A Global Roundup of Popular Cosmetic Certifications: COSMOS, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Halal, FSC… How Much Do You Know?
A Global Roundup of Popular Cosmetic Certifications: COSMOS, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Halal, FSC…
How Much Do You Know?
As global consumers increasingly prioritize the safety, environmental impact, and ethical standards of cosmetics, overseas markets are imposing stricter requirements for relevant certifications. For Chinese cosmetic brands accelerating their global expansion, various certifications are not merely compliance measures; they directly influence product market access, consumer trust, and brand image. A thorough understanding of the standards and requirements behind different certifications has become a crucial step in laying the groundwork for overseas markets.
This article by KISMEOW MAKEUP FACTORY outlines common cosmetic certifications in the international market, explaining the background and basic requirements of each to help brands better understand relevant compliance matters when conducting overseas business and mitigate potential risks.
Cosmetic packaging typically includes two types of labeling information: one is the official compliance labeling required by laws and regulations, such as registration numbers and filing numbers; the other consists of third-party certification labels that brands apply for and display based on their positioning and market needs, such as natural, organic, cruelty-free, and vegan. These certification labels, issued by professional certification bodies, usually appear on packaging in graphic form, enhancing product competitiveness and serving as a key reference point for consumer purchasing decisions. Depending on the consumption trends of different markets, common certification types include:
I. Natural and Organic Certifications
- COSMOS Certification
COSMOS certification (COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard) is one of the most authoritative and influential natural and organic cosmetic standards globally. It is managed by the COSMOS-standard AISBL association, a non-profit organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. This association was jointly founded by five leading European organizations: BDIH (Germany), The Soil Association (UK), ICEA (Italy), Cosmebio (France), and ECOCERT (France).
COSMOS certification aims to unify global assessment standards for natural and organic ingredients in cosmetics and promote the green and sustainable development of the cosmetics industry. The standard was officially released in 2011. From 2017 onwards, the original member organizations began to fully adopt the COSMOS standard, gradually replacing their own organic certification systems, making the COSMOS standard the "international common language" in the field of natural and organic cosmetics.
The COSMOS certification system includes four types of labels to meet the certification needs of different products and raw materials:
- COSMOS ORGANIC: Applies to products that fully comply with the COSMOS standard and contain the percentage of organic ingredients specified in the COSMOS standard.
- COSMOS NATURAL: Applies to products that fully comply with the COSMOS standard but do not meet the minimum percentage of organic ingredients specified in the COSMOS standard.
- COSMOS CERTIFIED: Applies to products containing organic ingredients that meet the COSMOS standard, processed physically and chemically.
- COSMOS APPROVED: Applies to non-organic raw materials approved for use in COSMOS-certified cosmetics.
2, NATRUE Certification
NATRUE certification is a natural and organic cosmetic standard developed and managed by NATRUE, the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association. Established in 2007 in Belgium, with headquarters in Brussels, the association is dedicated to providing global consumers with trustworthy natural cosmetic labeling. The standard emphasizes the genuine content of natural ingredients and the transparency of the manufacturing process and is widely recognized in Europe and several countries worldwide.
NATRUE labels can be used for finished products, raw materials, and formulations. Finished products are categorized into two grades:
• Natural Cosmetics: Products must use naturally derived raw materials such as plant extracts, minerals, and water. The limited use of naturally derived ingredients (e.g., naturally derived emulsifiers) is permitted where necessary, subject to NATRUE-approved processing methods. Organic sourcing of raw materials is not mandatory but is preferentially recommended.
• Organic Cosmetics: Builds upon the "Natural Cosmetics" standard, further requiring that at least 95% of the naturally derived ingredients are organically sourced. The standard is stricter, emphasizing ingredient traceability and environmental friendliness.
Furthermore, NATRUE certification covers animal protection, environmental friendliness, and sustainable development: it completely prohibits animal testing, requires cleaning ingredients to have good biodegradability, encourages the use of sustainable raw materials (such as RSPO-certified palm oil), and prioritizes non-GMO and green process raw materials, ensuring biodiversity and sustainable resource utilization.
