TRUE! Did you know that even though some product labels say “natural fragrance”, there are no regulations between that and just “fragrance”?
This is a common misconception in the “clean living world”…just because a product label has “natural fragrance” instead of fragrance, doesn’t necessarily mean the ingredients that make up that fragrance are any better. Same goes for “flavor” vs “natural flavor” in any beauty product.
Here’s why:
In the FDA electronic code of federal regulations Title 21, chapter 1, sub-chapter G, Part 701, subpart A, it states:
“FDA doesn’t have regulations defining “natural” or “organic” for cosmetics. All cosmetic products & ingredients must meet the same safety requirement, regardless of their source…FDA has not defined the term “natural” & has not established a regulatory definition for this term in cosmetic labeling”
aka: the phrase “natural fragrance” doesn’t have a set definition when used in cosmetics/ beauty products which means no set standard.
Also on the Cosmetic labeling claims FAQ page:
“Does FDA have a definition for the term “organic”?
No. FDA regulates cosmetics under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) & the Fair Packaging & Labeling Act (FPLA). The term “organic” is not defined in either of these laws or the regulations that FDA enforces under their authority”
What about essential oils?
“There is no regulatory definition for “essential oils,” although people commonly use the term to refer to certain oils extracted from plants. The law treats Ingredients from plants the same as those from any other source”
So again…no set standard.
In fact, “Interested persons may submit a petition requesting the establishment of a specific name for a cosmetic ingredient…The Commissioner may also propose such a name on his own initiative”
So what does this mean?
The labeling of fragrance vs natural fragrance (or any other verbiage) is completely chosen by and up to the company! It has NOTHING to do with the quality or type of ingredients used in that fragrance or flavor, and it is not regulated by the FDA whatsoever. There’s no certification process a company has to go through or anything they have to prove in order to put natural fragrance on a label. They can just put it. “Natural fragrance” is not connected at all to the use of essential oils & doesn’t mean it definitely only contains safe & natural ingredients.
Don’t be duped by marketing! This is a great plug for why I don’t recommend merely reading labels to determine whether a company is truly safe or not! Labels can be sneaky and don’t give you the full picture!!! I personally recommend brand researching! Want to know more about that? The video below breaks it down for you!
How much of this was new information to you? What do YOU think? Comment below and tell me!
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