Ecocert vs. USDA Organic: Key Differences & Which to Choose

When you buy organic food or skincare, how do you know it’s truly organic? That’s where organic certifications help. They prove that a product meets strict natural, chemical-free, and eco-friendly standards.

Two of the most recognized organic labels are USDA Organic and Ecocert. Both make sure products are safe, natural, and sustainable. But they follow different rules.

If you live in the United States, you’ll mostly see USDA Organic on food, while Ecocert is common in organic skincare, cosmetics, and global products.

Understanding these labels helps you choose the best organic foods, beauty products, and eco-friendly brands. So, what’s the difference between USDA Organic and Ecocert? Let’s break it down!

Table of Contents

What is USDA Organic?

USDA Organic is a special certification for organic food and products in the United States. It is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the National Organic Program (NOP). This label helps shoppers know that a product meets strict organic farming and processing rules.

What Makes a Product USDA Organic?

To get the USDA Organic seal, a product must follow these rules:

No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers – Farmers use natural methods to grow crops, keeping soil and water clean.
No GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) – The food cannot contain ingredients that have been genetically altered in a lab. Read our guide on Non-GMO vs. USDA Organic
No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors – Everything must be naturally sourced without synthetic chemicals.
Strict rules for organic meat and dairy – Animals must eat 100% organic feed, have access to the outdoors, and never receive antibiotics or growth hormones.

USDA Organic Labels and What They Mean

USDA Organic products have different labels based on how much of the ingredients are organic:

100% Organic – Every ingredient is fully organic.
Organic (95% or more organic ingredients) – At least 95% of the ingredients are organic. The remaining 5% must follow strict guidelines.
Made with Organic Ingredients (70% or more organic ingredients) – At least 70% of the ingredients are organic, but these products cannot use the USDA seal.

If you’re wondering how to get USDA Organic certification, check out our detailed guide on USDA Organic Certification Requirements.

Why Does USDA Organic Matter?

Many people choose organic food and products because they want healthier options, fewer chemicals, and eco-friendly farming practices. The USDA Organic label makes it easy to know if a product meets these high standards.

But USDA Organic isn’t the only organic certification. Many products, especially skincare, cosmetics, and international brands, carry a different label—Ecocert. While both certifications focus on natural and organic ingredients, they have different rules and standards.

So, what is Ecocert, and how does it compare? Let’s dive in!

What is Ecocert?

Ecocert is a global organic certification based in France. It checks if products are natural, organic, and eco-friendly. Unlike USDA Organic, which is a government program, Ecocert is privately owned. It is recognized in over 130 countries, including the United States.

What Does Ecocert Certified Mean?

For a product to get the Ecocert seal, it must follow strict rules:

At least 95% natural ingredients – Products must mostly come from plants, minerals, or naturally sourced materials.
Eco-friendly production – Brands must limit waste, use sustainable packaging, and reduce pollution.
No harmful chemicals – Petrochemicals, synthetic preservatives, and harsh additives are not allowed.
Fair-trade and ethical sourcing – Some products must meet fair labor and sustainable farming standards.

Different Ecocert Labels & What They Mean

Ecocert has two main labels:

Ecocert Organic – At least 95% of the ingredients must be organic. This is the highest standard.
Ecocert Natural – The product must be at least 50% natural with strict limits on synthetic ingredients.

Why Does Ecocert Matter?

Ecocert is trusted worldwide, especially for skincare, cosmetics, textiles, and eco-friendly home products. While it is recognized in the U.S., it is more common in Europe and global markets.

But how does Ecocert compare to USDA Organic? Let’s take a closer look!

Key Differences Between Ecocert and USDA Organic

Both USDA Organic and Ecocert certify organic products, but they follow different rules and standards. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	USDA Organic	Ecocert
Regulation	Government-backed (USDA)	Private certification body
Coverage	Only in the U.S.	Global presence (130+ countries)
Ingredient Standards	95%+ organic for the USDA label	95%+ organic (Ecocert Organic), 50%+ natural (Ecocert Natural)
GMO Policy	Strict ban on GMOs	Strict ban on GMOs
Synthetic Chemicals	Prohibited	Prohibited, stricter for cosmetics
Scope	Covers food, beverages, some personal care	Covers food, cosmetics, textiles, cleaning products
Sustainability Focus	Basic organic farming rules	Stricter eco-friendly and sustainability standards

Both certifications ensure high organic standards, but their focus and rules differ. Now, let’s find out which one is right for you!

Want to learn more about Certified Organic vs. USDA Organic? Read our guide on Certified Organic vs. USDA Organic.

Which Certification is Better for Consumers?

Choosing between USDA Organic and Ecocert depends on what you’re buying and what matters most to you. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

1. Buying Organic Food?

If you live in the United States, USDA Organic is the best choice. It follows strict rules for food, ensuring no pesticides, synthetic chemicals, or GMOs. If you want organic fruits, vegetables, dairy, or packaged food, look for the USDA Organic seal at the grocery store.

