Consumer interest in ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ personal care products has not waned since these concepts were first introduced but continues to grow. In the report, ‘Global Natural and Organic Personal Care Products Industry,’ it is estimated that the global industry will reach a size of US $23.6 Billion by 2027, increasing from $7 Billion in 20201. This projected increase is driven by manufacturers’ response to consumer demand, which is likely being buoyed by the emergence and rise of ‘clean beauty’ in the personal care space.
A marketing demand for natural and organic products translates into a need for pertinent technical expertise, as well as knowledge of the criteria for substantiating specific claims. Since the FDA does not define or regulate the terms ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ as they apply to personal care products, various organizations provide certification services and have established standards for obtaining their specific certification. In addition to product composition, rules covering the supply chain are detailed in these standards. For example, manufacturing, packaging and labeling criteria are also outlined. Raw ingredients that have received organic/natural certification can easily be identified with premium access to UL Prospector® by their certification category, and by the logo of the certification body listed on their documentation.
A formulator with an assignment to develop an ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ product must have a thorough understanding of the criteria established by the certifying body that will be approached for endorsement. Although there are similarities in criteria across organizations, there might also be subtle differences that should be carefully noted. The following chart provides a snapshot of some of the requirements for making ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ product claims, based on the standards of four leading organizations.
Standard | ||||
CLAIM | COSMOS | ECOCERT | USDA (NOP) | NATURAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION (NPA) |
Organic | 95% of ALL Ingredients must be
organic.2
At least 20% of the TOTAL PRODUCT must be organic.
– at least 10% for rinse-off products.2 |
Certifies to the COSMOS ORGANIC standard. | Product must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients.4 | N/A |
Natural | There is no requirement to use a minimum level of organic ingredients.2
The percentage of natural origin ingredients (by weight) must be calculated.2 |
Percentage of organic plant ingredients and organic ingredients from plant origin on the total of ingredients validated as plant must be 50% minimum.3 | N/A | At least 95% of natural ingredients or ingredient from natural sources, excluding water.5
100% natural fragrances and colorants.5 |
These and other organizations provide detailed requirements for certification in their documentation, which the formulator will be well advised to carefully review, to ensure a full understanding.
References:
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/01/22/2162842/0/en/Global-Natural-and-Organic-Personal-Care-Products-Industry.html
- https://www.cosmos-standard.org/about-the-cosmos-standard
- https://ecocert.app.box.com/v/Ecocert-Standard
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/OrganicCosmeticsFactSheet.pdf
- https://www.npanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/The-Natural-Standard-042717.pdf
Useful Links:
COSMOS-standard
COSMOS Standard – Support Guide
Ecocert Standard
NATRUE Standard
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Priscilla, thanks, you are always a ‘good read’. I’d like to see a trend toward adaptation of the ISO 16128 Standard for determination of Natural Origin Content – by both manufacturers and product brands – supercede all others including Ecocert. This is a more fair, science-based approach to educating consumers on just how natural, and by association sustainable and renewable, their products truly are.