SKIN CARE
and transformed into sustainable, nature- balanced biopeptide complexes with biocompatible skin-loving benefits. The production process occurs in a clean, sterile environment and is traceable from the starting cells to the final product.
C-Label: a new standard for skin care peptides The rise of cultivated cell technologies has generated both excitement and critical discussion within the skin care and biotech industries. These innovations offer a sustainable alternative to traditional animal-derived ingredients, helping reduce environmental impact, eliminate animal suffering, and address broader ethical and resource concerns. However, the complexity of these technologies also brings forward important questions around sourcing, safety, and transparency. To recognize and regulate the breakthrough
of producing skin care peptides and other products from cultivated cells, V-Label - the Switzerland-based organization behind the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian certification - has introduced the C-Label. This globally recognized certification mark is specifically designed for products developed using cultivated cell technologies.6 The C-Label provides a clear and rigorous
framework for manufacturers, ensuring that certified products are free from animal cruelty, harmful substances, and unethical practices, while also promoting transparency and accountability throughout the production process. By setting high standards for safety, sustainability, and ethical integrity, the C-Label fosters consumer trust and promotes responsible innovation. This certification applies to both fully
cultivated products—such as cell-derived biomasses—and composite formulations that combine cultivated ingredients with vegan components. The goal is to empower consumers with confidence that the products they choose are not only cutting-edge but also ethically and sustainably produced.
Key criteria of the C-Label certification The C-Label is a rigorous certification standard that ensures cultivated cell products meet the highest ethical, environmental, and safety standards. To qualify, products must adhere to the following eight, comprehensive criteria.
1. Ethical cell sourcing and animal welfare ■ Minimally invasive techniques: If cells are sourced from living animals, the procedure must be demonstrably necessary, painless, and stress-free. ■ No harm or killing: Animals must not be harmed, killed, or subjected to distress during cell extraction or any part of the production process. ■ Justified use: Cell sourcing must be scientifically and ethically justified, with efforts made to reduce or eliminate repeated extractions. ■ No animal testing: Neither the final product nor its individual ingredients may be tested on on animals on behalf of the licensed product.
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Figure 1: C-Label, launched by V-Label in January 2025, is used for cell cultivation products. F-Label is used for products made using precision fermentation
2. Growth medium integrity and transparency ■ Vegan composition: All components of the growth medium must be entirely plant-based or synthetic. No animal-derived substances, including animal serum, are permitted. ■ Full disclosure: Manufacturers must provide detailed documentation of all medium ingredients and their sources.
3. GMO-free assurance ■ Non-GMO ingredients: Products that require GM-labelling according to applicable laws cannot be licensed with the C-Label. ■ Regulatory alignment: Compliance with international GMO-free standards is mandatory.
4. Antibiotic-free production ■ No antibiotics used: Antibiotics must not be used during cultivation or processing. ■ Residue-free guarantee: Final products must be tested to confirm the absence of antibiotic.
5. Pathogen safety ■ Sterile production environment: Facilities must maintain strict hygiene protocols to prevent contamination. ■ Pathogen-free products: Final products must be free from harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Figure 2: Inside a bioreactor, a small number of starting fish cells are nurtured in a sterile, controlled environment with nutrient-rich, animal component-free formula. These cells double in one and a half days, growing into an exponentially larger number of fish cells in a few weeks
6. Contaminant-free composition ■ Heavy metals: Products must contain negligible levels of heavy metals, well below safety thresholds. ■ Plastic contaminants: No microplastics or plastic-derived residues may be present in the final product.
September 2025 PERSONAL CARE
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