Natural and Organic Certification For Cosmetics

Product certification is one of the most important elements of a successful business in the manufacture and sale of cosmetics. The number of consumers who pay attention to the authenticity, naturalness, organic nature and safety of products is constantly increasing. As a result, various certifications issued by authoritative bodies serve as a powerful tool for gaining consumer loyalty.

The primary objective of certification is to verify that the cosmetic product is composed of natural and organic ingredients, adheres to high quality standards, is safe for use, and that the cosmetic production process complies with all legal requirements, including environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable sourcing of raw materials.

Today, these criteria are of utmost value not only to buyers, but also to sellers, partners and distributors. Therefore, obtaining the relevant certificates is an essential step in operating a business associated with natural and organic cosmetics.

Basic information

Cosmetic certification serves a purpose beyond verifying the naturality and organic origin of ingredients. It is a multifaceted process that takes into account various important aspects, such as:

durability, quality and security of packaging;
compliance of labelling to regulatory requirements;
decomposability of the product after the expiry date;
the lack of animal testing of the product;
environmental impact of the products;
origin and extraction methods of primary materials;
utilisation of environmentally friendly technologies in production.

Therefore, it is essential to collect and study all information related to regulatory requirements for cosmetic products carefully before submitting the application package for a certificate.

Getting ready for certification

Many organisations and institutions authorised to issue certificates have extremely rigorous requirements for the production process and the final cosmetic product. Preparing for natural cosmetics certification requires meticulous attention to every detail:

Obtain detailed information about the cosmetic product itself. Request the manufacturer to provide you with information regarding all ingredients and their respective concentrations, the manufacturing process and its parameters, acidity, stability and further physical and chemical characteristics of the cosmetic product. It is also important to inquire about the safety assessment methods employed by the manufacturer and to request data on the compliance of packaging and labelling with all relevant requirements.

Legal research. It is crucial to investigate the legal requirements in the country where you intend to manufacture and market your products. It is advisable to seek the assistance of experienced lawyers to study the legal requirements in the country of production and sale. Finally, it is essential to ensure the protection of intellectual property. Additionally, it is important to identify all certification requirements for a particular organisation and check whether certification is mandatory in the country of sale.

Collection of all required documents. To obtain certificates, you will need to provide documents that vary from institution to institution. It is recommended that you request a comprehensive list of required documentation in advance. Typically, you will also need to complete a special application form. Certification organisations may also demand the technical dossier of the cosmetic product, laboratory results, safety assessment, production process records, as well as a declaration of conformity.

Carrying out additional tests. In order not to have your time wasted and to be sure that you have everything you need to procure a certificate, verify in advance what tests your cosmetic products have undergone. If necessary, carry out further tests to present the results to the certification authority. Such additional tests may include, for example, toxicological and microbiological tests, allergy tests, product stability studies, safety and package integrity tests.

These preparatory measures will help you verify that your products meet all requirements, prepare a complete list of required documents and ensure that you have taken all the necessary steps to obtain a certificate.

Organisations providing certification

Numerous organisations certify cosmetic products worldwide. This article will focus on the most renowned and reputable ones.

UK Soil Association: soilassociation.org

The UK Soil Association, founded in Great Britain in 1946, is one of the most respected not-profit organisations in the food and cosmetics certification industry. It was the first institution to introduce the concept of organic cosmetics. The Association’s main areas of activity are the promotion and certification of organic agriculture, food, cosmetics and textiles, and the support of educational programmes and scientific investigations.

NSF International: nsf.org

NSF International is a non-profit organisation founded in the USA in 1944. It actively cooperates with government agencies and international agencies in the field of public health and safety. NSF International’s activities relate to product certification and management systems related to food, water, air and environmental safety. The organisation also develops and implements quality standards.

Ecocert: ecocert.com

Ecocert was founded in France in 1991 and has since become one of the most influential international organisations in the field of organic certification. In addition to certifying cosmetics, Ecocert also certifies agricultural products, textiles, and packaging. The organisation places special emphasis on sustainable development methods, environmental protection, and corporate social responsibility.

NATRUE: natrue.org

Unlike the aforementioned organisations, NATRUE focuses solely on certifying cosmetics. NATRUE is an international non-profit organisation established in Belgium in 2007. It certifies not only natural and organic cosmetics but also supports manufacturers who produce organic products, raises consumer awareness of such cosmetics, and promotes healthy lifestyles and sustainable development practices.

BDIH: bdih.de Cosmos-standard: cosmos-standard.org

BDIH is a German association established in 1951. Its initial purpose was to represent the interests of producers of natural and organic cosmetics and to develop standards and regulations for their certification. In 2010, BDIH collaborated with several other European organisations to develop the COSMOS-standard, which provides a unified approach to certifying organic and natural cosmetics in Europe.

