Associations
Rowan
explains that organic certification bodies conduct a thorough investigation and
audit of the farm where the ingredients are sourced, and tests are done to
ensure that no chemicals, pesticides, genetically modified ingredients, fertilizers
or any poisonous ingredients were used in the soil.
·
Soil
Association of the UK, is one of the most highly regarded organic certification
bodies and it is currently responsible for certifying 80% of all organic goods
sold in the UK. To register a product with the Soil Association, you must use
100% organic ingredients, with nothing else added (this includes water).
·
The
Ecocert Group is the certification body for sustainable development and it
handles the European markets. This is also used in parts of the USA and Japan.
To get an EcoCert Organic stamp of approval a minimum of 95% of all plant-based
ingredients in the formula, and a minimum of 10% of all ingredients by weight,
must come from organic farming. The group also ensures the packaging of the
product measures up to its sustainability guidelines.
·
Afrisco
is the South African organic accreditation agent. It is able to give its highly
accredited stamp of approval to locally grown produce. Soon an official South
African organic standard will be available and, along with the Consumer Act and
new Labeling Act, you can expect to see some tightening-up of labels regarding
organic products in South Africa.
Read Your
Labels: As
a rule, a good certified organic product will hove natural botanical extracts
listed highest on the list of ingredients, while preservatives will be listed
nearer to the end, as these should represent the smallest quantities contained
in the product. If you're reading a label that has preservatives listed first,
then you can almost be guaranteed that this product is not as natural or
organic as it claims to be.
Try
These
• Esse Gel
Cleanser (R130 for 100ml) • Bourjois Bio Detox Organic Perfecting Powder (R140)
• Ofra Eyeshadow (R223) • Sh'Zen Perfecting Sugar Scrub for hands (R149) • Priori
CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals Perfecting Mineral Foundation (R670) • Pure
Beginnings Body Lotion (R76) • Placecol Multi Vitamin Night Lotion (R305) • Spiezia
Body Firming Oil (R539 for 100ml) • Ecotools Bamboo 6 piece brush set (R120) • Physicians
Formula Organic Wear 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush (R180) • Earthsap Pomegranate
and Soy Shampoo and Conditioner (R37 each) • Coileur Caramel Matt Eye Shadow (R142)
• Dr.Hauschka Melissa Day Cream (R386) • AHAVA Caressing Body Sorbet (R430) • African
Organics Natural Body Wash (R45) • Africology Anti-Oxidant Masque (R340) • Jane
Iredale PurePressed Blush (R305) • Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum (R229).
Top Organic
Beauty Products
There are some great local and
international organic products available in South Africa. "The best products
are those with international certifications, like Soil Association and Ecocert,"
says Rowan. "Unfortunately our South African certifications are not in the
same league as the international ones." It is also best to look at the 100%
organic certifications; a product using 60% organic ingredients could be using
synthetic ingredients for the other 40%. Also look for products that have been
given awards on an international front, as the "organic trend" has been
alive and well internationally for at least 30 years, whereas South Africa has
been a bit slower to accept the change. Some brands that tick all the right boxes
include Spiezia, Balm Balm, Dr Hauschka, Africology and Esse Organic Skincare.
