Understanding the Difference Between Organic and Chemical

Yasuhiro MiharaTo begin with, how are organic shampoos made? I imagine there are standards, like for food not using pesticides, but are there similar standards for shampoos?

Miho MatsuuraIt's basically the same as for food, but currently, "organic" is a trend, and it's unclear how far the products sold generally go. When developing this, I collected various samples and asked specialized institutions to analyze them, and it's true that many of them made me question, "Is this really being sold as organic?"

MiharaIs there a way to tell the difference between organic and non-organic shampoos?

MatsuuraYou can't tell at all by looking, but I think most people can tell by the feel of it when using it. Organic vegetables have a simple flavor, not a decorated one, right? It's similar with shampoos: chemical shampoos lather easily and feel very slippery, with strong, luxurious scents, but organic ones aren't quite like that. However, while the experience is subjective – some might say, "I don't need that unnatural slipperiness or scent" – most evaluations of organic shampoos are positive.

MiharaIs that so? I suppose because the majority of people have only ever used chemical shampoos, they can clearly feel the difference.

MatsuuraYes. I think the difference is immediately apparent. Especially, new hair that grows in becomes healthier.

MiharaI have a lot of gray hair, so I wonder if it helps with that too? (laughs)

MatsuuraI believe organic products will become more widespread in the future. This is because humans inherently have a desire to be healthy.

Currently, most people probably think, "I'd buy it if it were cheaper, even if I can't afford it now." However, there are still many issues to overcome for widespread adoption. One of them is ingredient labeling; with current labeling, the general public cannot distinguish between organic and chemical products. Even if the ingredients are the same, the labeling is identical whether they are chemically synthesized or naturally derived. Taking advantage of this, products containing preservatives are currently being sold as organic.

France has an organic certification for cosmetics called "Ecocert," but Japan doesn't. And even with that certification, some products are questionable.

MiharaYou mentioned preservatives just now; do organic shampoos actually spoil?

MatsuuraTrue organic products do spoil (laughs). The shampoo I'm currently developing has a shelf life of 6 to 8 months. A shampoo with an expiration date is something new to our current lifestyle, so I do have some concerns about how well it will be accepted.

However, a genuine organic shampoo is one that doesn't use preservatives, surfactants, or synthetic fragrances. Products with overly pleasant scents should also be approached with caution. Natural ingredients have only a subtle fragrance.

MiharaSo, saying "That girl's hair smells nice~" isn't a good thing then? (laughs)

MatsuuraWe can't overlook the importance of scent, though. Scent is instinctual, so if the scent is pleasant, people will naturally prefer it.

The Concept of Plus-Minus-Zero

MiharaMy thinking has changed a bit. From now on, I'll try to like women with subtle scents (laughs).

But jokes aside, if organic shampoos and cosmetics become more widespread, not only our health but also the environment will change, won't it?

MatsuuraYes. I believe people's awareness will change too. In the past, some people would gather their own ingredients and make soap, and I'd like to see a return to that kind of sensibility. Of course, making it yourself is difficult, so people would likely buy products made by trusted sources.

It would be interesting to have shampoo shops, just like there are tofu shops in town. I think that kind of sensibility is very important.

MiharaI agree. Something like "We make shampoo from ingredients grown on our farm" would be fascinating.

So, what are your future goals, Matsuura-san?




MatsuuraAbove all, it's to create safe and secure products. I believe the ultimate conditions for beauty, where pleasure and knowledge become one, can only be found there.

I want to strive to link the conditions for our own beauty and love for the global environment, not just within the beauty industry I'm involved in, but across all aspects of food, clothing, and shelter. We have the environment and wisdom to do so.

The beauty industry must acknowledge its past wrongdoings and start with the concept of "plus-minus-zero." It's important for hairdressers and cosmetic manufacturers, within their individual capacities, to address people's health and the environment with their professional integrity.

This isn't an exaggeration; I believe it will become the norm.

MiharaThat is the mission of the beauty industry moving forward.

MatsuuraYes. While shampoo is one aspect we've discussed, perm solutions and hair dyes are major challenges for the future.

Currently, perms and hair coloring cannot be achieved without chemically breaking the disulfide bonds in hair. This is a negative aspect, so we need to compensate for it with positive aspects, like those found in organic shampoos.

For example, if someone says, "Organic is good," but then flies overseas in airplanes, emitting carbon dioxide, isn't that a contradiction? That's why the "plus-minus-zero" mindset is necessary.

MatsuuraIdeally, what is currently being done at an individual level would be consolidated as the consensus of the entire beauty industry, and then recognized by the government. For the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, healthcare is the top priority, and the beauty industry is, in a sense, an afterthought.

MiharaIs that so? By the way, when do you expect the shampoo you're currently developing to be completed?

MatsuuraWe're aiming for around September of this year.

MiharaUnderstood. I'd love to try it once it's finished. Thank you for your time today.

MatsuuraThank you as well.