COSMOS STANDARD
Criteria

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

Table of Contents
1.

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 3
1.1

Main objectives of the COSMOS-standard ..................................................... 3

1.2

Documents ............................................................................................... 4

2.

REGULATIONS ................................................................................................ 5

3.

SCOPE ........................................................................................................... 54.

DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................. 65.

GENERAL ....................................................................................................... 9

6.

7.

8.

9.

5.1

Precautionary principle .............................................................................. 9

5.2

Animal testing .......................................................................................... 9

5.3

Sustainability ......................................................................................... 10

ORIGIN AND PROCESSING OF INGREDIENTS ................................................... 11
6.1

Ingredients categories ............................................................................. 11

6.2

Calculation rules for organic percentage ..................................................... 15

COMPOSITION RULES .................................................................................... 18
7.1

Cosmetic products under organic certification ............................................. 18

7.2

Cosmetic products under natural certification ............................................. 19

7.3

Calculation rules for natural origin percentage ............................................ 19

7.4

Palm oil, palm kernel oil and derivatives .................................................... 19

7.5

Raw materials with organic content under certification ................................. 20

7.6

Raw materials without organic content under approval ................................ 20

STORAGE, MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGING ................................................. 21
8.1

Storage ................................................................................................. 21

8.2

Manufacturing ........................................................................................ 21

8.3

Packaging .............................................................................................. 21

8.4

Fabrics .................................................................................................. 23

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ..................................................................... 24
9.1

Environmental management plan .............................................................. 24

9.2

Cleaning and hygiene .............................................................................. 24

10. LABELLING AND COMMUNICATION .................................................................. 26
10.1

General rules .......................................................................................... 26

10.2

For products under organic certification ..................................................... 26

10.3

For products under natural certification ...................................................... 27

10.4

For raw materials with organic content ...................................................... 28

10.5

For raw materials with no organic content .................................................. 28

10.6

Supporting literature ............................................................................... 28

10.7

Organic in the name of a company or product range ................................... 28

10.8

Use of the signature, name or term related to this Standard ......................... 28

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11. CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL ..................................................................... 30
11.1

Certification ........................................................................................... 30

11.2

Approval of raw materials ........................................................................ 30

11.3

Certification Bodies ................................................................................. 30

12. IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS STANDARD ............................................................ 31
12.1

Coming into force ................................................................................... 31

12.2

Application date ...................................................................................... 31

12.3

Transitional measures.............................................................................. 31

APPENDICES....................................................................................................... 32

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1.

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

INTRODUCTION

This Standard has been developed at the European and international level by BDIH (Germany),
COSMEBIO & ECOCERT (France), ICEA (Italy) and SOIL ASSOCIATION (UK) who are thefounders of the COSMOS-standard AISBL (an international non-profit association registered in
Belgium) in order to define common requirements and definitions for organic and/or naturalcosmetics.

1.1

Main objectives of the COSMOS-standard

Addressing the excesses and failures of current developments is a key challenge for our society.
Establishing a sustainable development that would reconcile economic progress, social
responsibility and maintain the natural balance of the planet is a project in which the cosmetics
sector is willing to be fully involved. The application of the principles of sustainable
development in economic activity implies, however, changing patterns of production andchanging consumption practices. Recognising these challenges, the responsibility of its actors,
the organic and natural cosmetics sector clearly shows its ambition to go further in sustainable
development with the setting at the European and international level of this Standard fororganic and natural cosmetics.
To stimulate processes for sustainable production and consumption, the organic and naturalcosmetics sector is using some simple rules governed by the principles of prevention and safety
at all levels of the chain from production of raw materials to the distribution of finishedproducts.
These rules are:•promoting the use of products from organic agriculture, and respecting biodiversity•

using natural resources responsibly, and respecting the environment•

using processing and manufacturing that are clean and respectful of human health and theenvironment•

integrating and developing the concept of green chemistryThis last point, an important aspect of the COSMOS-standard is key to the success of thisambition considering the specificities and constraints of the formulation of cosmetic products(particularly versus food products).
With this green philosophy and this desire to actively contribute to sustainable development,
the cosmetics sector is committed to define and implement a standard for organic and naturalcosmetics. This Standard takes into account the current technological reality while infusing a
dynamism that will lead to innovative developments.
To facilitate the translation of these rules at the level of a standard, it is necessary to distinguish
the five categories of ingredients contained in a cosmetic product (listed below in ascendingorder of human intervention):
1. water — vital and basic raw material in product development; its quality is essential
2. mineral ingredients — interesting and necessary, but not renewable; they require clear
environmental rules in their use, and in further processing
3. physically processed agro-ingredients — already benefit from satisfactory European andother recognised standards on organic agriculture

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4. chemically processed agro-ingredients — certifiable by using agricultural organic raw
materials and manufacturing processes that are clean and authorised, all under theumbrella of green chemistry
5. other ingredients — this is the category to actively manage the transition from the current
situation to the objectives and direction of this Standard
The COSMOS-standard's ultimate objective is to address the major issues essential to theenvironment and welfare of man on the planet. For practical purposes, it aims to ensure thetransition between today’s and tomorrow’s possibilities of technological advances to promote
the development of cosmetics ever more organic and natural. This is necessary for the respectof consumers who must be informed clearly and transparently so that they can themselves be
actors for sustainable development.

1.2

Documents

1.2.1 Documents
The scheme documents are the:•COSMOS-standard Criteria•

COSMOS-standard Technical Guide which contains additional interpretation and explanation•

COSMOS-standard Labelling Guide•

COSMOS-standard Control Manual – Certification and Accreditation Requirements

These scheme documents and any further relevant public information as released by COSMOSstandard AISBL are available for download on the website www.cosmos-standard.org.
1.2.2 CopyrightThis Standard is the property of the COSMOS-standard AISBL and shall not be copied,
reproduced or otherwise used except with its express written permission.
1.2.3 Revision
The organic and natural cosmetics sector is still developing and both technology andunderstanding are advancing. The COSMOS-standard will therefore be subject to periodic
review and amendment in line with the objectives above, taking into account availability ofingredients and technology, and after full and open consultation with stakeholders.

1.2.4 Official language and verbal forms
The COSMOS-standard documents are published in British English. Available translations are
informative documents only.
The following verbal forms are used to indicate requirements, recommendations, permissions
or capabilities in this Standard:••••‘can’, ‘could’ and ‘might’ indicate a possibility or capability‘may’ indicates a permission‘shall’ & ‘must’ indicate a mandatory requirement‘should’ indicates a recommendation

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2.

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

REGULATIONSThe users of this Standard are expected to comply with all relevant legislation, including the
EU Regulation on cosmetic products (EC No. 1223/2009) as amended, the EU REACH
REGULATION (EC No. 1907/2006), the Commission Regulation on claims in cosmetic products(EU No. 655/2013), and/or other local or national laws concerning cosmetic products whereappropriate.
The regulations of this Standard for organic and natural products are in line with the legal
framework of a large number of countries but without prejudice to additional legal provisions
that might exist in some other countries.

3.

SCOPE

This Standard applies to cosmetic products and raw materials intended to be used in cosmetic
products in two scopes:•

scope 1: certification of organic or natural cosmetic products, raw materials with organic
content, base formulas, bulkware•

scope 2: approval of non-organic raw materials that can be used in certified products, rawmaterials and base formulas according to scope 1

The users of this Standard are manufacturers, service providers and brand owners of organic
or natural cosmetic products and raw materials.

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4.

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

DEFINITIONSIn the context of this Standard, the definitions below will apply.
‘Agro-ingredient’ — any plant, animal or microbial product derived from agriculture,
aquaculture or wild collection/harvest.
‘Auxiliary’ — any substance used during the manufacturing process of an ingredient tofacilitate the reaction, but not considered as part of the ingredient.
‘Base formulas’ — mixtures of ingredients formulated as a basis for making cosmetic
products, eg. shampoo bases, soap bases and cream bases.
‘Bulkware’ (bulk goods) — an intermediate product where the formulation is completed (nomore ingredients are added) but which is not yet filled and packed into a finished product.
‘Catalyst’ — a substance used to modify or increase the rate of a reaction without being
consumed in the process.
‘Chemically processed’ — processed or extracted using chemical processes such as thoselisted in Appendix II (which are allowed) and Appendix III (which are not allowed).
‘Cosmetic ingredient’ — (taken from Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009) any substance or
mixture intentionally used in the cosmetic product during the process of manufacturing. The
following shall not be regarded as ingredients:•

impurities in the raw materials used•subsidiary technical materials used in the mixture but not present in the final product‘Cosmetic product’ — (taken from Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009) any substance or mixture
intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hairsystem, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranesof the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing
their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours.
‘Decorative cosmetic’ — cosmetic product intended to modify the appearance of the area towhich they are applied by the use of colour (eg. eye shadow, lip gloss, beauty balm (BB) cream,hair dye).
‘Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)’ — (taken from the Directive 2001/18/EC) meansan organism, with the exception of human beings, in which the genetic material has beenaltered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. Annex
1A (taken from the Directive 2001/18/EC) summarises what techniques are included as genetic
modification.
‘Derivative of GMO’ — any substance which is produced from or by a GMO where the GMO is
the source organism of the substance or is involved directly in the last process that
accomplishes an essential conversion of the substance.
‘Manufacturer’ — (taken from Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009) any natural or legal person
who manufactures a cosmetic product or has such a product designed or manufactured andmarkets that cosmetic product under his name or trademark.
‘Manufacturing’ — group of operations carried out in the factory or the laboratory, forobtaining, preparing, processing and labelling products.

