How to navigate organic skin care certifications

In a world where greenwashing is everywhere (brands promise to be cleaner than they really are), certifications could be the answer to navigate. But do simple symbols on a organic skincare product reassure you of its ingredient safety, environmental friendliness and responsible packaging?

Certifications are simple credentials by which brands seek to prove and attest the quality of their product. They are provided by an independent third-party certification body, and let me assure you there are many! It involves a manufacturing and overall brand audit on an annual basis to ensure the brand’s adherence to the pertaining certification.

Here are the 5 most important for organic skincare products:

1.ECOCERT

At least 95% of all ingredients in the final skincare product must be of natural origin; a maximum of 5% may be synthetic. Not allowed are synthetic ingredients on a petrochemical basis, nanoparticles or genetically modified ingredients.

Ecocert in Switzerland distinguishes between "natural cosmetics" and "organic cosmetics":

In natural cosmetics, at least 50% of the plant-based ingredients and at least 20% percent of the total ingredients must be organic.

In organic cosmetics, 95% of the plant or plant-based ingredients must be organically grown and at least 10% percent of the total ingredients.

Production must also meet certain criteria: The origin of all materials must be traceable, and only approved detergents and disinfectants may be used to clean the equipment.

2. Ecocert COSMOS

On an international level, the Ecocert COSMOS standard guarantees compliance with strict criteria for natural cosmetics. The guidelines are similar to those of Ecocert in Switzerland and Europe.

In addition to the requirements for the origin of the ingredients, COSMOS also includes strict requirements for the environmental compatibility and degradability of the raw materials used and for the cleaning agents used in production.

Other natural thrustworthy cosmetics seals regionally are:

DEMETER - certifications are rare on cosmetics, but with very strict claims

COSME BIO - French natural cosmetics seal

ICEA - Italian organic and natural cosmetics certification

Come see me at my ASKIN studio for additional questions, the newest trends, and helpful tips and tricks!

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