09 February 2010   

Despite intense activity around the controversial area of natural and organic cosmetic standards, the prospects for a global unified standard remain low.

That’s one of the main findings of a new report by London-based analysts Organic Monitor. 

A key finding of the new report is that although standards are gaining in popularity, adoption is mostly on a national basis. Very few standards have built a regional – let alone international — presence. According to the report standards are the most widely adopted in Europe where almost two-thirds of all natural and organic cosmetic products are certified. 

Organic Monitor estimates that the market value of certified products exceeded EUR 1 billion this year. Ecocert and BDIH are the most widely used standards, partly because of the high adoption rates in France and Germany respectively. Ecocert’s popularity is partially because it has a natural and organic standard, whereas most certification agencies have just an organic standard.

The new report notes that while various standards have been introduced in North America over the last 18 months, very few products have become certified. Organic Monitor estimates that less than 5% of natural & organic cosmetics are certified in the region. Organic Monitor notes that natural and organic cosmetic standards are also being introduced in other regions such as the Asia-Pacific and Latin America, but points out that adoption rates are “exceptionally low”.

• More information on the research publication Technical Insights: A Critical Assessment of Natural & Organic Cosmetic Standards is available at www.organicmonitor.com.