We use two different organic symbols on our website
Each symbol has a unique definition!
The "certified organic" labeling has been developed by the USDA and refers to organic claims and labeling on food and personal care products in the United States.
The USDA has very strict guidelines for the percentage of organic ingredients necessary to receive organic certification. Other countries have their own certification procedures, requirements, and standards. Labeling criteria and allowable ingredients differ from those in the US.
The USDA uses a structured labeling system based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product (excluding water and salt-NaCl).
Products That Use the USDA Organic Seal
The USDA Organic Logo Label can be used on products that meet the standards of the first two tiers of the organic labeling system, in which 95 - 100% of all ingredients are certified organic.
Most of our non-soap products fall into this category and display the USDA logo!
Products That Use OEFFA Seal
Products made with 70–94.9% Organic Ingredients are labeled “Made with Organic ___”
Products like our soaps and shampoo bars are 85–92% organic and fall into the “Made With Organic Ingredients” category.
Why Soap & Shampoo Bars? Because the soapmaking process requires lye — a non‑agricultural ingredient that makes up more than 5% of the formula — they cannot meet the 95% threshold, even though the rest of the ingredients are organic.
These products are not allowed to use the USDA organic seal. Instead, they may display the seal of our certifying agent and the words “Certified Organic by OEFFA.”
Chagrin Valley Soap is certified by OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association) — a nonprofit, USDA‑approved agency that verifies our organic ingredients and manufacturing processes.
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