The word organic is widely used, frequently misunderstood and often misused. On product packaging, marketing materials and websites, it can mean very different things depending on context, regulation and evidence.
I’m hoping to explain here what “organic” does and does not mean, how to assess organic claims and how to recognise when the term is being used responsibly vs misleadingly.
Organic is a regulated term, but only in specific contexts
In the UK and EU, organic is a legally protected term for food and agricultural products. To be sold as organic, these products must meet defined standards and be certified by an approved certification body.
For non-food products, such as cosmetics, skincare, textiles, or household items, the term organic is not universally regulated. This creates a grey area where marketing language can easily overstep what is provable.
Understanding this distinction is essential.
What “organic” usually means in food
When used correctly on food products, organic typically means:
- Ingredients were grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers
- Genetically modified organisms were not used
- Farming practices met defined soil, animal welfare and environmental standards
- The product has been certified and audited by an approved body
In the UK and EU, legitimate organic food products must:
- Display an organic certification logo
- Name the certification body
- Follow strict labelling rules
If a food product claims to be organic but provides no certification details, that claim should be treated with caution.
What “organic” can mean in cosmetics and personal care
In skincare, makeup and personal care, organic may mean:
- Some ingredients were grown organically
- A percentage of the formula contains organic ingredients
- The product follows a voluntary organic standard
However, unlike food:
- There is no single mandatory legal definition
- Brands may use the word “organic” without full certification
- The claim may apply to only one ingredient, not the whole product
Responsible brands clarify this by stating:
- The percentage of organic ingredients
- Which ingredients are organic
- Whether a recognised voluntary standard is used
Vague claims such as “made with organic ingredients” without context should be read carefully.
Recognised organic standards and certifications
While not exhaustive, some certifications are generally regarded as more meaningful than others:
- Food organic certifications approved by UK or EU authorities
- COSMOS Organic for cosmetics
- Soil Association standards
- GOTS for organic textiles
Certification does not guarantee perfection, but it does provide:
- Independent verification
- Defined criteria
- Ongoing audits
The absence of certification does not automatically mean a product is poor, but it does mean claims should be scrutinised more closely.
Common misleading or weak organic claims
Be cautious when you see phrases such as:
- Organic inspired
- Naturally organic
- Eco organic formula
- Made with organic extracts (without stating how much)
These phrases often have no defined meaning and may be used to create an impression rather than provide information.
A genuinely transparent product will explain its claims clearly and precisely.
What organic does and does not guarantee
Organic does not automatically mean:
- Chemical-free
- Non-toxic
- Suitable for everyone
- More effective
Organic does generally mean:
- Fewer synthetic agricultural inputs
- Greater transparency
- More regulated sourcing practices
Organic is a tool for reducing certain exposures and supporting certain farming practices, not a universal guarantee of safety or health.
How we approach organic at Simply Organic Baby
On this site:
- We do not assume “organic” means the same thing across all products
- We look for evidence, not just language
- We disclose limitations openly
- We avoid blanket claims
Where certification exists, we prioritise it.
Where it does not, we look for clarity, honesty and ingredient-level transparency.
Organic is best understood as part of a broader approach, not a badge of purity. Context, sourcing, formulation and personal circumstances all matter.
Learning to interpret organic claims critically is far more valuable than simply seeking the label.