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD‘Mineral’ — raw material obtained from naturally occurring substances formed throughgeological processes but excluding fossil fuel-derived materials.
‘Mixture’ — (taken from Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009) a mixture or solution composed of
two or more substances.
‘Moiety’ — a specific segment of a molecule.
‘Nanomaterial’ — (taken from Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009) an insoluble or biopersistentand intentionally manufactured material with one or more external dimensions, or an internal
structure, on the scale from 1 to 100 nm.
‘Natural origin’ — the following are of natural origin: water, minerals and ingredients ofmineral origin, physically processed agro-ingredients, chemically processed agro-ingredients(and parts thereof) derived wholly from the above. The following are not of natural origin:petrochemical moieties, preservatives and denaturing agents from petrochemical origin.
‘NNI’ (Non-Natural Ingredient) — preservatives and denaturing agents from petrochemical
origin. Although they are usually from petrochemical origin, all or most of their structures arefound in nature (nature identical).
‘Organic’ — production system that complies with and is certified to Regulation No. (EC)2018/848, USDA NOP, Brazilian Organic Standard No.10.831 2003 or this Standard, or certified
to other internationally recognised organic standards by a duly constituted Certification Body
or authority. When referring to organic in this Standard, other terms that mean the same inother languages are also included and are subject to the same limitations.
Considered as internationally recognised organic standards are the following:•standards that have been officially accepted as compliant or equivalent by the EU(https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/848/oj)
or
the
US
organic
regulations(https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic) through the mechanisms set out in thoseregulations or government official decisions•

national or regional (multi-country) organic standards or regulations that are approved in
the
IFOAM
FamilyofStandards(https://www.ifoam.bio/our-work/how/standardscertification/organic-guarantee-system/ifoam-family-standards)‘Organic content’ — that part of an ingredient (or product) coming from an organic
production system where the ingredient is certified in accordance with Regulation No. (EC)2018/848 or an equivalent national or international standard or this Standard by a duly
constituted Certification Body or authority.
‘Petrochemical moiety’ — a part of a molecule that is derived from petroleum.
‘Physically processed’ — processed or extracted using physical processes such as thoselisted in Appendix I (which are allowed).
‘Primary raw material’ — any product of plant, animal, or microbial origin, as well as
minerals, which is used as raw material in the manufacture of cosmetic ingredients.
‘Primary packaging’ — it is the packaging in direct contact with the formulation itself. The
main purpose of primary packaging is to protect and/or preserve, contain, and inform theconsumer.

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD‘Raw materials’ —a)substances and mixtures which are provided to cosmetic manufacturers to be used as
ingredients during the process of manufacturing.
b)
substances and mixtures which are provided to end users to be used together with othersubstances and mixtures for a cosmetic purpose (to be placed in contact with the external
parts of the human body [epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs] orwith the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly
to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping themin good condition or correcting body odours), independently if these substances and mixtures
as such meet also the definition of ‘cosmetic products’.
‘Rinse-off product’ — (taken from Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 - a cosmetic product whichis intended to be removed after application on the skin, the hair or the mucous membranes.
Depilatory waxes and peel-off masks are not considered rinse-off products; the wax/mask isremoved physically and not intended to be rinsed off with water.
‘Soap’ — product (liquid or solid) obtained through a saponification reaction.
‘Secondary packaging’ — it is the packaging not in contact with the product itself and which
can be used for the branding and display of the product.
‘Substance’ — (taken from Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009) - a chemical element and its
compounds in the natural state or obtained by any manufacturing process, including any
additive necessary to preserve its stability and any impurity deriving from the process used
but excluding any solvent which may be separated without affecting the stability of thesubstance or changing its composition.
‘Sunscreen product’ — cosmetic product intended to be placed in contact with human skinfor the sole or main purpose of protecting from the UV radiation by absorbing, dispersing or
reflecting radiation.
‘Total product’ — the total finished cosmetic product including all ingredients (water, mineralingredients, physically processed agro-ingredients, chemically processed agro-ingredients andother ingredients).
‘Wild plant’ — plant that grows spontaneously in natural areas, forests and agricultural areas.

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5.

GENERAL

5.1

Precautionary principle

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

When there is scientific evidence that an ingredient, technology or process could pose a healthor environmental risk, then the precautionary principle will be applied, and it will not beallowed.
The following are not allowed:
5.1.1 Nanomaterials
In the absence of functioning alternatives from an environmental point of view, and considering
their relevance in cosmetics, nanomaterials, as defined by the European cosmetic regulation,
are accepted for:••titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as UV filters restricted to sunscreen products
silicaAny other nanomaterials, as defined by the European cosmetic regulation, that have a particle
size distribution (number of particles) of 50% or more, on the scale from 1 to 100 nm, areprohibited. The particle size distribution in number of particles is required, based on aquantitative analysis method.
5.1.2 Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Primary raw materials or ingredients that are GMOs or derivatives of GMOs are forbidden.
Contamination of primary raw materials or ingredients with genetically modified material mustnot be above 0.9% for that primary raw material or ingredient and can only be above thereliable detection limit of 0.1% if adventitious or technically unavoidable.
5.1.3 Ionising irradiation
Ionising irradiation is forbidden.

5.2

Animal testing

Cosmetic products must not be tested on animals by the manufacturer or any third party
induced to do so by it. Cosmetic ingredients must not be tested on animals by the manufacturer
or any third party induced to do so by it, except where required by law, other than cosmeticlaw.

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5.3

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

Sustainability

Preservation of biodiversity and sustainability are important factors to take into account whenselecting materials to be used in certified products/ingredients.
5.3.1 Palm oil
Palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives used in cosmetic products and ingredients must
be from certified organic origin or sustainable sources.
See section 7.4 for specifications and ingredients this applies to.
COSMOS is committed to ensuring that the sourcing of palm oil ingredients across all COSMOS
supply chains has no negative impact on natural ecosystems, including primary rainforest.

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6.

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

ORIGIN AND PROCESSING OF INGREDIENTSIn this Standard, the ingredients of a cosmetic product are classified in five categories, eachbeing subject to requirements:
•

water

•

minerals and ingredients of mineral origin•

physically processed agro-ingredients (PPAI)•

chemically processed agro-ingredients (CPAI)•

other ingredients

The same classification will apply to the origin and composition of a single cosmetic ingredientor a mixture of cosmetic ingredients. Manufacturers of ingredients must provide thecorresponding percentages in the technical documentation.
Only physically processed agro-ingredients and chemically processed agro-ingredients can becertified organic. To be considered as organic or with organic content, they must be certified.
Detailed requirements and calculation rules for organic percentage of ingredients are given
below.

6.1

Ingredients categories

6.1.1 Water
The water used must comply with hygienic standards (CFU less than 100/ml) and may be:•

potable water•

spring water•

water obtained by osmosis•

distilled water•sea water

Water can be treated with the physical processes allowed in Appendix I.
6.1.2 Minerals and ingredients of mineral origin
Minerals can be used as long as they are obtained without intentional chemical modificationand preferably from environmentally sound extraction processes. It is recommended for allcompanies with COSMOS certified products and/or approved raw materials to ensure ethicaland socially responsible sourcing and to use independent certification where possible (eg.
Global MICA standard).
Minerals can be treated using the physical processes listed in Appendix I.
Ingredients of mineral origin can be used only if they are listed in Appendix IV based on theirenvironmental impact and they must comply with relevant legislation.

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Ingredients of mineral origin must comply with the following green chemistry principles:•

atom economy:- reaction mass efficiency (of last reaction step): ≥ 50%- reaction mass efficiency = (weight of desired product(s)/weight of all reactants) x 100•

review/ reduce energy consumption during manufacturing•

minimise waste during manufacturing•

ensure human health and safety throughout the supply chain

Manufacturers will need to provide evidence of compliance.

6.1.3 Physically processed agro-ingredients (PPAI)
Included is any physically processed product of plant, animal, or microbial origin that complies
with the conditions below:•

only primary raw materials of plant, animal or microbial origin that have been extractedusing the physical processes listed in Appendix I are allowed•

only primary raw materials that respect the requirements of the Convention of International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are allowed

It is forbidden to use:•plants, plant materials and microorganisms that have been genetically modified•

primary raw materials extracted from living or slaughtered animals•

primary raw materials harvested/collected by threatened species listed in the IUCN red list
(https://www.iucnredlist.org/search). Threatened species with global extinction as defined by
IUCN (https://www.iucn.org/resources/conservation-tool/iucn-red-list-threatened-species) include
Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species

It is allowed to use ingredients of animal origin as long as they:•

are produced by animals but are not a part of the animal•

do not entail the death of the animal concerned, and•have been obtained using only the processes listed in Appendix I

6.1.4 Chemically processed agro-ingredients (CPAI)
Included is any chemically processed product of plant, animal, or microbial origin that complies
with the conditions below.
Only primary raw materials that respect the requirements of the Convention of International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are allowed to be used.

