ISO Standard 16128 - Take your chances

Now the so-called "natural cosmetics standard" ISO 16128 has been approved and published in September 2017 also with the second part and is therefore completely valid.

The transparency and quality seal "Ingredients testet" offers you a unique opportunity to do this worldwide. You can transparently present all high-quality ingredient and quality details to your customers directly at the point of sale. With one click from your homepage or via QR code from flyers, ads, posters and packaging.

What does the ISO Standard 16128 contain?

This is an ISO standard that was initiated by the conventional cosmetics industry and was completely adopted and published with Part 2 in September 2017 after a relatively short time. The previously certified natural cosmetics seal issuers, such as Natrue, BDIH, etc. were present as observers, but were not entitled to vote.

The criteria for natural cosmetics and organic cosmetics are very weak. It is not based on any fixed requirements and prerequisites.

Examples:

There is, for example. For example, there is no obligation to restrict the use of petrochemicals or the use of genetically modified crops, but these are precisely the expectations of consumers.
There is only a recommendation not to use halogenated derivatives, but no ban.
No preservative criteria! All preservatives permitted by the cosmetics regulations, e.g. parabens, etc., can be used.

The second part of the ISO guidelines contains calculations for determining the content of natural or organic ingredients in cosmetic products. These can be authenticated on a voluntary basis through certification.

The certification according to ISO 16128 only confirms that the calculation has been carried out correctly. However, the guideline does not specify the percentage at which a product can claim to be natural or organic cosmetics.

All requirements and details are very intransparent and can only be accessed for a fee.

What impact will ISO standard 16128 have on consumers and certified natural cosmetics suppliers?

ISO is a well-known and very trusted quality term for consumers. ISO 9000, for example, stands for existing quality management. ISO 20000 is the leading international standard for good IT service management. A "natural cosmetics product" that refers to an ISO standard will mean to very many consumers that they are buying a good quality and trustworthy natural cosmetics product.

According to findings from www.cosmeticanalysis.com ISO standard 16128 applies to around 80 % of all products in the classic cosmetics sector. Many of these suppliers will certainly refer to the ISO standard in some way.

For certified natural cosmetics suppliers, this means that demarcations and distinctions can only be presented with difficulty. The term "natural cosmetics" will again be dramatically diluted.

The EU and a natural cosmetics definition

The EU has been working towards a definition of natural cosmetics for a long time and is waiting for this ISO standard. It is to be feared that the EU will use the ISO standard 16128 for a binding definition. This would be a complete disaster for the certified natural cosmetics industry and a slap in the face for consumers.

What can you do about it now? You, the certified natural cosmetics suppliers and all other manufacturers with good products!

The really good product suppliers (certified natural cosmetics and near-natural cosmetics manufacturers) should seek ways to prove their product quality transparently and quickly comprehensible for every consumer. Only in this way will they be able to distinguish themselves from the vague framework conditions and the "serious" image of the natural cosmetics ISO.

The transparency and quality seal "Ingredients-tested" offers you a unique opportunity worldwide. Directly at the point of sale, you can transparently present all high-quality ingredient and quality details to your customers. With one click from your homepage or via QR code from flyers, advertisements, posters and packaging.

At the same time, you can generate high-quality leads from quality prospects.