Guide to Ethical and Natural Product Certifications

The market for organic and natural cosmetics is booming and consumers are increasingly paying attention to the composition and effects of their beauty products. In this product jungle, labels and certifications play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and quality. However, navigation is often difficult due to the large number of labels available. In this article we invite you to get to know the main organic cosmetic labels, their criteria and their guarantees so that you can make more informed and responsible decisions.

Écocert: the pioneer of organic cosmetics

founded in 1991, Eco certificate is one of the first certification bodies interested in organic cosmetics. It is an indispensable reference in the industry. This label guarantees that at least 95% of the ingredients are of natural origin, with special requirements for organically grown ingredients.

The main requirements of the Ecocert label:

• 95% ingredients of natural origin Minimum.
• 10% at least For organic cosmetics, the ingredients must come from organic farming; for rinse-off products, 20% of the ingredients must come from controlled organic farming.
• Products must not contain ingredients derived from petrochemicals (e.g. parabens, silicones, perfumes or synthetic dyes).
• Transformation processes must be environmentally friendly.

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

COSMOS: Harmonization of European standards

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

COSMOS organic requirements:

• At least 95% ingredients of natural origin.
• At least 20% organic ingredients (10% for rinsed products).
• Ban on GMOs, parabens, silicones and harmful synthetic ingredients.
• Packaging must be ecological, recyclable or biodegradable.

COSMOS Natural:

This variant guarantees a predominantly natural composition, but does not specify a minimum proportion of organic ingredients. It is ideal for products that cannot easily contain high levels of organic ingredients, such as some hair care products.

Nature & Progrès: the militant organic label

Nature & Progress is a pioneering association when it comes to organic, long before the term became a consumer trend. This label goes beyond simple formulation requirements. She advocates a global ecological and ethical approach to the cosmetics sector, ranging from the cultivation of raw materials to the manufacture of the products.

The requirements of Nature & Progrès:

• 100% of the 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.
• The manufacturing processes must be ecological and artisanal.

Nature & Progrès goes beyond other labels and also demands strict social and environmental ethics.

NATRUE: an international guarantee of naturalness

NATURALLY is an international certification for natural and organic cosmetics. This label distinguishes between several certification levels depending on how much organic ingredients are contained in the products. For NATRUE, it is a matter of honor to offer consumers complete transparency.

The different NATRUE certification categories:

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

NATRUE places special demands on the origin of the 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 are responding to growing demand from consumers concerned about the ethical implications of their cosmetic choices. They guarantee the absence of ingredients of animal origin and ensure that the products are not tested on animals.

A) Vegan society

The label of the Vegan society guarantees that cosmetics do not contain ingredients of animal origin (such as honey, beeswax or collagen) and that no animal testing was carried out in the production of the product.

B) Cruelty-free and vegan from PETA

and label Cruelty-free and vegan from PETA certifies both the absence of ingredients of animal origin and the ban on any animal testing. It is a widely recognized reference in the world of ethical beauty.

C) Jumping hare

The Jumping hare is an internationally recognized seal of quality that certifies the complete avoidance of animal testing in all phases of product production. This is a strong guarantee for consumers who want cruelty-free cosmetics, whether vegan or not.

Slow Cosmetics: for responsible consumption

and label Slow cosmetics emerged from a militant movement for healthier, environmentally friendly and ethical cosmetics. It is based on a strict charter that excludes controversial ingredients and promotes brands that take a transparent approach.

The commitments of the Slow Cosmétique label:

• Products must be formulated without aggressive or environmentally harmful ingredients (parabens, silicones, etc.).
• Packaging must be reduced to the absolute minimum, recyclable and environmentally conscious.
• Social and environmental ethics must be at the heart of featured brands.

The Slow Cosmétique label also advocates more moderate and sensible consumption, in contrast to the classic cosmetics industry, which often relies on overconsumption.

BDIH: the German label for natural cosmetics

The BDIH is a German label that has established itself in the field of natural and organic cosmetics. It sets strict criteria for formulation and prefers organically grown plant-based ingredients.

BDIH requirements:

• Ban on synthetic dyes and fragrances, silicones, parabens and petrochemical derivatives.
• The use of natural raw materials from organic farming is preferred.
• No raw materials of animal origin (with the exception of derived products such as beeswax).

In addition, the BDIH attaches great importance to protecting the environment and natural resources.

With labels and certifications in the world of organic cosmetics, consumers can ensure that the products they use meet strict criteria, be it in terms of ingredient quality, respect for the environment or social ethics. Depending on your priorities (animal welfare, natural or organic formulation, reducing environmental impact), you can choose the labels that match your values. Thanks to these certifications, it becomes easier to consume responsibly while taking care of yourself.