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.

When we say...

It means...

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.

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

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

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.

This ingredient has been certified organic by a certifying agency approved by the United States Agriculture Department ("USDA").

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 with our all seed oils in our NeoNourish™ blend). This separates the oil from the fibre of the seeds, leaving just the seed oils without adding extracting materials

Similar to biodegradable, compostable products are products that can break down in consumers' compost piles.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

This product has been independently tested on adults to make sure it's non-irritating when placed on the skin.

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

This stands for post-consumer recycled content used in packaging, bottles, tubes, cartons etc. At Babyganics, we try to choose packaging with as high of a percentage of PCR plastic as practical to help eliminate the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and help provide demand for recycled materials.

A fragrance derived from plants through extraction using water, steam, pressure or centrifuging

We test our products that are applied on skin on adults with normal skin and sometimes on adults with self-described "sensitive skin." These tests are supervised by a board-certified dermatologist. Pediatricians will also review and approve this testing. On occasion, we may place our products in homes with parents who have babies and children. When we conduct these tests, a pediatrician will have supervised and reviewed these tests.

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

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

A sunscreen formula that uses active ingredients that are only mineral. The inerts found in these sunscreens are typically not mineral-based, but include other thoughtfully chosen ingredients.

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

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 United States FDA has proposed a maximum of SPF 50+ on labels, as any additional protection, especially UVA/UVB, is minimal over SPF values of 50. All testing is conducted at an independent lab following FDA guidelines.

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

This product has been found to be non-irritating to the eyes in an independent clinical test using protocols typically used by other baby and cosmetic products.

The USDA Organic Seal, founded by the National Organic Program (NOP), is the most 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.

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

A product must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt); the remaining percentage 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.

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.

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.