NPA Certified Natural Personal Care Products
What really defines a natural product? With the term “natural” not being regulated by the FDA, who can consumers turn to for answers? In my opinion, the answer is the Natural Products Association (NPA).
The NPA has been spear heading the “natural or not” issue for years. They are dedicated to providing consumers with accurate information about what is or is not a natural product. The NPA in 2008 established the NPA Natural Seal which has helped consumers cut through the clutter and identify truly natural personal care and home care products. The NPA Natural Seal has been featured in national news stories reaching millions of people, including the New York Times, O The Oprah Magazine, Elle, “The Doctors,” and the “CBS Early Show.
In recent news, the NPA is partnering with NSF International to develop the first American national standard for natural personal care products. This is a huge step for the natural products market. This standard would truly revolutionize the natural products industry, specifically for personal and home care.
Interested in knowing what products carry the NPA Certified Natural Care Product Seal? Here is a list as put out by the NPA: Arch Personal Care Products, Aubrey Organics®, Baby’s Bliss®, Belcam Inc., Biolements®, boom Creative Development, Burt’s Bees®, CARA B Naturally®, Highland Laboratories, J.R. Watkins®, Naturals by Lauren Hutton, Naturals™ by Safety 1st, Nature’s Way, Noah’s Naturals®, Organique by Himalaya®, RAW™ Health International, Smith & Vandiver®, Tsi-La, W.S. Badger Company®, wet n wild® Natural Blend, XanGo, and Yes To Carrots™. The full criteria, certified products list, certified ingredients list, and NPA’s natural certification program for home care products, can be found at http://www.thenaturalseal.org/.
According to the NPA, their natural standard is based on natural ingredients, safety, responsibility and sustainability.
- Natural Ingredients: A product labeled “natural” should be made up of only, or at least almost only, natural ingredients and be manufactured with appropriate processes to maintain ingredient purity.
- Safety: A product labeled “natural” should avoid any ingredient with a suspected human health risk.
- Responsibility: A product labeled “natural” should use no animal testing in its development.
- Sustainability: A product labeled “natural” should use biodegradable ingredients and the most environmentally sensitive packaging.
The NPA’s Standard will help consumers become more educated about ingredients and processes considered natural. It gives consumers the information you need to easily identify which personal care products meet the standard for natural, and make the best decisions when choosing products.
Source: Natural Products Association. http://198.171.234.134/npa/index.phpsrc=gendocs&ref=NaturalSealMain&category=NaturalSeal.
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