We interviewed Victoria Sánchez, cosmetologist and CEO of Saper Organic Skincare, an expert in natural and organic cosmetics . She has established her own cosmetics laboratory dedicated to the formulation of 100% natural and environmentally friendly products. With a philosophy focused on health, sustainability, and transparency, she guided us through the exciting world of certified organic cosmetics. We will discover the importance of using carefully selected natural ingredients, as well as the sustainable practices implemented in her laboratory. In addition, we will explore her vision for the future of organic cosmetics and the key message she wishes to convey to customers and society in general.
Get ready to dive into the world of conscious beauty and discover how to take care of yourself and the planet in a harmonious way.
Welcome! We're excited to have an expert in natural and organic cosmetics here. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into this exciting world.
Thank you for your interest! Since I was very young, I've always had a deep interest in nature and the environment, but also in art and its conservation. This led me to study two degrees: first in Art History and then in Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, a profession I dedicated myself to for several years. Until 2011, when I decided to make a radical change in my life. Thanks to the economic crisis that Spain had been experiencing since 2008, I completely reinvented myself and began to think about how I could turn my hobby into my profession, since I made my own soaps, face creams, and body oils at home with natural ingredients.
That path led me to set up a small cosmetics laboratory in a town in the Guadalajara mountains, in Casa de Uceda, very close to where I live. From the beginning, I was clear about the importance of using natural ingredients that were safe for both our bodies and the environment. I decided to study cosmetology and cosmetic formulation at the UNED (National University of Madrid) and focused on creating natural products that were effective and respectful of nature and animals. In 2013, I obtained laboratory certification from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), and since then, I have been producing 100% natural and organic products, exclusively with botanical ingredients. All products are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free .
Cosmetology, how interesting! Could you explain what a natural cosmetologist is and how they train?
Technically, a cosmetologist is a professional specialized in the formulation and creation of personal care products. I have focused exclusively on creating products using natural and environmentally friendly ingredients, avoiding the use of synthetic and toxic chemicals commonly found in conventional cosmetics.
The training of a cosmetologist involves a specific education and training process in natural cosmetics and product formulation. In my case, I studied Cosmetology and Dermopharmacy at the UNED (National University of Madrid), but I have since had to continue my training in phytocosmetics , learning about the benefits of natural ingredients, proper formulation techniques, sustainable production practices, and the importance of safety and quality in cosmetic products. This ongoing training is essential to offering high-quality products and staying abreast of advances in the natural cosmetics industry.
What is the philosophy behind your cosmetics laboratory and what distinguishes it from other brands?
In the lab, we are guided by a philosophy focused on sustainability, effectiveness, and transparency. We believe in holistic beauty, where health and well-being are paramount. All our products are formulated with carefully selected natural ingredients, avoiding any harmful or toxic chemicals. We also strive to minimize our environmental impact by using 100% recyclable violet glass packaging, generating no waste in the manufacturing process, and using renewable energy in the lab.
What sets us apart from other brands is our use of over 95% organically produced ingredients. Not only do we use natural ingredients , but our production is free of synthetic chemicals used in conventional agriculture. All our oils and butters are cold-pressed, preserving all their properties, which is the key to achieving effective products.
We are transparent about the ingredients we use in our formulas, sharing them and explaining their specific skin benefits. We want our customers to feel empowered to make informed decisions about the products they choose to use in their daily routine.
What is your approach to natural ingredients and how do you select them for your products?
For me, it's essential to use high-quality, natural and organic ingredients in my products. I make sure to carefully research and select each ingredient based on its origin, purity, and proven efficacy. I opt for botanical ingredients such as vegetable oils and butters, essential oils, and plant extracts, both oily and glycerinated, as they have very beneficial properties for the skin and are highly effective. Using extracts provides a very wide range of botanical active ingredients.
Additionally, I always avoid the use of synthetic ingredients, parabens, phthalates, and any other substances harmful to health and the environment. It's important to me to ensure that every product that leaves my laboratory is free of any questionable ingredients.
What exactly does it mean for a cosmetic product to be “organic” and how is it certified?
