Organic vs. Natural vs. Certified: Decoding the Labels in Your Skincare

Confused by the terms "USDA Organic," "natural," and "made with organic ingredients" on your skincare? We're breaking down what these labels really mean so you can make informed choices for your skin.

Here at Cherokee Rose Organics, we believe that what you put on your skin matters. As conscious consumers, you’re rightfully looking for products that are pure, effective, and transparent.

But let’s be honest: walking down the skincare aisle can feel like reading a foreign language. “USDA Certified Organic,” “Made with Organic Ingredients,” “100% Natural”. What does it all actually mean?

The truth is, these terms are not created equal. As we welcome new products to our family, we’re committed to full transparency. Today, we’re decoding the labels to help you understand the differences and make the best choice for your skin, whether you’re shopping for yourself, your partner, or your little one.

The Gold Standard: USDA Certified Organic

Think of this as the pinnacle of purity in the skincare world. The USDA Organic seal is a federally regulated standard, meaning it’s verified by an independent third party.

• What it guarantees: To earn this seal, a product must contain at least 95% certified organic ingredients. The remaining 5% must be on an approved list that excludes harmful synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and pesticides.

• The Rigorous Process: It’s not just about the ingredients in the bottle. The entire production process is audited, from the soil the botanicals are grown in to the facility where the product is bottled, to ensure it meets strict guidelines.

• Ideal For: Anyone seeking the highest level of verified purity, especially those with sensitive skin, new parents shopping for baby products, or anyone committed to minimizing their exposure to synthetics.

• In Our Collection: We are proud to offer a selection of USDA Certified Organic products, like our Serenity Toner and Complex Toner. When you see the seal, you can trust its integrity is backed by the most rigorous standard
  

The Meaningful Middle: Made with Organic Ingredients

This category represents a significant commitment to using organic ingredients, even if the product doesn't meet the strict 95% threshold for certification.

• What it means: These products must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients. The remaining non-organic ingredients must be produced without excluded methods (like GMOs) but may include more synthetic ingredients than a certified product.

• The Key Difference: These products cannot display the USDA Organic seal. You’ll often see phrases on the label like “Made with Organic Aloe Vera and Chamomile.”

• Ideal For: Those who prioritize organic ingredients but also want access to a wider range of innovative formulas that might require non-organic components for stability, texture, or efficacy.

• In Our Collection: This is where the majority of our line lives. While not certified, these products are formulated with a high percentage of powerful, organic botanicals and steadfastly exclude parabens, phthalates, SLS, and other harsh chemicals we avoid.
  

The Unregulated Term: Natural

This is the most common, and most misleading, term in the beauty industry. “Natural” is not regulated by any governing body for cosmetics.

• What it means: There is no legal definition. A product can be labeled “natural” if it contains 1% of a natural ingredient (like aloe vera) alongside 99% synthetic chemicals. It tells you nothing about how the ingredients were grown or processed.

• The Important Caveat: Remember, “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe” (poison ivy is natural!), and not all synthetic ingredients are bad. Some are created to be gentle, effective, and preserve the product safely.

• Our Promise: When we use the term “natural,” we do so honestly. Our natural formulas are crafted with ingredients derived from nature, and we are always 100% transparent about our full ingredient list. We use safe synthetics only when necessary for a product’s safety or performance and will always tell you why.

• Ideal For: Those looking for products focused on plant-derived and nature-inspired ingredients, and who are diligent about reading full ingredient lists.

Why The Change? Our Continued Promise to You.

You may have noticed our product lineup is evolving. As we’ve grown, we faced a choice: limit ourselves to only what could be certified or expand to create a broader range of high-performance, safe, and effective products that cater to diverse skin needs.

We chose to expand. This change allows us to innovate and bring you more options, but our core values are unwavering:

• Radical Transparency: We list every single ingredient.

• A Strict “No” List: We ban a long list of harmful chemicals across our entire range, regardless of certification.

• Your Informed Choice: We empower you with the knowledge to choose what aligns best with your values and skin’s needs.
  

We invite you to explore our updated collections with this new knowledge. We’re here to answer any questions and help you find your perfect skincare match.

What matters most to you in your skincare products? Purity, performance, or a mix of both? Let us know in the comments below!