COSMOS Organic & Natural

What is the COSMOS Standard?

Created by the merging of five leading European organic cosmetic certification bodies (BDIH, COSMEBIO, ECOCERT, ICEA, and Soil Association), COSMOS (COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard) is the most comprehensive and globally recognized standard for organic and natural cosmetics. Its primary objective is to promote green chemistry principles, protect human health and the environment, and ensure consumers have access to genuine organic/natural cosmetics without falling into the "greenwashing" trap. The standard rigorously audits the entire lifecycle of a product, from raw ingredients and manufacturing processes to packaging and the final product.

Key Technical Criteria of COSMOS Certification

COSMOS offers two different signatures (logos) based on the product's composition and manufacturing methods. The technical framework can be summarized as follows:

• COSMOS ORGANIC:

  • At least 95% of the physically processed agro-ingredients (e.g., plant oils, extracts) must be organically produced.

  • At least 20% of the total product by weight (including water and minerals) must be organic. (For rinse-off products like shampoos and shower gels, as well as powders, this minimum is 10%).

• COSMOS NATURAL:

  • All ingredients must comply with COSMOS rules for natural origin.

  • There is no minimum requirement for organic content in this category; however, if organic ingredients are used, their percentage can be indicated on the packaging.

• Prohibited Substances and Green Chemistry:

  • The use of nanomaterials, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and petrochemical derivatives is strictly prohibited.

  • Manufacturing processes must adhere to "Green Chemistry" principles, ensuring they do not pollute the environment or harm human health. Irradiation (sterilization via gamma or X-rays) of products is banned.

• Packaging and Environmental Management:

  • Cosmetic packaging must be made from recyclable, recycled, or biodegradable materials. The use of harmful plastics like PVC is prohibited.

  • Manufacturing facilities must implement a comprehensive environmental management plan focusing on wastewater management and energy conservation.

Who this standard is for

COSMOS is for cosmetic manufacturers, brand owners, and ingredient suppliers that need an organic or natural cosmetic claim recognised by the COSMOS-standard AISBL scheme. ISO 16128 percentages are not a COSMOS certificate.

What is certified

• COSMOS ORGANIC: ≥95% of physically processed agro-ingredients organic; ≥20% organic of the total product (10% for rinse-off and powders)
• COSMOS NATURAL: ingredients meet natural-origin rules with no organic minimum
• Ingredient approval (PPAI/CPAI) and formula review before production
• Manufacturing, filling, and packaging rules including restricted plastics such as PVC
• Environmental management at the manufacturing site

What this standard does not cover

• Household detergents certified under a detergent standard rather than COSMOS
• A GOTS textile claim or an organic food claim
• ISO 16128 “natural origin index” used as if it were COSMOS

Questions buyers and operators usually ask

Can we print COSMOS ORGANIC if organic plant oils are 95% of the oils but water is most of the formula?

You still need the total-product organic minimum (20%, or 10% for rinse-off/powders). High organic oils with a water-heavy formula often fail ORGANIC and fit NATURAL instead.

Is ISO 16128 the same as COSMOS NATURAL?

No. ISO 16128 is a calculation guideline, not a third-party certification. Retailers that ask for COSMOS will reject an ISO 16128 self-declaration.

Are all petrochemicals banned?

Most are excluded. A short positive list of petrochemical ingredients (for example some preservatives) may be used within limits. Check each INCI against the COSMOS allowed lists, not against a blog summary.

Do we need COSMOS if we already have cruelty-free and vegan?

Those answer testing and animal-origin questions. COSMOS answers natural/organic chemistry, processing, and packaging. Buyers often want them stacked, not substituted.

What to have ready before the audit

• Full INCI, percentages, and function of every ingredient including water and minerals
• Organic certificates for agro-ingredients counted toward ORGANIC
• COSMOS approvals or dossiers for chemically processed ingredients
• Packaging specifications (material, recyclability, PVC absence)
• Manufacturing flow, subcontracted fillers, and environmental records

Frequent findings

• Counting water as organic content
• Using a non-approved fragrance or nano ingredient
• ORGANIC artwork on a formula that only meets NATURAL
• Filler or brand owner missing from the certification scope