Organically Labeled
Organic. It’s the new buzz word, the “it” term in the personal care and cosmetic industry, but what does it mean? The only organic program in the U.S. to date is the National Organic Program (NOP) under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), however personal care and cosmetic products fall under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In effect, marketing practices have confused the matter and labeling is driven by self-regulation. The USDA NOP’s strict guidelines are outlined below so you, the consumer, may make informed purchasing decisions. At Sol Y Luna, we strive to include organic products and ingredients wherever possible.
How organic-icity of a product depends on the percentage of organic ingredients (water and mined products such as salt are not included in the calculation) and the higher content products are marked with a USDA logo and/or an organic certifier logo.
- “100% Organic”
· All organic ingredients
· All organic processing aids
· USDA seal allowed
· Label must list the organic certifier
Example: 100% Organic Shea Butter
- “Organic”
· At least 95% organic ingredients
· Remaining 5% may be non-organic from allowed ingredients
· All agricultural ingredients must be organic unless not available
· USDA seal allowed
· Label must list the organic certifier
Example: Organic Shea Butter
- “Made with Organic Ingredients”
· At least 70% organic ingredients
· Remaining 30% may be non-organic from allowed ingredients
· No USDA seal
· Must list the organic certifier
Example: Body butter made with organic shea butter, lavender, and emu oil
- Other products
· Any level of organic ingredients
· No restriction on remaining ingredients
· No USDA seal
· No organic certifier
· May only mention “organic” in the ingredient listing
Example: Ingredients: organic shea butter, lavender, emu oil, etc.