The Vegan Society: vegansociety.com

The Vegan Society, a charitable organisation, was founded in the UK in 1944. It is a highly influential association in the promotion of veganism. The Vegan Society certifies vegan products, including cosmetics, and supports educational programmes aimed at publicising the importance and positive effects of a vegan lifestyle.

ICEA: icea.bio

ICEA is an Italian certification agency founded in 1999. It certifies cosmetics, textiles, and other organic products in compliance with environmental and social standards. Additionally, the organisation creates and develops training programmes, holds educational lectures, and supports producers who seek to implement sustainable practices in their production.

What and where to obtain?

If you partner with a contract manufacturer to create cosmetic products, you may be able to obtain certifications directly from the factory.

For example, a cosmetics manufacturer can obtain ISO 9001 quality certification by meeting the requirements of this standard. Additionally, a manufacturer can seek certification of their product to ISO 22716, which acknowledges the use of good manufacturing practices (GMP) in the creation of cosmetics.

Other certificates are not only related to production processes but also to specific product characteristics and ingredients. Obtaining such certificates may require you to handle the process yourself by collecting all necessary documents, providing test results, and applying for them.

To obtain certifications such as UK Soil Association, Ecocert, ICEA, and COSMOS-standard, your cosmetics and manufacturing process must comply with certain standards. In this section, we will examine the primary requirements of respected certification organisations.

UK Soil Association

The UK Soil Association certification is primarily active in the UK, but also in the European Union. The key requirements for cosmetic products include the following:

The use of environmentally friendly production methods.
Prohibition of the use of GMOs, chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
Utilising at least 95% organic ingredients to certify cosmetics as organic.
Prohibiting testing on animals.
Ensuring clear labelling of composition.
Availability of recyclable or biodegradable packaging.
Providing documentation to substantiate the origin and quality of the ingredients.

NSF

NSF International’s certifications are internationally recognised and are particularly well regarded in the USA. Here are some of the standards and requirements of this organisation within the context of cosmetics production:

Prohibition of the use of pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilisers and GMOs.
Compliance with quality and safety standards in production.
Use of environmentally friendly methods of cosmetics manufacturing.
Adherence to the protection of workers’ rights and social responsibility principles.
Utilisation of environmentally friendly materials for packaging.

Ecocert

Ecocert is likewise acknowledged in many countries around the world, so in order to be certified by this organisation, you must meet rigorous standards and requirements. Here are just a few of them:

Use of organic ingredients.
Minimal or limited use of synthetic additives.
Use of sustainable raw material extraction and production methods.
Prohibition of testing products on animals.
Environmentally friendly packaging.
Documentation of the origin of ingredients.

NATRUE

The certificates issued by the NATRUE organisation are valid chiefly in the countries of the European Union. According to NATRUE standards, cosmetics must fulfil these requirements:

High content of natural ingredients without synthetic modification.
Compliance of ingredients with organic standards.
No synthetic dyes, flavours, preservatives, mineral oils in the composition.
Availability of labelling that complies with the standards of the organisation.
Use of environmentally friendly materials for creating packaging.
Caring for the welfare of animals.

BDIH (Cosmos-standard)

The geographical scope of the BDIH certificate is mainly limited to Germany, but products that are certified to this standard can also be exported to other countries. BDIH requirements include the following:

Use of natural ingredients for the production of cosmetics.
The absence of certain synthetic ingredients in the composition.
Maintaining environmentally friendly production methods.
Prohibiting the use of GMOs.
Using sustainable methods of raw material extraction.
Adhering to ethical and socially responsible practices.

Cosmos-standard

The geographical scope of Cosmos certifications, including Cosmos Organic and Cosmos Natural, is quite wide and cosmetics with these certifications can be exported to various countries around the world. Some of the Cosmos-standard requirements:

Containing natural and organic ingredients grown without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides and GMOs.
Using sustainable raw material extraction and production methods.
Validation of the origin of ingredients.
Restricting the use of synthetic additives.
Environmentally friendly packaging and product decomposability after the expiry date.
Prohibition of the use of animals for product testing.

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is issued by independent accredited organisations. The geographical scope of an ISO 9001 certificate is not limited to any particular region – it can be recognised in countries where the ISO system is in place. The standards and requirements of ISO 9001 relate to such aspects as:

Availability of an established quality management system.
Company’s compliance with legislation and regulatory requirements.
Effective resource management.
Compliance with safety criteria.
Understanding and sound management of all production processes.
Regular staff qualification training.

ISO 22716

ISO 22716 is an international standard adopted by the International Organisation for Standardisation and is therefore valid in many countries around the world. The main purpose of ISO 22716 is to set guidelines for good manufacturing practices in the field of cosmetics production. To obtain this certificate, you should pay attention to these requirements:

Compliance with laws, regulations and requirements of international organisations.
Ensuring quality and safety of cosmetic goods.
Compliance with GMP standards and recommendations.
Competent and effective risk management.
Maintaining and improving the skills of employees.
Compliance with product packaging and labelling regulations.

