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'Natural' (NOT a certification)
Worldwide · Tier 4 Marketing
EU Organic (Euro-Leaf) logo
EU Organic (Euro-Leaf)
European Union · 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 mandatory mark for any pre-packaged organic food sold in the EU. The 'Euro-Leaf' is a stylised leaf made of twelve white stars on a green background.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—20102010
InspectionNoneAnnual on-site by accredited control body in producer countryAnnual on-site by COSMOS-accredited certifier
Residue testingNoneRisk-based; mandatory at higher-risk operationsRisk-based
Guarantees
  • Nothing. It is not a certification and there is no body verifying anything.
  • At least 95% of agricultural ingredients are organic (regulation EU 2018/848).
  • No synthetic pesticides, no synthetic fertilizers, no GMOs.
  • Animal welfare standards (outdoor access, lower stocking density, no routine antibiotics).
  • Annual inspection by an accredited control body in the producing member state.
  • Mandatory display of the certifier's code and origin (e.g. 'EU Agriculture' / 'Non-EU Agriculture').
  • 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.
  • Doesn't ban the natural pesticides allowed under the regulation (copper sulphate, spinosad).
  • Doesn't certify processed-food additives beyond the EU's permitted list.
  • Doesn't certify clinical effectiveness or skin tolerance.

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