We are not unaware that consumers are in permanent quest for transparency on the products they consume. This desire echoes the many health scandals, leading to growing suspicion. Thus, it is not uncommon to see consumers armed with their phones to scan the articles that they are about to buy. The cosmetics organic and natural products have not escaped this trend.

But is this really the solution?

Labeling and certification : undeniable transparency tools

Transparency is one of the label's "hobby horses" Cosmebio which reiterates this desire in its new Manifesto. Indeed, this reminds us that the brands labeled Cosmébio are committed to « Communicate transparently about their strengths and their dilemmas ». This manifesto also recalls the need to be the guarantors of safe and effective cosmetics. This is why, to affix the Cosmébio logo it is necessary to go through the step certification process Certification according to the COSMOS standard is carried out by independent certifiers such as Cosmécert, Ecocert and Bureau Veritas. Brands will therefore undergo a documentary and on-site audit to certify that they comply with the COSMOS specifications. In keeping with this principle of transparency, the specifications are available online and accessible to all.

The goal of certification? To prove to consumers that their products are truly organic and natural.

Brands committed to transparency

Today, many brands have stepped up to counter the power of rating apps by explaining the composition of their products themselves. Given the inaccuracies found on some apps, it was easier and more relevant for brands to share information directly with their communities. Some brands have redoubled their ingenuity to help consumers in this quest for transparency.

• The example of the INCI list ofencrypted

It's clear that reading an INCI list is a real challenge for a consumer. And for good reason: complex terms make understanding difficult, if not impossible. As a result, many brands, such as Pur Eden and Nateclo, have decided to create "translated" INCI lists. This makes it easier to understand what your cosmetic contains.

• Sourcing

For others, this desire for transparency does not stop at the list of ingredients and continues with the sourcing of these. In this approach, it is possible to find on the Sarmance brand website the places where the grapes used to make their products are harvested. The Guayapi brand, for its part, makes available on its website the location where its ingredients are harvested and identifies its partners.

• Tours and open days

For some brands, transparency involves holding open days and tours of their premises. Consumers can discover for themselves the conditions under which their favorite cosmetics are made. Several participating brands, such as Mademoiselle Agathe and Compagnie du Midi, offered guided tours and open days during Organic Cosmetics Week 2020.

• Educational articles and videos

Finally, for Cosmébio and the majority of its members, transparency comes through educational articles and explanatory videos. It's difficult to have confidence in your products when you don't understand the presence of an ingredient, or the logos on the packaging. Articles aimed at explaining and Decrypt are a true guarantee of transparency for consumers. It is possible to find all the articles written by Cosmébio on the website www.cosmebio.org “our files” section.

Want to know more ? Meet us at the Cosmetic Innovations Forum

In partnership with Cosmebio, a professional association for ecological and organic cosmetics, Natexpo offers each year a space entirely dedicated to beauty and well-being: the Cosmetic Innovations ForumIn particular, you will be able to attend conferences and meet numerous Cosmébio-certified companies.

Article written by Cosmebio