The Real Organic

Did you design the bio jar?

Why the USDA symbol?

Yes. From concept to compost. After attending packaging trade shows and being disappointed at the offerings, we partnered with a paper tube company and with our conceptual designs and specifications, we were able to coordinately invent a solution.

Organic Essence is certified USDA Organic because it is the definitive organic standard -The Real Organic. In the National Organics Program (NOP), Organic Essence must adhere to strict food-quality organic standards which insures the safest body care possible. On site inspections and certifying approval on every formula guarantees the highest quality available for the consumer. Our USDA certifying agent is Global Culture of Crescent City, CA.

Why is your shea butter white?

Our shea butter is produced in Ghana by a community of women who gather and crack the nuts with rocks, crush them with a mortar and pestle, roast the nuts and then grind them by stages into a paste - all this by hand, and using traditions and tools that have been handed down for hundreds of years.

They knead the paste by hand and add water to separate the curd-like butter oils, which float to the top and are removed - then melted again, skimmed off the top, and left to cool and harden. In this process, which utilizes clean water, all debris and dirt are removed from the shea butter. Different regions of Africa from east to west produce shea butter in a variety of shadings. The color of the shea butter varies from white to golden to darkish tan depending in its source. Traditionally, the women form it into balls which are placed in baskets which they weave by hand.

What’s not in your products?

No synthetic preservatives are allowed in the NOP program. That includes parabens and grapefruit seed extract which are a growing concern. Also, not allowed are fragrances, GMOs detergents like sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) or petrochemicals.

How long do the creams last when not in use? Will they stay fresh?

Yes, they will stay fresh in the biodegradable jar. The Organic Shea Creams have a shelf life of two years. Their Best By date is stamped on the bottom of the jar with soy ink. Store in a cool, dry place.

Can I travel with my Organic Shea Cream?

Yes. Be sure to keep the inner disk and insert before traveling. For extra protection place entire jar in plastic bag and seal.

Why flavors?

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, INCI, is a system of names for waxes, oils, pigments, chemicals, and other ingredients of soaps, cosmetics, based on scientific names and other Latin and English words. To be in compliance with the INCI nomenclature standards, we could either name our proprietary blends “par fume”, “fragrance” or “flavors”. We chose “flavors” because “par fume” and “fragrance” almost always are chemical blends.

When I touch the jar with wet hands, why does it feel tacky?

You are feeling the organic biodegradable glaze which enables a quick turnaround time for efficient composting.