Abbreviation / Acronym Definitions

Detailed Explanations

ABS ... An absolute is an aromatic extraction of plant material using any number of solvents. This method of extraction is usually utilized for those plant materials that do not readily release their fragrance through traditional steam distillation. Care should be used when purchasing or using absolutes because the absolute may contain residual solvents, depending on the processing. 

This is what the final product is referred to as when it has been solvent extracted.  Plant material is submerged into the solvent and left to sit until the desired chemicals have been broken down into the solvent then the solution is mixed with alcohol to break down the solvent and then heat is used to dissipate the alcohol.  In some cases the solvent used is actually al cohol.  Solvent extracted carrier oils are not considered to be suitable for cosmetics due to the residual solvent, usually about 5%.  Solvent extracted aromatics, often mistakenly referred to as Essential Oils, are not suitable for natural fragrance for two reasons:  alcohol extractions are in a base of alcohol which is not good for the skin (the alcohol used will never be fatty alcohols but rather isopropyl;  Many aromatics as well as carrier oils are extracted using this method.  For some plants this is the only means to extract the natural scent of the plant material

AGRO ... This refers to aggriculture. In the field of Essential Oils this accronym is used to indicate farming method of the plant material, i.e., the material may be organic, wild harvested, plantation grown ...

BF ... Biodynamic Farmed is a system or organic farming that utilizes natural plant stimuli vs synthetic chemicals and for most the practice includes the use of astrological sowing and planting cycles.

CAS ... The Chemical Abstract Service (may also be referred to as or CAS NR Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number) is a system created to ensure a standardization for the identification of chemicals by assigned numbers to ensure global identification across industries and markets. The CAS# is the one sure means to identify a chemical.

CAS Registry Numbers are universally used to provide a unique, unmistakable identifier for chemical substances. A CAS Registry Number itself has no inherent chemical significance but provides an unambiguous way to identify a chemical substance or molecular structure when there are many possible systematic, generic, proprietary or trivial names. The variations in quality and purity are not distinguished by the CAS as all will have the same CAS if it is the same chemical. It's important to exercise care because any one molecular substance whether industrial grade (typically used for lab testing and maintenance only) and not suitable for internal or cosmetic use or USP (pharmaceutical) and Food Grade both suitable for cosmetics or internal use, will have the same CAS RN because they are the same chemical substance. There are some recognized variations which will cause the generation of a new CAS RN, i.e., stereoisomers of the compound will have different CAS RN due to the impact of the D vs L behavior of these isomers ... so, the CAS RN is a useful way to identify a chemical, when there are multiple common names for the chemical. However, the assigned CAS RN has no significance to the quality or purity because it is irrelative to the chemistry, structure, or chemical nature of the molecule which is how CAS RN's are assigned.

CofA ... The Certificate of Analysis is a document that indicates certain defined attributes / specifications of a raw material. This will usually include the material's lot number, manufacturing and expiration / re-test dates, as well as physical characteristics.

C/ORG ... Organic Cerification is a certification program for producers of organic agricultural products. There are several certifying bodies and the guidelines may vary from body to body and country to country. Generally the guidelines will include strict adherence to specific standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging, and sometimes even shipping. In some countries, which includes the US, certification is overseen by the govt. and commercial use of the term is legally restricted and controlled aggressively. For the retail customer to end up with a product that is certified organic it is required that every single business / facility involved in the handling of the product pay certification fees including: the producer; transporter; distributor; supplier; manufacturer; and the re-seller or wholesaler of the final product. Literally every facility or business that touches the product must be certified. The only time that the product may be handled without being required to register and pay the fees would be if the product is completely finished (packaged and sealed without exposure). In these times of struggling small farmers there are many farmers that practice organic farming but do not certify their crop and there are some that maintain the exact same practices for all of their crop but only certify a small portion in order to reduce the fees.

CG ... Cosmetic Grade indicates that a raw material is processed to ensure suitability for application to the skin with no likelihood to cause harm.

