Remember when the words “organic” and “natural” used to mean something when you saw them on a product label?  We used to assume that when we saw those terms, what we were putting on or in our bodies was as pure and unaltered by chemicals as possible.  Now, that’s not always the case.  For one thing, the Food & Drug Administration has become very lax in the rules about what is allowed to be called “natural” in packaged foods.  Now an ingredient that was derived from a natural source but has been processed to a fare-thee-well can be called “natural flavoring.”  As for organic, it’s become such big business that huge corporate agriculture can gotten into the game. So-called “Big Organic” is competing with the mom-and-pop farms, driving down prices, and lobbying for weaker organic certification standards—all to get a piece of the booming $30 billion pie.

What does this have to do with beauty?  Plenty, because there’s concern these days about the profusion of dangerous chemicals in cosmetics and skin care products, from parabens to phthalates.  Certainly, we’re all looking for the products that will protect our skin and keep it healthy and attractive, but at the same time, we don’t want to slather ourselves in chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, immune system problems, hormone disruption or worse.  But with the words “natural” and “organic” compromised and turned into marketing slogans, what can women trust to ensure that they’re getting the chemical-free products they seek?

There is a certification standard that can be relied on, called ECOCERT^®.  ECOCERT^® is an internationally recognized organic certification managed by a French company.   Its use guarantees that products bearing it have been formulated and manufactured with ecological responsibility, and that 100% of the ingredients are of a natural origin. Companies can only gain ECOCERT^® certification if:

• No pre-treatment is used in any of the raw materials found in organic products.
• All suppliers pass an extensive quality and purity review before their raw materials are approved.
• Manufacturing and packaging facilities pass a rigorous inspection.
• All packaging is recyclable.

One of the best things about seeing the ECOCERT^® certification is that it has nothing to do with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which certifies food products but has no jurisdiction over color cosmetics.  Many women assume that the government oversees the content of such products, but that’s not the case.  That’s why ECOCERT® provides such peace of mind: you know that a responsible testing body has determined that the contents of what you’re putting on your skin is completely natural. And if one of your New Year’s resolutions was to live greener this year, this is a great way to know that you’re spending your money on products that are gentle on natural resources, reduce pollution and help support small farmers and companies.  That’s beautiful in many ways.

Stay beautiful (and look for our reports from the Obama Inauguration),

Debi & Eva