By: Susan Nusink
The term “organic” when used to describe hair care products is difficult to define. There is no agency that regulates hair and cosmetic labeling, like the USDA regulates food labels. So, when you see the word “organic” on shampoo or other hair care products, it means different things depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers claim their product is organic if it contains even one natural or organic ingredient. Companies still use many chemicals and other ingredients that consumers are trying to avoid by buying organic hair care, yet label it organic. Others may skirt the issue by stating their product contains natural ingredients. Many consumers end up paying a premium price just to buy something labeled organic when it really isn’t.
Non-organic hair products are made using synthetic chemicals, colors, and petroleum-based polymers. Many of these compounds cause irritation to the scalp and can damage hair. Organic hair care products are touted to be more healthful to your body and less damaging to the environment. Because everything you put onto your scalp is absorbed into your body, you need to be aware of the harmful effects some of these chemicals can have.
In 2010, Whole Foods Market, a leading natural foods retailer detailed new requirements for organic claims on personal care products sold in their stores. They stated that using the word organic on personal care products should mean the same thing that it does on food. This is because shoppers understand the term organic as it relates to food and shouldn’t have to learn a new standard for other products.
Organic in the agricultural sense means that the product is grown without the use of toxic chemicals or pesticides. In order for food to be certified by the USDA National Organic program as organic, they must contain at least 70% of organic products. This is the same level that Whole Foods is using for its personal care standard.
Manufacturers who don’t meet these criteria can still label their product as being made with organic ingredients or containing organic ingredients. Some manufacturers still argue about this mandate by Whole Foods because products can meet the organic criteria and still contain synthetic ingredients.
Is buying organic hair care products worth it? That is a decision that each individual consumer needs to decide for themselves. There are many people that have chosen to live an organic lifestyle, so for them, it is important to find ingredients that fit their lifestyle choice.
There are tips to finding hair products that are truly organic. The first tip is to buy your product at a natural food store. These stores hold their manufacturers to strict standards and have researched the products. Another tip is to research the company that manufacturers the product you are interested in. You should also read the label and try to decipher the ingredients. If there are ingredients that sound like chemicals or have names you can’t pronounce, they probably aren’t organic. Some ingredients to avoid are triethanolamine, sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, and lauramides.
Some organic hair care brands to look for include: Aubrey Organics, Organicle, Avalon, Aveda, Intelligent Nutrients and Organic Essence.
The term “organic” when used to describe hair care products is difficult to define. There is no agency that regulates hair and cosmetic labeling, like the USDA regulates food labels. So, when you see the word “organic” on shampoo or other hair care products, it means different things depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers claim their product is organic if it contains even one natural or organic ingredient. Companies still use many chemicals and other ingredients that consumers are trying to avoid by buying organic hair care, yet label it organic. Others may skirt the issue by stating their product contains natural ingredients. Many consumers end up paying a premium price just to buy something labeled organic when it really isn’t.
Non-organic hair products are made using synthetic chemicals, colors, and petroleum-based polymers. Many of these compounds cause irritation to the scalp and can damage hair. Organic hair care products are touted to be more healthful to your body and less damaging to the environment. Because everything you put onto your scalp is absorbed into your body, you need to be aware of the harmful effects some of these chemicals can have.
In 2010, Whole Foods Market, a leading natural foods retailer detailed new requirements for organic claims on personal care products sold in their stores. They stated that using the word organic on personal care products should mean the same thing that it does on food. This is because shoppers understand the term organic as it relates to food and shouldn’t have to learn a new standard for other products.
Organic in the agricultural sense means that the product is grown without the use of toxic chemicals or pesticides. In order for food to be certified by the USDA National Organic program as organic, they must contain at least 70% of organic products. This is the same level that Whole Foods is using for its personal care standard.
Manufacturers who don’t meet these criteria can still label their product as being made with organic ingredients or containing organic ingredients. Some manufacturers still argue about this mandate by Whole Foods because products can meet the organic criteria and still contain synthetic ingredients.
Is buying organic hair care products worth it? That is a decision that each individual consumer needs to decide for themselves. There are many people that have chosen to live an organic lifestyle, so for them, it is important to find ingredients that fit their lifestyle choice.
There are tips to finding hair products that are truly organic. The first tip is to buy your product at a natural food store. These stores hold their manufacturers to strict standards and have researched the products. Another tip is to research the company that manufacturers the product you are interested in. You should also read the label and try to decipher the ingredients. If there are ingredients that sound like chemicals or have names you can’t pronounce, they probably aren’t organic. Some ingredients to avoid are triethanolamine, sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, and lauramides.
Some organic hair care brands to look for include: Aubrey Organics, Organicle, Avalon, Aveda, Intelligent Nutrients and Organic Essence.
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