Is it really organic? Questions to ask

While we might be aware of the benefits of using organic products in our lives, it can be confusing to know what's really organic when it comes to the confusing world of beauty products. Here are the key questions you should ask when shopping for organic beauty.

Does it have an organic certification seal?

For example, is it certified by the Soil Association in the UK or the USDA Organic (US Department of Agriculture) which set standards for the use of the word organic?

What does the label say?

A label which contains the word ‘organic' may only use only a small percentage of organic ingredients, so check to see what it really means by reading the list of ingredients. For example, ingredients such as organic Aloe Vera and herbal extracts may be used in non-organic formulations based on synthetic cleansers and moisturisers

Are all products listed in the ingredients organic?

Labels may be misleading but ingredient lists are quite straightforward. Some ‘organic' products may list chemicals alongside certified organic ingredients. If high levels of chemicals are used in the product it's not organic - though it should be remembered that the amounts at which these substances become problematic are generally unknown. 

Is it classified as a ‘natural product'?

This doesn't necessarily mean it's organic. Some ‘natural' ingredients may be produced on farms that use synthetic petrochemical pesticides, herbicides and/or fertilizers.