Spiezia Takes The Lead On Labelling
Due to our concerns about what people understand about ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ skincare labelling, we carried out a survey. This highlighted a huge gap in consumers’ understanding of what skincare producers including us are saying on their labels.
We commissioned an independent survey of 100 customers, 87% of whom identified themselves as committed organic foodstuff buyers and 53% confirmed they looked at labels before they bought.
We have joined with four other like-minded Soil Association registered skincare producers to become founder members of the new Organic Trade Group set up by the Soil Association to become an Industry voice.We will be helping to co-ordinate a strategy to improve labelling on skincare and lobby the European parliament in Brussels to identify and make changes to cosmetic packaging to help the Consumer make a more informed purchase.
The Facts - Ingredient countdown
Over half those asked were unaware that the ingredients on skincare products are always listed in % order of constituents with the highest percentage being listed first.
Differences between pure, natural and organic
Nearly half (49%) thought pure, organic and natural statements on packaging meant that these products do not contain any chemicals and a further 11% were not sure.
39% did not know what % of natural ingredients must be used to make a ‘natural’ product and a further 24% guessed at 100%.
Fact : Pure or natural products need only contain 2% natural ingredients – the other 98% can be anything , chemicals included.
Understanding organic
71% believed that organic meant that no chemicals had been added to the product and 6% believed it meant the product was handmade.
31% did not know what % organic ingredients are required in a product labelled ‘Made with Organic Ingredients’ and a further 37% guessed at 100%.
Fact: In skincare there is no legal definition of organic and there are no EU guidelines to be followed. ‘Made with Organic Ingredients’ labelled skincare products should contain a minimum of 70% organic ingredients.The balance can be chemicals and preservatives. The Soil Association requires a product labelled ‘Organic’ to have 95% organic ingredients and bans the use of sodium laurel sulphate and ingredients of a petrochemical origin.
Hoping to help clear up the confusion, we suggest a few simple guidelines:
Look for the Soil Association logo on the label- these ensure the ingredients have been sustainably produced and can be traced right back to the farmer and even the field.
Read the ingredient list – this is a good measure of how natural or botanically based the product is. If chemicals are listed high up the list, it isn’t.
We will continue to actively encourage the implementation of clearer legislation and guidelines for consumers. Amanda Barlow, Managing Director of Spiezia Organics, states “All cosmetic producers, whether they are organic or not, have to abide by the current EEC legislation which clearly states that no harm must arise as a result of any chemical used in any skincare product. At Spiezia Organics we produce skincare products which are, where possible, 100% organic. However, as one of the main players, we realise that we have a responsibility to take a bigger step to protect consumers and that is why we are working with other like minded companies to lobby Government for skincare industry standards and guidelines. It is very confusing for consumers, but it will only get better”
Want to know more? Contact WEN www.wen.org.uk or if you’d like to get involved in the debate contact Carrie on c.gilmore@spieziaorganics.com
January 2008
100% Organic Cleanser voted 10/10 by The Times
At Spiezia we believe in keeping it Organic and Natural. Beautiful skin is healthy skin, it’s as simple as that.
