cosmetics reflect several essential factors: the quality of the ingredients, the certification processes and the environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. On the other hand, supermarkets now offer fairly accessible organic ranges, thus democratizing access to natural cosmetics, but asset concentrations are relatively far from the cosmetic brands more focused on efficiency. Indeed, brands like L'ALPAGE Suisse offer an excellent compromise between quality and price.


Packaging also plays a crucial role in determining prices. Many manufacturers favour recycled or recyclable materials, thus contributing to environmental protection. This responsible approach certainly influences the final cost, but guarantees a complete ethical approach, from production to marketing.

 Guide Complet Cosmétique Naturel Bio Synthétique Chimie L

Comparison table


Criteria
Organic Cosmetics Synthetic Cosmetics
Composition • Pure vegetable oils, first cold pressing
• Natural vegetable butters
• Hydrosols and floral waters
• Solvent-free plant extracts
• Components created in the laboratory
• Chemical preservatives
• Artificial emollients
Concentration of active ingredients 5-50% active ingredients 0.3% to 5% active ingredients
Market growth +10-30% per year +5% per year
Manufacturing process • Natural methods (cold pressing, distillation)
• Respect for green chemistry
• Complex transformations
• Petrochemical processes
Environmental impact • Support for sustainable agricultural practices
• Waste reduction
• Minimization of energy consumption
• Manufacturing process more oriented towards chemistry
• Waste treatment less oriented towards recycling
Skin absorption Better affinity with the lipid structure of the skin Limited penetration for certain molecules (eg: silicone)
Long term effects • Lasting results
• Less risk of skin reactions
• Good immediate effects
• Certain molecules may be banned over time according to new studies
Certification Labels (Cosmos, NaTrue, BDIH)
95% minimum organic ingredients required, but can be tricky to understand

Standard cosmetic regulations for safe use of products

Conclusion

Our in-depth analysis of organic and synthetic cosmetics reveals a clear trend in the Swiss market. Organic products, with their remarkable concentration of natural active ingredients, demonstrate significant advantages over synthetic alternatives.


The remarkable effectiveness of organic cosmetics is explained in particular by their composition rich in active ingredients, reaching up to 50% in some formulations. Take the example of L'ALPAGE Suisse, a brand that perfectly illustrates this excellence, using certified organic alpine ingredients delivering exceptional results thanks to their unique expertise in natural formulation.


Strict certifications such as Cosmos and NaTrue guarantee the quality and authenticity of Swiss organic products, but the most important is a high percentage of naturalness, which can be considered interesting from 80-85% of a product.This rigor, combined with environmentally friendly manufacturing methods, fully justifies the investment in these natural cosmetics.


Faced with current environmental and health challenges, Choosing organic cosmetics is an informed decisionThese products combine proven effectiveness, optimal skin tolerance and respect for our planet, explaining their impressive annual growth of 30% on the Swiss market.

Meilleures Crèmes Anti-Rides pour une peau 30-50ans Guide L

FAQ

What are the main advantages of organic cosmetics compared to synthetic cosmetics?

Organic cosmetics contain a higher concentration of natural active ingredients (10-50%), offer better skin absorption and have a reduced environmental impact. They also support sustainable farming practices and minimize the risk of long-term skin reactions.

Q2. How can I identify a genuine organic cosmetic product in Switzerland?

Organic ingredients are often mentioned with an asterisk in the INCI standard ingredient list. This is the sign of an organic ingredient named as such in the nomenclature.

Q3. Are organic cosmetics as effective as synthetic products?

Yes, and sometimes even more. For example, some natural essential oils have shown comparable effectiveness to popular synthetic ingredients like vitamin C or retinol for anti-aging care.

Q4. Are organic cosmetics more expensive than synthetic cosmetics?

Although organic cosmetics can be more expensive due to the quality of ingredients and certification processes, many brands now offer affordable organic ranges in Swiss supermarkets, making these products more accessible.

Q5. Are organic cosmetics suitable for all skin types?

In general, yes. Organic cosmetics are often better tolerated by the skin thanks to their natural composition. However, as with any cosmetic product, it is recommended to do a skin test before use, as allergic reactions can occur regardless of the natural or synthetic origin of the ingredients.

Our Featured Care Products

50+ Formulas Highly Concentrated in Active Ingredients for a highly effective result

Cosmetics 100% Designed & Produced in Switzerland

Innovative, sensory and high concentration natural formulation, clean beauty

Very wide choice of Face Care (Cream, Serum, Eye Contour, Mask,...), Face Cleansers & Makeup Removers, Body Care and Body Cleansers

Independent laboratory manufacturer, 100% dermatologically tested, 0% animal testing

One of the best quality/price ratios on the cosmetics market

Premium and widely recyclable packaging: glass, aluminum, cardboard...

E-Shop Delivered in 24H | 7.50 CHF or free from 80.- CHF purchase

L

The Author: L'ALPAGE Suisse

L'ALPAGE Suisse Team | A team dedicated to skin care for 10+ years. 100% Made in Switzerland

Read more

Additional readings