Choosing a Certification Standard
How To Choose a Certification Standard for Personal Care Products
Summary: To certify personal care products as organic, you can choose between two standards: USDA National Organic Program (NOP) or NSF/ANSI 305. Use USDA NOP if all ingredients and processes meet food-grade organic requirements. If your product contains certain non-organic ingredients not allowed under NOP, NSF/ANSI 305 may be the right fit. Both require at least 70% organic content. Certification is done through an accredited certifier like Oregon Tilth.
What Is a Personal Care Product?
Personal care products include a wide range of items such as:
- Rinse-off and leave-on products
- Cosmetics
- Oral care items
- Personal hygiene products
These products can be certified organic if they meet the requirements of an approved organic standard.
Two Certification Options: USDA NOP vs NSF/ANSI 305
Option 1: USDA National Organic Program (NOP)
The USDA NOP was created under the 1990 Organic Foods Production Act and is the main standard for organic food—and in some cases—personal care products.
Your product is Eligible if:
- Your product uses only food-grade processing methods
- All ingredients (including non-agricultural ones) are approved on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
Common personal care products that qualify:
- Lip balms
- Lotions using food-grade processing
- Products with all certified organic and approved ingredients
Allowed claims:
- 100% Organic (all ingredients are organic)
- Organic (≥95% organic ingredients)
- Made with Organic [specified ingredients] (≥70% organic ingredients)
Limitations:
If your product contains non-food-grade ingredients or processing methods, it cannot be certified under NOP.
Option 2: NSF/ANSI 305 Personal Care Standard
NSF/ANSI 305 is a private standard specifically designed for non-food personal care products. It allows for more flexibility in ingredient sourcing while maintaining organic integrity.
Eligible if:
- Your product contains at least 70% organic content
- You need to use non-agricultural ingredients not permitted under NOP
- You follow environmentally responsible manufacturing processes
Allowed claim:
- Contains Organic Ingredients
What’s different from NOP?
- Some non-organic ingredients are allowed if they meet strict criteria
- Focuses on minimizing environmental impact of non-organic substances
- Tailored for the personal care industry, not food
Key Similarities Between USDA NOP and NSF/ANSI 305
Both standards:
- Require ≥70% organic content
- Prohibit:
- Genetic engineering (GMOs)
- Sewage sludge
- Ionizing radiation
- Require documentation for traceability and contamination prevention
Which Certification Should You Choose?
| Feature | USDA NOP | NSF/ANSI 305 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Food-grade processes | Non-food personal care |
| Organic content required | ≥70% | ≥70% |
| Claim language | “Organic”, “100% Organic”, or “Made with Organic” | “Contains Organic Ingredients” |
| Non-agricultural ingredients | Must be on National List | More flexibility |
| Certifier required | USDA-accredited | NSF-accredited or equivalent |
Choose USDA NOP if:
You meet all food-grade processing and ingredient standards.
Choose NSF/ANSI 305 if:
You use otherwise restricted ingredients or processing methods, but still want to market your product as organic.
How to Get Certified
To become certified to either standard:
- Contact a USDA- or NSF-accredited certifier like Oregon Tilth.
- Submit your Organic System Plan (OSP) with product details, ingredients, and processes.
- Undergo a document review and inspection.
- Maintain records for compliance and annual renewal.
More Resources
- For details on labeling, sourcing, or multi-ingredient NSF/ANSI 305 products, check our Help Center’s Understanding Organic Food Business Certification section.
- If your product qualifies under NOP, see our article on Labeling Organic Products for guidelines.