2. Shopping for Skincare or Beauty Products?

For organic cosmetics and skincare, Ecocert is a better choice. It has stricter rules for natural ingredients and bans harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, and artificial colors. Many eco-friendly beauty brands use Ecocert certification to show their products are safe and natural.
Read more about Understanding Organic Labels.

3. Looking for Global Recognition?

Ecocert is recognized in over 130 countries, while USDA Organic is mainly for the U.S.. If a company wants to sell organic products worldwide, Ecocert certification makes it easier.

4. Want the Most Eco-Friendly Choice?

Ecocert has stricter sustainability rules. It checks packaging, waste management, and environmental impact. If you care about eco-friendly and ethical sourcing, Ecocert-certified products might be the better option.

Final Thought

For food and drinks → USDA Organic is the top choice in the U.S.
For skincare and cosmetics → Ecocert ensures more natural and sustainable ingredients.
For global brands → Ecocert is more widely recognized.
For sustainability → Ecocert has stricter environmental standards.

Some brands even get both certifications to meet the highest organic and sustainability standards. Let’s explore how that works next!

Can a Product Be Both USDA Organic and Ecocert Certified?

Yes! Some products carry both USDA Organic and Ecocert certification. Many brands choose dual certification to meet different organic standards and sell in more markets.

Why Do Companies Get Both Certifications?

✔ USDA Organic – Needed for organic food and drinks in the United States. It follows strict farming and processing rules to ensure products are natural, chemical-free, and GMO-free.

✔ Ecocert – Recognized in over 130 countries. It is popular in Europe and widely used for organic skincare, cosmetics, and sustainable products. It also has stricter eco-friendly packaging and ingredient sourcing rules.

Who Benefits from Dual Certification?

Food brands that want to sell in both U.S. and global markets.
Organic beauty and skincare companies that need USDA Organic for ingredient purity and Ecocert for sustainability and fair-trade sourcing.
Eco-friendly brands that want to meet the highest organic and environmental standards.

No matter which certification you choose, both encourage healthier products, better farming practices, and a cleaner planet. Now, you can shop with confidence knowing what each label stands for!

Reference – –
https://www.usda.gov/farming-and-ranching/organic-farming/organic-certification
https://www.ecocert.com/en/certification-detail/organic-farming-usa-usda-nop
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification

FAQ

What is the difference between USDA Organic and Ecocert?

USDA Organic is a government-backed certification in the U.S., ensuring food and agricultural products meet strict organic standards. Ecocert is a private, global certification that covers food, cosmetics, textiles, and eco-friendly products with stricter sustainability rules.

Which certification is better, USDA Organic or Ecocert?

It depends on the product:
For organic food in the U.S. → USDA Organic is the best choice.
For skincare and cosmetics → Ecocert has stricter ingredient and sustainability rules.
For international markets → Ecocert is recognized in 130+ countries, while USDA Organic is mainly for the U.S.

Can a product be both USDA Organic and Ecocert certified?

Yes! Some brands obtain dual certification to sell products in both U.S. and international markets. USDA Organic ensures compliance with U.S. regulations, while Ecocert adds global credibility and sustainability focus.

Does Ecocert allow GMOs?

No. Both USDA Organic and Ecocert strictly ban genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Products with either certification cannot contain GMOs.

Why do beauty brands prefer Ecocert over USDA Organic?

USDA Organic mainly certifies food and agriculture, while Ecocert has stricter standards for skincare and personal care. Ecocert checks for natural ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and sustainable sourcing, making it popular for organic beauty products.

What percentage of ingredients must be organic for Ecocert and USDA Organic?

USDA Organic: At least 95% organic ingredients for the USDA Organic seal.
Ecocert Organic: At least 95% organic ingredients.
Ecocert Natural: At least 50% natural ingredients, with strict synthetic restrictions.

Is Ecocert certification recognized in the U.S.?

Yes! Ecocert is accepted in the U.S., but it is not a replacement for USDA Organic certification when selling organic food in the U.S.

Does Ecocert have stricter sustainability rules than USDA Organic?

Yes! Ecocert requires eco-friendly packaging, lower carbon footprints, and sustainable sourcing. USDA Organic focuses more on farming practices and food safety.

Can Ecocert and USDA Organic be used for non-food products?

USDA Organic: Primarily for food, beverages, and some personal care products.
Ecocert: Covers food, skincare, cosmetics, textiles, and eco-friendly cleaning products.

How do I verify if a product is truly USDA Organic or Ecocert certified?

Look for the official USDA Organic seal on U.S. food products. For Ecocert, check the Ecocert Organic or Ecocert Natural logos on packaging. You can also verify certifications on official USDA or Ecocert websites.

Ecocert vs. USDA Organic: What’s the Difference & Which One is Better?