Natural Cosmetics Labels Compared: COSMOS, NATRUE & Co. – How to Recognise Genuine Natural Skincare

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The short answer

The term ‘natural cosmetics’ is not uniformly defined by law. Independent labels are more reliable: COSMOS (Organic or Natural) and NATRUE with three levels. They differ in organic content and control, but guarantee neither efficacy nor tolerability.

Why labels matter so much

Almost anyone can use terms like ‘natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘natural cosmetics’ in advertising. Some products contain only a few plant extracts and are still marketed as natural cosmetics – a classic greenwashing pattern. Independent labels, on the other hand, set binding rules on which raw materials and processes are permitted and have compliance checked.

COSMOS: Organic and Natural

Since 2017, the COSMOS standard has replaced the national standards of BDIH and Ecocert. Products developed before the changeover may in some cases still carry the old logo. You can recognise newer products by the COSMOS signature below the logo. There are two levels: COSMOS Organic requires that at least 95 percent of physically processed agricultural ingredients come from organic farming and that at least 20 percent of the total product is organic (10 percent for rinse-off products and powders). COSMOS Natural meets all other requirements but does not require a minimum share of organic ingredients. Both levels exclude animal testing and require environmental management.

NATRUE: three levels, control at brand level

The NATRUE label comes in three levels: natural cosmetics, natural cosmetics with organic portion, and organic cosmetics. For the middle level, at least 70 percent of the natural ingredients must come from organic farming or controlled wild collection; for organic cosmetics, at least 95 percent. A special feature: NATRUE only awards its label if a large part of a brand's range or product line meets the criteria – at least 75 percent. Individual products are not certified in isolation, which is intended to make greenwashing more difficult.

A critical look: what labels can – and can't – do

The standards are structured differently and cannot be compared one-to-one. One example: with COSMOS Organic, 20 percent organic content in the total product mathematically means that the rest does not have to be organic – water and mineral ingredients are treated differently. It is also important to note: labels assess origin, processing and permitted ingredients, not efficacy. Whether a product suits you depends on your skin, because natural ingredients such as essential oils or plant extracts can also trigger allergies. The German consumer magazine ÖKO-TEST also points out that in some respects the COSMOS criteria fall below the former standards of the founding associations, and in others exceed them, for example in terms of environmental requirements.

In practice: how to read a label correctly

• Look at the logo and the signature below it: Organic or Natural for COSMOS, the level for NATRUE.
• Check whether the label is on the specific product or only on the brand.
• Read the INCI list: the first ingredients make up the largest share.
• Advertising claims such as ‘with organic extract’ are no substitute for a label.

Certified skincare at Cosmenia

Several Cosmenia products are COSMOS Organic certified, including The Hydrating Serum, The Day Cream and The Eye Care. The Sun Kiss SPF 30 is COSMOS Natural certified.

Frequently asked questions about natural cosmetics labels

What does COSMOS Natural mean?

The product meets all the requirements of the COSMOS standard for raw materials, processes and the environment, but does not reach the minimum shares of organic ingredients required for COSMOS Organic.

Is NATRUE better than COSMOS?

Not across the board. Both standards are strict but weight things differently: NATRUE controls a brand's range, COSMOS certifies individual products at two levels. Which label suits you depends on what matters most to you.

Are organic cosmetics and natural cosmetics the same?

No. Natural cosmetics rely on natural ingredients; organic cosmetics also require a high share of ingredients from certified organic farming.

Conclusion

Labels provide orientation in the jungle of natural cosmetics promises, but they don't replace looking at your own skin and the ingredient list. If certified standards matter to you, Cosmenia's The Hydrating Serum is a COSMOS Organic certified example.