Natural Products Association Certified Seal (there's a new label in town)-

I've talked a lot on this blog about how confusing labels on personal care products can be. The labeling of "natural!" "organic" and "made with natural ingredients" are used widely, when in fact many of these same products contain parabens, phthalates, synthetic perfumes and other harmful ingredients.

This is part of a larger problem, a lack of testing chemicals before they are in use in products we use everyday. Many of these chemicals have been found to cause cancer, endrocrine disruption problems, among many other things.

I was happy to find out that the Natural Products Association has released a new label for products that meet their certification process. And from what I've read, it seems like a good one, although I am eager to hear what the Environmental Working Group has to say about it.

Here is a list of their standards for certification:

"The following is the initial standard as of May 1, 2008:

• All products that are labeled or branded “Natural” must:
– Be made with at least 95% all natural ingredients
– Contain only synthetic ingredients specifically allowed under this standard and environmentally-friendly products that are nurturing to us and as harmless as possible to the earth (see Appendix I)
• What is “Natural”:
– Ingredients that come or are made from a renewable resource found in nature (Flora, Fauna, Mineral), with absolutely no petroleum compounds. (See Appendix II for allowed processes and ingredients.)
• A synthetic non-natural ingredient can be used:
– Only when there is not a readily available natural alternative ingredient
– Only when there are no suspected human health risks as indicated by peer-reviewed third-party scientific literature
• Ingredients that are prohibited:
– Ingredients that have suspected human health risks as indicated by peer-reviewed third-party scientific literature
– Incorporate synthetic silicone or petroleum compounds
– The following is an illustrative list of classifications of ingredients that are prohibited (see Exhibit II for a longer list of prohibited ingredients):
• Parabens – Synthetic preservatives that are potential endocrine disrupters(1-8)
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – Harsh cleansing agent that can potentially damage the lipid layer of your skin and cause irritation (9-12)
• Petrolatum/Mineral Oil/Paraffin – Non-renewable byproducts of crude oil with potentially dangerous impurities(13-18)
• Chemical Sunscreens (Avobenzone/Oxybenzone) – Synthetic sunscreens that get absorbed and potentially disrupt hormone balance(19-22)
• Glycols – Petroleum derived synthetic chemicals that can potentially draw other chemicals into the bloodstream(23, 24)
• Phthalates – Synthetic fragrance components that are potential toxins(25-34)
• Ethoxylated ingredients like Sodium Myreth Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEGs or PPGs – Ingredients that are made in part with the petrochemical ethylene oxide, that results in 1,4 Dioxane as a trace contaminant, classified as a possible carcinogen(35-37)
• Ethanolamines like MEA/DEA/TEA – Foam and viscosity boosting ingredients that can interact with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, a known carcinogen(37)
• Synthetic polymers (PVP/ Acrylates) - Synthetic stabilizers that may contain residual PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons); most widespread organic pollutant
• Formaldehyde Donors (DMDM Hydantoin/ Diazolidinyl Urea/ Methylisothiazolinone) – Preservatives that work by releasing formaldehyde(5)
• Other requirements:
- For each ingredient, the substance is listed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used in accordance with FDA's good manufacturing practices (GMP) and contains no residues of heavy metals or other contaminants in excess of tolerances set by FDA or EPA or has been reviewed using criteria in this Standard.
– Companies must be transparent, fully disclosing their ingredients accurately and truthfully.
– Companies should strive to maximize their use of recyclable and post-consumer recycled content in packaging
– No animal testing of ingredients or products."

Pretty comprehensive! I was thrilled to read about many of the problem chemicals prohibited, as well as a focus on less packaging. What a great step in the right direction, and I will certainly be looking for this seal.

By the way, companies whose products have already met these requirements include Burt's Bees, Weleda, Aubrey Organics, and Badger.