This clean beauty certifications label guide can help you recognize certified clean, natural and organic cosmetic products. All labels certifications are carried out by an accredited company-independent certifying organization according to the recognized natural and organic cosmetics standard.
Their goals are all similar, ingredients should be as organic as possible, animal experiments are excluded, the entire manufacturing process must be environmentally friendly and sustainable, and controlled organic farming is particularly encouraged.
Certification Labels
COSMOS ORGANIC by ECOCERT Certification
This certification allows organic or natural cosmetics to be commercialized worldwide. It requires: * environmentally friendly production and processing processes respecting also human health. * development of the concept of green chemicals * responsible use of natural resources * respect of biodiversity * absence of petrochemical ingredient ( except for authorized preservatives): parabens, phenoxyethanol, perfumes and synthetic colorants * absence of GMO * recyclable packaging
Natural Cosmetic Standard
The NCS product standard (Natural Cosmetics Standard) labels natural cosmetics for humans and animal. It identifies natural cosmetics such as shampoo, lip balms or bath oils. NCS Products bearing the NCS label undergo in-depth tests and fulfill the highest quality requirements. Products which bear the NCS label consist of natural original materials, preferably in an organic quality.
Demeter
DEMETER is the official international eco–label for raw materials and finished products that come from Biodynamic® agriculture and processing facilities. DEMETER requirements exceed USDA organic certification standards and is the most respected certification organization worldwide. Demeter designed the first guidelines for biodynamic natural cosmetics in the 90s. The label means that cosmetic products contain at least 90% of raw material content. The association states to be one of the strictest certifications. Products that are Demeter labeleled don’t contain nanoparticles, mineral oils or genetic engineered material.
EWG Verified
With the EWG VERIFIED™ label on a product, you can be sure it’s free from EWG’s chemicals of concern and meets their strictest standards for your health. Since 1993, the Environmental Working Group has tracked chemical safety, and has called out bad chemicals and the companies that use them.
ICADA Certification
ICADA Natural is a collaborative association of cosmetics manufacturers. According to their guidelines, the plant-based materials used must consist of certified organic raw materials.
Nature Certification
Nature is a European certification association that issues labels for products manufactured using environmentally friendly practices, with no unnecessary synthetic processing, no synthetic fragrances and colours; no petroleum-based products, no silicone oils and derivatives, GMO-free, no animal testing.
USDA Organic
The USDA organic label has among the most meaningful standards for environmental sustainability including prohibiting synthetic fertilizers and industrial pesticides. Animals must eat only organically grown feed (without animal byproducts), can’t be treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics, must have access to the outdoors, and ruminants (hoofed animals, including cows) must have access to pasture. GMOs are prohibited (though testing is not required).
Soil Association Organic Standard
This UK-based certification association issues labels for products that contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients; the rest must be be non-toxic, plant-based, and GMO-free.
MADE SAFE
MADE SAFE® is a nontoxic seal for products we use every day, from baby to personal care to household and beyond. They certify that products you use on your body and in your home are made with safe ingredients not known or suspected to harm human health.
Regenerative Organic Certified
Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) is a revolutionary new certification for food, fiber, and personal care ingredients. ROC farms and products meet the highest standards for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness. ROC is overseen by the 501(c)3 nonprofit Regenerative Organic Alliance.
Certified B Corporation
B Corps meet the highest standards of verified environmental and social performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. It’s the only certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance.
PETA cruelty free
“cruelty-free” means that a product and its ingredients weren’t tested on animals. This label is certified by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the largest animal rights organization in the world. Qualifying companies have signed their statement of assurance. These businesses have verified that neither they nor their ingredient suppliers conduct, commission, or pay for any tests on animals for their ingredients, formulations, or finished products anywhere in the world and won’t do so in the future.