Labelling Guide

This page is a guide to commonly used cosmetic (and in some cases food) certifications, what they mean and their requirements.

Standard	Mark	Summary	Req. % natural	Req. % organic
BDIH		A product has to meet strict guidelines in the following areas to use the BDIH mark: animal protection, use of raw materials, sourcing of raw materials, preservation etc.	-	-
BUAV		Products that carry this mark are approved under the Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS) and/or the Humane Household Products Standard (HHPS).	n/a	n/a
Demeter		This mark assures buyers that the ingredients in the product they are buying have been grown biodynamically. Only those who are contractually bound can use the Demeter mark to ensure strict compliance with standards.	-	90% (biodynamic ingredients of agricultural origin)
Organic Soil Association		All products carrying the Organic Soil Association mark will contain at least 95% organic ingredients.	-	min 95% (exc water)
Eco-Cert		A system guaranteeing genuine environmental respect throughout the production process. It ensures 100% of the ingredients comply with the French and European legislation relating to cosmetic products.	min 95% (agricultural)	min 10% (inc water)
Cosmebio ECO		The percentage of natural ingredients and the percentage of organic ingredients are clearly indicated on all packaging of certified products bearing the logos.	95%	min 50% (vegetable ingredients) min 5% (total)
Cosmebio BIO		The percentage of natural ingredients and the percentage of organic ingredients are clearly indicated on all packaging of certified products bearing the logos.	95%	min 95% (vegetable ingredients) min 10% (total)
FairTrade		Ensures products/ingredients that have been responsibly and fairly sourced from workers and farmers in the developing world.	n/a	n/a
Vegan Society		Their mark appears on products that do not contain any animal or animal by-products including: beeswax, lanolin and propolis.	n/a	n/a
Vegetarian Society		Products must be free from flesh, meat, bone, contamination and GMO's. Product must be cruelty free and eggs must be free range.	n/a	n/a
Natrue		A European standard formed to ensure the highest ethical and sustainable practice.	5-15% acceptable synthetics	3* 95% (agricultural) 2* 70% 1* soft production process
OASIS		OASIS stands for Organic and Sustainable Industry Standards. It is the first organic standard for the US beauty and personal care market.	n/a	min 90%
USDA Organic		The USDA regulates the standards for any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operation that wants to sell an agricultural product as organically produced.	n/a	min 95%

Information last revised July 2010