Are Organic Cosmetics Ineffective!? TOFUlly's Approach to Organic Skincare [TOFUlly JOURNAL Vol.2]

Hello! I'm Rie Tsugita, CEO of TOFUlly and a beauty expert.

Our company, TSUKUYOMI, has launched "TOFUlly Milk Emulsion," the world's first product to generously use okara extract. As an organic all-in-one emulsion, it's especially popular with those with dry and sensitive skin!

Of course, even if you don't have dry or sensitive skin, it's a reassuring item to have as an all-in-one product that provides anti-aging care with just one application after washing your face. However...

When people hear "organic cosmetics," they might think things like "it's gentle on the skin," "it probably isn't very effective," or "it's for people with sensitive skin."

  

In the first place, many people might not understand organic cosmetics well, wondering, "What is the definition of organic cosmetics?" or "Are cosmetics without organic certification not good?"

In this "TOFUlly JOURNAL Vol.2," I'd like to write about organic cosmetics, particularly organic skincare. Reading to the end might change your perception of organic cosmetics!

 

■ Is it true that organic skincare is ineffective?

Organic skincare cannot erase existing spots by tomorrow. But that can be said for all cosmetics, whether they are department store brands, drugstore brands, or Korean cosmetics.

When it comes to skincare using cosmetics, it's not true that "organic means it's ineffective/weak."

Many people probably think that the characteristic of organic skincare is "utilizing the power of plants." But in fact, even in skincare items like those from department stores, plant-derived ingredients are used as key components.

For example, POLA's B.A series. It's a very popular luxury item, and like TOFUlly, it uses ingredients that utilize mugwort. Although the manufacturing methods differ, they both share the commonality of providing skincare through the power of plants. 

Also, popular Korean cosmetics are getting attention for their Cica ingredients, which are extracts from the plant Centella asiatica. While the name Cica makes it sound like a novel ingredient, it's actually a plant that has been used in beauty for a long time.

As these examples show, many cosmetics harness the power of plants, but what is the difference between organic cosmetics and general cosmetics? Roughly speaking, there are four main characteristics:

 

(1) Organic cosmetics also place importance on ingredients other than beauty components, such as extraction solvents, emulsifiers, preservatives, colorants, and fragrances. (They are not used, or ingredients are formulated with skin burden as a priority).

(2) Organic cosmetics are environmentally conscious in the cultivation and manufacturing of the plants used.

(3) Organic cosmetics use powerful plants that are carefully grown with time and effort, based on standards like organic JAS certified fields and biodynamic farming.

(4) Organic cosmetics minimize the use of chemical components and petroleum-derived ingredients.

 

These characteristics are reassuring, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin. However, it cannot always be said that "organic cosmetics = gentle on the skin." This is because even plant-derived ingredients can sometimes cause rashes or problems.

However, whether a product suits your skin or not is true for all cosmetics. Regardless of whether it's organic, general, or quasi-drug cosmetics, it's best to avoid any ingredients if you have allergies or have experienced a rash from them.

General cosmetics also use ingredients that were originally medicines but became usable in cosmetics, as well as innovative ingredients developed through chemical synthesis by manufacturers. Examples include the whitening ingredient tranexamic acid and niacinamide, famous for wrinkle improvement.

Ingredients recognized for these effects are, after all, very appealing!

TOFUlly does not advocate for "aiming for beauty solely with organic cosmetics"; we also suggest combining organic cosmetics with aggressive treatments or aesthetic medicine.

In fact, people who undergo aesthetic medical treatments or use hydroquinone and retinol in their skincare routines, and who otherwise want to be gentle on their skin, are using TOFUlly.

If you're unsure how to combine TOFUlly with other products, please feel free to contact us.

 

■ What is the definition of organic cosmetics?

Earlier, I listed four characteristics of organic cosmetics. However, some might wonder, "Isn't there a clear definition?"

In conclusion, there is no clear definition for organic cosmetics.

Unfortunately, the reality is that even if a product contains only a small amount of organic plant ingredients or uses ingredients extracted with chemical solvents, it can still claim to be "organic cosmetics!"

It's also true that users can't tell from the full ingredient list whether chemical solvents are used or how many organic plant ingredients are included.

Furthermore, while organic certification marks can serve as a guide for choosing cosmetics, surprisingly, some preservatives and previously designated ingredients that organic fans are concerned about might be allowed. Relying solely on certification marks could lead you to choose something that contradicts your preferences...

TOFUlly does not have organic certification for the product itself or for each individual ingredient. However, we are committed to an equivalent or even higher standard, using extracts from plants carefully cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizers in organic JAS certified fields, and extracted without any chemical solvents.

Other ingredients, besides the extracts from organically JAS cultivated plants, are also high-grade, such as domestically sourced ingredients free of chemical solvents.

The content is very luxurious, so we deliver it with confidence to everyone! (Though the cost price has become quite high...)

 

It's a shame if organic cosmetics, not just TOFUlly, are dismissed as "gentle = weak in efficacy."

If people realize that most cosmetic brands, including major manufacturers, utilize the power of plants, and that plants possess incredible power, I believe their perception of organic cosmetics will change.

I'll introduce the power of the plants used in TOFUlly again in a future "TOFUlly JOURNAL."

 

Stay tuned for the next issue!