CP ... Cold Pressed is the term used to indicate that an oil has been extracted from a source material using any form of equipment that only applies pressure to extract the oil contained within the source material. This is the standard process used to extract vegetable and citrus oils. Traditionally, all citrus oils that are referred to as essential oils are actually pressed from the skin of the citrus fruit. Unless the citrus oil is specifically identified otherwise it should be assumed that they are cold pressed.

EcoCert ... ECOCERT is an organic certification organization based in Europe who also conducts inspections in many other countries. EcoCert is one of the largest organic certification organizations in the world whose primary focus is the certification of food and food products but they also certify cosmetics, detergents, perfumes, and even textiles. EcoCert inspects about 70% of the organic food industry in France and about 30% worldwide. ECOCERT is the leading certification organization of fair trade food as well as cosmetics per ECOCERT Fair Trade standards.

FDA ... The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for:

• Protecting the public health by assuring that foods (except for meat from livestock, poultry and some egg products which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) are safe, wholesome, sanitary and properly labeled; ensuring that human and veterinary drugs, and vaccines and other biological products and medical devices intended for human use are safe and effective
• Protecting the public from electronic product radiation
• Assuring cosmetics and dietary supplements are safe and properly labeled
• Regulating tobacco products
• Advancing the public health by helping to speed product innovations

FDA's responsibilities extend to the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and other U.S. territories and possessions.

As it relates to cosmetics the FDA does not approve nor regulate cosmetics with the exception of color additives. It is the sole responsibility of the retailer to ensure safe use of their product when used as directed by their label or under customary conditions of use. It is important to note that they do oversee all Over the Counter Drugs (OTC) which they define as "products intended to treat or prevent disease, or affect the structure or function of the body". These OTC are strictly overseen and to market them they must be tested and proven and then FDA approved. This is true even if a product affects how you look. Some examples include: treatments for dandruff or acne, sunscreen products, antiperspirants, and diaper ointments. Some are considered both cosmetics and drugs. Examples include: anti-dandruff shampoos and antiperspirant-deodorants, as well as moisturizers and makeup with SPF (sun protection factor) numbers. They must meet the requirements for both cosmetics and drugs.

The FDA does oversee the labeling of all Cosmetics which they define as "a product, except soap, intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance". You can find all information related to proper Cosmetic labeling using this link: Cosmetic Labeling Guide. You can also find it on this item page, in PDF format, for easy download by clicking on related items at the bottom of the page.

gMP ... Good Manufacturing Practices is a FDA supported guideline for the application of sound manufacturing procedures and protocols.  Any company engaging in the manufacture and / or sale of cosmetic products to the consumer should be aware of and follow the outlined procedures and protocols in order to ensure consumer safety and compliance with regulations.  It's also important that you check with your local governing bodies to ensure compliance with any state or local regulations.  Please see the FDA's "Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) Guidelines / Inspection Checklist for Cosmetics" for full details and complete information.


HACCP ... Hazardous Analysis of Critical Control Points is a FDA supported set of guidelines for consumer protection in the food industry through a comprehensive approach to the identification and elimination of potential contamination points throughout the entire receiving to delivery pathway.  Taught and certified through either the National Restaurant Association's program ServSafe, through your local Public Health Services, or even through many on-line courses.  Many serious cosmetic manufacturer's have used these guidelines as a means to establish their own safety and contamination control procedures and / or protocols.

INCI ... International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients

MSDS ... Material Safety Data Sheet

NF ... National Formulary

NPA ... Natural Products Association

NSA ... National Soil Association

NSF ... National Sanitation Foundation

ORG ... Organically Farmed

OSHA ... Occupational Safety and Health Association

OTC ... Over the Counter Drugs

pH ... Positive Hydrogen

QS ... Quantity Sufficient

REACH ... Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemical Substances

REF ... Refined

SD ... Steam Distilled

SE ... Solvent Extracted

TEWL ... Trans Epidermal Water Loss

USP ... United States Pharmacopia

WC ... Wild Crafted

WW (w/w) ... Water Weight