Last week, The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) along with certified organic personal care brands Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, Intelligent Nutrients, and Organic Essence, filed a complaint with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), requesting an investigation into the widespread and blatantly deceptive labeling practices of leading "Organic" personal care brands, in violation of USDA NOP regulations.

As many of us know, it is hard enough trying to figure out which creams are going to be good for our skin, let alone having to sift through false advertising about organic ingredients. A lot of companies have tried to get around the organic labeling laws by utilizing a minimum amount of organic ingredients, or by changing their labeling to natural. But, the Organic Consumers Association feels that a lot of the so-called organic companies are still not truly organic.

"Consumers who pay a premium for high-end organic products expect the main cleansing and moisturizing ingredients of a product labeled "Organic" to be made from certified organic agricultural material produced on organic farms, and not from petrochemicals or pesticide and herbicide-intensive conventional farming," explains Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Intelligent Nutrients (and founder and previous owner of Aveda Corp.)

Ellery West, founder and owner of Organic Essence adds, "The predatory marketing practices of companies that take advantage of consumer trust in the organic label are cheating not only organic consumers but also small certified companies like ourselves."

Here are a few HL&S faves who are beginning to broaden their scope and making more than just the products themselves eco-centric and neutrally beautiful. Happy shopping!