Safety is a serious business, and Earth Mama’s mission for over a decade has been to formulate safe, herbal products that work. They voluntarily send products out for third party verification to be sure every batch is Safe as Mama’s Arms. Why bother? Because Mama is a real person — a nurse, herbalist, mother and grandmother –and she takes every baby’s safety to her heart.
 
One of Earth Mama’s priorities is to help educate consumers about transparent product labeling. Words like “natural,” “pure,” or “organic” do not guarantee safety and the personal care product playing field is very confusing. The FDA has a limited role in policing the safety and organic claims of personal care products, so the only way to know for sure if a label is honest is to check each ingredient (the Skin Deep toxin database is a good resource) or check to see if it’s certified by a third party.
 
It’s Natural, so it must be good!
 
Some so-called “organic” and “natural” personal care products can contain everything from petroleum byproducts to potentially cancer-causing synthetic ingredients. There is currently no real or certifiable definition of “natural,” and no way to tell if a product is truly natural. Even though it can be true, be skeptical if the word “natural” accompanies a lot of unnatural sounding ingredients, and go look them up!
 
If the label says Organic, can't I trust that it's safe?
 
You would think, wouldn't you, that the word “organic” on a label should mean it is safe. But this is one time when you really have to be a sleuth to make sure you're getting what you think you're getting.
 
Organic label claims are not credible unless they adhere to one of the organic standards and state the name of their certifier on their product. The certifier administers, inspects and assures that the organic claims on the label are compliant with the strict rigors required to legitimately make these claims. In short, if a product uses the word “organic” but there is no third party certification, you have no guarantee that their pretty claims aren’t just greenwashing buzzwords.
 
To add to the confusion, there are varying levels of organic. USDA standards have very clear labeling requirements which can help consumers look for label claims and words that indicate a product is truly, honestly organic. But it’s not easy! Be sure to read labels and look for USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project and NSF seals and the name of the independent third party certifier on the back of the package.
 
It’s elementary!
 
There are a lot of claims out there! When you see natural looking packaging and catchy, safe-sounding words get out your magnifying glass and check the label. If you see new products or different formulations or ingredients you don’t know, go look them up. knowing how to tell the truth from the buzzwords will help keep you from getting stung. It’s a lot of work, but safety is worth the effort!
 
About the Author
Olson is a nurse, herbalist and real mother who believes mamas, babies and families have a right to safe, herbal, zero toxin products. Mama’s mission is to constantly research, test and refine her products, and educate people about the safe use of herbs and ingredients in personal care products. She began formulating organic herbal remedies for friends in her Oregon kitchen many years ago. Her love of organic gardening, passion for herbs and desire to find safe products for mamas and babies led to founding Earth Mama Angel Baby. Olson is an expert in the benefits of plant medicine, and continually balances her trust and care of traditional herb wisdom with evidence-based research.