To be or not to be…ORGANIC
Cosmetics, body care products, or personal care products may use the following four organic labeling categories as all other agricultural products based on their organic content and the other factors. These other factors involve the certification by a USDA-accredited organic certifying agent (such as CCOF) of the production, handling, processing, and labeling of the final product.
How the ORGANIC categories are defined by the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) and the CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers):
- 100% Organic
- 100% organic ingredients
- Only organic processing aids used
- Absolutely no non-organic agricultural ingredients used (excluding water/salt)
- Must be certified and the certifying agency’s name and address must be on the label
- Organic
- 95-100% Organic ingredients
- Up to 5% may be from a limited approved list of allowed non-organic agricultural ingredients and other additives (vitamins, baking soda, citric acid) approved by the USDA National Organic Program
- Must be certified and the certifying agency’s name and address must be on the label
- Made with Organic Ingredients
- At least 70% Organic ingredients
- Up to 30% may be from a limited approved list of allowed non-organic agricultural ingredients and other additives (vitamins, baking soda, citric acid) approved by the USDA National Organic Program
- May list up to three organic ingredients on the label
- The products in this category may not display the USDA Organic Seal but…
- Must display the certifying agency’s name and address on the label
- Less than 70% Organic Ingredients
- Products cannot use the term “organic” anywhere on the principal display panel
- May identify specific certified organic ingredients on the ingredients statement on the information panel
In which category does your product belong?
Click here to see more information from the FDA on Organic Cosmetics.