USDA Certified Organic means a skincare product has been certified under the USDA's National Organic Program, the same standard used for organic food. To carry the USDA Organic seal, at least 95 percent of the product's ingredients, not counting water and salt, must be organically produced, and an accredited certifier must verify it.
Why the seal matters on skincare
The FDA does not define or regulate the word "organic" on cosmetics. A serum can say "organic" on the front without being certified by anyone.
The USDA seal is different: it can only appear on a product that has been certified.
The four USDA labeling tiers
| Label claim | Organic ingredients | USDA seal |
|---|---|---|
| 100 percent organic | 100% | ✓ Allowed |
| Organic | At least 95% | ✓ Allowed |
| Made with organic ingredients | At least 70% | ✗ Not allowed |
| Ingredient list only | Less than 70% | ✗ Not allowed |
Who checks
The farms that grow the ingredients, the companies that handle them, and the maker of the finished product must all be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. The certifier's name appears on the label.
How to check a product
Look for the USDA Organic seal and a line naming the certifier. If a product says "organic" but shows neither, it has not been certified under the USDA program.
Where ColdAged stands
ColdAged Night Serum is USDA Certified Organic, certified by the Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA). It is made from eight certified organic botanicals, infused for six weeks.
You can read the full ingredient list on our Ingredients page.