Natural product certification is an official term that refers to a specific process where products derived from natural sources, such as plants, minerals, or animals, are assessed and verified to meet certain standards or criteria. This certification can cover a wide range of product categories, including food, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and personal care products.
The natural seal is a certification in the United States indicating that a product contains at least 95% natural ingredients, excluding water. The Natural Products Association (NPA) mandates that certified products must utilize natural ingredients, eschew components with known health risks, refrain from animal testing, and incorporate biodegradable or recycled material into the packaging. Furthermore, all ingredients must be listed on the package label, with a requirement for 100% natural fragrances and colorants.[1]
In 2011, NSF International, a global public health and safety organization, and NATURE, the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association, announced a partnership to develop another standard for natural personal care products. "There is currently neither a regulatory nor a globally recognized definition for the term 'natural.' The new NSF/NATURE standard will define the use of the term 'natural', helping to promote authentic and quality natural personal care products," said NSF International.[2] The NPA responded, stating, "A second seal with different standards does not serve natural product customers, retailers, or manufacturers."[3]