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It is forbidden to use:•plants, plant materials and microorganisms that have been genetically modified•

primary raw materials extracted from living or slaughtered animals

It is allowed to use ingredients of animal origin as long as they:•

are produced by animals but are not a part of the animal•

do not entail the death of the animal concerned, and•have been obtained using only the processes listed in Appendix I and II

Chemically processed agro-ingredients can contain mineral moieties.
Note — alcohol and other by-products of fermentation are chemically processed agroingredients.

The following requirements apply to manufacturers of chemically processed agro-ingredients
who should follow the principles of green chemistry for all the sequence of reactions that areneeded to make each ingredient (Environmental Protection Agency Green Chemistry
Programme, USA, 1998; www.epa.gov/greenchemistry).
The manufacturer of chemically processed agro-ingredients:•

must only use the chemical processes listed in Appendix II (an indicative list of those notallowed is in Appendix III) and must use renewable resources•

can use ingredients derived from culture or fermentation and other non-GMO
biotechnology, the cultures must use only feedstock from natural vegetable or microbial
raw materials without using genetically modified organisms or their derivatives•

must comply with the following quantitative requirements for their chemically processedagro-ingredients (see table page 14)

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

Principle

Requirement

Atom economy

Reaction mass efficiency (of last reaction step): ≥ 50%
Reaction mass efficiency = (weight of desired product(s) /weight of all reactants) x 100

Non-persistent,
nonbioaccumulativeand non-toxic
products

Allowed are substances/preparations that meet the following
requirements:
Aquatic Toxicity (LC50, EC50, IC50) > 1 mg/l andBiodegradability > 95%
Aquatic Toxicity (LC50, EC50, IC50) > 10 mg/l andBiodegradability > 70% (or 60% depending on test
below)
With regards to Aquatic Toxicity: performing fish and daphnia
tests to determine unknown LC50/ EC50 values for COSMOS
certification is not allowed (also refer to §5.2). Instead, the useof calculation from available data based on indirect alternatives
methods and in vitro tests must be used.
Accepted methods for biodegradability:-

OECD 301A (ISO 7827) or OECD 301E, percentage ofdegradation > 70%-

OECD 301B (ISO 9439), OECD 301C, OECD 301D (ISO10707), OECD 301F (ISO 9408) or OECD 310 (ISO14593) meet a percentage degradation > 60%

Note — Appendix VIII provides information on exemptions, namely for certain categories ofingredients for which it is not necessary to meet the atom economy or non-persistence
requirements.

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With the current state of development of green chemistry, it is not yet possible to specify limits
or requirements for all principles. Chemically processed agro-ingredients must comply with thefollowing green chemistry principles:•

review/ reduce energy consumption during manufacturing•

minimise waste during manufacturing•

ensure human health and safety throughout the supply chain

Manufacturers will need to provide evidence of compliance.
As the principles and practice of green chemistry evolve, these will be further elaborated andincorporated into this Standard.
6.1.5 Other ingredients
Certain other ingredients are allowed as long as there are no effective natural alternatives
available to ensure the safety of consumers or efficacy of the product. Only those listed inAppendix V are allowed.

6.2

Calculation rules for organic percentage

The calculation rules below must be used to determine the proportion of organic content foreach cosmetic ingredient.
Physically processed agro-ingredients or chemically processed agro-ingredients not fallingwithin the scope of the recognised organic production systems as defined in section 4‘definitions’, must be certified according to this Standard for a manufacturer to claim they haveorganic content that complies with this Standard. For these ingredients to be certified there isno minimum percentage of organic content.
For all ingredients, the actual organic percentage, calculated according to this Standard, must
be provided in the technical documentation.
6.2.1 Water
Water cannot be calculated as organic. This includes water that is:•added directly, or•added indirectly as mixtures or components of other ingredients, for example minerals,
physically or chemically processed agro-ingredients

The liquid (juice) content of fresh plants is not considered as water. Please refer to 6.2.3 forextracts and reconstitution of dried or concentrated ingredients.
6.2.2 Minerals and ingredients of mineral origin
Minerals and ingredients of mineral origin cannot be calculated as organic.

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6.2.3 Physically processed agro-ingredients (PPAI)a)for physically processed agro-ingredients, using only organic primary raw materials or
only organic primary raw materials and organic solvents, the organic percentage is 100%.
b)

for water-based extracts, the organic percentage is calculated as follows:

first step
Ratio = [organic fresh plant / (extract - solvents)]
If the ratio is greater than 1, then it is counted as 1
second step% organic = {[ratio x (extract - solvents) / extract] + [organic solvents / extract]} x 100
Conditions:•solvent should be understood as the quantity of solvent present in the final extract•

water is not considered as a solvent•

mixtures of organic and non-organic of the same plant cannot be considered as organic

For water-based extracts using only water, the organic percentage is calculated as follows: %organic = (organic fresh plant / extract) x 100
c)

for non-water-based extracts, the organic percentage is calculated as follows:% organic = (organic plant* + organic starting solvents) / (plant* + all starting solvents) x
100.
*fresh or dried
Conditions:•solvent should be understood as the quantity of solvent present in the final extract•

water is not considered as a solvent•

mixtures of organic and non-organic of the same plant cannot be considered as organic

General conditions (for a, b and c):•

if alcohol is used as an extraction solvent, it must be organic. If an organic ingredient is
extracted using non-organic alcohol, the ingredient does not count towards the organic
percentage•

if a physically processed agro-ingredient is diluted with water, non-organic solvent or carrieror mixed with other additives after processing, the organic percentage will be reduced
proportionately

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To calculate the equivalent fresh weight of dried plants in the calculation of organic content of
extracts, it is possible:•

to either use the actual dry to fresh ratio for the material (information to be provided)•or use the following ratios:
wood, bark, seeds, nuts and roots
leaves, flowers and aerial parts
fruits (eg. apple, grape, sweet cherry)watery fruits (eg. apricot, orange, pineapple,
grapefruit, strawberries, acerola, cherry sour)

1 : 2.5
1 : 4.5
1:5
1:8

For fruits other than those listed, it is advised to check on this database(https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and use the 86% threshold to define if the plant
is considered a fruit or a watery fruit.
It is possible to reconstitute pure concentrates and dried powders to their natural stateprovided:•

the reconstitution is done before adding to a formulation, and•the concentrate or powder must not contain any other ingredients, additives or carriers(for example, those mixed with carriers such as maltodextrin cannot be reconstituted)

Note — freeze drying preserves quality the most.
To calculate the percentage of physically processed agro-ingredient in extracts if the fresh plantis non-organic, a calculation analogous to b) or c) above must be used by substituting organic
plant with plant.
6.2.4 Chemically processed agro-ingredients (CPAI)In chemically processed agro-ingredients, the organic percentage of that ingredient iscalculated as the proportion (by weight) of the organic primary raw materials in that ingredient,taking into account all the starting primary raw materials used to make that ingredient:
CPAI % organic = [(all organic starting primary raw materials – organic starting primary raw
materials in excess) / (all starting primary raw materials – all starting primary raw materials
in excess)] x 100.
Conditions:•non-reacting solvents are not considered as starting primary raw materials•

excess means the amount of starting primary raw materials that is recycled or removed
later on•if a chemically processed agro-ingredient is diluted with water, non-organic solvent or
carrier, the organic percentage will be reduced proportionately•

any chemically processed agro-ingredient obtained by cleavage of 100% organic primary
raw materials only would be counted as 100% organic

Chemically processed agro-ingredients can be certified in their own right according to thisStandard, however:•there is no minimum percentage of organic content, and•the percentage of organic content, as measured above, must be clearly displayed

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7.