When we talk about "organic" cosmetics, we're referring to those formulated and manufactured using natural, sustainable ingredients and that have minimal environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle, because no pesticides or synthetic chemicals have been used in their cultivation.
Organic product certification in cosmetics is a process in which an independent organization evaluates and verifies that a product meets specific standards and criteria. These standards may vary depending on the certification used, such as Ecocert, COSMOS, Natrue, among others. We are certified by Bio Inspecta, under the BioVidaSana standard. These certifications typically require that products contain natural ingredients, and it is optional for the brand to use a percentage of organic ingredients. They also require that toxic or harmful ingredients be avoided, and that sustainable practices be followed in the production and packaging of the product.
So, what is the difference between a natural cosmetic product and an organic one?
The main difference lies in the criteria and standards used in its formulation and production.
A natural cosmetic product is composed of ingredients of natural origin, derived from plant, mineral or animal sources.
On the other hand, an organic cosmetic product not only uses natural ingredients, but the main difference is that it uses organically produced ingredients, in which no pesticides or synthetic chemicals have been used.
But it could go further, as the use of renewable energy in production, eco-friendly and recyclable packaging, and the reduction of waste and emissions contribute to the sustainability of the entire production process.
You talk a lot about sustainability. Could you tell us more about your sustainable practices in the lab?
Of course. Sustainability is a fundamental pillar in the laboratory. We employ sustainable practices at all stages of the manufacturing process. This includes selecting organic, sustainably grown ingredients without synthetic chemicals, and purchasing raw materials from local suppliers whenever possible to reduce our carbon footprint.
In addition, we strive to use recyclable glass violet packaging to minimize waste. We use recycled cardboard and paper for all packaging materials. The energy used in the laboratory comes from two renewable sources: solar energy and biomass.
Having said all this, we should go further and focus on the regeneration of ecosystems.
What types of products does your lab offer and what makes them unique?
We offer a wide range of skincare products for both face and body. This includes nourishing creams, moisturizers, facial serums, body oils, facial soaps, eye creams, exfoliating masks, cleansing balms, and more. Each product is carefully formulated to provide specific skin benefits, using high-quality natural ingredients.
What makes our products unique is their ability to deliver visible results without compromising health or the environment. Our formulas are rich in nutrients and work in harmony with the skin, promoting long-term well-being.
What is your vision for the future of natural and organic cosmetics?
I see a promising future for eco-friendly cosmetics. As awareness of the importance of health and the environment continues to grow, more people are seeking natural and sustainable alternatives in their personal care routines. Eco-friendly cosmetics are gaining ground and becoming an increasingly relevant part of the beauty industry.
I believe that in the future we will see an increase in demand for organic cosmetic products, as well as greater availability and variety of options on the market. Furthermore, we are likely to see a broader focus on transparency and traceability of ingredients used in cosmetics, which will allow consumers to make more informed and conscious choices.
What message would you like to convey to your customers and society in general about the importance of using organic cosmetic products?
My main message would be that using eco-friendly cosmetics is not only beneficial for our own health and well-being, but also for the planet we live on. By choosing products formulated with natural and sustainable ingredients, we are making a conscious decision to take care of ourselves and the environment around us.
Conventional cosmetic products often contain synthetic and chemical ingredients that can have long-term negative effects on both our health and the environment. By choosing eco-friendly products, we are minimizing our exposure to these substances and supporting more sustainable practices.
Furthermore, using eco-friendly cosmetics is a way to contribute to the conservation of natural resources, the protection of biodiversity, and the reduction of pollution. We are sending a clear message that we care about our own well-being and the future of the planet.
In short, I encourage you to delve into the world of organic cosmetics as an investment in your own health and a more sustainable future for everyone. Small changes in our beauty routine can make a big difference.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. It's inspiring to see how you're leading the way toward a healthier and more sustainable cosmetics industry!
It's been a pleasure. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my passion for natural and organic cosmetics. I hope this interview inspires others to make more conscious and environmentally friendly choices in their personal care routines.
Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future.
