Did you know 'dermatologist tested' doesn't really mean it was given a green signal — it was just tested? Consumers today are fully aware of what they put on their bodies, and purchases are led with a moral compass for social, economic, and environmental impact. Here are the most commonly found labels on beauty products and what they actually mean.
Organic: Made from naturally derived ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers and dyes. Reliable certifications: Ecocert, USDA Organic, India Organic.
Natural: Made of ingredients derived from natural sources up to 70%. Natural Products Association certification is dependable for biodegradable ingredient standards.
Biodegradable: Product and packaging made of ingredients that can be broken down and decomposed. Great for the environment, though not an indication that manufacturing was equally eco-friendly.
Cruelty-Free: The Leaping Bunny by PETA certifies that no animal testing occurred and no animal-derived ingredient was used.
Vegan: Certifications like Vegan UK, Vegan USA, and India's own vegan symbol guarantee no animal product was used in making or processing.
Clean Beauty (Paraben, Sulphate, Petrochemical-free): Parabens mimic estrogen and can cause hormonal imbalances. Sulphates are aggressive detergents. Petrochemicals in moisturisers cannot be broken down by the body. Watch out for Triclosan, Talc, and Silica too.
Fragrance-Free vs Unscented: Fragrance-free eliminates scent ingredients entirely. Unscented products use chemicals to mask smell — better for sensitive noses but not always better for skin.
Finding non-toxic, organic, vegan, sustainable products for your beauty routine is now possible through EarthBased. Check out our clean skin and hair care range.