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARDCOMPOSITION RULES

This Standard covers two levels for finished products and two levels for raw materials:•

cosmetic products under organic certification•

cosmetic products under natural certification•

COSMOS certified raw materials (organic content)•

COSMOS approved raw materials (non-organic content)

The physically processed agro-ingredients (PPAI) percentage of a cosmetic product is
calculated as follows:% PPAI product = ∑ weight of PPAI of each ingredient / weight of all ingredients x 100% ORG PPAI product = ∑ weight of ORG PPAI of each ingredient / weight of all ingredients x
100% ORG product = [∑weight of ORG PPAI of each ingredient +∑ weight of ORG CPAI of each
ingredients] / weight of all ingredients x 100

7.1

Cosmetic products under organic certification

7.1.1 Ingredients•at least 95% of the physically processed agro-ingredients must be organic•

the remaining physically processed agro-ingredients must be organic if they are listed inAppendix VI•

the chemically processed agro-ingredients listed in Appendix VII must be organic

Due to the composition of soap and alcohol-based products, such as alcohol spritzer perfume,eau de toilette, cologne water where it is not possible to meet the >95% organic PPAI
requirement, this criterion is adapted:•

for alcohol-based product (alcohol >=50% in formula), at least 95% of [PPAI + alcohol]
must be organic: [Organic PPAI + organic alcohol] / [all PPAI + alcohol] > 95%•

for soaps:-

when making soaps from raw materials into finished product (use of plant oils), nochange of the criterion: organic PPAI / all PPAI > 95%-

when soap noodles are used, and other ingredients are added use this calculation:
at least 95% of [PPAI + CPAI soaps] must be organic: [organic PPAI + organic CPAIsoap] / (all PPAI + CPAI soap) > 95%
using the following equations:organic CPAI soap =[(organic saponification agro-ingredients - organic saponification agro-ingredientsin excess) / (all saponification agro-ingredients - all saponification agro-ingredientsin excess)] x 100

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CPAI soap =[(all saponification agro-ingredients - all saponification agro-ingredients in excess)/ (all saponification agro-ingredients - all saponification agro-ingredients in excess)]x 100
Any ingredients that are additives and not used for saponification such as citric acid,are not considered in these equations.
•the remaining physically processed agro-ingredients must be organic if they are listed inAppendix VI

7.1.2 Total product•at least 20% of the total product must be organic•by exemption, for rinse-off products, non-emulsified aqueous products, and products withat least 80% minerals or ingredients of mineral origin, at least 10% of the total productmust be organic•for bulkware, the same calculation rules as for finished products apply

7.2

Cosmetic products under natural certification

There is no requirement to use a minimum level of organic ingredients (however, see 10.3 forrequirements for how organic ingredients can be identified on the product labels).
Base formulas with no organic content (eg. shampoo bases, soap bases) cannot go throughthe normal approval process. Instead, they must be certified under COSMOS CERTIFIED
without organic % (therefore including an on-site inspection).
For bulkware, the same calculation rules as for finished products apply.

7.3

Calculation rules for natural origin percentage

The natural origin percentage of a cosmetic product is calculated as follows:% natural origin of total = [weight of total product - weight of non-natural origin ingredients(Appendix V.1) - weight of petrochemical moieties (Appendix V.3)] / weight of all ingredientsx 100.

7.4

Palm oil, palm kernel oil and derivatives

Palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives used in cosmetic products and cosmetic
ingredients must be certified organic or sustainable to the following standards: RSPO, SAN,RSB or UEBT. The minimum level required to RSPO certification is the Mass Balance (MB)supply chain model. This means that Certified Segregated (S) and Identity Preserved (IP) are
acceptable but Book & Claim (B&C) is not.
This criterion will be applicable for single substances, substances mixed in a blend with othersubstances derived from palm/palm kernel oil or mixed with other substances such as waterand plant extracts.
For blends to show compliance with the criterion, a CSPO (Certified Sustainable Palm Oil)certificate of blend will be accepted. If this cannot be provided, the following will be required:

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a statement from the company producing the blend, stating that they only use sustainable
ingredients, and•the sustainable certificate of the company producing the certified ingredient

7.5

Raw materials with organic content under certification

For the raw materials with organic content which apply for a COSMOS certification, there is no
minimum percentage of organic content required as soon as there is at least one organic
ingredient in that raw material.

7.6

Raw materials without organic content under approval

For the raw materials without organic content which apply for a COSMOS approval, nominimum of organic content is required.

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8.

STORAGE, MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGING

8.1

Storage

Storage areas must be clearly labelled to avoid any confusion or risk to the integrity of the
products.

8.2

Manufacturing

Different manufacturing processes must be separated to prevent contamination of organic or
natural ingredients.
There must be a Quality Control System which includes:•

complete traceability of ingredients and final products•

manufacturing procedures throughout all stages•

ingredient and product testing, and•analysis, manufacturing and storage records

8.3

PackagingPrimary and secondary packaging for finished cosmetic products, certified raw materials andbase formulas must meet the criteria below.
Bulkware, accessories sold with products, such as brushes, applicators or technical parts, do
not need to meet the criteria for packaging.
8.3.1 Each sales unit (Stock Keeping Unit) will have to comply with a minimum of three
indicators (written as bullet points below), from a minimum of two different principles, for all
certified cosmetic products, certified raw material and base formula.
Other indicators can be submitted and evaluated for approval before use.
PRINCIPLE 1: REDUCE•
appropriate volume or weight ratio between packaging (primary and secondary) andproduct•no secondary packaging•
sale in bulk product•no single use products such as samples
PRINCIPLE 2: REUSE•••

refillable/reusable packaging
returnable glass and other materials
second life packaging organised by the operator (ie. primary packaging, secondary
packaging, shipping materials...)

PRINCIPLE 3: RENEWABLE••••

renewable materials
biodegradable and compostable packaging material
environmental certification, such as FSC/PEFC, for paper/card
use natural based inks and adhesives on labels

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PRINCIPLE 4: RECYCLE
•
•
•
•
•

use minimum 20% recycled content in the primary packaging
use monomaterials for primary packaging
use packaging materials (if not monomaterials) that can be separated as per companies’
local recycling instructionsorganise empty packaging recollection/deposit by company itself or external third party
use recyclable label materials

8.3.2 Packaging should be improved against Standard 8.3.1 at least every three years and it
must be demonstrated that opportunities for improvements were reviewed, for example bykeeping minutes of review meetings.
In addition, as basis for possible improvements, records of packaging material quantities usedagainst quantities of sales unit (in number or in weight) must be kept.
8.3.3 Appendix IX lists accepted packaging materials. They will be permitted in virgin and/or
recycled versions.

8.3.4 It is forbidden to use these materials in packaging:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (AS)acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA)
bakelite
ethylene based octene plastomer (OP)expended polystyrene (EPS)
materials or substances that contain, have been derived from, or manufactured using,
genetically modified organisms
part of animals or substances produced by animals (eg. leather, silk)
phenol formaldehyde (PF)poly(styrene/ butadiene/ methyl methacrylate) (MBS)polycarbonate (PC)polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
polystyrene and other plastics containing styrene
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other chlorinated plastics
urea formaldehyde (UF)8.3.5 It is recognised that there may need to be exceptions for specific technical purposes(eg. pumps, applicators, droppers, brushes) where no other materials can deliver the required
properties. Applications for exceptions supported by technical dossiers will be considered.

8.3.6 Only the following propulsive gasses can be used:
•
•
•
•
•

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8.4

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

Fabrics

Some cosmetic products include fabric components (wipes, strips, masks, pads, felted soap,etc.) which can be used if they meet the following requirements:•

for COSMOS ORGANIC products, the cosmetic formula must meet this Standard and thefabric material must be 100% certified organic, ie.:-the fabric must be composed of 100% organic natural fibers-

the fabric must be certified according to GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or
OCS 100 (Organic Cotton Standard)

If pigments are added, they need to be compliant with the COSMOS-standard or GOTS.
•

for COSMOS NATURAL products, fabric components must meet the requirements forphysically and chemically processed agro-ingredients in this Standard but do not need to
be organic. Lyocell and viscose are allowed•

the weight of the fabrics is not included in the organic and natural origin calculations of thetotal product•processes not allowed in the Standard (refer to Appendix III) also apply to fabrics

Fabric and non-woven fabric materials used in cold depilatory wax products can be used for
COSMOS NATURAL if they meet the following requirements:•

fabric materials allowed are natural and natural origin fibers•

fabric materials do not contain any synthetic fibers•

fabric material binder might contain some petrochemical origin additives for technicalreasons, at level of 3% maximum in the binder and 1% maximum in the fabric

Wool used for felted soap is considered as fabric materials, not as packaging materials, andshould therefore comply with the requirements related to fabrics.
It is recognised that there may need to be exceptions if other materials are required andapplications for exceptions supported by technical dossiers will be considered.

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9.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

9.1

Environmental management plan

9.1.1 An environmental management plan must be put in place which addresses the whole
manufacturing process and all the residual products and waste resulting from this. It must be
implemented effectively.
As part of the environmental management plan, a waste management plan must be put inplace which addresses manufacturing waste, including gaseous, liquid and solid waste. The
waste management plan must aim to reduce, reuse, recycle waste products on an efficient andrational basis.
Note — compliance with ISO 14000 or national legislation that already covers this will be
accepted.
9.1.2 It is required to:•sort cardboard, glass, paper and all other waste materials•

recycle or process this waste, and•send all other waste to a specialised recycling firm which deals with specific packaging that
it is not possible to recycle

9.2

Cleaning and hygiene

9.2.1 It is required to use cleaning and disinfection materials in which the ingredients comply
with this Standard (eg. vegetable derived alcohol, decyl glucoside). This applies to allprocessing stages (eg. tanks, tools).
9.2.2 In addition, the following disinfection materials can be used:•

1-propanol•

acetic acid (any origin)•amphoteric surfactants•

formic acid•glutaric aldehyde•hydrogen peroxide•

iso-propyl alcohol•mineral acids and alkalis

•

ozone

•

peracetic acid (and stabilising agents)

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9.2.3 In addition, the following cleaning materials may contain:•

plant based surfactants which meet the following criteria:-

biodegradability: complying with Annex III (ultimate biodegradability) of Regulation
No. (EC) 648/2004-

aquatic toxicity: EC50 or IC50 or LC50 > 1 mg/l•

plant-based cleaning products certified according to standards recognised as equivalent(these are listed in the Technical Guide)•palm ingredients and/or derivatives not certified CSPO (although it is encouraged to use
CSPO)Special exceptions due to specific industry requirements (eg. pharmaceutical / food) may beconsidered by the authorised Certification Body.

