You can sometimes find the Ecocert or Cosmos label on bio-certified cosmetics. People also sometimes use them interchangeably but are they the same?
No, Cosmos and Ecocert are not the same thing, but they are related.
Cosmos (COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard) is an international standard for organic and natural cosmetics. It is a certification system created by five leading European certification organizations: BDIH (Germany), Cosmebio (France), Ecocert (France), ICEA (Italy) and Soil Association (United Kingdom). Cosmos sets standards for natural and organic ingredients, environmentally friendly production processes and ethical business practices.
Ecocert is one of the certification organizations that contributed to the development of the Cosmos standard. It is an independent organization that provides certifications for organic agriculture, sustainable development and natural cosmetics worldwide. Ecocert has its own standards for organic and natural products and is one of the organizations that apply and certify the Cosmos standard.
In short, Ecocert is a certification organization involved in the development and implementation of the Cosmos standard, but Cosmos itself is a broader standard created by a consortium of certification organizations.
