Certification of Natural Beauty Products

There is a growing demand for cleaner, greener, and natural beauty products.

We’re becoming increasingly conscious of the impact of our choices.

On both our health and the planet.

This shift has led to a call for greater transparency in the beauty industry,

And a desire for products that are sustainable and can be trusted.

This has paved the way for certifications that ensure products meet high standards.

This includes cruelty-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

In this article, we look at the organisations that enforce these standards.

Natural Beauty Products

The following organisations are at the forefront of creating stricter guidelines for the natural beauty product market, ensuring that consumers can make informed and confident choices:

These pioneering entities are dedicated to setting high standards in product formulation, ingredient sourcing, and transparency.

By developing rigorous certification processes, they help distinguish genuinely natural and sustainable products from those that merely claim to be.

Their efforts promote the health and well-being of consumers by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and encouraging ethical practices within the beauty industry.

Through continuous research, education, and advocacy, these organisations empower consumers to make better choices for their skin and the environment.

Their commitment to excellence fosters a more trustworthy and eco-friendly marketplace, ultimately driving the industry towards greater integrity and responsibility.

Australian Certified Organic (ACO)

ACO is an Australian certifier for organic and biodynamic natural beauty products.

The ACO certification ensures that natural beauty products meet stringent organic standards, prohibiting synthetic chemicals, GMOS, and irradiation.

ACO-certified products must also adhere to principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

BDIH

The BDIH (Bundesverband Deutscher Industrie- und Handelsunternehmen) is a German association that certifies natural cosmetics.

Established in 1951, BDIH has developed strict guidelines for certifying products as natural.

These guidelines focus on raw material sourcing, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, and the prohibition of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and petroleum-based products.

COSMOS

This is a certification initiative created by several European certification bodies, including BDIH (Germany), Cosmebio and Ecocert (France), ICEA (Italy), and the Soil Association (UK).

This standard sets comprehensive criteria for organic and natural beauty products, covering everything from sourcing ingredients to the production processes, packaging, and labelling.

COSMOS-certified products must meet rigorous requirements to ensure they are natural or organic.

Certified B Corporation

Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are businesses that meet high social and environmental performance standards, are accountable, and are transparent.

While not exclusively focused on beauty products, many natural and organic beauty brands seek B Corp certification to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and positive social impact.

Ecocert

Ecocert is another leading certification that aligns closely with NATRUE’s.

To receive Ecocert certification, at least 95 per cent of products must come from natural origins.

Products certified by Ecocert cannot contain GMOS, parabens, PEG, synthetic dyes, fragrances, silicones, nanoparticles, or animal products other than honey.

This certification ensures that consumers are using products that are not only natural but also free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives.

Environmental Working Group (EWG)

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is known for its skin-deep database, classifying personal care products based on safety.

To receive EWG verification, a product must be free from ingredients deemed unacceptable by the EWG.

Additionally, all ingredients must be listed on the product label. This level of transparency allows consumers to make informed decisions and ensures that they use products that meet stringent safety standards.

Leaping Bunny

The Leaping Bunny certification is a globally recognised symbol for cruelty-free products. It was formed by a coalition of eight international groups, including the Animal Alliance of Canada.

This certification guarantees that the ingredients and the finished product have not been tested on animals, including birds, fish, and reptiles.

When consumers see the Leaping Bunny logo, they can be confident that the natural beauty product is truly cruelty-free.

Fair Trade Certified

Fair Trade certification ensures that products are made according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards.

These standards include fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable production practices.

While commonly associated with food products, Fair Trade certification is also relevant for beauty products that use ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and essential oils sourced from Fair Trade communities.

ISO 16128

ISO 16128 is an international standard that provides guidelines on definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients.

While it does not certify natural beauty products directly, it helps manufacturers align their formulations with globally recognised natural and organic content standards.

NaTrue

NATRUE is a Brussels-based international non-profit association founded in 2007. Its mission is to promote and protect natural beauty products and organic cosmetics worldwide.

NATRUE has established high standards of quality and integrity, and its certification label indicates that ingredients are derived from renewable resources.

Additionally, products with their label are produced and packaged in ways that minimise their carbon footprint and reduce environmental harm.

NATRUE’s standards ensure that consumers can trust the authenticity and sustainability of the products they purchase.

Soil Association

The Soil Association introduced a standard for organic natural beauty cosmetics.

This certification is known for its rigorous standards, which review the entire manufacturing process, from sourcing ingredients to formulation procedures, packaging, and the manufacturing premises.

The Soil Association’s responsive approach ensures that products meet the highest organic integrity and sustainability standards.

USDA 

The USDA Certified Biobased Product label indicates that natural beauty products contain a significant percentage of renewable plant, animal, marine, or forestry materials.

This certification helps consumers identify products that reduce reliance on petroleum and contribute to the growth of renewable resources.

While not exclusively for cosmetics, it is relevant for beauty products that emphasise biobased content.

USDA Organic

The USDA Organic certification is a hallmark of organic integrity. Products bearing this certification must have 95–100 per cent organic ingredients farmed without pesticides.

This certification ensures that consumers are using products that are not only organic but also environmentally sustainable.

Vegan Society

The Vegan Society’s statement is a globally recognised standard for vegan products.

Products bearing the Vegan Society are guaranteed free from animal ingredients and have not been tested on animals.

This certification is crucial for consumers who prioritise vegan and cruelty-free options in their beauty products.

To conclude. The naked truth

The landscape of organic and natural beauty product certification is rich and diverse, with numerous organisations working to establish and enforce high standards.

From well-known entities like NATRUE, Ecocert, and the USDA to specialised certifiers like the Vegan Society and Fair Trade, each plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices in the beauty industry.

These certifications help consumers make informed choices and drive the industry towards greater integrity and environmental responsibility.

As awareness and demand for cleaner, greener beauty products continue to grow, these organisations will remain essential in guiding and verifying the authenticity and sustainability of our products, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for both people and the planet.