9.2.4 It must be ensured by the client that there are no residues from cleaning products.
9.2.5 An inspection system must be implemented by the client to ensure compliant
cleaning/disinfection products are used before and after manufacture. This must include theprocedures, data records and details of staff training.

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10. LABELLING AND COMMUNICATION
10.1 General rules
Labelling and communication must be clear and must not mislead consumers.
Note — the requirements listed below are intended to provide clear consumer information andare in line with the legal framework of most countries, but additional legal provisions could
exist in some other countries.
The requirements below are further elaborated in the Labelling Guide.
The labelling requirements for finished products do not apply to bulkware.

10.2 For products under organic certification
Products under organic certification:•must be labelled with the signature ‘COSMOS ORGANIC’ in conjunction with the seal of the
COSMOS-standard AISBL member organisation as detailed in the Labelling Guide•

must indicate the Certification Body on the label•

must indicate the percentage of organic origin ingredients by weight of the total product on
the label, as ‘x% organic of total’ or ‘x% organic’ or ‘x% certified organic’•

can also indicate the percentage of organic origin ingredients by weight of the total productwithout water and minerals (as defined in 6.2.1 and 6.2.2) or without water and salt, as‘y% organic of total, minus water and minerals’, ‘y% certified organic minus water andminerals’, or ‘y% organic of total, minus water and salt’, ‘y% certified organic minus waterand salt’
Note — you can give prominence to any of the above percentage indications.
If there are two qualities, organic raw material as single ingredient and non-organic raw
material in extracts mixture in the formula, with a minimum proportion of 95% of organic
quality, then this wording can be used on labels:-‘made using organic and non-organic ingredients/sources’ for CPAI, and-‘from organic and non-organic agriculture’ for PPAIor similar expressions•

must indicate the percentage of natural origin ingredients by weight of the total product,as ‘x% natural origin of total’ or ‘x% natural origin’ or ‘x% certified natural origin’•must indicate organic ingredients and those made from organic raw materials in the INCI
list by one of the following wording options:-‘from organic agriculture’ for physically processed agro-ingredients and ‘made usingorganic ingredients’ for chemically processed agro-ingredients or similar expressions
using the same text as used for the INCI list, or-‘organic’fororganic
physicallyprocessed
agro-ingredients‘organic origin’ for organic chemically processed agro-ingredients

andThe percentages of natural origin ingredients and organic origin ingredients must be
indicated on the label with a precision of maximum two decimals. It is possible to rounddown to the last unit. However, it is forbidden to round up to the next unit.
•

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For products that are 100% organic or 100% natural origin, the indication of the percentage
natural origin is not obligatory.
In case of conflict with national laws, products can indicate the percentage of organic origin
ingredients by weight of the total product, as ‘x% certified ingredients of total’.

10.3 For products under natural certification
Products under natural certification:•must be labelled with the signature ‘COSMOS NATURAL’ in conjunction with the seal of the
COSMOS-standard AISBL member organisation as detailed in the Labelling Guide•

must indicate the Certification Body on the label•

must indicate the percentage of natural origin ingredients by weight of the total product on
the label, as ‘x% natural origin of total’ or ‘x% natural origin’ or ‘x% certified natural origin’.
If there are regulatory concerns, the percentage of natural origin product without waterand minerals or without water and salt can be applied instead•

can indicate organic ingredients and those made from organic raw materials in the INCI list
by one of the following wording options:-‘from organic agriculture’ for physically processed agro-ingredients and ‘made usingorganic ingredients’ for chemically processed agro-ingredients or similar expressions
using the same text as used for the INCI list, or-‘organic’ for organic physically processed agro-ingredients and ‘organic origin’ fororganic chemically processed agro-ingredients

If there are two qualities, organic raw material as single ingredient and non-organic raw
material in extracts mixture in the formula, with a minimum proportion of 95% of organic
quality, then this wording can be used on labels:-‘made using organic and non-organic ingredients/sources’ for CPAI, and-‘from organic and non-organic agriculture’ for PPAIor similar expressions•

can indicate the percentage of organic origin ingredients by weight of the total product, as‘x% organic of total’ or ‘x% organic’ or ‘x% certified organic’•

can indicate the percentage of organic origin ingredients by weight of the total productwithout water and minerals (as defined in 6.2.1 and 6.2.2), as ‘y% organic of total, minus
water and minerals’ or ‘y% certified organic minus water and minerals’

The percentages of natural origin ingredients and organic origin ingredients must be indicatedon the label with a precision of maximum two decimals. It is possible to round down to the lastunit. However, it is forbidden to round up to the next unit.
Organic claims on the front of the packaging are limited to the organic content of the total
product and the organic ingredient(s) concerned, and must:•

appear in text that is no more prominent than the smallest text on the front of the
packaging•appear in conjunction with the COSMOS NATURAL signature (which must therefore also beon the front and in accordance with the first bullet of the paragraph above), and•the organic ingredients concerned are also identified in the INCI list (in accordance withthe third bullet of the paragraph above)

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For products that are 100% natural origin, the indication of the percentage natural origin is
not obligatory.

10.4 For raw materials with organic content
Raw materials under organic certification:•must be labelled with the signature ‘COSMOS CERTIFIED’ in conjunction with the seal of
the COSMOS-standard AISBL member organisation as detailed in the Labelling Guide.
In case of raw materials as defined by the definition of ‘raw materials’ part b) in thedefinition section of this document, the signature ‘COSMOS CERTIFIED’ must be used•must indicate the Certification Body on the label•

must indicate clearly on the label and/or appropriate documents, the percentage of organic
content of the raw material by weight of the total raw material, as ‘x% organic content’

10.5 For raw materials with no organic content
Raw materials with no organic content that are approved:•

may be labelled with the signature ‘COSMOS APPROVED’ in conjunction with the seal of the
COSMOS-standard AISBL member organisation as detailed in the Labelling Guide•

may indicate the Certification Body on the label•

must make no reference on the label or on relevant documents to the term certified or toorganic

10.6 Supporting literature
If any reference to organic or natural products or ingredients or raw materials are made inadvertising or supporting literature, they must comply with the appropriate rules in 10.2, 10.3,
10.4 and 10.5.

10.7 Organic in the name of a company or product range
If the company name or product range includes the word organic, the use of that name or
branding in conjunction with certified products must not be such that it might mislead theconsumer.

10.8 Use of the signature, name or term related to this Standard
The COSMOS term and COSMOS signatures are registered trademarks (®) of the COSMOSstandard AISBL and must only be used in accordance with the COSMOS-standard.
The COSMOS signatures, names or terms can be used in literature, advertising, publicity or
websites, etc:•

if the signature is used, only in the way described in 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5•

only in conjunction with the products or raw materials that are certified, and•only in a way that does not mislead the consumer, for example where it might mistakenly
be associated with non-certified products

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Note — the danger of such a mistake arises in particular, if the name is used in documentsthat are connected with the marketing of any non-certified products, without a clear statement
explaining the situation.
The use of pseudo-organic logos and seals, that might mislead or confuse consumers, mustnot be used in conjunction with COSMOS certified products or approved ingredients.

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11. CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL
11.1 Certification
To be certified for cosmetic raw materials or cosmetic products under natural or organic
certification according to this Standard, it is required to fulfil the requirements described in the
documents of the Scheme.
The certification delivered by an authorised Certification Body is based on a documentary
validation and an on-site inspection. It concerns the entire process from checking ingredients
to final products validation.

11.2 Approval of raw materials
The approval of non-organic cosmetic raw materials as defined by the definition of ‘rawmaterials’ part a) in the definition section of this document consists of a documentary validation
without on-site inspection, whereas the approval of non-organic raw materials as defined by
the definition of ‘raw materials’ part b) follows the provisions described by 11.1. The approvaldelivered by a Certification Body is not a certification: it only states that a non-organic
ingredient is acceptable for use under this Standard.
It is required to:•

supply all information and documents needed for the approval as requested by the
Certification Body, and•declare to the Certification Body any changes to the processing of that ingredient that could
affect its approval

It is forbidden to label or otherwise indicate that approved cosmetic ingredients are certified
according to this Standard. However, there is provision for labelling in 10.5 and as further
elaborated in the Labelling Guide.

11.3 Certification Bodies
Bodies certifying to this Standard must be (associate) members of the COSMOS-standard
AISBL and must comply with the requirements defined within the Control Manual —Accreditation and Certification Requirements: the prerequisite is the accreditation according to
the COSMOS-standard scheme which includes compliance to ISO 17065.
Certification Bodies must use the COSMOS-standard, and the COSMOS signatures, names andterms only in accordance with the requirements set out in this Standard, the Control Manual Accreditation and Certification Requirements, and the Labelling Guide, or otherwise only withthe prior written consent of the COSMOS-standard AISBL.

