Fighting for the integrity of the biological term in body care products.

Beginning in the 1940s, the world was flooded with synthetic products and ingredients with low production costs, from pesticides and food additives to detergents and plastics, all created in laboratories primarily from non-renewable sources such as petroleum.

It was advertised as "Living better through Chemistry," but the unintended consequences included water and air pollution, deterioration of arable land and health, overly processed and unhealthy foods, and synthetic ingredients in hygiene and personal care products—some with significant levels of toxicity.

In response, the organic movement has rejected the intensive use of synthetic ingredients and processes used in conventional agriculture and food production, recognizing that traditional methods and materials result in richer soil and a healthier environment and people.

The integrity of organic in cosmetic and personal care products means that a product is made with certified organic ingredients according to the USDA's national program, the same program that certifies food products as organic.

Truly organic personal care products do not use synthetic preservatives that can irritate the skin. Unrefined natural waxes and oils are used as emollients and moisturizers instead of hydrogenated oils and synthetic silicones. Traditional natural soap is used for washing hands and body, instead of modern synthetic surfactants made from petrochemicals.

Dr. Bronner's fights for a market where consumers are not misled into buying synthetic products masquerading as organic personal care products. We are now better off than we were 10 years ago, when all sorts of synthetic products were claiming to be organic, even in health food stores and cooperatives. Currently, all personal care products sold at Whole Foods, as well as in cooperatives organized under the National Cooperative Grocery Association (NCGA) and, consequently, in the natural products market, must be certified to meet organic standards.

However, there is no regulation preventing the improper labeling of personal care products as organic. In fact, despite the rigorous standards required by the USDA for organic food products, there is no legal regulation applicable to personal care products.

Taking advantage of this loophole, some companies continue to use the term "organic" or "organics" in their brand names to influence consumer perception of their organic composition - even when the level of certification is very low and/or they do not include any relevant organic ingredients.

Brief description of the biological battle:

2000

The USDA's national organic program was created to limit the use of the term "organic" to certified organic products only. Certification is administered by private, non-profit agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Violators who claim their products are organic but do not possess the corresponding certification may be prosecuted. Producers of personal care products may voluntarily certify their products under this program; however, the USDA does not monitor organic claims on cosmetic and personal care products that do not undergo this certification.

2003

Dr. Bronner's identifies and/or develops projects to obtain organic ingredients and certifies liquid and bar soap as organic according to USDA standards.

2004

Dr. Bronner's certifies and launches body lotions and lip balms with over 95% organic ingredients that meet the rigorous criteria of the USDA—standards identical to those used for food products.

2005

In response to strong lobbying from the cosmetics industry that misuses the term "organic," the USDA is attempting to prohibit the use of the certification seal on cosmetic and personal care products, even if they are certified according to the same standards as food products.

April 2005

Dr. Bronner's is suing the USDA for failing to properly enforce the law, and because there is no difference in organic coconut oil when used in a body lotion or for making food.

September 2005

One day before responding to the lawsuit, the USDA backtracks and declares that all certified personal care products can continue to use the USDA organic certification seal.

2008

After several years of trying to stop the growing wave of supposedly organic personal care products, Dr. Bronner's is suing a group of personal care product companies responsible for "greenwashing" and false claims. The lawsuit seeks only $1.00 in damages, as the primary goal was simply to stop the deceptive practices.

2010

Whole Foods Market, followed by the NCGA, takes action where the government does not, implementing a criterion for selling cosmetic and personal care products in its stores. Brands are required to obtain USDA certification or specific cosmetic certification according to NSF standards—or they must remove all false claims about being organic from their labels.

2013

Dr. Bronner's creates a special agitprop label for its quarter-size liquid soaps to support GMO labeling and the Washington state voters' initiative to label GMOs, Yes on I-522, "Washington's Right to Know Genetically Engineered Foods Act." Natural food stores in all 50 states stock the limited-edition soap.



2014

David Bronner publishes an article in the Huffington Post: "Use of Bleeding and Insecticide in GMO Crops Skyrocketing while Pro-GMO Media Runs Interference; Former EPA Senior Scientist's New Article Sets Record Straight," including a major advertising buy by Dr. Bronner's to present clear evidence from a former EPA senior scientist on the increasing use of herbicides and insecticides in GMO crops. Dr. Bronner's intensifies efforts to support voter-led initiatives to label genetically modified foods in Oregon and Colorado, Measure 92 and Initiative 105. The company donates $1 million to Oregon and $25,000 to Colorado, and redesigns its iconic gallon soap labels to educate consumers nationwide about the importance of labeling genetically modified foods.



2016

Dr. Bronner's resigns from the Organic Trade Association (OTA), citing the association's betrayal of the consumer-led GMO labeling movement and its general departure from the fundamental principles that drive the organic movement. Following her resignation, Dr. Bronner's commits to using her organizational resources to help advance consumer, farmer, and industry organizations that more authentically and courageously represent the vision of regenerative organic agriculture, as opposed to the disaster of soil-destroying industrial agriculture.



2018

The Regenerative Organic Alliance is created, becoming a diverse coalition of organizations and companies led by the Rodale Institute as chairman of the board and headed by Dr. Bronner's and Patagonia in the areas of agriculture, livestock, soil health, animal welfare, and fairness for farmers and workers, and announces the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC). ROC is a holistic agricultural certification framework encompassing robust requirements that underpin three pillars: soil health and ecological land management, pasture-based animal welfare, and fairness for farmers and workers. It was created to model an ecological and ethical system for agricultural production that addresses the problems of industrial agriculture, climate change, and economic injustice at both local and global levels.



2020

Dr. Bronner's announces the debut of its first Regenerative Organic (ROC) Certified product, Virgin Whole White Seed Coconut Oils, sourced from Dr. Bronner's sister company in Sri Lanka, Serendipol. The world's first regenerative organic certified coconut oil, this product goes beyond USDA organic and fair trade standards, demonstrating that regenerative organic farming can be practiced on the scale necessary to meet global market demands.