What Is an Organic Label?

Organic labels adhere to stringent quality charters that exceed European standards. Multiple labels exist, each with unique specifications, certified by independent, accredited organizations for transparency and reliability.

Globally, organic products are termed "ORGANIC," a term often seen on French producer labels, signaling international export quality.

While each label has its own charter, core principles align: banning petrochemicals, prohibiting animal testing, prioritizing natural-origin ingredients, and using eco-friendly packaging.

Prohibited ingredients aren't always health risks but harm the environment through polluting production or non-biodegradability. Others are excluded due to animal or synthetic origins.

For context on their value, here's a non-exhaustive overview of typically allowed and banned ingredients across charters:

Permitted Ingredients

Vegetable oils and fats, essential oils
Natural preservatives (vitamins E and C, essential oils, propolis) or naturally identical ones (citric acid, benzoic acid)
Natural stabilizers from sugars and cereals
Fragrances from organic essential oils (lemon, rose, geranium, etc.)
Natural dyes
Plant ingredients
Animal by-products (honey, royal jelly, lanolin)
Marine ingredients
Mineral ingredients (non-polluting extraction)
Non-organic materials only if organic unavailable and non-GMO

Prohibited Ingredients

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol)
Silicones, petrochemicals (paraffin, petrolatum)
Synthetic dyes and hair colors
Synthetic preservatives, fragrances, UV filters (parabens, phenoxyethanol)
GMOs
Animal raw materials (fats, collagen, placenta)
Irradiated materials
Acrylic polymers
Formaldehyde
Aluminum derivatives
Ethoxylates
Environmentally impactful components

Key organic, natural, and fair trade labels worldwide include: Eurofeuille, Organic Agriculture, Ecocert, Nature et Progrès, Cosmebio, BDIH, Soil Association, Austria Bio Garantie, ICEA, USDA Organic, Demeter, NaTrue, Max Havelaar, Cruelty Free International.

Eurofeuille (European Leaf - French Label)

The EU Organic Farming logo, launched in 2010, simplifies identification of compliant products. Mandatory for EU pre-packaged organics, it ensures:

100% organic ingredients for non-processed items.
At least 95% organic agricultural products in processed foods (if rest unavailable and authorized).
Producer/preparer/distributor name and certification body number.
Adherence to official controls.

More: ec.europa.eu

Organic Agriculture (AB - French Label)

Created by France's Ministry of Agriculture, certified independently. It defines specs excluding synthetic fertilizers/pesticides and GMOs, emphasizing soil management, ecology, and sustainability. Guarantees:

95%+ organic ingredients.
No synthetic fertilizers/pesticides.
GMO-free (<0.9% tolerance).
Respect for natural balances, environment, animal welfare.
French regulatory compliance.

More: Organic Farming

Ecocert (French Label)

Approved by French ministries and COFRAC-accredited (ISO 65). Twice-yearly audits by independent experts. Guarantees:

95%+ natural origin ingredients.
10%+ from organic farming.
<5% limited synthetics (listed preservatives).
Eco-validated processes.
No synthetic fragrances/dyes, silicones, parabens, glycols.
Limited animal by-products (e.g., beeswax).
No animal testing.

More: www.ecocert.fr

Nature et Progrès (French Label)

Consumer-producer association promoting biodiversity-respecting organics. Among strictest: 100% organic plants, 70%+ brand range labeled, full charter adherence. Guarantees:

100% organic/wild-harvested plants.
GMO-free.
Simple, non-synthetic processes.
No synthetics, silicones, petrochemicals.
Limited animal by-products.
No animal testing.
Environmental/social charter.

More: www.natureetprogres.org

Cosmebio (French Label)

2002 initiative for ethical cosmetics, certified by Ecocert/Qualité France. Two tiers: BIO (organic) and ECO. BIO guarantees:

95%+ natural ingredients.
95%+ organic plants.
10%+ organic in product.
GMO-free.
No synthetics, parabens, silicones, petrochemicals, PEGs.
Limited listed synthetics (disclosed).
Environmental respect throughout lifecycle.
No GMOs/irradiation.
Limited animal by-products.
No animal testing.

ECO similar but 50% organic plants, 5% organic content. More: www.cosmebio.org

BDIH (German Label)

1951 association for natural cosmetics via positive ingredient list. Independent controls. Guarantees:

100% approved ingredients.
Natural/mineral/organic sources.
GMO-free.
No synthetics, preservatives (limited), fragrances/dyes, silicones, parabens, petrol derivatives.
Minimal processing.
Eco-packaging.

More: kontrollierte naturkosmetik