The saying, “you are what you eat,” truly rings a bell when it comes to all things natural, yet what does it mean when the term organic is used? Per the United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program, the term "organic" refers to raw or processed agricultural products or ingredients produced according to the regulations put forth by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Additionally organic production prohibits the use of irradiation, sewage sludge, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and genetic engineering. What deciphers organic from natural in the world of beauty revolves off strict regulations for organic products and generally little to no guidelines with natural products. We reviewed and questioned several organic lines that dominate the marketplace on their specific ingredients and this is what we found.    
 
Shea Terra Organics
What began as a quest to create a top-quality shea butter developed into a line of organic and natural products for Tammie Umbel, Owner and Founder of Shea Terra Organics. Umbel combs the African continent to find beneficial ingredients for the skin. She declares, “If I can bring it in and do something with it it’s a deal.” Shea Terra’s line contains ingredients from, Morocco, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa.

One product to try: Shea Butter Body Cream ($12.95) which is loaded with 30% shea butter and skin quenching oils.

Juice Beauty
Karen Behnke, CEO and Head Juicer of Juice Beauty says, “All our products have the highest organic ingredient content of any skincare collection since our entire product is made with our patent pending organic juice base (instead of water). Our certified ingredients are all in a 100% organic juice base that brings our organic content up to as high as 96%. We EXCEED the USDA standards of 70% or higher.”

One product to try: Blemish Clearing Serum ($29) made of lemon and apple juices and raw cane sugar to calm acne-prone skin.

Nature Girl
Owner of Nature Girl and Rich Hippie Nannette Pallrand explains, “Our products are different from other natural beauty products available on the market because our ingredients are primarily organic and wildcrafted (plants are farmed without the use of pesticides) as opposed to just natural.” Her view on trends in the beauty industry; “The whole area of beauty is constantly evolving and new ingredients are coming on the market all the time, even in the past several years things have really changed.”

One product to try: Nature Girl’s I Love Organic ($38) unique scrub made with organic brown sugar from Brazil and wildcrafted essential oils.  

Terressentials
Their tag line, “Terressentials isn't like other companies, we only use ingredients that the USDA permits in certified organic food.” Certainly something rare to find, in which all ingredients are USDA 100% certified organic. If you aren’t a fan of overwhelming perfumed- induced beauty try Fragrance-free Organic Facial Cleanser ($10.75) and Lotion ($19.25), two items that suit sensitive skin.

Simply Organic
Gino Martignetti, Owner of Simply Organic, states, “The majority of our products, shampoos, conditioners, etc. are water, which cannot be included in the 95%. Some companies mislead consumers by using floral waters and other tricks of the trade. We think rather than attempt to get around the system, we use a simple philosophy, use USDA certified organic ingredients (extracts, essential oils, waxes, etc) and leave out the dangerous synthetic ingredients (the 5% to avoid) found in most beauty and cosmetic products on the market.”

One product to try: Bangs & Ends Defining Crème ($18) made with olive leaf extract that is extremely rich in protein and vitamins, ideal for treating scalp abnormalities.

Its in the drink
You are what you eat, thus our mention of Sambazon’s supercharged organic smoothies ($3.50), beverages and supplements. As the first company to introduce açaí to North America in 2000, Sambazon is a pioneer amongst organic foods and sustainable agriculture. Açaí, (the secret ingredient that makes their product so fabulous) is a delicious purple berry found on the tops of palm trees in the Amazon Rainforest. It’s packed with powerful antioxidants, omega fats, fiber and protein and serves as a regular dietary staple for health-conscious eaters and world-class athletes.  

 

All about the labels
Less Than 70% Organic: Can list only organic ingredients on ingredient panel, but not on front panel and these products cannot use the USDA Organic Seal.

Made with Organic Ingredients: At least 70 percent of the content is organic and front panel can say, "Made with Organic." At least three specific ingredients must be included; these products cannot use the USDA Organic Seal.

Organic or Certified Organic: At least 95 percent of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and these products can use the USDA Organic Seal.

100% Organic: Must contain 100 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding salt and water). This is the only label that guarantees a completely organic product and can use the USDA Organic Seal.