Health and beauty 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 of the COSMOS standard was published 1st January 2023 and has been applicable from 1st June 2023. However, a sub version has since been published (1st March 2024) which contains editorial changes. From 1st March 2024, COSMOS version 4.1 is applicable to all products and ingredients.
Note, all products and ingredients that meet version 4, automatically meet version 4.1. There are not criteria changes from v4.0 to v4.1. The up to date transition dates have been written in v4.1.
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.
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COSMOS standards v4.1
Version 4.1 of the COSMOS standards is applicable from 1st March 2024.
Read the standard
See the COSMOS transitional measures update for implementation dates for raw materials and finished cosmetic products.
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Soil Association health and beauty standards
Applicable to personal care products, pet products and other products that cannot be considered ‘cosmetic products’ by definition in the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. Also applicable to existing cosmetic products that have not been reformulated to the COSMOS standard.
Read the standard
Supporting Documents for COSMOS V4.1
The COSMOS labelling guide, technical guide and control manual have been updated in accordance to the launch of COSMOS standards V4.0 and V4.1.