3.USDA Organic Certification
USDA Organic certification is a certification system managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in accordance with the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not define or regulate the term "organic" in cosmetics, body care, or personal care products, if these products contain agricultural ingredients and meet the relevant standards for organic cultivation, processing, and labeling, they can apply for USDA Organic certification.
Certified products can be classified into four grades based on organic content:
- 100% Organic: All ingredients except water and salt are organically produced; the USDA Organic label can be used.
- Organic: At least 95% of the ingredients are organically produced; a small amount of non-organic ingredients allowed on the "National List" is permitted; the USDA Organic label can also be used.
- Made with Organic Ingredients: At least 70% of the ingredients are organically sourced; up to three organic ingredients can be listed on the label, but the USDA Organic label cannot be used.
- Less than 70 percent organic ingredients: The word "organic" cannot be used on the main label, but specific organic ingredients can be indicated in the ingredient list, and the USDA Organic label cannot be used.
For products applying for this certification, their agricultural raw material suppliers, processors, and final manufacturers must all undergo audits by USDA-accredited organic certification bodies.
II. Animal-Friendly Certifications
- Cruelty-Free Certification
The "cruelty-free" principle means that neither the product nor any raw materials used in its production have undergone animal testing. Cosmetics adhering to the cruelty-free principle are also known as cruelty-free beauty.
To help consumers identify cruelty-free beauty, several organizations globally have issued cruelty-free certifications. After reviewing the entire supply chain of the applicant brand, brands meeting the cruelty-free principle can display the corresponding cruelty-free logo on their product packaging. Three major international cruelty-free certification organizations are: Cruelty Free International (CFI), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and Choose Cruelty Free (CCF).
- Leaping Bunny: The Leaping Bunny is a globally recognized cruelty-free certification program managed and promoted worldwide by Cruelty Free International (CFI). Initially created by a coalition of animal protection organizations, in the US and Canada, it is administered by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which also collaborates with CFI to ensure the global consistency and credibility of the Leaping Bunny standard. In 2018, CFI collaborated with relevant Chinese authorities to exempt imported cosmetics from animal testing in China, helping more international cruelty-free beauty brands enter the Chinese market.
- PETA Beauty Without Bunnies: The Beauty Without Bunnies program was launched by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for brands committed to not conducting animal testing. This certification requires that brands and their suppliers do not conduct any animal testing and actively promote alternative testing methods. PETA certification enjoys high recognition in the US and international markets; certified brands can use the PETA cruelty-free logo on their products and marketing materials to enhance consumer trust.
- Choose Cruelty Free: Choose Cruelty Free (CCF) is an independent non-profit organization headquartered in Australia dedicated to ending animal testing and providing cruelty-free certification for cosmetics, personal care products, and household cleaning products in Australia. In 2021, CCF officially joined Cruelty Free International (CFI), becoming part of its global family. This merger aims to support the growing Australian consumer interest in cruelty-free products and provide more convenience for Australian brands applying for Leaping Bunny certification. All currently CCF-certified and authorized brands will have the opportunity to smoothly transition to the Leaping Bunny certification system with support.
- Vegan Certification
Vegan beauty refers to cosmetics that contain no animal-derived ingredients and have not undergone any animal testing during product development and production. This certification is based on vegan principles, responding to the growing consumer concern for ethical sourcing and animal welfare.
There is currently no globally unified vegan certification mark; different certification bodies have slightly different logos, and some products only indicate "Vegan" on their labels. Representative organizations include The Vegan Society (UK), Vegan Action (US), and V-Label (Europe). PETA also provides Vegan certification.
These organizations typically require certified products to: ① contain no animal-derived ingredients, such as animal fats, gelatin, beeswax, etc.; ② the entire production process does not involve animal testing; ③ avoid cross-contamination with non-vegan products.
III. Religious/Cultural Certifications
Halal Certification:
Halal, derived from Arabic, has become a general term used in various aspects of Muslim life. Initially used for food certification, it has gradually extended to cosmetics. Currently, Halal cosmetics generally refer to cosmetics containing ingredients permitted by Islamic law and meeting specific conditions. This primarily means that the raw materials, processing, storage, packaging, distribution, sales, and display of the product must meet Halal requirements.
Currently, only Indonesia requires Halal certification for cosmetics by October 17, 2026. However, due to the religious beliefs of the consumer population in certain export markets, some Halal cosmetics are more popular locally. Companies can apply for Halal certification for their products based on their export situation.
