VALYXIR products are certified by ECOCERT according to the COSMOS standard, guaranteeing compliance with the strictest standards for organic and natural cosmetics. This commitment reflects our desire to offer products that are safe, transparent and respectful of the environment.
From organic farming to natural and organic cosmetics
The first European organic farming standard was established in 1991, with the following requirements:
- No synthetic pesticides
- Respect for biodiversity
- No use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
In the 2000s, the first organic cosmetic ingredients appeared on the market. As the cosmetics market evolved, ECOCERT saw the need to apply these same principles of sustainability and traceability to the field of beauty. Indeed, consumers were increasingly looking for skincare products that were not only effective, but also natural and environmentally friendly. In 2002, ECOCERT developed its first standard for organic cosmetics.
The creation of the COSMOS-standard: Setting the standard for organic and natural cosmetics
The COSMOS (COSMetic Organic and natural Standard) was born in 2011. COSMOS was founded by several certification bodies in Europe, including BDIH (Germany), Cosmebio (France), Ecocert Greenlife (France), ICEA (Italy) and Soil Association (UK).
The founding principles are as follows:
- Use of natural and organic ingredients
All ingredients used are of natural origin, with the exception of a restrictive list of approved ingredients (including preservatives) authorized in small quantities. On average, Ecocert-certified products contain 99% ingredients of natural origin. Organic ingredients are derived from organically grown plants. What's more, ingredients cannot come from protected species.
- Respect for the environment and integration of the principle of green chemistry
COSMOS certification requires that ingredients are sourced more responsibly. For example, the palm oil used in cosmetics must be certified organic or from sustainable sources. It also means integrating the principle of green chemistry and developing chemical transformations that are more respectful of the environment.
- Respect for human health
The precautionary principle is applied when an ingredient, technology or process is likely to cause a risk to health or the environment. Unauthorized substances include nanomaterials, endocrine disruptors and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Petrochemical ingredients (excluding authorized preservatives) are not allowed (e.g. parabens, phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrances and colorants).
- Transparency for consumers and the effort to combat greenwashing
The aim of the standard is to combat the greenwashing so prevalent in the cosmetics industry. Certified brands undertake to communicate clearly and transparently. Labeling and communication must not mislead consumers.
You will find the following information on each certified product:
- name of the certification body and COSMOS logo
- percentage of organically grown ingredients
- percentage of ingredients of natural origin
Certification and compliance verification
These rules or founding principles were then translated into the COSMOS referential.
There are 2 types of COSMOS certification:
- COSMOS Organic: cosmetics with minimum % organic ingredients
- COSMOS Natural: natural cosmetics with no minimum % organic ingredients
A beauty product can be certified COSMOS ORGANIC if :
- at least 95% of the plant ingredients it contains are organic. This includes vegetable oils, hydrolats and essential oils.
- A minimum of 20% organic ingredients are present in the formula (10% for rinse-off products).
It's important to mention that water can't be considered organic, as it's not a product of agriculture. This explains why the minimum organic ingredient requirement is 20%, or even 10% for products composed mainly of water, such as rinses or lotions.
Certification by an approved certification body (ECOCERT) is based on documentary validation and an on-site audit. It covers the entire manufacturing process of a cosmetic product, from raw material control to validation of finished products.
Documentary validation verifies the conformity of the following elements:
o Ingredients: origin and manufacturing process
o Formulas: % organic and/or natural ingredients
o Labeling: correct information
o Packaging materials: recyclable and/or biodegradable
o Cleaning and disinfection products: compliance
o Communication documents
Each year, the independent certification body carries out a full audit to verify compliance. The following points are examined:
o Review of quality procedures
o Review of batch records
o Verification of organic certificates
o Traceability of ingredients and final products
o Examination of invoices and delivery notes
o Control of stock management
o Visit of production and storage areas
Conclusion
COSMOS has become a reference standard, not only in Europe, but also internationally, guaranteeing consumers around the world cosmetics committed to a more sustainable future.
Commitment today is necessary. We are working towards a responsible approach to cosmetics, respectful of consumer health and the environment.
References
https://www.cosmos-standard.org/fr/cosmos-standard/