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12. IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS STANDARD
12.1 Coming into force
The Standard, Version 4.1 will come into force on the 1st March 2024.

12.2 Application date
The Standard, Version 4.1 shall apply from the 1st March 2024.

12.3 Transitional measures
12.3.1 General rules

All raw materials submitted for certification or approval after 1st March 2024 must comply
with this Standard.
Note : all raw materials submitted from 1st June 2023 and confirmed as compliant to version
4.0 of the COSMOS-standard will automatically be compliant with this version of the Standard.
All raw materials must comply with this version of the Standard by 1 st December 2024.

Cosmetic products that are submitted for certification after 1 st June 2024 must comply withthis Standard. Cosmetic products that have been certified under version 3.1 can still be
manufactured until 1st December 2025. However, any cosmetic product manufactured after 1 st
December 2025 must comply with this Standard.
12.3.2 Specific cases•§6.1.3 — physically processed agro-ingredients/ primary raw materials harvested/
collected by threatened species listed in the IUCN red list: criteria must be met before the
1st December 2025, regardless of the submission date•

§8 — packaging criteria: must be met before 1st December 2025, if the submission dateis prior to the 1st June 2024•

Appendix II — sulphated surfactants are allowed until the 1st January 2029

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APPENDICESAPPENDIX I: PHYSICAL PROCESSES ALLOWED ...................................................... 33

APPENDIX II: CHEMICAL PROCESSES ALLOWED FOR PROCESSING
AGRO-INGREDIENTS ........................................................................................... 35

APPENDIX III: EXAMPLES OF PROCESSES NOT ALLOWED ........................................ 37

APPENDIX IV: INGREDIENTS OF MINERAL ORIGIN ALLOWED ................................... 38

APPENDIX V: OTHER INGREDIENTS ALLOWED ........................................................ 42

APPENDIX VI: PHYSICALLY PROCESSED AGRO-INGREDIENTS THAT MUST
BE ORGANIC....................................................................................................... 45
APPENDIX VII: CHEMICALLY PROCESSED AGRO-INGREDIENTS THAT MUSTBE MADE FROM ORGANIC ORIGIN AGRO-INGREDIENTS .......................................... 50
APPENDIX VIII: EXEMPTIONS REGARDING ATOM ECONOMY, TOXICITY AND
BIODEGRADABILITY DATA.................................................................................... 51
APPENDIX IX: PACKAGING MATERIALS .................................................................. 52

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APPENDIX I: PHYSICAL PROCESSES ALLOWEDThe following criteria have been used to select these processes:••

processes which respect natural active substances that are present in ingredientsprocesses which encourage good waste management and energy use and take into accountecological balance

All EXTRACTIONS must be with natural materials with any forms of water or with a third solventof plant origin, such as:
•
•
•
•
•

ethyl alcohol
glycerine
honey
supercritical CO2 absorption
vegetable oils

ABSORPTION ON AN INERT SUPPORT CONFORMING TO THIS STANDARD
BLEACHING - DEODORISATION (on an inert support conforming to this Standard)
BLENDING
CENTRIFUGINGDECOCTIONDECOLORATION (allowed decolorizing agents: bentonite, activated charcoal, bleaching earth,hydrogen peroxide, ozone)
DESICCATION - DRYING (progressive or not, by evaporation / natural under sun)
DETERPENATION (if fractionated distillation with steam)
DISTILLATION, EXPRESSION or EXTRACTION (steam)
EXTRACTIONFILTRATION and PURIFICATION (ultra-filtration, dialysis, crystallisation, ion exchange)
FREEZING
GRINDING
INFUSION
LYOPHILISATIONMACERATIONMICROWAVEPERCOLATIONPRESSURE
ROASTING
SETTLING AND DECANTINGSIFTINGSQUEEZING, CRUSHINGSTERILISATION BY MEANS OF UVSTERILISATION WITH THERMAL TREATMENTS (according to a temperature respectful of theactive substances)
ULTRASOUNDUV TREATMENTS
VACUUM

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At any step of the manufacturing process:•••aqueous solutions of mineral acids (hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, etc.)
are allowed as manufacturing auxiliaries for neutralisation, purification and extraction. They
are not allowed as reactants (raw material or ingredient)
manufacturing auxiliaries are therefore not listed in the INCI list of the ingredient or
cosmetic finished productpreservation or treatment of primary plant materials are not checked for non-organic raw
materials as long as they don’t remain in the final ingredient

For the physical processing of organic agro-ingredients, auxiliaries need to meet the ingredientrequirements of this Standard.

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APPENDIX II: CHEMICAL PROCESSES ALLOWEDFOR PROCESSING AGRO-INGREDIENTSThe following criteria have been used to select these processes:•••

processes which allow the formation of biodegradable molecules
processes which respect natural active substances that are present in ingredientsprocesses which encourage good waste management and energy use and take into accountecological balance

ALKYLATIONAMIDATION
BIOTECHNOLOGY PROCESSESCALCINATION of plants residues
CARBONISATION (resins, fatty organic oils)
CONDENSATION / ADDITIONESTERIFICATION / TRANS-ESTERIFICATION / INTER-ESTERIFICATIONETHERIFICATIONHYDRATIONHYDROGENATIONHYDROLYSISIONIC EXCHANGE
NEUTRALISATIONOXIDISATION / REDUCTIONPHOSPHORYLATION (permitted only for ingredients for leave-on products)
SAPONIFICATIONSULPHATION/SULPHONATION (at carbon or oxygen atom, without use of chlorinated sulfation
reagents) – permitted only for surfactants for rinse-off products

Use of petrochemical solvents
COSMOS-standard promotes the use of natural origin solvents in the processing of chemicallyprocessed agro-ingredients. Taking account of the current state of development, petrochemicalsolvents can be used. Such solvents can only be used provided there are no effective natural
alternatives and they are recycled and eliminated at the end of the process.
However:•••

there must be no use of aromatic, alkoxylated, halogenated, nitrogen or sulphur based(except DMSO) solvents with any chemical processing of agro-ingredientsuse of formaldehyde is not allowed, even if the process solvent is completely removed
preservation or treatment of primary plant materials are not checked for non-organic raw
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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

For the chemical processing of organic agro-ingredients:•••

there must be no use of petrochemical solvents and/or petrochemical auxiliaries (including
catalyst, anti-foaming, etc, even if removed)
auxiliaries need to meet the ingredient requirements of this Standard
halogenation process is not allowed (even as activating step)

At any step of the manufacturing process:
•

•
•

•

aqueous solutions of mineral acids (hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, etc.)
are allowed as manufacturing auxiliaries for neutralisation, purification and extraction. They
are not allowed as reactants (raw material or ingredient)
manufacturing auxiliaries are therefore not listed in the INCI list of the ingredient or
cosmetic finished productthere are exemptions for sulphuric acid which is allowed for sulphation/sulphonation
reactions, and for phosphoric agents which are allowed to produce phosphorylated
ingredients, for leave on products only
sodium hypochlorite can be used as auxiliary to inactivate enzymes present in the nonorganic physically processed agro-ingredients

Specifications for phosphorylated compounds:••

permitted only for leave-on products and specific cases of rinse-off products
ingredients containing phosphates can be used in rinse off products, providing:-no halogenated phosphorus reagents are used during the manufacturing steps-

the phosphate content of the organic phosphate molecule is 5% or less-the production facilities include their own sewage treatment plant

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

APPENDIX III: EXAMPLES OF PROCESSES NOTALLOWED
Only the processes listed in Appendix I and Appendix II are allowed. Those below represent a
non-exhaustive list which only identifies the main ones that are not allowed.
BLEACHING - DEODOURISATION (on a support of animal origin)
DECOLORATION with sodium hypochlorite
DETERPENATION (other than with steam)
ELECTRICITY or any process putting the animal under stress (eg. bee venom and snail slime)
HALOGENATION (as main reaction)
IONISING RADIATIONTREATMENTS USING MERCURYUSE OF ETHYLENE OXIDE, PROPYLENE OXIDE OR OTHER ALKYLENE OXIDES (for example, aspart of ethoxylation and propoxylation)

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

APPENDIX IV: INGREDIENTS OF MINERAL ORIGIN
ALLOWED
Ingredients of mineral origin* can only be used if they are listed below and they must comply
with relevant legislation. These substances are allowed:••

within the limitations of use listed
or for general purposes if no limitation of use is listed

Phosphate ingredients of mineral origin are allowed other than those listed below, but only for
buffering, chelating and anti-caking properties if no other alternative is available.
The mono-, di-, tri- or poly- etc. salts of the listed ‘ingredients of mineral origin’ are also
permitted.
Metals from natural origin directly obtained from pure metals or from electrolysis are accepted.
*For minerals, see Standard 6.1.2
INCI Name(chemical name)
Aluminum Hydroxide

CAS number

Limitation of use

Aluminum Iron Silicates-

Ceramics, obtained by heating ofsilicate minerals

Alumina1344-28-1

Corundum, clay

Ammonium Sulfate

7783-20-2

Calcium Aluminum
Borosilicate
Calcium Carbonate, CI
77220

65997-17-3

Tourmalines

471-34-1

Sediment rocks, calcite, aragonite,vaterite. Main component inmarble, chalk, dolomite

