Certech sets standards for cosmetics industry

TORONTO Certech Registration, an accredited certifying body, is bringing to the North American beauty market a tool that guarantees that the claims made by certified cosmetics are proven and supported by facts, the Canadian organization announced on Wednesday.

“I believe this certification standard places us firmly at the forefront of the organic industry,” stated Brian Lane, president of Certech Registration. “With this standard, we aim to bring clarity to natural and organic cosmetics producers and create trust among consumers.”

Through its IOS Cosmetics Standard, Certech said it is the first North American organization to bring producers a tool that guarantees that the claims made by certified cosmetics are proven and supported by facts “verified through a rigorous and unbiased process.”

Until now, North American cosmetic manufacturers who wanted to certify their products as organic turned to U.S. and Canadian regulations that are intended for agricultural products and do not provide specific directions for cosmetics, or to legislation created for the European market.

In order to be certified as natural under the IOS Cosmetics Standard, a minimum of 95 percent of the product must be of natural origin. In addition, products that obtain certification as organic must also use certified organic ingredients that have been grown, cultivated and stored without the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fumigants or other toxins.

The standard also addresses the manufacturing process, which must not use or produce toxins or other harmful substances, and the packaging of the product must be recyclable. The products themselves, as well as their individual ingredients, must not have been tested on animals, must be virtually free of synthetic ingredients, and must not contain pesticides, harmful preservatives, artificial colors or fragrances.