In the United States, there are three levels of organic certification: 100% Organic is a product made entirely with organic ingredients.  A product can be labeled just Organic if it contains at least 95% organic ingredients.  And finally, something that is Made with Organic Ingredients is made from, at minimum, 70% organic ingredients.

Notice that the word natural is not anywhere in the above paragraph.

Products that are made with pure ingredients and have been minimally processed are all the rage right now.  Marketers want in on that action.  But the “organic” label is regulated by the government.  So what’s a savvy marketer to do? Call something “natural” and hope you think it’s organic or healthy or eco-friendly and then buy that sucker – that’s what.

To be a bit more blunt about it, I could scoop up a delicious jar of road runoff and call it something like “Free Way Natural Skincare.”  Or, you can start your very own nail polish line by mixing car paint and Sharpie ink and name it “Natural Nails.”  No regulation, no broken laws, no consumer protection. They do have to pass FDA standards, but FDA standards and organic standards are not the same.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

Beware of beauty and cosmetic products that call themselves “natural,” or even “all natural.”  Natural does not mean organic. If organic is important to you than it’s important that you only buy organic products. Or look for this seal:

Now, to be fair, there is a movement in the beauty industry to cut back on certain nasty additives, preservatives and toxins in the packaging. This does not mean that the items are organic, but – in this case – they’re telling you that they have made an effort to use ingredients that are healthier for you and, sometimes, the planet. I’m all for this. This is good. Jane Iredale is well-known for making superlative products in this category. So is Carol’s Daughter, Korres, Caudalie, Ole Henriksen and – with some of their products – Tarte.

If you’d like to try organic products, I recommend 100% Pure, Jason, Ecco Bella, CARE by Stella McCartney and some products from The Body Shop.