Our Glossary

We know how important it is to understand exactly what's in the products you use. So we’ve listed and defined the most important terms found both on our products and out there in the world. Keep it handy and you'll be speaking our language in no time.

A

Active ingredient

Ingredient in a cosmetic, drug, or pharmaceutical product considered to have a pharmacological effect. In the case of cosmetics and skincare, the effect on the skin must be documented by scientific evaluation, approved by the FDA, and adhere to FDA regulations. In addition, the amount and exact function of each active ingredient must be approved by the FDA. The FDA also specifies that the active ingredient(s) must be listed first on a product label.

For example our Eczema Care Cream uses colloidal oatmeal as an active ingredient to help relieve skin irritation and itching.

Antioxidant

Antioxidants are chemicals that interact with and neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing damage. Antioxidants are also known as “free radical” scavengers. The body makes some of the antioxidants used to neutralize free radicals.

These antioxidants are called endogenous antioxidants. However, the body relies on external (exogenous) sources for the rest of the antioxidants it needs.

B

Babyganics

A brand designed by and for parents, tested and proven with all of our babies in mind.

Biodegradable

A product or packaging that will break down over time, usually weeks or months, with the help of natural organisms.

Broad spectrum

Refers to a sunscreen product's ability to block both UVA and UVB radiation. This is determined by clinical testing at an outside lab using FDA guidelines.

C

Certified organic ingredient

This ingredient has been certified organic by a USDA approved certifying agency.

Compostable

Similar to biodegradable, compostable products have the added benefit of releasing valuable nutrients into the soil as they break down. Compostable products produce no toxic residues.

Cold pressed

This means that an oil is pressed directly from the source material with no heat, chemicals or water used, just the pressure of the press itself (as in our all natural seed oils in our NeoNourish™ blend). This separates the oil from the fiber of the seeds, leaving the seed oils in the purest condition with all their nutrients and antioxidants in their most potent form.

COPA

The California Organic Products Act of 2003 (“COPA”) prohibits any product handled, processed, sold, advertised, represented or offered for sale in California from being sold as organic unless it is labeled with terminology similar to terminology set for in the regulations by the National Organic Program (“NOP”). COPA specifically applies to cosmetic products sold or labeled as organic or made with organic ingredients. Under COPA, cosmetics with organic claims must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients.

D

Drug fact panel

This is the labeling on over-the-counter (OTC) products, like sunscreen and eczema cream, with specific language for use and safety information mandated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

E

Emulsifier

This is an ingredient that allows two usually non-mixable ingredients to mix together promoting the formation and stabilization of an emulsion (lotion/cream).

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst, increasing the rate at which a chemical reaction occurs. Enzymes work by binding molecules in a way that allows the reaction to occur.

We use enzymes in our laundry detergent to remove specific proteins that cause stains. They rinse completely and are biodegradable in the environment.

H

Humectant

Humectants are ingredients that attract moisture and help retain moisture in the skin. They increase the amount of water the outer layer of skin can hold. Humectants help repair dry skin and reduce skin irritation.

I

Inactive ingredient

These are the ingredients in an OTC product that are not, according the FDA definition, "active" but are necessary to help create the base formula that supports the active ingredient. Many have properties that work together with the active ingredient to boost/support the concern being treated. For example, our NeoNourish™ 100% Natural Seed Oil Blend provides nourishing and soothing skin benefits but are, according to the FDA definition, inactive.

M

Mineral

A naturally occurring substance such as zinc, derived from the earth and processed to perform a specific role and enhance a formulation.

Mineral-based sunscreen

A sunscreen formula that uses a mixture of both mineral and chemical active ingredients, with the majority percentage being mineral.

N

Natural fragrance

A fragrance created from 100% naturally sourced materials.

Natural ingredient

A plant or mineral ingredient found in nature produced by minimal processing.

Non-allergenic

This product has been independently tested, by clinical trial, to make sure it's non-irritating, non-sensitizing and non-allergenic.

Non-toxic

All ingredients in this specific product, as well as the finished product, are thoroughly reviewed by a board certified toxicologist and vetted against existing toxicology guidelines issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations.

NSF organic certification (ANSI 305)

This cosmetic standard developed by the NSF allows for cosmetic ingredients not used in food but still processed to organic standards. Products bearing this seal must contain a minimum of 70% USDA certified organic ingredients.

O

OTC

This stands for over-the-counter. These FDA regulated products must meet strict guidelines for efficacy and safety.

P

PCR

This stands for post-consumer recycled content used in packaging, bottles, tubes, cartons etc. At Babyganics, we use PCR to help eliminate the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and help provide demand for recycled materials.

Pediatrician / dermatologist tested

Both a board certified pediatrician and dermatologist have reviewed the tests of this product, conducted under strict clinical protocols.

Phototoxicity

Testing by an independent clinical laboratory to determine the potential for a topically applied product to cause skin irritation when exposed to UV radiation.

Plant-based

An ingredient derived from plants or vegetables, processed to perform a specific role and enhance a formulation.

Pure mineral sunscreen

A sunscreen formula that uses active ingredients that are only mineral.

R

Recyclable

Containers, like bottles, tubes or cartons, which are meant to be sent to a recycling center to be made into new products. This helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

S

SPF

This stands for the Sun Protection Factor in sunscreen products. Generally the higher the number, the longer the protection against the sun's harmful rays. The FDA has proposed a maximum of SPF 50+ on labels as the additional protection, especially UVA/UVB, is minimal over SPF values of 50. All testing is conducted at an independent lab following FDA guidelines.

Synthetic

An ingredient that is developed and manufactured in a lab to perform a specific role and enhance a formulation.

T

Tear free

This product has been found to be non-irritating to the eyes in an independent, clinical test.

U

USDA

The USDA Organic Seal, founded by the National Organic Program (NOP) is the most well-recognized and widely used organic certification in the United States. The NOP was created in 1990 after Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) to make sure agricultural products marketed as Organic would meet consistent and uniform standards. The main focus of the NOP is to regulate and certify agricultural products for food. The NOP also covers a wider range of products including personal care as there is no separate USDA/NOP standard for personal care.

100% organic personal care product

A product must contain 100% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt) and may prominently display the USDA organic seal and the percentage.

Organic personal care product

A product must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt), the remaining percent must be organically grown if commercially available or consist of a non-agricultural substance that is on the USDA Organic approved ingredient list. The product may prominently display the USDA organic seal.

Personal care product made with organic ingredients

A product must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt), and the products may not display the USDA Organic seal but may highlight up to three organic ingredients.

Less than 70% organic ingredients

A product that contains organically grown ingredients but does not meet any of the first three standards may not use the term “organic” unless specifically listing USDA certified organic ingredients on the back panel. The USDA organic seal may not be displayed.

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