Natural Cosmetics 2026: COSMOS Standard instead of “natural”

Advertising for natural cosmetics is subject to complex regulation: EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), Food Information Regulation (when declaring ingredients), EmpCo for advertising statements, and the EU Health Claims Regulation (when advertising caring effects). The term “natural” alone has no legal definition — therefore, it is liable to be challenged without certification.

The 3 most important natural cosmetics certifications: COSMOS Natural — an international standard for 100% natural ingredients (minimum content of 5% organic for “organic” applications). Strict negative list of excluded substances. NATRUE — an association-owned certification with three levels (Natural, Organic, Organic from controlled wild harvesting). BDIH — Bund Deutscher Industrie- und Handelsunternehmen für Arzneimittel, Reformwaren, Nahrungsergänzungsmittel und Körperpflegemittel (German Association of Industries and Trade Companies for Pharmaceuticals, Reform Products, Food Supplements and Body Care Products). A traditional German standard.

What does NOT count: Own brand designations such as “made with natural ingredients”, “Natural”, “Plant-based”. Stiftung Warentest ratings (are tests, not certifications). The “Vegan” logo alone (says nothing about natural cosmetic properties).

Reformulation examples: ❌ “Natural care series” → ✓ “COSMOS-Natural-certified care series (5% organic content, certificate no. FR-2024-456)". ❌ “Made with 100% natural ingredients” → ✓ “NATRUE-certified (Organic level), 87% natural ingredients, of which 19% from controlled organic cultivation”.

Special caution: Caring effect. Claims such as “delays skin ageing” or “tightens the skin” are also not EmpCo, but Annex VI/VII of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. They must be scientifically substantiated. Manufacturers of natural cosmetics are therefore subject to double advertising law.

Conclusion: Have natural cosmetic products certified OR avoid all “natural” claims. Own brand eco-logos will be subject to a per-se prohibition from 27 September 2026.