Q: What’s the difference between natural and organic on beauty-product labels?
A: This is an excellent but tricky question. Neither term, as it applies to beauty, has an official definition. But natural typically refers to ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or algae. Organic describes substances grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and processed without man-made chemicals.
For a beauty product to bear the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) certified-organic seal, 95 to 100 percent of its ingredients must meet the agency’s organic standards for food; there are no separate rules for cosmetics. Products with at least 70 percent organic content can use the phrase “made with organic ingredients”—but not the seal.
Change is afoot, though. The National Standards Foundation (NSF) is working with outside groups, including organic-cosmetics manufacturers (like Burt’s Bees) to create an organic standard specifically for personal-care products, which should take effect in the next year or two.
By Jolene Edgar
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
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Comments (3)
That’s interesting how companies directly affected can be involved in developing the standards that regulate them. hmmm… thanks for the info.
My face cream has powerful antioxidants because it actually contains real blue berries. . .its from this organic and chemical free company called Made from Earth – Three Berry Face Cream. It has actual berries in it which are mixed with the lotion and applied to your face. Plus, I have sensitive skin and don’t put any chemicals in my body, and this one of the few face creams I have found that is 100% chemical free . .
Seriously – toxic synthetic chemicals in your lotions are not necessary. Human skin is porous which means that substances we put on our skin are absorbed directly into our bloodstream. This means these chemicals may end up in your liver or other organs. The Made from Earth skin care line is my favorite
useful article.Thanks to define different between nathural and organic product.These are looking similar in first look but organic come dangerous in latter.
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