Calcium Chloride

10043-52-4

Calcium Fluoride

7789-75-5

Calcium Hydroxide

1305-62-0

Calcium Sodium
Borosilicate
Calcium Sulfate

7778-18-9

Gypsum

Cerium Oxide

1306-38-3

Cerit

CI 77163(Bismuth Oxychloride)
CI 77289(Chromic Oxide
hydrated)

7787-59-9

Bismoclite

1308-14-1 /12001-99-9

Guyanait, Grimaldiit, bracewellit,
eskolaite

21645-51-2

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Only in oral cavity
hygiene product

Examples of occurrence innatureBauxite (Gibbsite, Hydrargillite)

Fluorite or fluorspar, frequently
occurring mineral from the mineralgroup of the simple halides

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

INCI Name(chemical name)
CI 77489(Iron Oxides)

CAS number

CI 77491(Iron Oxides)

1309-37-1 /
1317-61-9 /
1345-27-3 /52357-70-7 /
1345-25-1
51274-00-1 /
1345-27-3 /20344-49-4 /52357-70-7
12227-89-3 /
1309-37-1 /
1317-61-9 /
1345-25-1 /
1345-27-3 /52357-70-7
12240-15-2 /25869-00-5

CI 77492(Iron Oxides)

CI 77499(Iron Oxides)

CI 77510(Prussian Blue)

1345-25-1

CI 77742(Manganese Violet)

10101-66-3

CI 77745(TrimanganeseBis(orthophosphate))
Diatomaceous Earth10124-54-6 /14154- 09-7

Dicalcium Phosphate
DihydrateGlass

7757-93-9 /
7789-77-7
65997-17-3

Gold7440-57-5

Hydrated Silica

Hydroxyapatite

10279-57-9 /
1343-98-2 /7631-86-9 /112926-00-8 /63231-67-4
1306-06-5

Iron Hydroxide

20344-49-4

Magnesium Aluminum
Silicate
CI 77713(Magnesium Carbonate)
Magnesium Carbonate
Hydroxide1327-43-1

Limitation of use Examples of occurrence innatureBernalit, Feroxygit
Ferrihydrite, Goethite
Lepidocrocit

Kafehydrocyanite
Derived from the breakdown of bat
guano

61790-53-2

546-93-0 /
7757-69-9
12125-28-9

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Only in oral cavity
hygiene product

Quartz sandOnly in oral cavity
hygiene productOR in leave-on
products

Constituent of teeth enamel

Magnesite, Dolomite
Artinite, Hydromagnesite andDypingite

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COSMOS STANDARD

INCI Name(chemical name)
Magnesium Chloride

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

CAS number

Magnesium Hydroxide

7786-30-3 /14989-29-8
1309-42-8

Magnesium Oxide

1309-48-4

Magnesium Phosphate

10043-83-1

Magnesium Silicate

1343-88-0

Magnesium Sulfate

7487-88-9 /
18939-43-0
7785-87-7 /
10124-55-7
12001-26-2

Manganese Sulfate
Mica

Limitation of use Examples of occurrence innatureOnly in association
with Zinc Oxide
Talc, Sepiolite, minerals of theserpentine group
Kieserite

Annite, Phlogopite,
Muscovite

Potassium Alum

10043-67-1 /
7784-24-9

Potassium Carbonate584-08-7

Potassium Chloride

7447-40-7

Potassium Hydroxide

1310-58-3

Potassium Iodide

7681-11-0

Potassium Sulfate

7778-80-5

SilicaQuartz sandSilver7631-86-9 /112945-52-5 /
60676-86-0
7440-22-4

Silver Oxide

20667-12-3

Silver Sulfate

10294-26-5

Sodium Bicarbonate

144-55-8

Silver ores, often together withlead-copper and zinc ores assulphides, sulphates or oxides
Silver ores, often together withlead-copper and zinc ores assulphides, sulphates or oxides
Natron, mineral nahcolith

Sodium Carbonate497-19-8

Sodium Chloride

7647-14-5

Sodium Fluoride

7681-49-4

Sodium Hydroxide

1310-73-2

Sodium Magnesium
Silicate

101659-01-2

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In ash, in inland waters(Dead Sea, Lop Nor desert)
Sylvite, Carnallite, Kainite

Soda (various crystal forms), in
soda lakes

Only in oral cavity
hygiene productSea water, spring water

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

INCI Name(chemical name)
Sodium Metasilicate

CAS number

SodiumMonofluorophosphate

10163-15-2 /7631-97-2

Sodium Silicate

1344-09-8

Sodium Sulfate

7727-73-3 /7757-82-6
7772-98-7 /
10102-17-7
13463-67-7 /
1317-70-0 /1317-80-2

Sodium Thiosulfate
Titanium Dioxide, CI
77891

Limitation of use Examples of occurrence innature6834-92-0
Only in oral cavity
hygiene product

Glauber salt; in mineral waters;
mineral thenardite.
Only in soaps
See 5.1.1 of theAnatas, brookite, rutile
Technical Guide
Only for sunscreen
product anddecorative
cosmetic product

Tin Oxide

18282-10-5

Cassiterite in alluvial deposits

Ultramarines, CI 77007

1302-83-6 /
1317-97-1 /
1345-00-2 /11118-33-5 /
12703-66-1 /12769-96-9 /57455-37-5
1314-13-2

Gemstone (lapis lazuli)

Zinc Oxide, CI 77947
Zinc Sulfate

7733-02-0 /
7446-19-7 /
7446-20-0

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See 5.1.1 of theTechnical Guide

Wulfingit, sweetit, ashoverit
Goslarite

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

APPENDIX V: OTHER INGREDIENTS ALLOWED
Only those ingredients listed are allowed to be used in COSMOS NATURAL and COSMOSORGANIC certified products. Other ingredients with petrochemical moieties, other than thoselisted, are not allowed to be used.
This appendix contains those ingredients that are temporarily allowed and will be reviewed atevery Standard revision with the aim of removing those where compliant alternatives exist.
These ingredients cannot be certified as organic.
1.

Preservatives and denaturing agents from petrochemical origin (non-naturalingredients – NNI)

Ingredient

Restrictions

Benzoic Acid and its salts
Benzyl Alcohol
Dehydroacetic Acid and its salts
Denatonium Benzoate and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol and otherdenaturing agents for alcohol (excluding phthalates)
Salicylic Acid and its salts

Only as denaturing agent for ethanol –where required by law

Sorbic Acid and its salts

The percentage of these NNI do not count towards the limit of 2% petrochemical moiety in the
total finished product.

2.

Petrochemical solvents are allowed for extraction of the following agroingredients

Ingredient

Restrictions

Absolutes, Concretes, Resinoids

COSMOS NATURAL only

AnnattoBetaineCarotenoids/ Xanthophylls
Carrageenan
Glycosphingolipids and Glycolipids
Lanolin
Lecithin and lecithin derivatives
OryzanolPhytosterol
Tocopherol/ Tocotrienol

In any event, there must be no use of aromatic, alkoxylated, halogenated, nitrogen- or sulphurbased solvents. The solvents used must be completely removed or removed to technologicallyunavoidable and technologically ineffective concentrations in the finished product and must be
recycled.

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COSMOS STANDARD

3.

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

Ingredients containing both natural origin and petrochemical moieties (PeMo)

FamilyAlkylamidopropylbetaine

INCI accepted
Note — only those substances listed in thiscolumn can be used. Where no substances
are named in this column all substances in
the family can be used.
Cocoamidopropylbetaine / Olive
amidopropyl betaine/ Cocobetaine

Restriction of use

Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed
Wheat Protein

Use in hair/beard
products only

Alkyl amphoacetate/diacetate
Alkyldimonium
Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed
Vegetal protein
Alkylglucosidecarboxylate
Alkyl Methyl Glucamide
Carboxy Methyl - Vegetal
polymer

Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (Cellulose Gum)

Dialkyl Carbonate

Dicaprylyl Carbonate

Dialkyl Dimonium Chloride

Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride

Use in hair/beard
products only

Tetra Sodium Glutamate
Diacetate

Tetra Sodium Glutamate Diacetate

Only for the function ofchelating agent of
product/ingredient(liquid or solid)
obtained through asaponification reaction

Vegetal polymer Hydroxypropyl Trimonium
Chloride

Guar Hydroxypropyl Trimonium Chloride

Use in hair/beard
products onlyThis table of ingredients that are temporarily allowed will be reviewed on a regular basis withthe aim of removing those where compliant alternatives exist or replacing those with a better
ecological profile.
The sum of petrochemical moieties must not exceed a total of 2% of the total finished product.
In those ingredients containing petrochemical moieties the proportion of the petrochemicalmoiety is calculated as follows:•% Petrochemical moiety = (molar weight of petrochemical part of the molecule) / (molar
weight of the molecule) x 100

Those ingredients containing both natural origin and petrochemical moieties cannot be organic.

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4.

COSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

Other ingredients

Ingredient

Restrictions

CaramelOnly allowed if reagents and processes are compliant

Carmine
CI 77288(Dichromium trioxide, Chromic oxide;
Chromium (III) oxide)
Mother of pearl/Ostrea Shell Powder

Only from naturally dead shells, and only from wild
harvest, not from food waste.

Silk
Squalane

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Vegetable origin

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

APPENDIX VI: PHYSICALLY PROCESSED AGROINGREDIENTS THAT MUST BE ORGANIC
These physically processed agro-ingredients are considered to be available in organic form insufficient quantity and quality and therefore must be organic in products under COSMOSORGANIC certification. Wild plants are accepted if certified organic.
Note — see Technical Guide for details.
The following are exempt:•

ingredients that are complex mixtures, such as perfumes and elements of perfumes•

ingredients that are extracted using petrochemical solvents (as per Appendix V.2)

The list will be reviewed and updated regularly based on the availability of organic physicallyprocessed agro-ingredients on the market.
Common name

INCI NAME

Aloe

Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water

AlmondPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

Apricot

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil (only for plant oil)

Argan

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

ArnicaArnica Montana Extract
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Arnica Montana Flower Oil
Arnica Montana Flower Water

Camomile
Chamomile

Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Chamomilla Recutita Leaf Extract
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
Chamomilla Recutita Oil
Chamomilla Recutita Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract
Chamomilla Recutita Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Water
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water

CastorRicinus Communis Seed Oil

CinnamonCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Powder
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Extract

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

Common name

INCI NAME

Citronella

Cymbopogon Winterianus Herb Extract
Cymbopogon Winterianus Herb Oil
Cymbopogon Nardus Herb Extract
Cymbopogon Nardus Herb Oil

Cocoa butter

Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter

Coconut palm

Cocos Nucifera Oil

Cow’s Milk

Lac

Cypress

Cupressus Sempervirens Bark Extract
Cupressus Sempervirens Cone Extract
Cupressus Sempervirens Fruit Extract
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf Extract
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf Water
Cupressus Sempervirens Oil
Cupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract

Egg = non-fertilised chicken eggs
and derivatives

Egg
Egg oil
Egg powder
Egg shell membrane
Egg shell membrane extract
Egg shell membrane powder
Egg shell powder
Egg yolk powder

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Powder
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Water
Eucalyptus Citriodora Leaf Extract
Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil
Eucalyptus Radiata Leaf Extract
Eucalyptus Radiata Flower Extract
Eucalyptus Radiata Stem Extract

FennelFoeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract
Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Oil
Foeniculum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Foeniculum Vulgare Water
Foeniculum Vulgare Oil

Geranium

Pelargonium Graveolens Leaf/ Flower Oil
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Water

Grape seed

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water
Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Vitis Vinifera Leaf Water
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil/ Extract

Hemp

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil

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Common name

INCI NAME

Honey

Mel

Hypericum

Hypericum Perforatum Extract
Hypericum Perforatum Oil
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/ Leaf Extract

JojobaSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Lemon

Citrus Limon Extract
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Citrus Limon Leaf Extract
Citrus Limon Juice
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
Citrus Limon Oil
Citrus Limon Flower Oil
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Citrus Limon Leaf Oil

Lemon grass

Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil

Linum

Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil

Macadamia

Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil

Marigold

Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil

Melissa

Melissa Officinalis Flower Extract
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Water

Mint

Mentha Arvensis Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract
Mentha Arvensis Leaf/ Stem Water
Mentha Piperita Flower/ Leaf Oil
Mentha Piperita Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract
Mentha Piperita Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Oil
Mentha Piperita Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Water
Mentha Spicata Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract
Mentha Spicata Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Oil

Neem

Melia Azadirachta Bark/ Flower/ Leaf/ Seed Extract
Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil

NettleUrtica Dioica Leaf/ Root Extract

Olive

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Olea Europaea Flower Extract
Olea Europaea Flower Water
Olea Europaea Fruit Extract
Olea Europaea Fruit Water
Olea Europaea Leaf Extract
Olea Europaea Leaf Oil
Olea Europaea Leaf Water

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Common name

INCI NAME

OrangeCitrus Aurantium Flower Extract
Citrus Aurantium Flower Oil
Citrus Aurantium Leaf Extract
Citrus Aurantium Leaf Oil
Citrus Aurantium Peel Extract
Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Water
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water
Citrus Aurantium Amara Fruit Extract
Citrus Aurantium Amara Fruit Juice
Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Extract
Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil

Palm

Elaeis Guineensis Oil

Patchouli

Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil

Peppermint

Mentha Piperita Water
Mentha Piperita Extract
Mentha Piperita Leaf Water
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Mentha Piperita Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract
Mentha Piperita Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Water
Mentha Piperita Oil
Brassica Campestris Seed Oil

Rapeseed
Rosemary

Safflower
Sage

Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract
Rosmarinus Officinalis Water
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Water
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Oil
Rosmarinus Officinalis Stem Oil
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Salvia Officinalis Oil
Salvia Officinalis Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract
Salvia Officinalis Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Water
Salvia Sclarea Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Extract
Salvia Sclarea Flower/ Leaf/ Stem Water
Salvia Sclarea Oil

SesameSesamum Indicum Seed Oil

Shea butter

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract

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Common name

INCI NAME

Soya

Glycine Soya Oil

Sunflower

Helianthus Annus Seed Oil

Tea treeMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract

Thyme

Thymus Vulgaris Flower/ Leaf Extract
Thymus Vulgaris Flower/ Leaf Oil
Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Water
Thymus Vulgaris Oil

Witch hazel

Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/ Leaf Extract
Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/ Leaf Water
Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water

Ylang ylang

Cananga Odorata Flower Extract
Cananga Odorata Flower Water
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil

In the case of a shortage of an organic raw material listed in Appendix VI authorised
Certification Bodies can grant exceptions according to the rules as laid down in the Control
Manual and Technical Guide.

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

APPENDIX VII: CHEMICALLY PROCESSED AGROINGREDIENTS THAT MUST BE MADE FROM ORGANICORIGIN AGRO-INGREDIENTS
These chemically processed agro-ingredients are considered to be available with organic origin
agro-ingredients in sufficient quantity and quality and these therefore must be used for
COSMOS ORGANIC certification.
The list will be reviewed and updated regularly based on the availability of chemically processedagro-ingredients with organic content on the market.
INCI

Chemical name

Ethanol, ethyl alcohol, alcohol

Ethyl alcohol

In the case of a shortage of an organic raw material listed in Appendix VII authorised
Certification Bodies may grant exceptions according to the rules as laid down in the Control
Manual and Technical Guide.

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

APPENDIX VIII: EXEMPTIONS REGARDING ATOMECONOMY TOXICITY AND BIODEGRADABILITYDATAPart 1: exemptions for aquatic toxicity and biodegradability
This data is not required for:•naturally occurring molecules obtained by fermentation (eg. hyaluronic acid)•molecules resulting from a cleavage of a molecule existing in nature (eg. maltodextrin
obtained by hydrolysis of starch). Allowed cleavage reactions are enzymatic hydrolysis andhydrolysis with mineral acids or bases•

polymers, only obtained by esterification of monomers, that meet the criteria for nonpersistent products as defined in 6.1.4•

hydrogenated oils and butters•

perfumes•

salts of naturally occurring molecules (obtained by solvent/physical extraction andsalification to obtain associated salt). However, data for zinc salts has to be provided•

poorly soluble esters (polyesters included) resulting from esterification between acid andalcohol that meet the criteria for non-persistent products as defined in 6.1.4

Part 2: exemptions for atom economy
This data is not required for:•naturally occurring molecules obtained by fermentation (eg. hyaluronic acid)•perfumes

For other ingredients, if no test is done, there is the possibility to submit written (bibliographic)
data or to apply alternative methods such as the Read Across or QSAR approach.
Note — see Technical Guide for further information.

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COSMOS STANDARDCOSMETICS ORGANIC AND NATURAL STANDARD

APPENDIX IX: PACKAGING MATERIALS
Primary and secondary packaging must meet the criteria for packaging.
Accessories sold with products such as brushes or applicators, or technical parts do not needto meet the criteria for packaging.
List of accepted materials (non-exhaustive):•

CA - Cellulose Acetate•

cellulose•

ceramic

•

glass

•

metals such as: aluminium, iron, stainless steel, etc•

paper / cardboard•

PE - Polyethylene•

PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate•

PETG - Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol•

PLA - Polylactic Acid•

PP - Polypropylene•

rubber (from natural origin)

•

wood

•

or any other material 100% from natural origin (non GMO)

The list of accepted materials applies to the main parts of the packaging, which are:•bottle

•

box

•

cap

•

jar

•

sachet•tube

These parts have to be made with the accepted materials listed above. It applies to all kindsof products: skincare, healthcare, decorative cosmetic, etc. If a material is not listed above, atechnical documentation can be submitted to the Technical Committee for review.

Protection Sleeves and Over packaging
Protection Sleeves and over-packaging are not allowed except for:•closure system•small products (eg. decorative cosmetic)•

solid soaps and massage bars (where it will be considered as primary packaging)

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COSMOS-standard AISBL
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