119 INGREDIENT CERTIFICATION
A guide to raw material certification
Sara Mayor, Pauline Ataman - Ecocert, Ariane Denis, Carole Guillemot - Transitions
In the fast-evolving cosmetics industry, the concept of sustainability is redefining priorities for both brands and consumers. With increased awareness of environmental issues and the demand for ethical practices, the industry is undergoing a green revolution. Central to this transformation is the
shift towards green ingredients —terms that encompass more than just marketing jargon. Certification plays a key role, as it represents a true commitment of manufacturers to sustainable practices, ensuring traceability from the origin of ingredients to the finished product, controlling quality throughout the production chain, and guaranteeing transparency in order to strengthen the bond of trust with suppliers, manufacturers and consumers. Ecocert, a leading certification body for
organic and natural products since 1991, assists stakeholders in the implementation and promotion of sustainable practices through certification, consulting and training services. In this article, we will give some insights regarding raw material certification challenges and benefits for your products .
Fast-growing natural and organic market Consumer concern about chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries is the main driver of market growth, increasingly aware of the possible harmful effects on their health and on the environment, they are buying more natural and organic personal care products. The market is therefore evolving in a positive
direction, with many brands paying attention to their formulation and their processes in order to manufacture more environmentally friendly products. To value their commitment, product certification was introduced mainly in the 2000s. In 2023, Europe leads with the highest
certification adoption rates, where approximately 55% of natural personal care products are certified. While North America represents the largest market, only about 8% of products are certified. In Asia, the certification share is higher, reaching around 20%. There are many different standards, but
COSMOS and NATRUE are the most demanding and recognised on an international scale.1 Natural and organic products are also more available than ever before. Their distribution has increased in various sales channels making them accessible for all.
PERSONAL CARE April 2025
The multifaceted definition of green ingredients Green ingredients are at the core of sustainable
cosmetics. They represent an evolution from conventional raw materials to substances that are safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible. Green does not merely imply natural origins; it integrates several dimensions: sustainability in sourcing, ecological safety, and lifecycle environmental impact. However, not all natural ingredients qualify
as green. In Ecocert’s certification framework, green emphasizes replacing petrochemical products with natural-origin ingredients that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiversity considerations are critical,
ingredients that threaten endangered species or rely on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must be handled cautiously. Sustainable agriculture, such as certified organic farming, and responsible mining practices are integral to green ingredient sourcing. Certified palm oil, for example, mitigates deforestation and supports local communities, illustrating how agriculture can align with ethical and environmental values.
Sourcing trends in green ingredients The sourcing of green ingredients reflects global
trends towards environmental awareness and sustainability. Increasingly, consumers demand products that are natural, environmentally friendly, and ethically sourced. This shift has encouraged cosmetic manufacturers to embrace greener alternatives, despite the challenges.
1: The challenges of reformulation with green ingredients While green ingredients align with environmental values, integrating them into cosmetic formulations is not without obstacles. Cost is a major challenge, as green ingredients are often more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. Therefore, effective communication of their added value to consumers is required, to be willing to pay a premium price for sustainable products. Performance parity is another hurdle.
Synthetic ingredients, developed through decades of industrial innovation, often outperform natural alternatives in terms of stability and efficacy. Reformulating products to meet green certification standards while maintaining consumer expectations requires significant research and development investments. Despite these challenges, green chemistry
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