We conducted an interview with Victoria Sanchez, cosmetologist and CEO of the brand Saper Organic Skincare, an expert in natural and organic cosmetics, who has established her own cosmetic laboratory dedicated to the formulation of 100% natural and environmentally friendly products. With a philosophy focused on health, sustainability and transparency, he has 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 their laboratory. In addition, we will explore your vision for the future of organic cosmetic products and the key message you wish to convey to customers and society at large.
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 are 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! I tell you, since I was very young, I have always had a deep interest in nature and the environment, but also for art and its conservation, this led me to study two careers, first Art History and then Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, a profession to which I dedicated myself for several years. Until 2011, where I decided to make a radical turn in my life and thanks to the crisis that Spain was in since 2008, I completely reinvented myself and started to think about how I could turn my hobby into my profession, since I was making my own soaps, facial creams and body oils with natural ingredients at home.
That path led me to set up a small cosmetic laboratory in a village in the mountains of Guadalajara, 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 UNED and focused on creating natural products that were effective and respectful of nature and animals. In 2013, I got the legalization of the laboratory by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices – AEMPS, and since then I produce 100% natural and organic products, exclusively with botanical ingredients, all products are suitable for vegans and cruelty free.
Cosmetology, how interesting! Could you explain what a natural cosmetologist is and how she is trained?
Well 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, but then I 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 continuous training is essential to offer high quality products and to keep abreast of advances in the natural cosmetics industry.
What is the philosophy behind your cosmetic laboratory and what distinguishes it from other brands?
In the laboratory, we are guided by a philosophy focused on sustainability, effectiveness and transparency. We believe in holistic beauty, where health and wellness are fundamental. All our products are formulated with carefully selected natural ingredients, avoiding any harmful or toxic chemicals. In addition, we strive to reduce our environmental impact as much as possible, we use 100% recyclable violet glass packaging, no waste is generated in the manufacturing process and the energy we use in the laboratory comes from renewable sources.
What distinguishes us from other brands is the use of more than 95% of organically produced ingredients, not only do we use natural ingredients, but their production is free of synthetic chemicals used in conventional agriculture. All oils and butters are first cold extracted, so they keep all their properties intact, and this is the key to obtain effective products.
We are transparent about the ingredients we use in our formulas, we share them and explain their specific benefits for the skin. 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 in terms of natural ingredients and how do you select them for your products?
For me, it is essential to use high quality natural and organic ingredients in the 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, oily and glycerinated, as they have very beneficial properties for the skin, they are very effective and by using extracts we have a very wide range of botanical active ingredients.
In addition, I always avoid the use of synthetic ingredients, parabens, phthalates and any other substances harmful to health and the environment. It is important to me to make sure that every product that leaves my lab 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 an “organic” cosmetic product, we refer to those that are formulated and manufactured using natural and sustainable ingredients, and that have a minimal impact on the environment throughout their life cycle, because no pesticides or synthetic chemicals have been used in their cultivation.
The certification of an organic product in cosmetics is a process in which an independent body evaluates and verifies that a product meets certain specific standards and criteria. These standards may vary according to the certification used, such as Ecocert, COSMOS, Natrue, among others, we are certified with Bio Inspecta, under the BioVidaSana standard. These certifications usually require that products contain natural ingredients, and it is optional for the brand to use a percentage of organic ingredients. It also calls for the avoidance of ingredients that are toxic or harmful to health, and for sustainable practices to be followed in the production and packaging of the product.
So, what is the difference between a natural and an organic cosmetic product? What is the difference between a natural and an organic cosmetic product?
The main difference lies in the criteria and standards used in their formulation and production.
A natural cosmetic product is composed of ingredients of natural origin, derived from vegetable, 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 energies in production, environmentally 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 ingredients, grown sustainably, without synthetic chemicals, and purchasing raw materials from local suppliers whenever possible to reduce the carbon footprint.
In addition, we strive to use purple, recyclable glass containers and minimize waste. We use recycled cardboard and paper in all packaging materials. The energy used in the laboratory comes from two renewable energy sources, solar energy and biomass.
Having said all this, we should go further and bet on the regeneration of ecosystems.
What kind of products does your laboratory offer and what makes them unique?
We offer a wide range of skin care products for facial and body care. This includes nourishing creams, moisturizers, facial serums, body oils, facial soaps, eye contours, exfoliating masks, cleansing balms, etc… Each product is carefully formulated to provide specific benefits to the skin, 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 its long-term well-being.
What is your vision for the future of natural and organic cosmetics?
I see a promising future for organic cosmetic products. As awareness of the importance of health and the environment continues to grow, more people are looking for natural and sustainable alternatives in their personal care routine. Organic cosmetic products 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 a greater availability and variety of options on the market. In addition, we are likely to see a broader focus on transparency and traceability of ingredients used in cosmetics, which will enable consumers to make more informed and conscious choices.
What message would you like to convey to your customers and to society in general about the importance of using organic cosmetic products?
My main message would be that the use of organic cosmetic products is not only beneficial for our own health and well-being, but also for the planet we live on. By opting for 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 ingredients and chemicals that can have long-term negative effects on both our health and the environment. By choosing organic products, we are minimizing our exposure to these substances and supporting more sustainable practices.
In addition, using organic cosmetic products 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 enter the world of organic cosmetics as an investment in your own health and in a more sustainable future for all. Small changes in our beauty routine can make a big difference.
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. It’s inspiring to see how you’re leading the way to a healthier and more sustainable cosmetics industry!
It has 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 routine.
Together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future.