There are also other certifications based on religious or cultural backgrounds, such as Kosher certification. In most countries, it is not legally mandatory, but in Israel and markets dominated by Jewish consumers, Kosher certification is key for product market acceptance and access to mainstream sales channels, possessing significant commercial necessity.
IV. Clean Beauty Certifications
Clean beauty is a recently emerged concept in the beauty industry, emphasizing the safety, transparency, and friendliness of product formulations towards the environment and human body. Unlike traditional natural and organic certifications, clean beauty is not limited to whether ingredients are natural or organic but focuses more on the safety risks of ingredients, avoiding the use of chemicals harmful to health or the environment. The core of clean beauty lies in "clean" ingredients, transparent formulas, and alignment with modern consumers' demand for healthy and sustainable lifestyles. Mainstream clean beauty certification systems include:
- EWG VERIFIED™ (Environmental Working Group Certification):
This authoritative certification is offered by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a US non-profit environmental organization. This certification requires that all product ingredients meet the safety standards of the EWG Skin Deep® database and prohibits the use of unacceptable or restricted harmful ingredients. Products must fully disclose all ingredients and meet strict production and labeling regulations. Products that pass this certification are considered to have safe and environmentally friendly ingredients and high transparency for consumers.
- Clean at Sephora:
Beauty retail giant Sephora has also created a product classification and certification specifically for clean beauty, aiming to help consumers quickly identify safe, transparent, and environmentally friendly products. The core standards of "Clean at Sephora" product certification prohibit the use of over 50 potentially harmful ingredients, including but not limited to: phthalates, parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, etc.; require brands to fully disclose product formulas to improve ingredient transparency; encourage the use of recyclable materials or reduced plastic use; some products can also obtain the "Clean + Planet Positive" label, emphasizing environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
V. Sustainable and Environmental Certifications
Driven by the "dual carbon goals" and the global sustainable development agenda, ESG principles are profoundly influencing the production methods and brand strategies of the cosmetics industry. Consumer expectations for beauty products have gone beyond texture, efficacy, and appearance; they are increasingly focused on the product's "green credentials"—are the raw materials sustainable? Is the packaging environmentally friendly? Does the company respect human rights and the ecosystem? This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for cosmetic companies to reshape their brand value and build long-term competitiveness.
- Nordic Swan Ecolabel:
As one of Europe's most authoritative environmental certifications, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel strictly controls the entire life cycle of cosmetics, covering raw material sourcing, production processes, packaging design, and product use and disposal stages. This certification particularly emphasizes avoiding the use of ingredients harmful to humans and the environment, such as certain preservatives, fragrances, and microplastics, and requires improved product biodegradability and energy efficiency. Obtaining this label not only represents high standards of environmental protection and safety but also helps brands build a credible green image in the Nordic and wider markets.
2.RSPO Certification (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil):
RSPO certification focuses on promoting the sustainable development of palm oil production. Because palm oil is widely used in cosmetic raw materials, its environmental and social impacts are of significant concern. This certification sets strict environmental protection standards to prevent deforestation, biodiversity loss, and land conflicts, while safeguarding workers' and community rights. RSPO-certified palm oil raw materials help cosmetic brands build green supply chains and meet consumer demand for sustainable products.
3.FSC Certification (Forest Stewardship Council):
FSC certification works to ensure that wood and paper-based raw materials come from sustainably managed forests. It not only protects the health of forest ecosystems and biodiversity but also promotes responsible logging and reforestation. For the cosmetics industry, FSC certification mainly reflects the environmental friendliness of packaging materials, helping brands achieve green packaging design, respond to the globally growing trend of eco-conscious consumption, and enhance brand image and market competitiveness.
VI. Market Access Certifications
In addition to the certifications mentioned above, before entering various markets, cosmetic companies usually must complete relevant mandatory compliance certifications or registration procedures. These certifications typically cover core requirements such as product safety assessments, label compliance, and responsibility systems, representing the fundamental prerequisites for legal product launch and sales. For example, cosmetics entering the EU must complete CPNP registration, the US must comply with the MoCRA Act, and Russia and other Eurasian Economic Union member states require EAC markings.