ISO 16128 is a multi-part international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides definitions and criteria for natural, organic, and derived cosmetic ingredients and products.
Guidelines on technical definitions for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products
This part defines core terms like “natural”, “organic”, “derived natural”, “derived organic”, and more, allowing standardization in cosmetic labeling and marketing.
Guidelines on approaches to calculate natural, natural origin, organic, and organic origin content
This part establishes the calculation methods for determining the natural and organic content of cosmetic products, helping companies validate and communicate their product claims.
The cosmetics market is flooded with "natural" and "organic" labels, but without a global regulatory definition, many claims are vague or misleading.
ISO 16128 solves this by providing:
This helps build consumer trust, reduce greenwashing, and improve product traceability across the supply chain.
By aligning with ISO 16128, cosmetic and personal care brands can:
Use ISO-approved definitions to categorize ingredients as natural, derived, or synthetic.
Apply mathematical methods to determine the percentage of natural and organic material in formulations.
Make claims that are substantiated and internationally accepted.
Facilitate entry into countries that recognize ISO norms or require ingredient transparency.
Avoid misleading claims that could lead to reputational or legal issues.
Adopting ISO 16128 can significantly enhance your brand’s competitiveness and credibility in a saturated market:
Back up your “natural” or “organic” claims with standardized ISO-calculated percentages.
Stand out with certified formulations that meet growing sustainability expectations.
Work with suppliers and manufacturers who follow ISO criteria for ingredient classification.
Simplify decision-making for R&D teams with clear ingredient definitions and guidelines.
Ensure compliance with retailer requirements and global cosmetic labeling regulations.
Open doors to markets that prioritize ISO-aligned labeling, such as the EU, Japan, Korea, and Canada.
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