When launching a natural skincare brand, getting your products certified is a great way to build trust with your customers and stand out in a crowded market. But here’s the thing—certifications aren’t just about slapping a badge on your packaging and calling it a day. The certifications you choose should align with your target customers’ values. After all, the real idea behind certifications is to market your product to the people who care most about what those certifications represent. It’s about signaling to your audience, “Hey, we care about the same things you do!”
In this post, we’ll break down some of the most popular certifications for natural skincare brands and what each one means. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which certifications could resonate with your ideal customers and help you grow your brand.
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What Are the Top Certifications Required for Skin Care Brands And Why They Matter
Certifications for skin care brands are a way to show that your products meet specific standards set by independent organizations. For clean beauty founders, getting certified can elevate your brand’s credibility, enhance transparency, and help you connect with conscious consumers.
However, not all certifications for skin care brands are created equal. Some customers may care more about whether a product is certified organic, while others might prioritize cruelty-free or non-GMO labels. So, before you jump into the certification process, think about what your target audience values most. Let’s dive into some of the top certifications to consider.
1. COSMOS Certification
What it is:
COSMOS (COSMetic Organic Standard) is one of the most recognized certifications for natural and organic cosmetics in Europe. It’s a certification created by five major organic and natural certification bodies, including Ecocert (which we’ll talk about next).
Why it matters:
Cosmos certification ensures that your products meet strict environmental standards, including the sustainable sourcing of raw materials, environmentally friendly production methods, and the prohibition of synthetic ingredients.
Who cares about it:
If your customers are particularly eco-conscious and prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, the Cosmos certification will appeal to them. It’s a comprehensive certification that demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility.
What’s required:
To get Cosmos certified, at least 95% of the ingredients in your products must be of natural origin. It also requires that a significant percentage of the plant-based ingredients be organic.
2. Ecocert
What it is:
Ecocert is a global certification body based in France that focuses on organic and environmentally friendly practices. They offer two main certifications for cosmetics: Ecocert Organic Cosmetic and Ecocert Natural Cosmetic.
Why it matters:
Ecocert is well-known and highly trusted among consumers who prioritize natural and organic ingredients. The certification assures that your products are free from parabens, GMOs, and synthetic fragrances and that a large percentage of the ingredients are plant-based.
Who cares about it:
If your brand is targeting consumers who are interested in organic ingredients and environmentally sustainable practices, the Ecocert certification can help build trust with those customers.
What’s required:
For Ecocert Organic Cosmetic, at least 95% of the plant-based ingredients in your formula must be organic. For Ecocert Natural Cosmetic, 50% of the plant-based ingredients must be organic, and 5% of the total ingredients must come from organic farming.
3. USDA Organic
What it is:
USDA Organic is a well-known certification that is primarily used for food but can also apply to skincare products that meet the necessary organic standards.
Why it matters:
The USDA Organic label is one of the most recognized certifications globally, signaling to consumers that your products are made with at least 95% organic ingredients.
Who cares about it:
If your target customers are particularly interested in certified organic ingredients, this label will carry a lot of weight. The USDA Organic certification is often seen as a gold standard for consumers who are deeply concerned about the purity and sourcing of the ingredients they use on their skin.
What’s required:
To obtain the USDA Organic seal, 95% of the ingredients in your product must be certified organic, and the remaining 5% must be on an approved list of non-organic ingredients that meet strict standards.
4. GMO Verified
What it is:
The Non-GMO Project Verified label is the most recognized certification in North America for verifying that a product is free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Why it matters:
While the Non-GMO Project Verified label is more commonly seen on food products, many consumers prefer non-GMO ingredients in their skincare products as well.
Who cares about it:
If your brand’s audience is particularly concerned about avoiding GMOs, this label could help you connect with those consumers. This certification will likely appeal to people who are conscious about the origin and modification of ingredients.
What’s required:
To get this certification, your product must go through a thorough evaluation process to confirm that none of its ingredients contain GMOs.
5. Made Safe
What it is:
Made Safe is a certification that ensures products are made without toxic chemicals, known carcinogens, or substances that could harm human health or the environment.
Why it matters:
Made Safe is all about transparency and safety, which resonates with customers who are particularly concerned about the ingredients in their products. This certification is great for reassuring customers that your products are free from harmful ingredients and are safe to use.
Who cares about it:
If your audience is concerned about toxins and chemicals in skincare products, Made Safe certification could be a huge selling point. It’s especially appealing to parents, people with sensitive skin, or those who want to avoid endocrine disruptors and other harmful substances.
What’s required:
The Made Safe certification requires an in-depth review of your ingredients and manufacturing processes to ensure that everything is free from potentially harmful substances.
6. EWG Verified
What it is:
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for transparency in the skincare and personal care industry. Their EWG Verified label indicates that a product meets strict standards for ingredient safety and transparency.
Why it matters:
EWG is a trusted name among consumers who are highly informed about ingredient safety and prefer products that avoid harmful chemicals. The EWG Verified label ensures that your product is made without chemicals of concern and that all ingredients are clearly labeled.
Who cares about it:
If your brand targets health-conscious consumers who care about clean beauty and transparency, the EWG Verified label will resonate with them. It’s especially appealing to those who are concerned about toxins, allergens, and environmental impact.
What’s required: To get EWG Verified, your product must pass a rigorous review process to ensure that it meets their strict criteria for ingredient safety.
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7. Gluten-Free
What it is: The Gluten-Free certification guarantees that a product is free from gluten, which is important for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Why it matters: While gluten-free certification is most often associated with food, many consumers with gluten sensitivities look for gluten-free skincare products as well. This certification reassures them that your products are safe to use on their skin.
Who cares about it: If your customers include individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, offering gluten-free certified products can help you build trust and loyalty with this niche market.
What’s required: To earn this certification, your products must be tested to ensure they are free from gluten-containing ingredients and have not been cross-contaminated during production.
8. Leaping Bunny
What it is:
The Leaping Bunny certification is the global gold standard for cruelty-free products. It ensures that neither your products nor the ingredients used to make them were tested on animals.
Why it matters:
With more and more consumers prioritizing cruelty-free products, Leaping Bunny certification is an important way to demonstrate your brand’s commitment to ethical practices.
Who cares about it:
If your brand’s audience is concerned about animal welfare, this certification will be a major selling point. It appeals to ethically-minded consumers who want assurance that no animals were harmed in the making of their skincare products.
What’s required:
To get Leaping Bunny certified, your entire supply chain—from ingredient sourcing to finished product—must be free from animal testing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right certifications for your natural skincare brand is more than just a marketing tactic—it’s about aligning your values with those of your customers. Whether they care most about organic ingredients, cruelty-free practices, or non-toxic formulations, there’s a certification that will resonate with them. By investing in certifications that matter to your audience, you can build trust, differentiate your brand, and show your customers that you share their commitment to health, wellness, and sustainability.
Take the time to consider what’s important to your target customers, and choose the certifications that will help you connect with them on a deeper level. Whether it’s Cosmos, USDA Organic, or Leaping Bunny,, the right certification can enhance your brand’s credibility and attract loyal customers who value the same things you do.