Reading the ingredient list
Fortunately there is a simple way to differentiate between hype and truth in cosmetics - and that is to read the
ingredient list on the label. It is a legal requirement that all skin care products must be labelled with the
ingredients in descending order of their quantity in the product. A good rule of thumb is to divide the
ingredient lists into thirds:
- The top third usually contains 90-95% of the product
- The middle third usually contains 5-8% of the product
- The bottom third usually contains 1-3% of the product
So if the product had 9 ingredients listed then the first 3 ingredients would make up
the bulk of the product at 90-95%, the middle 3 ingredients would make up 5-8% of
the product and lastly the last 3 ingredients would make up 1-3% of the product.
Many company's are using labels that claim organic ingredients, and even though they are in the product on
closer inspection of the ingredient list, you may find that the 'organic' ingredients are listed towards the
bottom, with many chemicals /water towards the top of the list.
It is important to look beyond the fancy label and clever marketing techniques and
REALLY READ THE INGREDIENT LISTS!!!!
What is ORGANIC?
If we look at the term 'organic', we would assume that the product with this label is grown and cultivated
without the use of chemicals. Unfortunately that is what most companies would like us to believe when we
see the word 'organic' on the label. Those companies are actually using the chemistry definition of 'organic'
meaning "a compound that contains a carbon atom". Carbon is found in anything that has ever lived. By
using this definition of 'organic', they are saying that a petrochemical preservative called Methyl Paraben is
'organic' because it was formed over thousands of years because of rotting plant matter, which became
crude oil, which was used to make this preservative.
Australia does not have domestic legislation for the term 'organic' and is unlikely to for some years, so the
only way to ensure something is organic is to seek and rely on the logos of the certifying bodies. An
increasing number of companies are also claiming to use organic ingredients in their products, unfortunately
in most cases the rest of the ingredients may not tbe safe to use. It is importants to look at the entire
ingredient list.
Unfortunately there isn't any authority that governs the use of the term 'organic' on labels. However, the term
'certified organic' is governed by international bodies. In Australia, Australian Cerified Organic (ACO) is the
largest. Other certifiers that Miessence are certified from are the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) and the Biological Farmers Association (BFA). It is important to inform people about 'certified
organic' and the importance of looking and the certifying logo. Without the certifying logo, the organic claim
doesn't mean anything.
What is 'Natural'?
The definition is something 'existing in or formed by nature - not artificial'. Many labels have long lists of
chemical names, some followed by the phrase 'derived from......' (some natural substance). This is
misleading to consumers because they are given the impression that the ingredients are natural and not
toxic/harmful.
When chemicals such as Cocomide DEA or Sodium Hydroxysultaine are followed by the term 'derived from
coconut oil' the consumer thinks that these chemicals are natural. While this may be true in some cases, it is
ultimately irrelevant because what you end up with after the chemical processing is usually anything but
natural and pure. For e.g. to create Cocomide DEA, a foaming agent in some shampoos, requires the
addition of a synthetic chemical and known carcinogen - Diethanolamine - DEA, to the coconut oil. Making it
no longer natural or safe!
What is 'Certified Organic'?
The ONE Group definition for 'organic', is:
"A sustainable system of agriculture that uses natural substances & methods to create
healthy, nutrient rich, fertile soil"
- An independent 3rd party guarantee of an 'organic' claim -accreditation. The products must comply
with stringent international standards showing and proving an organic audit trail from seed growing,
harvesting, storage, transporting & processing right through to the finished product.
- Organic farming means that no artificial pesticides, herbicides, hormones, growth promotants have
been used. The organic industry also prohibits the use of geneically engineered organisms.
- Sustainable agricultural respects, supports and nurtures the complete ecology and energy of our
planet.
- 95% minimum certified organic ingredients. The remaining 5% of ingredients however abound with
strict guidelines. For organically processed foods and personal care products, only minimal
processing is permitted, with limited number of non-agricultural but natural or traditional ingredients
allowed. Hence no synthetic chemicals, unnatural dyes, colourings, flavourings or other additives are
permitted.
- Annual audits and spot (unannounced) checks are carried out to ensure full compliance with the strict
organic standard.
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