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Bioland logo
Bioland
Germany · Tier 2 Trusted
COSMOS-Organic / Natural logo
COSMOS-Organic / Natural
European Union · Tier 2 Trusted
Bio Suisse 'Knospe' (Bud) logo
Bio Suisse 'Knospe' (Bud)
Switzerland · Tier 2 Trusted
What it meansGermany's largest organic farmers' association. Bioland-certified farms operate to a stricter private standard than the EU baseline.The leading certification for organic cosmetics in Europe. Two grades: COSMOS Organic (≥95% organic agricultural ingredients) and COSMOS Natural (no organic minimum, but the same restricted-ingredient list).The Swiss organic farmers' federation mark. The Knospe (Bud) is the dominant organic mark in Swiss supermarkets and operates to standards stricter than the Swiss federal organic ordinance.
ScopeFoodCosmeticsFood
Established197120101981
InspectionAnnual on-site by Bioland-accredited inspectorsAnnual on-site by COSMOS-accredited certifierAnnual on-site, bio.inspecta accredited
Residue testingRequiredRisk-basedRequired
Guarantees
  • Whole-farm conversion (no parallel conventional production).
  • Lower permitted nitrogen inputs than EU baseline.
  • Animal welfare standards stricter than EU baseline.
  • Annual on-site inspection.
  • COSMOS Organic: ≥95% organic agricultural ingredients.
  • COSMOS Natural: minimum natural-origin ingredients with banned synthetic restrictions.
  • No GMOs, no parabens, no PEGs, no synthetic fragrances, no SLS/SLES.
  • Biodegradability requirements.
  • Annual on-site audit.
  • Whole-farm conversion.
  • Lower nitrogen inputs than the Swiss federal organic baseline.
  • Strong animal welfare requirements.
  • Annual on-site inspection.
Does NOT
  • Like Naturland, membership-based — only Bioland-association farms can use the mark.
  • Doesn't certify clinical effectiveness or skin tolerance.
  • Switzerland is outside the EU — the Knospe is recognised by the EU under the Switzerland-EU equivalence agreement, but not by USDA without further certification.

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Compare certifications · Organic.is