Sunday, January 29, 2012

Bogus Terms

Some very popular products may include label claims using these terms:
  • 100 percent natural
  • Contains organic ingredients
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Earth-friendly
  • Environmentally safer
  • Essentially nontoxic
  • Hypoallergenic/Dermatologist Tested/Allergy Tested/Non-Irritating
  • Made with nontoxic ingredients
  • Made with organic essential oils
  • Vegan

Seem legit right? None of these terms are actually regulated. That is why you have to look for the certified seals on products. And even then you have to watch out for the order in which ingredients are listed on the label. The first five ingredients listed are the most prominent in the product. So the "Hypoallergenic/Dermatologist Tested/Allergy Tested/Non-Irritating" is really up to the individuals skin condition and allergy. Most of the products saying, "contains organic ingredients" have only one certified organic ingredient. The "100 percent natural" product can still contain preservatives and parabens. The same goes for products claiming, "cruelty-free". That doesn't mean it doesn't have any harsh chemicals. The "Made with organic essential oils" would be misleading because the USDA only regulates actual food in products, not including plant derived ingredients. And how the heck can you be "Essentially nontoxic"?
 
Now days you have to basically be your own doctor and teacher. I'm all about people making their own decisions, but I rather be an educated consumer at the same time too.

2 comments:

Makeba Giles said...

You're right-that is so true--especially the '100% natural' term! We *really* have to make an effort to be more conscious about the foods and products we purchase more than ever. ~Thanks for sharing!

Woody said...

Hmm good to know. I was always skeptical about all these buzz words.