Additional confusion may arise when cosmetics label themselves as organic according to a private regulator or organization,[7] and it is not unusual to encounter cosmetics labels listing foreign organic standards. Consequently, many cosmetics claim to be certified organic (as long as they advertise the certifier) but would fall short of meeting the requirements set by USDA.
Retailers have begun to notice the potential for consumer confusion. Whole Foods, a grocery store committed to natural products, noticed the ambiguity present in cosmetic labeling.[8] It pointed out the incongruences of a cosmetic being able to advertise itself as organic, so long as it was not claiming to be USDA organic. Whole Foods argued that the meaning of the word “organic” should not change as the consumer walks around the grocery store. In an effort to solve the ambiguity, Whole Foods created a list of guidelines for cosmetic companies whose product was carried by the grocer. The guidelines specified that any cosmetics claiming to be “organic” must meet the same standards USDA applies to food. The USDA “organic” standard requires 95% organic ingredients and places strict restrictions on the substances that can be used in the remaining 5%. Whole Foods stopped cosmetic companies from using “organic” as a meaningless buzzword within its stores. However, Whole Foods is only one small supplier of cosmetics. Large retailers and stores specializing in cosmetics have not yet followed suit.
A better solution would be for FDA and USDA to work more closely in regulating the cosmetics industry. FDA understands the negative impact cosmetics can have on human health (as seen by outlawing lead in lipsticks), but does not prioritize regulating organic cosmetics. The regulating agencies need to realize the significance of clearer labels and possibly create new standards for cosmetics. There is little consumer awareness about the different labeling requirements for food and cosmetics, and consumers interested in buying organic cosmetics often trust the labels. It is the regulating agencies’ duty to ensure that cosmetic labels are trustworthy.
[7] This website lists many types of organic certification for cosmetics.
