The Most Asked Organic Product Questions, Answered

As part of our Organic September series, we’ve already explored why accreditation matters and what our Soil Association certifications mean. Now, it’s time to tackle the myths and FAQs that surround organic, from ‘is organic better?’ to ‘are essential oils organic?’, ‘does organic mean chemical free?’, and beyond.

With so many questions being asked, let’s address some of them directly…

Is organic better?

Many people ask, ‘is organic better?’ or ‘why is organic better?’.

Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, supports biodiversity, and helps protect soil health. Studies show organic farms have 30% more species diversity compared to non-organic.

So, whether you are asking, ‘why organic products are better’ or ‘why is organic produce better?’, the key reasons are sustainability, traceability, and consumer trust.

Is organic better for the environment?

Searches like ‘are organic products better for the environment?’ and ‘is organic agriculture really better for the environment?’ are common.

The evidence shows that organic is a clear win for the planet:

• Organic farms have 57% more plant species.
• 44% more birds are found in organic arable fields in winter.
• Organic farming stores more carbon in the soil, which helps mitigate climate change.

So ‘is organic farming better for the environment?’ – yes it can be, but it depends what you are comparing it to.

Does organic mean chemical free?

Many people search ‘does organic mean chemical free?’ or ‘does organic farming use chemicals?’.

Organic does not mean free from all chemicals. Instead, organic bans synthetic chemicals and only allows certain natural substances under strict regulations.

So, while the search ‘does organic mean no chemicals?’ gets asked often, the better answer is that organic means safer, controlled, and environmentally responsible use of natural substances only.

Are natural and organic the same thing?

Searches like ‘are natural and organic the same thing?’, ‘does natural mean organic?’, and ‘what is the difference between organic and natural?’ highlight consumer confusion.

Natural is an unregulated term. Organic is a certified standard. Organic products undergo rigorous checks by certification bodies like the Soil Association, while ‘natural’ can be used freely without oversight.

So no, ‘is natural and organic the same thing’? Not at all.

Are essential oils organic?

A big area of curiosity is essential oils. People ask: ‘are essential oils organic?’, ‘are all essential oils organic?’, and ‘is essential oil organic?’.

But it depends. Essential oils can be produced conventionally or organically. Only those certified by organisations like the Soil Association are truly organic.

Do essential oils need to be organic?

Searches like ‘do essential oils need to be organic?’ show this is a growing question.

If you want your finished product certified organic, then yes. However, even if you don’t, sourcing organic essential oils can strengthen consumer trust and brand value.

What is the difference between pure and organic essential oils?

Searches like ‘what is the difference between pure and organic essential oils?’ highlight confusion.

Here’s the difference:

• Pure essential oils

No additives or dilution, but not necessarily organically grown.

• Organic essential oils

Grown and processed without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers and certified by trusted bodies.

What does Soil Association organic standard mean?

Searches like ‘what does Soil Association organic standard mean?’ and ‘what is Soil Association organic standard?’ come up frequently.

As mentioned in our previous article about the different Soil Association accreditations we hold, the Soil Association organic standards ensure:

• No synthetic pesticides or GM crops.
• Higher levels of biodiversity and soil health.
• Full traceability and auditing at every stage.

They go beyond EU and UK minimum standards, making Soil Association one of the strictest certifications worldwide.

What are the standards of organic farming?

Many search ‘what are the standards of organic farming?’ or ‘what are the USDA organic standards?’. While standards vary by region, the principles are the same:

• Protect biodiversity.
• Enhance soil health.
• Avoid synthetic chemicals and GM crops.
• Ensure transparency and traceability.

At O&3, our Soil Association and USDA certifications mean that we align with some of the highest standards globally.

How to make organic products with essential oils?

We often see searches like ‘how to make organic candles with essential oils’, ‘how to make organic soap with essential oils’, or even ‘how to make organic essential oils’.

To make your product ‘organic,’ every ingredient (including essential oils, butters, and waxes) must be certified organic. Using O&3 Soil Association–certified ingredients ensure your formulations can meet organic standards. However, you can only market and sell your finished product as organic if your business itself is certified organic.

O&3 Thoughts…

From ‘is organic better?’ to ‘does organic mean no chemicals?’ and ‘are essential oils organic?’, the questions are many, but the answers point to one truth. Organic is about trust, transparency, and sustainability.

At O&3, our Soil Association accreditation ensures that when you source from us, you’re not just choosing high-quality ingredients, you’re choosing to align with strong organic standards in the industry.

This Organic September let’s keep setting the record straight and shape a sustainable future, one certified ingredient at a time.