Difference between Food Grade and Cosmetic Grade Ingredients
Question
Could you please clarify the difference between Food Grade and Cosmetic Grade ingredients?
Based on the information provided, I understand that the raw material might be the same from the factory (often referred to as 'food & cosmetic grade'), but the final labeling as 'Food Grade' or 'Cosmetic Grade' depends on the repackaging facility's certification:
- 'Food Grade' requires the facility to be certified for food handling and packaging.
- 'Cosmetic Grade' does not require food facility certification.
Does this mean an ingredient labeled 'Cosmetic Grade' is unsafe for consumption, even if the original bulk material from the manufacturer was of 'Food & Cosmetic Grade' purity? Is it generally acceptable or safe to use an ingredient labeled 'Food Grade' in a cosmetic formulation for topical application?
Answer
Difference between Food Grade and Cosmetic Grade
Thank you for your question about the difference between food grade and cosmetic grade ingredients, and the confusion regarding their use in cosmetics.
It's a common point of discussion, and the explanation provided by 'cosmeceutical7' touches upon a key aspect of this distinction.
Often, high-quality ingredients are produced by manufacturers to meet stringent standards suitable for both food and cosmetic applications. These might be referred to as "food & cosmetic grade" at the bulk level from the factory.
The difference in labeling (as strictly "food grade" or "cosmetic grade") often arises during the repackaging process by distributors. For an ingredient to be labeled and sold as "food grade," the facility where it is handled and repackaged must meet specific, strict regulatory standards and certifications for food handling and packaging. These standards ensure the ingredient is safe for consumption, covering aspects like hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and traceability.
If a distributor's facility is not certified for food handling, they can only label and sell the ingredient as "cosmetic grade," even if the original material from the manufacturer was of a purity suitable for both. This doesn't necessarily mean the cosmetic-grade ingredient is lower quality for cosmetic use; it simply means it hasn't been handled and certified according to food safety standards. Cosmetic grade ingredients are processed and tested to ensure their safety and suitability for topical application on the skin.
Therefore, while the chemical substance itself might be identical at the source, the "grade" often reflects the handling, packaging, and regulatory certification for its intended use (ingestion vs. topical application).
Using an ingredient labeled "food grade" in cosmetics might be chemically possible if the original material was indeed high purity, but using an ingredient specifically labeled and certified as "cosmetic grade" provides assurance that it has been processed and tested according to standards relevant for cosmetic safety and performance on the skin.
Regarding the grade of substances sold by the company, this would vary depending on the specific product and its supplier. It is best to check the product details provided or consult directly with the staff for information on the grade of a particular ingredient.