In a world where consumers are increasingly aware of the impact their purchases have on the environment and their health, the COSMOS Organic label has established itself as an essential benchmark in the world of organic cosmetics. But what exactly does this label represent and why is it so important? Let's dive into the world of COSMOS Organic.
What is the COSMOS Organic label?
COSMOS (COSMetic Organic Standard) is an international standard created in 2010 by five major European certification bodies: BDIH (Germany), Cosmebio (France), Ecocert (France), ICEA (Italy), and the Soil Association (United Kingdom). The goal was to harmonize the various existing certifications to offer a single, reliable, and globally recognized standard.
The COSMOS label is available in two certifications:
- COSMOS Organic : for organic cosmetic products
- COSMOS Natural : for natural cosmetic products
The requirements of the COSMOS Organic label
To carry the COSMOS Organic label, a cosmetic product must meet several strict criteria:
Organic ingredients
- At least 95% of agricultural ingredients must be organic
- At least 20% of the total product must be organic (10% for rinse-off products)
Transparency and traceability
- The entire production chain must be transparent and traceable
- Transformation processes must respect the environment
- Packaging must be minimized and environmentally friendly
Strict restrictions
- Ban on petrochemical ingredients
- Ban on GMOs
- Ban on irradiation
- Strict limitations on preservatives
Why choose COSMOS Organic certified products?
For your health
COSMOS Organic certified products contain significantly fewer potentially harmful substances. The absence of silicones, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and other petrochemical derivatives reduces the risk of allergies and skin irritation.
For the environment
The COSMOS standard ensures that manufacturing processes are environmentally friendly. Raw materials must be obtained using methods that respect biodiversity, and packaging must be designed to minimize environmental impact.
For ethics
COSMOS prohibits animal testing and encourages fair trade practices, making it a choice that respects both animal and human welfare.
How to recognize a COSMOS Organic product?
The COSMOS Organic logo is easily recognizable on product packaging. It consists of a green circle containing the words "COSMOS ORGANIC" with the name of the certifying body below.
It is important not to confuse COSMOS Organic with COSMOS Natural, which has less stringent requirements regarding the percentage of organic ingredients.
The future of COSMOS Organic
The organic cosmetics market is booming, and COSMOS Organic continues to evolve to meet consumer expectations and environmental challenges. In particular, we are seeing a trend toward:
- Even stricter requirements for eco-friendly packaging
- Increased transparency on the origin of ingredients
- Better consideration of social impact
Conclusion
The COSMOS Organic label represents much more than just a logo on packaging. It's a commitment to cosmetics that are more respectful of our health, the environment, and ethical values. By choosing COSMOS Organic-certified products, consumers not only support their personal well-being, but also a more sustainable and responsible vision of the cosmetics industry.
So, the next time you buy a cosmetic product, don't forget to check for the precious green COSMOS Organic logo!
