Cosmetic Products

A CERT certifies cosmetic products which fulfill the following General Regulations and International Standards

– Independently from the formulation of a natural cosmetic product, all products must comply first and foremost with the basic requirements of Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, particularly with regard to their composition, safety, efficacy and labeling requirements.

– Organic certified natural substances and derived natural substances must come from controlled organic farming and/or wild collection, certified by a duly recognized certification body or authority to an organic standard (Regulation (EC) No 834/2007).

– In terms of GMO, finished products and starting materials, as well as the used enzymes and microorganisms must comply with the criteria laid down in the Regulation (EC) No 834/2007. This requirement also applies to substances which are not covered by the Regulation (e.g. non-organic certified ingredients, non-food or – feed substances).

– In natural cosmetics, natural fragrances which correspond to ISO 9235 standard may be used.

– Detergent surfactants substances used must be completely biodegradable in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 648/2004.

– The ISO 22716 standard concerning the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of cosmetics products must be applied.

 The categories of certified cosmetics products covered by A CERT are the following:

a) Natural Cosmetic Product

– At least 95% of the ingredients are “natural” and “of natural origin”. The finished product should contain a minimum percentage of “natural” ingredients that changes depending on the product.

b) Cosmetic Product Containing Organic Ingredients

– At least 95% of the ingredients out the total ingredients, by weight, is natural and/or of natural origin.

– At least 5% of the total ingredients, by weight, complies with the provisions of EC Reg. 834/2007 and its subsequent modifications and/or amendments, which may be added as preservatives.

– If 70%, by weight, of the natural ingredients out of the total of ingredients able to be certified according to EC Reg. 834/2007 (vegetable, including those collected wild, and animal) comply with the provisions of EC Reg. 834/2007 and its subsequent modifications and/or amendments, which may be added as preservatives.

c) Organic Cosmetic Product

– At least 95% of the ingredients out the total ingredients, by weight, is natural and/or of natural origin.

– At least 10% of the total ingredients, by weight, comply with the provisions of EC Reg. 834/2007 and its subsequent modifications and/or amendments, which may be added as preservatives.

– If 95%, by weight, of the natural ingredients out of the total of ingredients able to be certified according to EC Reg. 834/2007 (vegetable, including those collect wild, and animal) comply with the provisions of EC Reg. 834/2007 and its subsequent modifications and/or amendments, which may be added as preservatives.

How is a certified company recognized?

a) Certificate of Compliance

The Certificate of Compliance is the document that allows the companies to prove to anyone interested that it meets the requirements of the private standard A CERT Natural and Organic Cosmetics. It is issued by the Agency to the audited companies which have been deemed to have successfully met the requirements of the Standard and have a Cooperation Agreement with A CERT in force.

b) Certification Logo

The Certification Logo is granted exclusively by A CERT and in no case is it reproduced by the company. It can be placed in a prominent place in the business premises which the company will choose.