Organic Products and The COSMOS Organic Standard Explained
I’m the go-to guide gal and routine queen here at Adore Beauty. I have a background in media and communications, and over 3 years experience in the beauty industry.
When I’m not answering all of your burning questions, you can find me spruiking underrated products to my co-workers and trying to figure out what our best bloody mascara is.
The term ‘organic’ is more than just a buzzword or a marketing gimmick.
Organic products are made from natural or naturally derived ingredients without genetic modification or the help of synthetic chemicals, herbicides or pesticides.
Choosing organic products can be important to people for a range of personal, health related and ethical reasons.
When it comes to certifying a product as organic, Australia has some of the highest standards in the beauty industry. So you can be sure your organic shampoo and conditioner are actually organic.
Certified organic products have to be approved by an external organisation who can confirm that a product has been produced in an organic way, with organic ingredients.
Who is COSMOS and what do they do?
COSMOS was set up in 2010 by certifying bodies in Germany, France, Italy, and the UK with the aim to harmonise global organic certification.
The requirements are set by an elected body and can be read in detail on its website. Here are the highlights of the COSMOS organic standard:
Organic Ingredients
- The product must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic ingredients, excluding water, salts, and minerals.
- At least 20% of the total ingredients (including water, salts, and minerals) must be organic except for mineral or wash-off products, which need to have only 10%
Organic Processes
- Ingredients cannot be genetically modified.
- Product must be produced in a green way, with low-waste production and energy use.
- Products or ingredients must not be tested on animals.
Packaging
- The company must minimise the amount of material used and maximise the amount of material that can be reused or recycled.
- PVC, plastics, and materials that contain GMOs cannot be used in the packaging.
- Labelling must be clear, not misleading.
Our favourite COSMOS organic products:
A multitasking hero
The Weleda Skin Food - 75ml is a cult favourite certified organic product that is useful in more ways than one. It uses 100% natural ingredients including soothing Chamomile, Rosemary, Lanolin and Sweet Almond Oil to hydrate even the roughest skin types.
It’s a whole body product that is also commonly used as a primer or highlighter. A little goes a long way with this one and if it’s too rich for you, why not give the light version a shot?
An inner beauty boost
The Beauty Chef is a certified organic brand that focuses on beauty supplements that will help you achieve that inner glow. The Beauty Chef COLLAGEN Inner Beauty Boost 200ml is a bio fermented concentrate featuring organic goji, acai and maqui berries to boost collagen production.
This leads to firmer skin, nails and hair, making it perfect for those worried about skin firmness and texture.
Brighten and radiate
A brand truly dedicated to being completely organic is the one and only KORA Organics. One of their star products is the KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask 100ml.
This 2-in-1 face mask detoxifies the skin with Fruit Enzymes, Papaya Seeds and Peppermint, while brightening the skin with Turmeric. It’s an organic formula that promotes healthy cell renewel for a truly clear and luminous complexion.
Want more of the best certified organic products? Check out these guides...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
