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Food Grade vs Cosmetic Grade · What the Spec Difference Means

The spec difference between food-grade and cosmetic-grade African ingredients: microbiology thresholds, heavy metals limits, INCI eligibility, and which of our products qualify for both.

The same botanical can ship as food grade or cosmetic grade. The difference is not the source, it is the spec sheet — the thresholds for microbiology, heavy metals, and identity confirmation are different. This page maps which Essential Care Plus ingredients qualify for which grade, and what changes between the two CoA panels.

Cosmetic-grade requirements

For cosmetic use in the EU under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or in the US under FDA cosmetic guidance, the ingredient must:

  • have an INCI name (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients);
  • meet microbial limits per ISO 17516 (TAMC ≤10³ CFU/g for rinse-off, ≤10² for leave-on; specified pathogens absent);
  • meet heavy-metal limits per ICCR / EU Annex II thresholds (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury);
  • be stable in the final cosmetic matrix at the inclusion percentage stated by the formulator.

Food-grade requirements

For food use, the spec follows Codex Alimentarius and the regulatory framework of the destination market (FDA in the US, EFSA in the EU, FSA in the UK, CFIA in Canada). Compared to cosmetic-grade, food-grade requires:

  • stricter pesticide-residue thresholds (Codex MRLs);
  • aflatoxin testing for botanicals at risk (especially for moringa stored in tropical humidity);
  • identification of allergens per Codex Stan 1-1985;
  • no use of additives or processing aids not approved as food additives.

Which of our ingredients qualify for which grade

  • Both grades available: raw shea butter, raw cocoa butter, cocoa powder, organic moringa powder, Lake Chad spirulina, hibiscus calyx, organic turmeric, nigella seeds, organic cloves, fenugreek seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds.
  • Cosmetic grade primarily: chebe powder (haircare application; the powder is not intended for ingestion in any tradition), ambunu leaves (haircare), Jet Cream (a finished topical product).

When you request a wholesale quote, specify food grade or cosmetic grade for each ingredient. The CoA panel runs at the appropriate thresholds and the spec sheet you receive is grade-tagged. Pricing is the same for both grades; the difference is documentation depth.

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