Ingredient Claims Explained

Explore simple explanations of sourcing, processing, and ingredient attribute claims commonly used in skincare.

Indicates that an agricultural ingredient was grown and handled according to recognized organic requirements. The exact claim should be supported by applicable certification or supplier documentation.
Indicates that the ingredient or product has been certified under a recognized organic standard by an accredited certifying organization. USDA-certified cosmetic and personal-care products must meet the applicable organic labeling category.
Indicates that a botanical ingredient was harvested from plants growing in their natural environment rather than from cultivated crops.
Indicates that an ingredient was obtained using documented environmental, social, or supply-chain practices intended to reduce harm. The specific sustainability practice should be clearly identified rather than implied through a broad claim.
Indicates that an ingredient was sourced through a recognized fair-trade certification or documented program addressing producer treatment, working conditions, or purchasing practices.
Identifies the geographic location where an ingredient was grown, harvested, or produced, such as California-grown or Moroccan-sourced.
Indicates that an ingredient came from an identified farm or grower. Supporting information should establish the farm, ingredient, location, and sourcing relationship.
Indicates that the skincare brand, founder, or company grew the ingredient used in the product.

Indicates that an oil was extracted through mechanical pressing without intentionally added heat.
Indicates that an oil was mechanically extracted using an expeller or screw press. Heat may be generated naturally through friction during the process.
Hexane is a petroleum-derived solvent sometimes used to extract oils from seeds and plants. A hexane-free claim means hexane was not used in the extraction or processing of the ingredient.
Generally indicates that an oil came from an initial extraction and was not chemically refined. The exact meaning may vary by ingredient and should be supported by a defined supplier specification.
Indicates that an ingredient was not exposed to processing or temperatures above a defined limit. The brand should disclose the standard or temperature threshold used.
Indicates that an ingredient was not exposed to processing or temperatures above a defined limit. The brand should disclose the standard or temperature threshold used.
Indicates that steam was used to release volatile compounds from plant material, which were then condensed and collected.
Indicates that pressurized carbon dioxide was used to extract compounds from the source material.

A document that reports the test results and specifications for a specific ingredient or product batch. A COA may help confirm identity, purity, composition, and compliance with stated quality requirements.
Indicates that the material consists entirely of the specifically named ingredient. The wording must clearly identify what the percentage applies to.
Indicates that no intentionally added animal-derived ingredients are present within the scope of the claim.
Indicates that an animal-derived ingredient came from animals raised under a documented grass-fed feeding protocol. Grass-fed claims require records supporting the applicable animal-raising practices.
Indicates that the source material used to produce the ingredient originated from plants. This does not necessarily mean the ingredient is unprocessed or entirely natural.
Indicates that animal testing was not conducted within the defined scope of the brand’s policy or certification. Because “cruelty-free” has no single federal legal definition for cosmetics, the exact scope must be stated and supported.
Indicates that an ingredient or product has met the requirements of a named independent certification program. Verification should confirm the certification, issuing organization, scope, and current status.

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