01
Ingredient origin
Consider ingredient sources and physiological and ecological suitability.
Natural · Ethical · Active
Beyond the label.
Behind the science.
CosmEthically ACTIVE considers ingredient origin, active concentrations and the evidence behind a cosmetic formulation.
More considered formulas.
More informed choices.
Five connected perspectives
A formula has
more than one story.
Explore the questions behind the evaluation. The complete guide contains the full criteria.
Ask about your formulation ↗02
Meaningful activity
Assess active ingredients at concentrations supported by evidence.
03
Rational formulation
Consider the purpose of each ingredient and avoid unnecessary complexity.
04
Skin compatibility
Consider the formulation in relation to the skin’s natural physiology.
05
Ethical principles
Review responsible claims and the prohibition of animal testing of products.
Concentration matters
Presence is only
the beginning.
An ingredient list is a starting point. Assessment also asks how much is present, why it was selected and what supports its use.
- 01
What is it?
Identify the ingredient.
- 02
How much is there?
Consider its concentration.
- 03
Why does it belong?
Connect its purpose with evidence.
Skin and nature, considered together
A wider view
of a formula.
The framework considers physiological and ecological suitability alongside cosmetic activity.
Does every ingredient have to occur in nature?
The framework also permits certain ingredients synthesised from natural building blocks, subject to its criteria. Consult the guide for the full definitions and conditions.
How the assessment works
More than
an ingredient list.
The published guide describes three connected parts of product assessment.
01
Raw materials
Supplier documentation helps establish ingredient quality.
02
The formulation
Qualitative and quantitative composition is assessed as a whole.
03
The product
Basic laboratory checks support the assessment.
The route from application to certificate
- 1Confidentiality agreement
- 2Ingredient-list pre-review
- 3Expert review of documentation and sample
- 4Assessment report and any corrections
- 5Guidance on using the mark
- 6Licensing agreement and certificate
Process summary from the published technical document. Ask the team about current arrangements.
Who evaluates the product?
An assessor from the Modern CosmEthics Expert Team prepares a scientific assessment for expert-board consideration.
Does every product require its own clinical trial?
The technical document uses scientific literature to evaluate cosmetic activity; the applicant’s own clinical studies are not required.
Is this an organic certification?
The guide supports organic ingredients but does not make organic certification a condition.
Does this replace a cosmetic safety report?
No. The technical document states that certification and its assessment report do not substitute for a Cosmetic Product Safety Report.
Read the framework
The detail
behind the mark.
01 / Guide · PDF
The full framework
Explore the criteria and definitions in detail.
Opens PDF in a new tab 02 / Presentation · PDFA closer introduction
Get to know the approach behind the certificate.
Opens PDF in a new tab 03 / Technical document · 2020The assessment process
Review the published assessment procedures.
Opens PDF in a new tabFor cosmetic brands
Start with
a conversation.
Tell the team about your products and ask what information is needed for an evaluation.
Explore certified products ↗