Used
interchangeably, brands use these terms to suit their needs. But at the end of
the day I believe it is a consumer’s prerogative to seek out more information
on what goes into the products they buy.
HERBAL: Herbal products are the preparations containing
phytochemical from a variety of botanical sources, which influences the
functions of skin and provide nutrients necessary for the healthy skin or hair
(1). These plants can be grown naturally, using either chemical or organic
means. No certification process is available.
ORGANIC: Organic means products that are prepared and
handled using organic means. They can have ingredients that have animals
sources also. In organic production, there is no use of chemicals during the
entire production, processing, and preservation processes.No chemical
pesticides, fertilizers, or preservatives are used for making these organic
medicines or their ingredients (2). Legally, manufacturers of organic products
have to get organic certification and print the certification details on the
label.
Some well-known organic standards are: Ecocert,
Biogro, Cosmos, Soil Association, USDA Organic, BDIH and ACO (3).
NATURAL: Natural refers to products that are natural in
nature and do not contain any synthetic ingredients (produced in a
laboratory or man made) (2). If they do contain synthetic ingredients of
any kind, then they are only in small quantities.
AYURVEDA: The word "ayurveda" means “the science of life,” and cosmetics labeled as ayurvedic should adhere to the system's ancient principles of natural beauty, long life, and positive health.
Ayurveda supports a holistic philosophy (4). In
addition to products that address the natural treatment of skin, hair, and
body, ayurvedic cosmetics focuses on the importance of a healthy well-balanced
lifestyle. In order to be classified as ayurvedic, products should contain no
fragrance, color, or preservatives (4). Ayurvedic cosmetics are also free of
mineral oils, pesticides, and animal ingredients. Distributors of ayurvedic
cosmetics use environmentally friendly packaging, and product developers do not
test on animals (4).
ECOCERT: Europe’s leading organic certifier for organic
and natural cosmetics certification.
The basic principles of the Ecocert standard (5)
To ensure an environmentally friendly cosmetic
product, the Ecocert standard lays down:
1. The use of ingredients derived from renewable
resources, manufactured by environmentally friendly processes. Ecocert
therefore checks:
- The absence of GMO, parabens, phenoxyethanol, nanoparticles, silicon, PEG, synthetic perfumes and dyes, animal-derived ingredients (unless naturally produced by them: milk, honey, etc.).
- The biodegradable or recyclable nature of packaging.
2. A minimum threshold of natural ingredients from
organic farming to be reached to obtain certification:
- For both labels, Ecocert Standard imposes that a minimum of 95% of the total ingredients come from natural origin.
- For the natural and organic cosmetic label: A minimum of 95% of all plant-based ingredients in the formula and a minimum of 10% of all ingredients by weight must come from organic farming.
- For the natural cosmetic label: A minimum of 50% of all plant-based ingredients in the formula and a minimum of 5% of all ingredients by weight must come from organic farming.
REFERENCES
- Larsson, S.C.; Bergkvist, L.;Näslund, I.; Rutegård, J.; Wolk, A.Vitamin A, retinol, and carotenoids and the risk of gastriccancer: a prospective cohort study.Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 85(2);497–503, 2007.
- https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-food/difference-between-organic-medicines-and-herbal-medicines.html
- http://plumgoodness.com/blogs/plumblogs/13310221-herbal-natural-ayurvedic-organic-know-what-they-mean
- http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-ayurvedic-cosmetics.htm
- http://www.ecocert.com/en/natural-and-organic-cosmetics
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