What does "Organic" mean?
Products that are Certified Organic by a USDA Accredited Certifying Agent means that some or all of the ingredients were produced under the strict guidelines of the National
Organic Program (NOP).
Are there different levels of Organic Certification?
There are four levels of USDA Certification:
- 100% Organic: All ingredients (not counting added water and salt) must be 100% organically produced. Products labeled 100% Organic may use the USDA Organic seal.
- Certified Organic: 95 – 99.9% of ingredients (not counting added water or salt) must be produced organically. May contain up to 5% of non-organically produced agricultural ingredients which are not commercially available in organic form, and/or other substances as allowed by law. Products labeled 95 – 99.9% Organic may use the USDA Organic seal.
- Made With Organic Ingredients: 70 – 94.9% of ingredients must be produced organically. May contain up to 30% of non-organically produced agricultural ingredients which are not commercially available in organic form, and/or other substances as allowed by law.
- Organic Ingredients denoted with an asterisk in ingredients list: contains less than 70% of organically produced ingredients.
Is "organic" the same as "natural"?
While some manufacturers use these terms interchangeably, they are not the same. As described above, products labeled "Organic" have to meet the strict guidelines of the USDA. "Natural" typically refers to ingredients derived from plants, minerals or algae, but these are not regulated by the USDA nor the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Why do some Kimberly Parry Organic products have the USDA seal while other do not?
As described above, products containing 95% or more Certified Organic ingredients may bear the USDA seal. Kimberly Parry Organics strives to use organic ingredients over non-organic whenever possible, but the reality is certain ingredients are not yet available in an organic form, such as aloe vera and beeswax. We are constantly researching and working with our vendors to source as many organic ingredients as possible. Whenever an ingredient becomes available in an organic form we will integrate it into our formulas in a continued effort to provide our customers with the freshest, most unique bath and beauty products. All of our organic ingredients are picked and used at their peak to ensure that they retain all of their extraordinary healing abilities.
What ingredients should I avoid in my bath and body products?
The following harmful ingredients are never used in Kimberly Parry Organics products:
Parabens:
Used as a preservative and can be found in shampoo, moisturizer, deodorant and other products. Can be listed as; ethyl-paraben, propyl-paraben, butyl-paraben and ethyl-paraben. A 2004 study in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found parabens in breast tumors.
Phthalates
Can be found in many products including but not limited to baby powder, perfume, cologne and lotion. Though its not usually pointed out, phthalates are commonly included in the term "fragrance." Best to use products that look to pure essential oils to scent their products.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (aka SLS)
Commonly used in soap, bubble bath, body wash and shampoo, SLS creates the "foam" in many products. SLS Is known to strip hair and skin of moisture and the necessary, healthy, naturally produced oils by your body. A contributor to unbalanced skin! Look for products that are sulfate-free! They won't "foam," but will still clean without stripping your skin and hair.
Learn More
A 5-Star Comparison and Ranking of Organic Certifiers