New organic beauty standard launched

Shoppers have a new label to look for when buying organic beauty products, with the unveiling of a new scheme by a leading organic body.Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) is already a key name in the inspection and licensing of organic food production and processing.

Now, due to growing demand, it has established a new standard for organic cosmetics and bodycare, giving manufacturers the opportunity to have their products assessed and approved by an independent, respected third party.

There is currently no legal requirement for skin and hair care products, decorative cosmetics, perfumes and hygiene products to be organically certified because they are not part of the food chain.

However, with increasing numbers of such products becoming available, having them approved by a known and trusted certifier can be a selling point and give confidence to shoppers that what they are buying is produced to the organic standards they would expect.

The certification of skin and bodycare products is based on simple but important principles including: products being minimally processed and containing the maximum possible amount of organic ingredients; products being of high quality and optimal for their purpose; the process being socially just and ecologically responsible.

OF&G Chief Executive, Richard Jacobs, said: "Organic and natural cosmetic and bodycare products is a rapidly growing area as people become more concerned about what they put on their skin and not just about what they put into their bodies.

"It's important for us to support this area of the organic sector because it has a part to play in promoting ethical and environmentally sustainable consumption. When people buy these products they have a right to know that the claims made for them are independently scrutinised and approved.

"As Britain's longest-established organic certifier, and one of the largest, we know that people will recognise and trust our credentials."

Trevarno Organic Skincare, which produces a wide range of organic beauty products, has been certified with OF&G since 2000, long before the formalised standard was introduced, and was the first licensee approved by the company in this field.

Brenda Clark, creator of the Trevarno brand, said: "Being certified with Organic Farmers & Growers is a way to assure our customers that our products are produced to the highest organic standards, as approved by a trusted independent body. This means they can be sure that our products are ethical and sustainable."

Producers of natural bodycare products and cosmetics can now apply to OF&G for certification under the new scheme and details are available on the OF&G website at www.organicfarmers.org.uk

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Mark Waugh, PR & Media Manager, Organic Farmers & Growers, on 01743 440512 or email mark.waugh@organicfarmers.org.uk.

Images of Trevaro products and the OF&G logo are available on request.

- Organic Farmers & Growers Ltd was the first independent certifier approved by the UK Government to carry out organic inspection and licensing and has been working in this field since 1991.
- OF&G is inspected annually by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ensure its inspection and certification procedures are robust and above question.
- The company has its head office in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and certifies organic enterprises across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.
- Trevarno Organic Skincare products are handmade on the Trevarno Estate, near Helston, in Cornwall. It's website is at http://www.trevarnoskincare.co.uk