Should you try biodynamic beauty?

You will have certainly heard the word ‘biodynamic’ with increasing frequency recently, but its exact meaning can remain a little nebulous for many. In an age when we’re taking a more thoughtful approach to our skincare, it’s worth knowing that biodynamic beauty ticks all the right boxes.

The actual meaning of biodynamic is “life in motion and balance”, and it refers to a sustainable and thoughtful farming practice dating back to the 1920s, inspired by the ideas of Dr. Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and scientist who would become one of the founders, along with Dr. Ita Wegman, of Weleda. “Biodynamic farming focuses on the connection between the farmer, soil, plants, animals and the cosmos,” explains Edwin Batista, director of education for Dr. Hauschka, a brand that has long embraced the practice. The farm is viewed as a closed but biodiverse system; the elements used in the growing process (seeds, compost, etc) are produced on the farm itself, and plants are worked on by hand. “When sowing and harvesting, biodynamic farmers work with the rhythms of nature and the result is strong, healthy, vital plants,” he adds.

The benefit of this resolutely holistic approach is significant. “Biodynamic ingredients are considered by many to be an upgraded version of organic,” says Attila Koronczay, general manager of Eminence Organic Skin Care, another brand that relies heavily on biodynamic sourcing for products like its Facial Recovery Oil. And it’s true: if organic farming means growing food without any synthetic or chemical pesticides or herbicides, or the use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms), then the biodynamic version goes a step further. “Through its practices like composting, seed saving, crop rotation, biodiversity and integrated pest management, biodynamic farming creates an environment so full of vitality that plants and animals are better equipped to protect themselves from disease and predatory insects,” says Batista.

It also can mean more powerful plants, which in turn means more potent actives – which, in the context of beauty and skincare, is a major boon. “The plants grow in harmony because they are not pushed with nitrogen and therefore have more active agents, which are often important for curative treatments,” explains Michael Straub, head of the Weleda medicinal plant garden. One study found that biodynamic crops contain higher percentages of potassium, iron and vitamin C, which can result in significant topical benefits for the skin. That this class of ingredients must undergo a stringent review to receive biodynamic certification only ups the beauty ante. “Biodynamic beauty products are mostly certified by Demeter International (the largest certification organization for biodynamic products), which holds some of the strictest standards in the world, even exceeding government-mandated organic regulations,” explains Koronczay. “And biodynamic beauty products are often created in ‘biodynamic-only’ sterile labs, with the manufacturing process reviewed and re-certified every few years to ensure the high standards are upheld.”

Biodynamic beauty is clearly having a moment, and the appeal lies in more than just its natural ingredients and considerate practices. It’s also found in our current collective fascination with the moon. On social media, full moons are name-checked (and used as an excuse for a whole host of behaviors) more than ever before; new moons are regularly cited as the inspiration for rituals and events; moon apps have devoted and growing followings; and astrology, which has arguably always been popular, has experienced a marked resurgence in recent years thanks in part to experts who are bringing a new level of gravitas to the centuries-old practice. Since biodynamic farming is intrinsically linked to the moon – farmers often use a special calendar to track its various phases and harvest plants accordingly – it makes the surge in interest seem that much more timely.

“Biodynamic theory holds that just as the moon influences our tides, it influences the growth of plants,” says Batista, adding that the most fruitful time to plant and transplant to ensure optimal vitality is between the new and full moon. As for people’s current obsession with all things moon-related, Batista, for one, is not surprised. “People have always had a fascination with the power of celestial bodies and anything that interrupts the regular rhythms of the moon can impact strongly on us and nature,” he says. “In our fast-paced, modern world, people have become less connected to natural rhythms like the moon cycle, and now we’re craving more of that connection again.”