Behind the Curtain - Products labeled “Organic”
With so many forms of the word “Organic” everywhere you look, it can get a little confusing. The following is a basic insight behind the various terms to help inform.
“100 % Organic” Can only contain organically produced ingredients & processing aids, not including water & salt.
“Organic” Can only consist of at least 95 % organically produced ingredients, not including water & salt. The remaining ingredients must consist of non-agricultural substances approved on the National List (NOP), including specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
This approval list is the only reason that some organically preserved bases are not certified organic. For an example - Emulsifying Wax (used in JoPaulo products) is an emulsifier that the USDA does not recognize on their National List.
Products labeled “100 % Organic” & “Organic” meeting the requirements can display these terms & the percentage of the organic content on the main display of the product label. There are very few products that would make this list, yet many companies are displaying the USDA seal on their products.
"Made With Organic Ingredients" Must contain at least 70 % certified organic ingredients can use this phrase listing up to 3 of the certified organic ingredients on the main display of the product label. For an example - shampoo made with at least 70 percent certified organic ingredients may be labeled “shampoo made with Certified Organic Lavender, Olive & Rosemary,” or just “shampoo made with Certified Organic ingredients.”
The percentage of organic content & the certifying seal may be used on the main display of the product label. The USDA seal though, may not be used anywhere on the package. Processed products containing less than 70 % organic ingredients. May not use the term “organic” anywhere on the main display of the product label, but are allowed to list the specific ingredients that are organically produced on their ingredient list.
“100 % Organic” Can only contain organically produced ingredients & processing aids, not including water & salt.
“Organic” Can only consist of at least 95 % organically produced ingredients, not including water & salt. The remaining ingredients must consist of non-agricultural substances approved on the National List (NOP), including specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
This approval list is the only reason that some organically preserved bases are not certified organic. For an example - Emulsifying Wax (used in JoPaulo products) is an emulsifier that the USDA does not recognize on their National List.
Products labeled “100 % Organic” & “Organic” meeting the requirements can display these terms & the percentage of the organic content on the main display of the product label. There are very few products that would make this list, yet many companies are displaying the USDA seal on their products.
"Made With Organic Ingredients" Must contain at least 70 % certified organic ingredients can use this phrase listing up to 3 of the certified organic ingredients on the main display of the product label. For an example - shampoo made with at least 70 percent certified organic ingredients may be labeled “shampoo made with Certified Organic Lavender, Olive & Rosemary,” or just “shampoo made with Certified Organic ingredients.”
The percentage of organic content & the certifying seal may be used on the main display of the product label. The USDA seal though, may not be used anywhere on the package. Processed products containing less than 70 % organic ingredients. May not use the term “organic” anywhere on the main display of the product label, but are allowed to list the specific ingredients that are organically produced on their ingredient list.
