How to properly understand the labels of organic cosmetics?
Organic beauty products are growing in popularity as more consumers are conscious about what they put on their skin. However, to be sure you choose quality organic beauty products, it is essential to know how to read labels. Here's a guide to help you decipher these mysterious ingredient lists and make informed choices.
How do you know that a product is organic?
The first step is to look for the labels on the label. Organic labels for cosmetics vary by country, and each label has its own certification criteria. The most commonly used labels for cosmetic products in Europe are:
- ECOCERT: one of the most recognized organic certification labels in the cosmetics industry. Ecocert certified products must meet strict standards for organic ingredients, environmentally friendly production methods and ingredient traceability.
- COSMOS (Corsmos Organic): It aims to harmonize organic standards for cosmetics across the continent. Certified COSMOS products are made using organic ingredients and are subject to sustainability criteria.

It is essential to check the specific label on the product packaging to determine whether it is certified organic or natural. These organic labels for cosmetics are designed to help consumers make informed choices in favor of products that are more respectful of the environment and health.
Beware of greenwashing, where brands use terms such as "organic", "plant-based", but do not guarantee the organic certification of the products.
What ingredients should you avoid in cosmetics?
Learn to spot controversial ingredients, to avoid:
- Silicones that create a barrier on the skin, and can lead to breakouts and clogged pores.
- Sulfates which are aggressive foaming agents, and which can cause excessive dryness of the skin and allergic reactions.
- Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, which can cause allergic reactions.
- Parabens which are used as preservatives, certain types of parabens have been linked to hormonal disruptions.

We also recommend avoiding the following ingredients: Phthalates, Mineral oils (paraffin, petroleum jelly, etc.), Aluminum, Triclosan, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Talc. They are often listed under chemical names.
Searching online can help you identify these components. Comptoir des Huiles products do not contain any of these controversial ingredients!
What is the INCI list of a cosmetic product?
The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list helps provide more transparency to consumers, because it allows you to know the ingredients contained in a cosmetic product, even if you do not speak the language of the country where the product was manufactured. It also helps consumers spot specific ingredients they want to avoid due to allergies, sensitivities or safety concerns.
The INCI list is generally presented as a list of ingredients, from most concentrated to least concentrated. That is to say, the first ingredients are the most present in the product.
Beauty product brands, like Comptoir des Huiles, strive to provide clear INCI lists so that you can choose products with confidence.
This list is written partly in Latin and partly in English, so you can recognize certain words:
- Seed: pips or seeds
- Kernel: kernels

By learning to read organic beauty product labels, you become an informed consumer capable of making informed choices for your skincare routine. The next time you choose a product, take the time to decipher its label to make sure it matches your values and needs.