A look at the Certifications From Ecocert

Ecocert, is a leading certification body renowned for its commitment to ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of cosmetic products. Ecocert's certification signifies a brand's dedication to adhering to stringent criteria outlined in the COSMOS standard, guaranteeing consumers a product that meets the highest standards of natural and organic cosmetics. Through a rigorous process of ingredient verification, formula assessment, packaging inspection, and onsite audits, Ecocert ensures full compliance with COSMOS requirements throughout the product's lifecycle. 

In this interview, we delve into the intricacies of Ecocert's certification process, exploring how it fosters transparency and trust between brands and consumers. We'll uncover the significance of the Ecocert Cosmos certification seal, which not only denotes the precise percentage of natural and organic ingredients but also underscores the product's alignment with sustainable cosmetic practices. Join us as we unravel the essence of Ecocert's commitment to promoting authenticity, integrity, and environmental responsibility in the cosmetics industry.

1. What specific criteria and standards does Ecocert assess during the certification process to ensure products meet organic or environmental standards?

The certification by Ecocert means that the brand has committed to develop cosmetic products in compliance with a strict set of requirements specified in the COSMOS standard, with a full traceability check based on both documentary and onsite audit. Firstly, a certification officer verifies each ingredient, formula, packaging and label. In addition, each year,  an auditor goes on the manufacturing site to check the implementation of all COSMOS criteria through the life cycle of the cosmetic product. The certificate issued by Ecocert after reviewing audit conclusions is thus the guarantee of the compliance with the COSMOS standard. The consumers can trust the Ecocert Cosmos certification seal for the reliability on the natural and organic claims:  the exact percentage of natural and organic ingredients and also the compliance of the entire product to the best practices in terms of sustainable cosmetics. It is a real bond of trust between brands and consumers.  

2. What is the difference between the various certifications?

​First let's have a look to COSMOS : the COSMOS NATURAL signature is available for products that comply with the COSMOS-standard in all respects and especially that almost every ingredient is from natural origin (except a restrictive list of petrochemicals) but do not meet the required minimum organic percentages whereas COSMOS ORGANIC signature is available for products that comply with the COSMOS-standard in all respects and additionally respect that at least 20 % of the ingredients are from organic origin and that 95% of plant ingredients are organic. 
 
On the certification landscape, we can talk about NATRUE certification founded by leading German natural & organic manufacturers which have similar guarantees as COSMOS. Another European initiative is the ECOLABEL for cosmetics which does not guarantee any natural or organic content, but which is focused on decreasing the environmental impacts of cosmetics by implementing criteria on biodegradability and ecotoxicity of the ingredients. 
 
At present, the only existing certification for natural and organic cosmetics is COSMOS for Canada.
This certification is known and recognized the world over.

3. Can you walk us through the typical steps involved in obtaining Ecocert certification for a product or organization?

Here are the steps of the certification process for a cosmetic brand : 

1. The company contacts ECOCERT with a project of certification
2. ECOCERT assesses if the project is within the scope of COSMOS standard
3. The company signs the certification contract and the corresponding fees 
4. The company submits all the documentation related to ingredients (origin, manufacturing process), formula composition, packaging material, labels. 
5. In parallel to the documentary validation performed by ECOCERT, the onsite audit is organized. If the company subcontracts the manufacturing to another partner, both of them must be audited. 
6. After the onsite audit, ECOCERT will edit an audit report with potential non-compliances 
7. As soon as the non-compliances are managed and the documentary validations are finished, ECOCERT can edit the certificate of compliance to the COSMOS standard for the corresponding products. 
8. An onsite audit is then performed every year to renew the certificate, and documentary validations are performed as modifications of the products are made. 

4. How does Ecocert Group ensure compliance and monitor ongoing adherence to certification standards once a product or organization has been certified?

As mentioned previously, the certification process includes a surveillance of the certification with an annual onsite audit to check that every company still remains committed to respect the criteria of the COSMOS standard. 

5. What distinguishes Ecocert certification from other organic or environmental certifications available in the market?

​ECOCERT seal is well recognized by consumers in the natural & organic cosmetic market. We have an international reputation of quality and guarantee. For more than 30 years, we have built a solid expertise in many sectors from agriculture to cosmetics, textiles or fair trade by promoting environmental and social best practices. 
 
Ecocert is also the world's leading certification body for organic food and cosmetics, with 30 offices worldwide, and we can operate in over 130 countries.

​Useful links 

• ECOCERT Greenlife clients
• Organic raw materials certified by ECOCERT Greenlife
• Natural non-organic raw materials validated by ECOCERT Greenlife
• Approved packaging
• Certification steps