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 the sheer number of labels available, it's often difficult to navigate them all. In this article, we invite you to discover the main organic cosmetics labels, their criteria, and what they guarantee, enabling you to make more informed and responsible choices.
Ecocert: the pioneer of organic cosmetics
Founded in 1991, Ecocert was one of the first certification bodies to focus on organic cosmetics. It is a leading authority in the sector. This label guarantees that at least 95% of the ingredients are of natural origin, with specific requirements for ingredients from organic farming.
The main requirements of the Ecocert label:
Minimum 95% of ingredients are of natural origin .
A minimum of 10% of the ingredients must come from organic farming for organic cosmetics, and 20% for rinse-off products.
The products must not contain ingredients derived from petrochemicals (such as parabens, silicones, perfumes or synthetic dyes).
The transformation processes must be environmentally friendly.
In addition to ingredients, Ecocert also considers the overall environmental impact of products, particularly with regard to packaging and biodegradability.
COSMOS: the harmonization of 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 Ecocert and BDIH (Germany). There are two versions of the label: COSMOS Organic and COSMOS Natural .
The requirements of COSMOS Organic:
Minimum 95% of ingredients of natural origin .
Minimum 20% of ingredients from organic farming (10% for rinse-off products).
A 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 specify a minimum percentage for organic ingredients. It is ideal for products that cannot easily contain a high proportion of organic ingredients, such as some hair care products.
Nature & Progrès: the activist organic label
Nature & Progrès is a pioneering association in the field of organic products, long before the term became a consumer trend. This label goes beyond simple formulation requirements. It advocates a comprehensive and ethical ecological approach to cosmetics, from the cultivation of raw materials to the manufacturing of products.
Nature & Progrès' requirements:
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 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. This label distinguishes several levels of certification based on the proportion of organic ingredients in the products. NATRUE makes it a point of honor to offer complete transparency to consumers.
The different categories of NATRUE certification:
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 regarding the origin of ingredients and manufacturing processes. It also guarantees the absence of petrochemical-derived substances or GMOs.
Vegan Labels: Ethics and Respect for Animals
Vegan labels respond to 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 the 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 was carried out during the manufacture of the product.
b) PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan
The PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan label certifies both the absence of animal-derived ingredients and the prohibition of 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 that certifies the complete absence of animal testing at all stages of product manufacturing. It's a strong guarantee for consumers seeking cruelty-free cosmetics, whether they are vegan or not.
Slow Cosmetics: for responsible consumption
The Slow Cosmetics label was born from a movement advocating for healthier, more environmentally friendly, and ethical cosmetics. It is based on a strict charter that excludes controversial ingredients and promotes brands that champion 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 reduced to the bare minimum, recyclable and eco-friendly.
A social and environmental ethic must be at the heart of certified brands.
The Slow Cosmetics label also advocates for more moderate and reasoned consumption, in contrast to the classic cosmetics industry which is often focused on overconsumption.
BDIH: the German label for natural cosmetics
BDIH is a German label, well established in the field of natural and organic cosmetics. It imposes strict criteria regarding formulation, favoring plant-based ingredients from organic farming.
BDIH requirements:
A ban on synthetic dyes and perfumes, 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 derivative products such as beeswax).
BDIH also attaches great importance to the protection of the environment and natural resources.
Labels and certifications in the world of organic cosmetics allow consumers to ensure that the products they use meet strict criteria, whether it's the quality of ingredients, 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 align with your values. Thanks to these certifications, it becomes easier to consume responsibly while taking care of yourself.
