Organic Cosmetics-- Buyer Beware

True organic skin care products are manufactured to avoid harsh harmful chemicals while natural skincare and organic cosmetic products consist of plant-based oils and butters.

But, if you look closely behind all the information (read hype) behind organics, you'll likely find data and practices that are a little less than forthright. And sure enough, according to Conscious Choice, a consumer advocate group, bad news broke out in March 2008 at the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, California, where product tests that found 1.4 dioxane, a probable human carcinogen, in 46 out of 100 (46%) of personal care products promoted as "organic" or "natural." How's that for busting chops?!

Also, the OCA (the Organic Consumers Association) has documented what's being termed a violation of the USDA's labeling standard. This standard does not allow synthetic petrochemical ingredients nor distilled water to be treated as an organic ingredient. Some companies have been using the terms "floral waters" and/or "infusions" or "extracts", all of which are actually just flavored water. (Not necessarily organic). Additionally the OCA has indeed reported that this "deceptive" practice is destroying the integrity of the USDA's organic label. This is important because the label gives consumers some assurance in knowing whether a product is bona fide organic or not.

In fact, the OCA had filed a complaint against the USDA to, in essence, protect the standards of the UDSA's organic label or seal. (However, the complaint is projected to be withdrawn subsequent to anticipated settlement). "This is a major victory for organic consumers who rely on NOP (National Organic Campaign) certification to ensure that their personal care and other non-food consumable products like pet foods contain real organic ingredients free from unnecessary synthetic ingredients," said Ronnie Cummins, OCA founder and National Director.

Globally, sales of natural and organic cosmetics are projected at $7 billion for 2008 -- up $1 billion from a year ago. -- according to research by Organic Monitor, a London-based research and consulting firm that focuses on organic products. Sales are expected to top $10 billion by 2010, as natural and organic products reach 10 percent market share in countries such as the United States and Germany.

So what's the outcome to all this drama? Of course-it all goes to court. Now, the courts must decide the meaning of the term "organic". For the consumer, the ultimate direction towards higher standards because of pending and active lawsuits may actually result in products that are really organic in every "natural" sense of the word. The bottom line is buyer beware! For now, check the label for the NOP organic seal, or at the very least look for words that really seem chemically based.