Is Your Organic Makeup Really Organic? Certificates Listed.

Organic makeup industry is extremely under-regulated. Nobody is really policing the claims on the products. Thus, simply claiming “organic” or “natural” does not mean that the ingredients are indeed such. Many companies claim “organic” using the chemistry definition — meaning a compound that contains carbon. And nobody is checking those claims.

Think about this next time you are wondering how “natural” your new lipstick or foundation are:

• “Natural” does not mean organic. Does not necessarily mean healthy either.
• “Organic” does not mean that all ingredients are. Or even a certain percentage. You could be dealing with tricky chemistry semantics.
• Statements such as 100% organic, or 95% organic are more trustworthy, as companies can’t legally lie outright on their products. Chances are that 95% organic makeup is more organic than the “natual” powder next to it.
• The use of certifying seals (such as USDA seal) is voluntary. It’s absence does not necessarily mean the product is not organic.
• USDA standards are self regulating. The companies are operating on an honour system. Not everyone is honourable. (We’ll talk about that in a later post.)

Moral of the story: read the ingredients. Do your research. Hope for a better future…

However, when all is said and done, you are probably still better buying a certified organic makeup, then the regular “high-clout” brand contraptions you’d get at your local drug store.

So here is a list of some international certifying seals to look for:

USDA ORGANIC:

This is the official seal of the US based National Organic Program (NOP), enforced by USDA.

EcoCert:

One of the world’s largest organic certifying organisations. Founded in France, it conducts inspections in over 80 countries.

France also has another seal:

This is formed by a trade association, “Charte Cosmébio”, and follows many of the EcoCert’s principles. But note, that while EcoCert seal means the product is certified. This seal only means that at least 60% of company’s products have been certified by EcoCert.

AIAB:

This is Italian based guidelines designed in cooperation between Italian Organic Farming Association (AIAB), Institute for the Ethic Certification (ICEA) and some manufacturers. “Bio Eco cosmesi AIAB” means the products are claiming to be “AIAB Organic, environmental friendly beauty products”.

BDIH:

Based in Germany. BDIH was the first to launch natural cosmetics certification. Way back in 1986.

JAS:

Japanese Agricultural Standard is the Japanese organic regulatory body.

BFA:

And this is the Australian certified organic seal.

I think this list is enough to get you started.

Happy shopping, and pretty faces…

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• Physicians Formula Takes Organic Makeup Mainstream
• USDA Certified Organic Lip Balm Sticks
• What Should Be Called Organic?
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