By Melissa McCombs
Walk down any beauty aisle and the labels shout at you: clean, natural, organic, non-toxic, green. They sound reassuring. But what do they actually mean? Here is an honest look at the words you see most, and how to read past them.
"Clean"
There is no official definition of "clean" beauty in the US. The FDA does not define or regulate the term. Each brand decides what it means, often by listing ingredients it chooses to leave out.
What to do: Look at the actual ingredient list, not the word on the front.
"Natural"
Like "clean," the word "natural" has no official definition for cosmetics. A product can be mostly synthetic and still use the word.
What to do: Look for named plants and botanicals near the top of the ingredient list.
"Organic"
This one is different. In the US, the word "organic" on agricultural ingredients is regulated by the USDA's National Organic Program. Products that display the USDA Organic seal must meet its standards. But many beauty products use the word "organic" without the seal.
What to do: Check whether a product is certified, or whether specific ingredients are labeled organic.
How it is made
Some brands talk about how a product is made, not only what is in it. Those process claims are not always regulated either. What to do: Look for a clear description of the method. Good makers are willing to show you the work.
How to read any label in 30 seconds
- Flip the bottle. The ingredient list matters more than the front.
- Look for names you recognize. Plants, waters, oils.
- Check the order. Ingredients are listed from most to least.
- Look for real certification seals, not just words.
- Ask how it is made. Good makers are happy to tell you.
What these words mean at Madame Moon
We would rather show you than tell you. Our hydrosols are copper-distilled in traditional copper stills in St. Augustine, Florida, from named botanicals. We share our process openly here in The Editorial because we believe you deserve to know exactly how your skincare is made. We do not put a USDA Organic seal on our bottles; when you shop, read the ingredient list and the story of the still.
Try it for yourself: Start with the Calm Duo ($37), or explore the Clarifying Reset Box ($70).