Does Organic Mean Organic?

Organic beauty ought to be simple. Products that say they are organic or natural should contain all natural ingredients - no hidden chemical nasties.

But we know that isn't true. Most of us would need a chemistry degree to decipher those ingredient lists.

Instead we have a lot of beauty brands jumping on the organic bandwagon.

They make bogus natural claims while continuing to fill their products with man-made chemical detergents and preservatives.

Is this legal? Well, yes. Unfortunately there is currently no labelling regulation in place to stop them.

Food and drink has to be independently audited and licensed to carry the word ‘organic’ in its title.

Unfortunately the same rule does not apply to skin care products.

So… how do you know if a beauty company’s organic claims are true?

The Soil Association symbol is the only reliable way of knowing that a product truly is organic.

Their kitemark is the most recognised and respected organic trademark in the world.

The Soil Association’s standards are extremely exacting:

- At least 70% of a beauty product's non-water ingredients must be organic.

- These organic ingredients must be sustainably grown and harvested and extracted in an eco-friendly manner.

- All non-organic ingredients have to pass strict toxicity and biodegradability criteria and must carry a Non-GM certificate.

- Products cannot contain parabens, petrochemicals, propylene glycol and other potentially toxic chemicals.

- Manufacturers have to pass annual inspections and must keep meticulous organic production records.

Why don't all beauty brands - especially those marketing themselves as natural and organic - carry the Soil Assocation kite mark on at least some of their products?

Simple. It is easier to spend money on glossy television adverts that mislead consumers than to reformulate products.