ICEA (Institute of environmental and ethical certification), Italy

This organisation’s certificates are mainly valid in Italy, but can also be used in other European Union countries. Key requirements for obtaining an ICEA certificate include:

The presence of organic ingredients in a cosmetic product.
Prohibition on the use of chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilisers and GMOs.
Absence of synthetic colourants and preservatives in the composition.
Efficient use of resources.
Compliance with environmental standards in production.
Adherence to the principles of animal welfare.

Let us examine all standards and requirements

Animal welfare, prohibition of GMOs. This requirement implies that a cosmetics manufacturer must refrain from using unethically sourced animal products or conducting animal testing. In addition, products are not allowed to contain genetically modified organisms.

Elimination of the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. For natural and organic cosmetics, it is crucial that the ingredients used are not cultivated with chemical protectants or fertilisers. This requirement is essential to minimise environmental pollution and maintain the quality of the ingredients.

Organic composition requirements. Organic ingredient requirements vary among organisations. For instance, the UK Soil Association certifies cosmetic products with at least 95% organic ingredients and minimal synthetic additives.

Environmental friendliness of production processes. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the technologies and processes used in production have minimal impact on the environment. This includes the reduction of waste, water and energy consumption and the use of sustainable practices.

Compliance with safety and quality standards. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the safety and high quality of organic and natural cosmetics to prevent any potential health risks to consumers.

Verify the inherent safety of ingredients and manufacturing processes. Incoming supplies must be thoroughly inspected and tested. The manufacturer must also obtain records from the supplier confirming the quality and origin of the ingredients. Additionally, production processes must meet all safety criteria.

Use of organic and natural ingredients. Cosmetic products should aim to include a high proportion of natural and organic ingredients, while limiting the use of synthetic additives such as colourants, stabilisers, and preservatives.

Environmental production practices. All production processes should be established with the aim of mitigating environmental impact and ensuring the sustainable use of resources.

Compliance with the criteria of the quality control system. An effective quality management and control system must be implemented and maintained at all stages of production to ensure high product standards.

Guidelines for achieving good industrial practice. To ensure the quality and safety of cosmetic products, production must comply with all standards, guidelines, and good manufacturing practices (GMP).

Compliance with regulations and requirements for product packaging and labelling. The packaging must be safe, environmentally friendly, and provide reliable protection against environmental influences, and its labelling must meet all requirements and provide comprehensive product information.

Maintaining transparency in the supply chain and origin of ingredients. This requirement relates to traceability of origin, quality and sustainable extraction methods for all cosmetic constituents used in processing.

Implement regular audits and self-assessment to confirm compliance with standards. Regular reviews of components, processes, equipment and employees assist in maintaining and improving the quality of products.

Promotion of social responsibility and fair labour conditions at work. It is crucial to ensure that workers’ rights are respected throughout the production process and that workplace conditions meet safety standards.

Reducing environmental impact. Sustainable use of resources. It is essential to utilise energy-efficient technologies, implement sustainable production methods, reduce water consumption and minimise waste generation.

Mandatory training and staff education in the field of organic and natural production. Employees must receive regular training to enhance their professional skills, ensure the quality and safety of products and procedures, and increase their understanding of environmentally friendly production.

Implementation of the product quality and safety management systems. The manufacturer must develop, implement and operate a management system that guarantees the superior quality and safety of cosmetic products.

Good Manufacturing Practices

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a standard that ensures adherence to quality and safety principles in manufacturing. GMP compliance is mandatory in the EU and is strongly recommended throughout many other regions and countries around the world.

The GMP standard regulates all production processes that affect the stability, efficiency, safety, and quality of the final product. Therefore, the MillMax plant, operating in the European Union, complies with GMP to ensure maximum safety and high quality of the cosmetics created.

What of the standards and requirements relate to GMP

Key GMP standards and requirements include:

Verification of the safety of ingredients and production processes.
Compliance with the criteria of the quality management system.
Guidance on good manufacturing practices.
Performance of regular audits and self-assessments to confirm adherence to standards.
Implementation of a quality and product safety management system.

Therefore, GMP standards impact various aspects of a cosmetics company’s operations, including record-keeping, facility maintenance, equipment inspection, personnel qualifications, raw material quality and origin, production processes, and laboratory work.

Conclusion

Cosmetics certification is crucial in ensuring the quality, safety, and effectiveness of products. International standards, such as ISO and Cosmos-standard, as well as certification organisations, such as the Soil Association, help manufacturers confirm that high standards are met in the production of cosmetic products.

Having a certificate from a reputable organisation can be a valuable tool in gaining the trust of consumers, who are increasingly seeking out natural and organic cosmetics produced using environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods. This can also serve as an additional competitive advantage for your cosmetics brand.

Natural and organic certification for cosmetics (ultimate guide)