International certifications applicable in the cosmetics development process

Obtaining international certifications during the cosmetics development process is essential for enhancing the credibility of a brand and its products, as well as for ensuring successful entry into global markets. While many companies may find these certification procedures complex, Crescent Seoul, as a sourcing agency, has a deep understanding of the process and aims to assist you in navigating it with ease. In this article, we will explore the key international certifications relevant to cosmetics manufacturing and product development. Specifically, we will explain the roles of certifications for manufacturing facilities and product certifications, helping you gain a clearer understanding of the certification process. Through this article, we aim to help you gain a clearer understanding of the certification procedures and guide your business in meeting international standards.

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Certifications for manufacturing facilities

1. CGMP(Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices)

CGMP is an international standard regulation designed to ensure safety and consistent quality in the cosmetics manufacturing process. This certification provides strict guidelines covering production facilities, equipment, raw materials, manufacturing processes, quality control, and personnel management. CGMP-certified facilities are verified to meet uniform quality and safety standards for all products, with a focus on minimizing quality degradation or safety issues.

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2. ISO(International Organization for Standardization) Certification

ISO certification is recognized globally as a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization(ISO), and various ISO certifications are utilized within the cosmetics industry. Notably, there are three key certifications: ISO 22716, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. First, ISO 22716 ensures product safety and consistency by managing processes such as raw material handling, production environment, and quality control. Next, ISO 9001 focuses on improving organizational processes and aims for continuous quality improvement and customer satisfaction through effective quality management. Lastly, ISO 14001 minimizes a company's environmental impact, supporting environmental protection through energy conservation and waste management.

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3. FDA Facility Registration

The registration of manufacturing facilities with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is regulated under the MoCRA(Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act). At the end of 2022, the MoCRA law was introduced, changing FDA facility registration from voluntary to mandatory. Now, any manufacturing facility intending to launch cosmetics in the U.S. market must not only register with the FDA but also submit information regarding facility inspections and product safety.

 Registered facilities are under the supervision of the FDA and may undergo regular inspections. These inspections are a crucial step in ensuring the safety of the products. If any product produced at a registered facility causes an issue in the market, the MoCRA law mandates that it be reported immediately, after which the FDA will take appropriate action. Additionally, manufacturers must provide the FDA with information on the ingredients used and safety assessments of their products, ensuring that products distributed in the market meet safety standards.

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Certifications for products

To ensure the quality and safety of products, it is essential to meet strict quality management standards, such as CGMP and ISO, discussed earlier. Maintaining consistent quality throughout the manufacturing process is crucial, and products must be produced in a safe and hygienic environment. This includes maintaining factory hygiene, training employees, and conducting regular equipment inspections.

 Most importantly, various certification standards must be considered from the initial stage of selecting raw materials. If non-compliant raw materials are used or production is carried out in ways that do not meet the required standards, it may become difficult to obtain several certifications later on.

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1. ECOCERT Certification

 ECOCERT is an international certification body that provides organic and natural cosmetics certification. With the growing popularity of natural and clean beauty trends, the importance of ECOCERT certification has increased significantly.

 To obtain ECOCERT certification, at least 95% of the product must be composed of natural or organic ingredients, with the remaining 5% limited to approved synthetic ingredients. The manufacturing process must minimize environmental impact, consider energy efficiency, and reduce the generation of pollutants. Additionally, the use of chemicals in both raw materials and the manufacturing process should be minimized. Products must be produced in an environmentally friendly manner, with restrictions on the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Furthermore, raw materials should be sourced in a way that protects biodiversity and natural resources. Packaging should use recyclable or biodegradable materials and avoid unnecessary packaging. To ensure product safety, the use of allergenic and toxic substances should be minimized, and any ingredients that could pose a risk to consumers should not be used.

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2. COSMOS(COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard) Certification

 The COSMOS certification is a standard used primarily in Europe for organic and natural cosmetics. It evaluates whether a product's ingredients are naturally derived and produced in an environmentally sustainable way.

 COSMOS is divided into two main categories: COSMOS Organic and COSMOS Natural. COSMOS Organic certification requires that at least 95% of the product consists of organic ingredients, with the remaining 5% limited to specific allowed substances. Organic ingredients must be sourced from crops that are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and the use of synthetic chemicals in the manufacturing process must be minimized. This certification includes criteria for sourcing raw materials in a way that minimizes impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. Products with COSMOS Organic certification must ensure safety and quality, with restrictions on the use of allergenic and toxic substances.

