There are many buzzwords in sustainability, including “organic” as it pertains to food products, cosmetics, textiles, and other products that include any sort of agricultural ingredient. Each country also has different standards for organic products so it is important to check what “organic” means according to the regulatory body in your country. In the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture regulates the term “organic” as it applies to agricultural products through its National Organic Program (NOP). Let’s break down what it means when a product is labeled as organic in the United States.

Generally, organic standards are designed to allow natural substances in organic farming while prohibiting synthetic substances. 

There are four categories of USDA organic labels to be aware of:

1. If a product is labeled “100% organic,” it must have 100% certified organic ingredients and must not contain GMOs.

2. For a product to be labeled “organic” by USDA standards, it must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. Up to 5% of ingredients may be nonorganic agricultural products and/or nonagricultural products on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances*. The percentages are measured by weight or fluid volume, excluding water and salt. These products must not contain GMOs.

*Ingredients on this list may be used only if they are not commercially available as organic. In other words, they are not permitted if there is an organic option available for that particular ingredient.

The other two categories do not qualify for the official organic seal due to less stringent standards of organic content. 

3. To fall under “made with organic,” the minimum organic content is 70%. 

4. Finally, even if a product states it is made with “organic ingredients,” it cannot be described as “organic” because it is not required to disclose which ingredients are organic, it may contain GMOs, and it does not have to comply with the National List. 

As it applies to Cosmetics, Body Care, and Personal Care Products, the USDA states that products that fall into these categories must contain or are made up of agricultural ingredients, and can meet the USDA/NOP organic production, handling, processing and labeling standards (verifiable through certification by a USDA-accredited organic certifying agent), may be eligible to be certified under the NOP regulations.

One thing to note, however, is that products made with “organic” ingredients are not necessarily safer than those made with ingredients from nonorganic sources. The FDA states that this is because organic ingredients can still be toxic to humans (i.e., certain plant species)

Here are 7 brands that make USDA certified cosmetics. These products contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Make sure to check their product page and look for the official USDA organic seal and/or a clear communication that the ingredients are certified organic (see full ingredients list). Learn more about how these brands are sustainable on the ConsiderBeyond app.

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1. Cocokind

Instagram | @cocokind
Based in | United States‍
Certifications | USDA Organic

Cocokind's aim to increase transparency is evident in the new product packaging that not only details the full ingredient lists, but also includes sustainability facts, which break down the carbon footprint for a product’s life cycle. Cocokind formulates skincare that is hydrating and supports skin barrier protection by incorporating botanical-forward ingredients into their products. The company also operates its philanthropic foundation, the Cocokind impact foundation, which provides financial grants to female-identifying entrepreneurs in the health, wellness, and sustainability space with missions to create positive social impact.

Shop - organic ultra chlorophyll mask

2. Badger Balm

Instagram | @badgerbalm
Based in | United States‍
Certifications | USDA Organic, B Corp, Fair Trade

Made in rural New Hampshire, Badger Balm creates balms, sunscreens, moisturizers, muscle rubs, and bug repellents, among others. Badger is fully involved in every step of the supply chain, from ingredient sourcing and packaging to formulation, manufacturing, testing, and engaging with customers. This multi-generation family-owned business is a certified B corp, meaning it upholds the highest standards of governance, workers' rights, community service, philanthropy, and environmental performance.

Shop - Badger Balm - For Dry Hands and Cracked Fingers 

3. Dr. Bronner’s 

Instagram | @drbronner 
Based in | United States‍
Certifications | USDA Organic, Certified Vegan by Vegan.org, Leaping Bunny, B Corp, Non-GMO Project Verified

Dr. Bronner's is renowned for their highest-quality body care & food products made generous, fair, and conscious of our planet. From pioneering certified organic personal care products, ensuring fair and just treatment of farmers and workers, to creating a socially responsible workplace, they strive to honor their heritage with progressive business practices.

Shop - Peppermint Organic Sugar Soap for Hand & Body

4. Juice Beauty

Instagram | @juicebeauty
Based in | United States ‍
Certifications | USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny, PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies - Cruelty Free‍

Juice Beauty uses antioxidants and vitamin-rich organic botanicals from USDA certified organic farms. They are working towards their goal of eliminating virgin plastic use by using post-consumer recycled plastic combined with the ocean waste plastic.

Shop - Organic Face Wash & Cleanser

5. Henne Organics

Instagram | @henneorganics
Based in | United States ‍
Certifications | USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny

Henne Organics handcrafts and manufactures its lip and hand care products in-house in the US. Their products are leaping bunny and USDA organic certified.

Shop - Hene Organics Luxury Lip Balm

6. Noyah

Instagram | @noyahcosmetics
Based in | United States ‍
Certifications | USDA Organic, USDA Certified Biobased Product, PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies - Cruelty-free & Vegan

Noyah's packaging is made of 70% PCR, bamboo, paper, sugarcane. The products are made in the U.S. and contain ethically sourced beeswax.

Shop - Organic Vanilla Lip Balm

7. Norish Organic

Instagram | @norishorganic
Based in | United States‍
Certifications | USDA Organic, NSF Certified, 1% of the Planet, Leaping Bunny

Norish Organic offers various products that are certified organic in personal care category. In addition to USDA Organic, the brand has products with NSF Certification meaning that the products contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients.

Shop - Pure Hydrating Face Serum

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8. Conscious Coconut

Instagram | @consciouscoconut
Based in | United States‍
Certifications | USDA Organic, Fair Trade Certified

Crafted using the traditional cold-pressed method, their Coconut Oil, CoCo, retains its potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties, free from harsh chemicals. Rich in lauric acid and Vitamins E and K, CoCo offers a plethora of health benefits, from skin treatment to hair growth stimulation, all while being travel-ready and elegantly packaged. Fair trade certified, they ensure fair compensation for growers and workers, fostering personal relationships and supporting basic needs such as clean water and education.

Shop - Coconut Oil

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If you are interested in discovering more conscious brands, check out our Brand on Our Radar - ConsiderBeyond Directory, where you can discover sustainable brands from all over the world curated by ConsiderBeyond. Through the ConsiderBeyond App (IOS and Android), you can find local brands in your area or easily look for conscious brands during your travels! We actively aim to empower our Conscious Community members to keep learning more about conscious products and lifestyle tips through the ConsiderBeyond Newsletter where you can receive recommendations directly to your inbox twice a month!