COSMOS is an international standard specifically designed for organic and natural cosmetics. Although not mandatory, this standard is considered a necessary “passport” that organic cosmetic products must obtain to enter the international market. So why does Cosmos hold such significant influence? Let’s explore this further in the following article.
The Birth of AISBL
Riding the wave of the strong green living trend, the demand for organic and natural cosmetics is also steadily increasing. AISBL and the Cosmos Standard (Cosmetic Organic and Natural Standard) were established to partially address this demand while upholding the core principles of ensuring product quality and consumer health.
Although AISBL is a relatively “young” non-profit association, it and the Cosmos Standard have quickly garnered attention and recognition from businesses and consumers worldwide. This is because AISBL is backed by five well-established organizations renowned for their standards for organic and natural products in Europe, including: BHDI (Germany), Ecocert (France), ICEA (Italy), and the Soil Association (UK).
The Mission of the Cosmos Standard
As it is managed by a nonprofit association, the Cosmos Standard ensures transparency and is free from any commercial interests of companies or businesses. This certification was created primarily to promote the sustainable production and consumption of organic and natural cosmetics. As a result, Cosmos aims to enhance safety within the cosmetics industry, for both consumers and the ecosystem.
Additionally, the Cosmos Standard requires products to provide clear information on their origin and ingredient composition, enabling consumers to easily access this information. This helps customers find organic and natural cosmetics that suit their needs more quickly while avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing.
Cosmos Certification Categories
As of now, Cosmos has a total of three certification categories for organic and natural cosmetics, specifically:
- Cosmos Organic (Organic Cosmetics Certification): For this category, the final product must contain at least 20% organic ingredients and no more than 2% synthetic ingredients.
- Cosmos Natural (Natural Cosmetics Certification): This category has no restrictions on the percentage of organic ingredients but requires that all ingredients be of natural origin and also contain a maximum of 2% synthetic ingredients.
- Cosmos Certified (Cosmetic Ingredient Certification): This certification is for raw materials and ingredients used in the production of organic cosmetics.
Why Do Businesses Need Cosmos Certification?
As one of the leading certifications for organic and natural cosmetics, Cosmos naturally offers certified businesses numerous benefits, such as:
Market Expansion
The Cosmos standard is widely adopted not only in Europe but also globally, including in the most stringent markets. Therefore, successfully passing the rigorous certification process will help businesses gain credibility with international customers and partners. Furthermore, if a business aims to enter the European market, Cosmos will undoubtedly be a valuable asset.
Protecting Consumers and the Environment
Every ingredient and raw material in the product is closely monitored by Cosmos from the sourcing stage through to the final production. And since Cosmos promotes organic farming, reduces emissions, and requires businesses to limit the use of harmful chemicals, it can be said that every product certified under this standard is safe and does not harm consumers or the ecosystem.
Enhancing Brand Reputation
Cosmos always prioritizes transparency in the product evaluation process. This ensures that product information is always publicly disclosed, transparent, and easily accessible to consumers and partners. This transparency helps businesses project a green, eco-friendly, and trustworthy image, thereby enhancing their reputation in the eyes of customers,
Conclusion
Organic and natural cosmetics are gradually becoming a new trend in the beauty industry. However, this also means consumers need to be more cautious about every product they encounter, as greenwashing remains widespread, posing a threat to both human health and the environment. Therefore, prioritize choosing organic and natural cosmetics with clear certifications, such as Cosmos.