The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards.
Organic describes the way agricultural crops must be grown, handled, and processed to qualify for USDA certification. Organic farming and handling prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, genetic engineering, and irradiation.
Certified Organic
USDA Seal“Certified Organic” means the ingredients are inspected by the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). Cosmetics that have the “Certified Organic” seal are “100% Organic” and contain only certified organic ingredients, or contain at least 95% certified organic ingredients. If at least 70% of the formula has certified organic ingredients, then the label can state “made with organic ingredients," but the seal cannot be used.
Natural
“Natural” usually refers to cosmetic products made with mineral-based, plant-based, or algae-based ingredients that haven't been altered by or processed with synthetic chemicals. Most natural cosmetics do rely on some synthetics to create lather or preserve the formula, however, so keep that in mind.
USDA
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