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'Natural' (NOT a certification)
Worldwide · Tier 4 Marketing
Canada Organic Biologique logo
Canada Organic Biologique
Canada · Tier 1 Gold
COSMOS-Organic / Natural logo
COSMOS-Organic / Natural
European Union · Tier 2 Trusted
What it meansThe word 'natural' on packaging is a marketing term, not a certification. In most jurisdictions there's no legal definition, no standard, and no inspection. A product labelled 'natural' can contain synthetic ingredients, pesticides, GMOs, and artificial flavours.The federal Canadian organic standard, mandatory on any agricultural product sold across provincial borders or imported as 'organic'.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).
ScopeSeveral categoriesFoodCosmetics
Established—20092010
InspectionNoneAnnual on-site by CFIA-accredited certifierAnnual on-site by COSMOS-accredited certifier
Residue testingNoneRisk-based, conducted by accredited certifiersRisk-based
Guarantees
  • Nothing. It is not a certification and there is no body verifying anything.
  • ≥95% organic ingredients (single-ingredient products: 100%).
  • No synthetic pesticides, no GMOs, no irradiation.
  • Annual third-party certification under the Canada Organic Regime.
  • 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.
Does NOT
  • Doesn't mean organic. Doesn't mean pesticide-free. Doesn't mean GMO-free. Doesn't mean ethically produced.
  • Some markets (e.g. the US FDA on food, EU on cosmetics) place very limited restrictions on the word, but enforcement is weak.
  • Provincial sales-only operations are not legally required to carry it (though many do voluntarily).
  • Doesn't certify clinical effectiveness or skin tolerance.

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