 COSMOS Natural certification mandates that at least 20% of the product consists of natural-derived ingredients, and different levels of certification can be obtained based on the proportion of these natural-derived ingredients. Natural-derived ingredients are those extracted directly from nature or not synthetically produced, and they undergo minimal processing. However, some synthetic ingredients may be allowed. The manufacturing process must be environmentally considerate, with the use of synthetic components kept to a minimum. Products certified as COSMOS Natural must also guarantee consumer safety and meet safety and quality standards.

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3. Vegan Certification

 The Vegan certification ensures that the product contains no animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals. This certification is particularly popular among consumers who prioritize sustainability and ethical consumption. There are various certification bodies, including the Vegan Society, PETA Vegan, and BeVeg.

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- Vegan Society Certification

 This certification, established by The Vegan Society, is one of the oldest and most recognized vegan labels. It ensures that products contain no animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals. The label is widely respected in the vegan community and helps consumers identify truly vegan products.

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- V-Label Certification

 Managed by the European Vegetarian Union, the V-Label is an internationally recognized symbol for vegan and vegetarian products. It guarantees that products are free from animal-derived ingredients and have not been tested on animals, providing consumers with clear and reliable information.

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- PETA Vegan Certification

 PETA(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) offers a vegan certification for companies that meet their stringent criteria. Products bearing the PETA Vegan label must contain no animal ingredients and must not be tested on animals, promoting ethical consumerism.

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- Vegan Action Certification

 Vegan Action is a nonprofit organization that provides certification to products that are completely free from animal-derived ingredients and animal testing. The certification aims to help consumers identify vegan-friendly products easily.

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- BeVeg Certification

 BeVeg is a global vegan certification organization that ensures products are vegan-friendly. Their certification verifies that products are free from animal-derived ingredients, animal testing, and cross-contamination with non-vegan materials. It focuses on transparency and ethics in the production process.

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- EVE(Expertise Végane Europe) Certification

 EVE is a European certification that specializes in verifying vegan products. It confirms that products are made without animal-derived ingredients and without animal testing, ensuring compliance with vegan standards across Europe.

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4. Cruelty-Free Certification

 The Cruelty-Free certification guarantees that no animal testing was conducted during the development of the product. However, cruelty-free products are not necessarily vegan, as they may still contain animal-derived ingredients. Major certifications include Leaping Bunny, PETA Cruelty-Free and Choose Cruelty Free Certification.

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- Leaping Bunny Certification

 The Leaping Bunny certification is a widely recognized symbol indicating that a product is cruelty-free. It is managed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics(CCIC) and ensures that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of product development, including ingredients. Brands that receive this certification commit to cruelty-free practices and undergo regular audits to maintain compliance.

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- PETA Cruelty-Free Certification

 The PETA Cruelty-Free certification is provided by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA) to brands that do not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients. This certification helps consumers identify products that are cruelty-free and promotes ethical treatment of animals in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

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- Choose Cruelty Free(CCF) Certification

Choose Cruelty Free(CCF) is an Australian certification program that verifies whether cosmetics and personal care products are free from animal testing. Brands seeking CCF certification must demonstrate that they do not test their products or ingredients on animals and that they do not source from suppliers who conduct animal testing. The CCF logo helps consumers make informed choices about cruelty-free products.

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5. Difference Between Vegan and Cruelty-Free Certification

 Vegan certification and cruelty-free certification are both important standards for ethical consumption, but their meanings and criteria differ.

 Vegan certification means that the product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals. Vegan products must have all ingredients derived from plant sources or be synthetically produced, and animal testing is prohibited throughout the product development and manufacturing processes.

 Cruelty-free certification guarantees that no animal testing was conducted; however, the product may still contain animal-derived ingredients, such as honey, lanolin, or beeswax. In other words, a cruelty-free product is not necessarily a vegan product.

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6. Fair Trade Certification‍

 The Fair Trade certification ensures that products are produced in an ethical and sustainable manner. It emphasizes environmental protection and social responsibility, playing a crucial role in enhancing a company’s credibility and building an ethical brand image.

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• Conclusion

 International certifications are essential elements in the cosmetics industry, ensuring product quality, safety, environmental friendliness, and ethical standards. While each of these certifications applies different criteria, they share the common goal of providing consumer trust and demonstrating corporate social responsibility. Today's consumers consider not only the effectiveness of a product but also how it is made and its impact on the environment and society. Therefore, cosmetics that have obtained international certifications meet these consumer demands and become vital assets in securing competitiveness in the global market. At Crescent Seoul, we have a comprehensive understanding of all processes related to international certifications. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.