Resources
Guidance, templates and resources to help beauty and wellbeing businesses understand organic certification requirements, prepare for inspections and stay compliant.
We want to make the certification process as simple and accessible as possible so we have created this resources hub for documents, templates, guidance, and further information on different aspects of certification. Whether you are an existing client or just starting on your application journey, you should find the information you need here.
Beauty and wellbeing standards
These standards set out the requirements for organic and natural health and beauty products certified to the internationally recognised COSMOS standard and for Soil Association health and beauty certified products.
Version 4.0 (v4.0) of the COSMOS standard was published 1 January 2023 and has been applicable from 1 June 2023. A sub version was published (1 March 2024) which contains editorial changes. From 1 March 2024, COSMOS version 4.1 was applicable to all products and ingredients.
On 1 September 2025, a second sub version is published (v4.2), again with editorial changes.
Please note: all products and ingredients that meet version 4 automatically meet version 4.1 and v4.2. There are no criteria changes in v4.1 or v4.2. The up to date transition dates have been written in v4.2.
Soil Association Certification certifies products to the COSMOS standard for products that are considered ‘cosmetic products’ by definition in the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
Supporting documents for COSMOS v4.2
The COSMOS labelling guide, technical guide, standard and control manual have changed been updated in accordance with the launch of COSMOS v4.2.
Product resources
We have a range of resources to help with getting products approved and added to your licence. The COSMOS and Soil Association health and beauty standards provide further detailed information.
When adding new products, you will need to complete the relevant specification forms and consider if the composition meets the standards.
If using non-organic raw materials, these will need to be verified as compliant with the applicable standard.
Labelling resources
Before submitting labels for approval, you must verify that these meet the applicable standard and use the correct scheme symbol.
General labelling requirements can be found in section 10 of the COSMOS standards and in the COSMOS labelling guide.
COSMOS labelling requirements
Published 01 Mar 2025
This guide has been created by Soil Association Certification to provide a brief overview of the requirements outlined in the COSMOS Standard and COSMOS Labelling Guide. The guide covers what is checked as part of the COSMOS label review for COSMOS Organic, COSMOS Natural, and COSMOS Certified Raw Materials.
Soil Association health and beauty
General labelling requirements can be found in section 40.10 of the Soil Association health and beauty standards.
COSMOS and Soil Association health and beauty registered marks
There are 5 different symbol marks:
COSMOS organic for use on products certified to the COSMOS organic standard
COSMOS natural for use on products certified to the COSMOS natural standard
COSMOS certified ingredients for use on ingredients certified to COSMOS certified standard
COSMOS approved raw ingredients for use on raw materials approved under the COSMOS standard (no organic content)
Soil Association organic for use on products certified to the Soil Association organic health and beauty standard
COSMOS symbol request form
Your requested certification symbols will be emailed to you after the form has been submitted.
Packaging requirements
Products must comply with the relevant packaging standards to be approved. This can be demonstrated by submitting a completed packaging form during the product approval process.
COSMOS: Packaging requirements can be found in section 8.3 of the COSMOS standards and COSMOS technical guide.
Soil Association health and beauty: Packaging requirements can be found in section 41.6 of the Soil Association heath and beauty standards.
Frequently asked questions
We have put together a list of frequently asked questions for businesses who are interested in being certified.
Is organic and natural beauty and wellbeing certification mandatory?
Unfortunately, certification for organic beauty and wellbeing products is not mandatory. However, certification ensures that you can substantiate organic claims and provide consumer clarity. The application process varies on a case by case basis, however, our aim is to have businesses certified within 3 months.
What is greenwashing?
Greenwashing is a misleading term used by companies that promote the environmental and ethical benefits of a product, service or company practice.
There are no regulations around using the term for natural or organic cosmetic products. We work hard to raise awareness of greenwashing in the cosmetics industry to provide clarity for the consumer.
What is COSMOS and what role does the Soil Association play within it?
The Soil Association charity is a founder member of the COSMOS standard.
COSMOS was founded in 2010 by Soil Association and other leading organic organisations in the industry. It aims to create a harmonised international standard for the certification of organic and natural cosmetic products and create a less confusing market for consumers.
Soil Association Certification is one of the certification bodies able to provide certification and business support for this standard.
Are Soil Association beauty and wellbeing licences recognised by COSMOS?
No, something that is organic on a Soil Association beauty and wellbeing licence is not considered organic for COSMOS.
You can tell beauty and wellbeing licences by the certificate licence number, which will have a DJ or H prefix.
What is the difference between COSMOS organic and COSMOS natural?
Organic is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that there is a demand for natural products, so to address this, we also offer COSMOS natural certification.
The COSMOS natural products do not have to contain any organic ingredients, although in practice, many do.
COSMOS natural is most suitable for products containing a lot of ingredients, which cannot be a result of organic farming, such as water, salt or clay – for example, toners, bath salts or face masks.
Who needs to be certified?
Manufacturers and brand holders of COSMOS products have to be certified.
Also, anyone who wants to sell ingredients with some organic content needs to be certified. If the ingredients are also food grade, you can get a food organic licence, as this certification is also acceptable in the COSMOS supply chain.
Why does COSMOS permit the use of certified sustainable palm oil?
There is a growing global concern and urgent need to protect the planet from irresponsible deforestation. COSMOS believe that the organic and natural cosmetics industry should take responsibility for the sourcing of palm oil and palm kernel oil, to ensure, as best we can, that the environment is not being harmed.
COSMOS carried out research on the availability of palm and palm kernel oil derivatives. They decided to introduce a new standard on CSPO palm derivatives, which took effect on 1 January 2019.
Note that COSMOS would prefer all ingredients from palm and palm derivatives from organic sources, but at present, this is not possible due to availability.
How do I use the Soil Association Certification portal?
The Soil Association Certification portal is a central online system where you can manage your organic certification, respond to audit requirements and submit certification forms.
Learn more about organic and natural certification
Find out all you need to know about certification for beauty and wellbeing.