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by Team Henné <3 / 8.11.22

What It Means To Be USDA Certified Organic

You’ve probably seen the USDA organic seal (usually in green or black and white) on most of our Henné products and have become accustomed to seeing this logo on organic items at places like the grocery store.

This trusted logo has become synonymous with organic produce and consumer goods, but what does it really mean to be USDA certified organic? And how does it measure up to other types of organic certifications?

It would take several pages to get into every nitty gritty detail, so we’ll try to focus on a handful of key points so you get a better understanding of why we love being USDA certified organic and why we chose USDA to certify our products (and Henné HQ).


The Strictest Standards


Since USDA is an agriculture-based organization, they apply their agriculture and produce regulations to all categories of products. What this means is that in order for products to pass the test, they need to essentially be food-grade level safe. This is why to this day, USDA has the most stringent certification process.

Not only does USDA certify our ingredients, labeling and packaging, but they also inspect every aspect of our in-house manufacturing and packing process. From sanitation practices (such as what products are used in our bathrooms and to clean packaging/equipment) to our recycling and sustainability efforts, every aspect from start to finish is scrutinized, and an annual in-person inspection ensures that everything continues to adhere to USDA’s rigorous standards.


Organic and Non-GMO


Evening primrose and jojoba

One of our core principles at Henné has always been to select the cleanest and most powerful ingredients that our planet’s abundant nature has to offer. We select certified organic ingredients whenever available. If for some reason the organic version of an ingredient is not available (which usually means there are no certified organic suppliers for it yet), then that ingredient must at the very minimum be 100% non-GMO.


Ethics Are Paramount


Bunny in grass

When it comes to organic and ethical certifications and practices, it doesn’t just stop at our Henné facility and Henné team. Our suppliers are certified organic and vetted by USDA, but we also personally vet them ourselves to be extra certain that they have fair and ethical workplace environments (e.g. some suppliers out there still allow child labor; horrible but it’s a reality). We also have additional criteria that we look for and require from suppliers, such as no animal testing, thorough paperwork and proof of ingredient purity.

All of this is done so our beloved customers like you know that when you buy Henné, your beauty products are as natural and clean as can be. On top of that, you’re also supporting a whole chain of passionate ethical suppliers (and often small family-run businesses) who help make green beauty possible. That’s something you should truly feel good about!