The NPA launched the Natural Standard for Personal Care Products in 2008, which certifies both ingredients and products that meet the NPA’s high standard of natural.
“In just over three years, NPA has certified more than 700 products and ingredients under the NPA Natural Seal, helping consumers across the nation find natural products”, stated NPA CEO John Gay.
High standards
The NPA requires products and ingredients to uphold specific standards in order to be able to carry the seal; ensuring products meet ingredient and processing requirements.
The NPA has also stated that all NPA-certified products have been audited and verified to fit the Natural Standard by an independent third party.
As such, some of the requirements include using natural ingredients from a source in nature that can be processed naturally, within the list of allowed processes; products which carry the seal must list all the ingredients on the package label; and also personal care products must only contain fragrances which are 100 percent natural.
Four categories
The NPA natural standard is based on natural ingredients, safety, responsibility and sustainability.
- Natural Ingredients: A product labeled "natural" should be made up of only, or at least almost only, natural ingredients and be manufactured with appropriate processes to maintain ingredient purity.
- Safety: A product labeled "natural" should avoid any ingredient with a suspected human health risk.
- Responsibility: A product labeled "natural" should use no animal testing in its development.
- Sustainability: A product labeled "natural" should use biodegradable ingredients and the most environmentally sensitive packaging.
Furthermore, under the Natural Standard for Personal Care Products, allowed ingredients must come from or be made from a renewable resource found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral), with absolutely no petroleum compounds.