AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE UK’S ECO BEAUTY CERTIFICATIONS
Our consumer culture has created endless supply in the shape of more and more new brands and products, and the beauty industry is no exception. When you’re shopping for responsibly produced cosmetics, it can be incredibly confusing to try to decipher the ingredients and all the logos on the labels that represent various certifications. That said, those certifications are there to help you — once you know what to look for they will make your life much easier. Here, I’ve put together a guide to all the planet-friendly labels you’ll find on beauty products, what they mean and how they can help you choose the best products for you, your family and the planet.
The carbon footprint label is a clear identifier of products that have had their carbon footprints evaluated and approved by the Carbon Trust. Keep an eye out for variations which will tell you more about the brand’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions.
Originated: UK
Valid: many countries worldwide
The COSMOS-standard logo is an International consumer guarantee used on products that meet COMOS’ criteria for genuine organic or natural cosmetics produced to the highest possible sustainability practices.
Originated: Belgium
Valid: European geographic area
EXPIRY DATE AFTER OPENING - 6M / 12M
Although this marker is meant to help you figure out when you should no longer use a beauty product for your own health and safety, it also integrates a sustainability element: before you buy, ask yourself whether you will be able to use the product in question within 6 or 12 months. If the answer is no, forgo it to avoid any unnecessary waste. This expiry date is also especially important when it comes to more natural products which might not have the same synthetic preservatives needed to keep it effective and safe for use. For this reason, I also avoid having multiples of the same type of product on the go at the same time, i.e. I’m only using one shampoo, one moisturiser, one body oil, etc., and I don’t start a new one until they’re scraped clean.
The FAIRTRADE Mark is a registered certification label for products sourced from producers in developing countries. The mark is only used on products which have been certified in accordance with Fairtrade Standards.
Valid: worldwide
FSC (FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL)
Products that bear this label are made using a mixture of materials from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or FSC-controlled wood. The organisation works to protect natural communities and forests, as well as workers’ rights.
Valid: worldwide
GOOD SHOPPING GUIDE - ETHICAL COMPANY
The Ethical Company’s “Good Shopping Guide” logo is a guarantee of the company, brand or product's good ethical standards. The Ethical Company looks at three areas — people, animals and environment.
Valid: worldwide
Though Leaping Bunny is a US and Canada-centric certification, you’ll see it on many packages in the UK as well, making it a useful one to know. This logo guarantees that the product is never tested on animals throughout the production process.
Originated: North America
Valid: North America, but a good indication regardless
What it says on the tin! Products that are proudly made in Britain, which means you’re supporting the economy and avoiding unnecessary air miles.
ORGANIC FOOD FEDERATION (NON-FOOD)
The Organic Food Federation set up the Non Food Certification Company (NFCC) to certify personal care products. The logo appears when the product is formulated with all organically certified and wild plant materials.
Originated: UK
Valid: UK
PARABEN-FREE
Parabens are petrochemicals used for their ability to kill bacteria and thus preserve the product and increase its lifespan. However, they have the potential to be harmful for our environment and health (believed to be endocrine disruptors), though more research is needed — in the meantime, it’s a good idea to steer clear where you can.
A global initiative, the Prevented Ocean Plastic logo means that the packaging was made from recycled plastic that washed up on beaches and has been picked up by volunteers, thus preventing it from further polluting the environment.
Valid: worldwide
You’re probably quite familiar with the rounded arrow recycling symbol by now, but there are some variations which are good to know. A simple arrow with the word “recycle” means that most councils will recycle this item. The same with “RINSE” written above the arrow means that you need to rinse the item first before your council will recycle it — don’t skip this step! Even if it doesn’t specify, best practice is to rinse all recyclable plastics and metals to avoid contamination. Other inscriptions include “lid on,” “cap on” and “remove sleeve” — which are all pretty self-explanatory. Take a look at this guide here for more detail.
The leading organic certifier in the UK, the Soil Association logo means that products across farming, growing, food, drink, fishing, textiles, beauty and more meet very high organic standards, defined in detail here.
Originated: UK
Valid: UK
SULPHATE-FREE (SULFATE-FREE)
Sulphates are detergents, or surfactants, commonly found in products like shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, and toothpaste. The most common sulphates found in personal care products are sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate. They are often used to help make a product lather, however they can cause skin and eye irritation, particularly if left on the skin rather than rinsed away.
If a product features the Terracycle logo, it means it can be recycled as part of one of the organisation’s many recycling programmes designed to make it easier to recycle otherwise ambiguous packaging that often ends up in landfill because councils aren’t equipped to process it. Think children’s snack pouches, contact lenses and their containers, those pesky crisp packets as well as squeezy beauty packaging and much more.
Originated: USA
Valid: selection of countries worldwide, including the UK
A vegan product means it doesn’t contain any ingredients of animal origin, nor has it been tested on animals. The Vegan Trademark ensures you can trust the product to be what it says it is.