Organic cosmetics labels: a guide to certifications for ethical and natural products

Organic cosmetics labels: a guide to certifications for ethical and natural products

The organic and natural cosmetics market is booming, and consumers are increasingly attentive to the composition and impact of their beauty products. In this jungle of products, labels and certifications play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and quality. However, with so many labels to choose from, it's often difficult to find your way around. In this article, we take a look at the main organic cosmetics labels, their criteria and what they guarantee, to help you make more informed and responsible choices.

Ecocert: the pioneer of organic cosmetics

Founded in 1991, Écocert was one of the first certification bodies to focus on organic cosmetics. It is an essential reference in the sector. This label guarantees that at least 95% of ingredients are of natural origin, with specific requirements for organically grown ingredients.

The main requirements of the Ecocert label :

  • 95% minimum of ingredients of natural origin.
  • A minimum of 10% of ingredients must be organically grown for organic cosmetics, and 20% for rinse-off products.
  • Products must not contain petrochemical ingredients (such as parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances or colorants).
  • Transformation processes must be environmentally friendly.

In addition to ingredients, Ecocert also monitors the overall environmental impact of products, particularly with regard to packaging and biodegradability.

COSMOS: harmonizing European standards

The COSMOS (COSMetic Organic Standard) label was created to harmonize the various organic certifications in Europe. COSMOS brings together several certification bodies, including Écocert and BDIH (Germany). There are two versions of the label: COSMOS Organic and COSMOS Natural.

COSMOS Organic requirements :

  • 95% minimum of ingredients of natural origin.
  • 20% minimum organic ingredients (10% for rinsed products).
  • Ban on GMOs, parabens, silicones and synthetic ingredients harmful to health.
  • Packaging must be environmentally friendly, recyclable or biodegradable.

COSMOS Natural :

This version guarantees a predominantly natural composition, but does not set a minimum percentage for organic ingredients. It is ideal for products that cannot easily contain a high proportion of organic ingredients, such as certain hair care products.

Nature & Progrès: the militant organic label

Nature & Progrès was a pioneering organic association long before the term became a consumer trend. This label goes beyond simple formulation requirements. It advocates a global ecological and ethical approach to cosmetics, from the cultivation of raw materials to the manufacture of products.

Nature & Progrès requirements:

  • 100% of ingredients must be natural or organically grown.
  • Strict ban on GMOs, silicones, parabens and all synthetic ingredients.
  • Respect for workers and small producers, with a strong commitment to the local and artisanal economy.
  • Manufacturing processes must be environmentally-friendly and artisanal.

Nature & Progrès goes further than other labels by also demanding strict social and environmental ethics.

NATRUE: an international guarantee of naturalness

NATRUE is an international certification for natural and organic cosmetics. The label distinguishes between several levels of certification, depending on the proportion of organic ingredients contained in the products. NATRUE makes a point of offering total transparency to consumers.

The different NATRUE certification categories :

  • Natural cosmetics: Products must contain a high proportion of ingredients of natural origin, without undesirable synthetics.
  • Natural cosmetics with organic ingredients: Products must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
  • Organic cosmetics: Products must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

NATRUE is particularly demanding when it comes to the origin of ingredients and manufacturing processes. It also guarantees the absence of substances derived from petrochemicals or GMOs.

Vegan labels: ethics and respect for animals

Vegan labels meet the growing demand from consumers concerned about the ethical impact of their cosmetic choices. They guarantee the absence of any ingredients of animal origin, and ensure that products are not tested on animals.

a) Vegan Society

The Vegan Society label guarantees that cosmetics do not contain any ingredients of animal origin (such as honey, beeswax or collagen) and that no animal testing has been carried out during product manufacture.

b) PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan

The PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan label certifies both the absence of ingredients of animal origin and the ban on all animal testing. It is a widely recognized benchmark in the world of ethical beauty.

c) Leaping Bunny

The Leaping Bunny is an internationally recognized label certifying the total absence of animal testing at all stages of product manufacture. This is a strong guarantee for consumers who want cruelty-free cosmetics, whether vegan or not.

Slow Cosmetics: for responsible consumption

The Slow Cosmétique label was born of a militant movement for healthier, environmentally-friendly and ethical cosmetics. It is based on a strict charter that excludes controversial ingredients and promotes brands with a transparent approach.

The commitments of the Slow Cosmetics label :

  • Products must be formulated without aggressive or polluting ingredients (parabens, silicones, etc.).
  • Packaging must be kept to an absolute minimum, recyclable and eco-responsible.
  • A social and ecological ethic must be at the heart of the brands we label.

The Slow Cosmetics label also advocates a more moderate, reasoned approach to consumption, as opposed to the traditional cosmetics industry, which is often focused on over-consumption.

BDIH: the German label for natural cosmetics

BDIH is a well-established German label for natural and organic cosmetics. It imposes strict formulation criteria, giving priority to plant ingredients from organic farming.

BDIH requirements:

  • Ban on synthetic colorants and fragrances, silicones, parabens and petrochemical derivatives.
  • We prefer to use natural raw materials from organic farming.
  • No raw materials of animal origin (with the exception of by-products such as beeswax).

BDIH also attaches great importance to protecting the environment and natural resources.

 

Labels and certifications in the world of organic cosmetics enable consumers to be sure that the products they use comply with strict criteria, whether in terms of ingredient quality, respect for the environment or social ethics. Depending on your priorities (animal protection, natural or organic formulation, reduced environmental impact), you can choose the labels that match your values. These certifications make it easier to consume responsibly while taking care of yourself.