What is Organic?

Organic refers to an agricultural system where crops are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, herbicides, and without genetically modified organisms (GMO). The principle behind organic farming is to work with nature, preserving the health of the soil, ecosystem, and biodiversity, ensuring that produce is free from synthetic chemicals and GMOs.

Organic Cosmetics

Organic cosmetics are products made with plant ingredients grown through organic farming methods. These products contain a significant amount of organic raw materials, without the addition of chemical methods or artificial fragrances, and are processed using eco-friendly techniques.

BioGro Organic Certification

BioGro is New Zealand’s largest and most reputable certifier for organic products, especially focusing on food and wine. The BioGro certification is much stricter than others, such as COSMOS, because it demands compliance with comprehensive standards that cover every aspect of production, including sourcing ingredients, manufacturing processes, and environmental practices. BioGro requires rigorous audits, certifications, and regular inspections to ensure that the standards are continuously met. This high level of scrutiny means that BioGro-certified products are among the most trustworthy in the market. They ensure that every detail, from farm to product, is verified to maintain organic integrity.

Organic vs. Natural

While organic products are tightly regulated and follow strict guidelines from cultivation to production, natural products only require the use of naturally derived ingredients. There are no set regulations or standards governing the growing and processing stages of natural products, making its definition somewhat unclear.

For instance, natural products can still include plants grown with synthetic fertilisers or pesticides and may contain mineral or animal-based ingredients. In fact, even products containing as little as 1% natural ingredients can be labeled as "natural cosmetics."

In contrast, for Carol Priest to use the official BioGro organic certification label, the product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients, with organic sourcing used wherever possible. Each year, Carol Priest undergoes BioGro’s strict audits to renew this certification, ensuring the highest standards of organic integrity are maintained.

Why BioGro Certification Matters

BioGro’s certification provides a guarantee of the product's authenticity and commitment to sustainability. With such stringent requirements, consumers can trust that products bearing the BioGro logo have been produced with the highest level of care for both the environment and their health.