The skin is our largest organ and does so much for our body — we should nurture and care for it as best we can. For our overall well-being and good health, it’s crucial to pay attention to what we apply to our skin and what ultimately gets absorbed into our system. Unfortunately, this is something that’s often overlooked or not given enough thought.

To help consumers navigate the cosmetics industry, various certifications and tests are issued to products and brands to ensure they are safe to use. Below are some of the most common tests and certifications whose presence on a product guarantees its skin-friendliness and safety.

Dermatologically tested

When it comes to natural cosmetics, it’s good to look for products with a dermatologically tested label. Dermatology is the science of skin and its conditions, and dermatologists are medical doctors specialized in this field. Therefore, this emblem on a product indicates that it has been tested by skin specialists.

How and why are creams dermatologically tested?

Creams are dermatologically tested to evaluate whether they cause any irritation to the skin. These clinical studies are usually conducted by independent research laboratories, where dermatologists examine the skin during product use. Creams that cause irritation, dryness, or redness do not pass the test and therefore cannot receive certification.

Ecocert COSMOS certification

One of the most important international certifications for natural cosmetics is COSMOS NATURAL. Products bearing this certification have undergone strict verification, proving the company’s environmental responsibility and the natural or organic origin of its ingredients.
COSMOS NATURAL certified products contain no parabens, phenoxyethanol, perfume, or synthetic colorants. They are also free from GMO ingredients, ensuring a formulation that is both safe for the skin and respectful of nature.

Applying for the COSMOS NATURAL certification is a relatively lengthy process. During the application, companies must often be prepared to make substantial changes to their workflows, materials, or ingredients to meet the standard’s strict criteria.
However, these high requirements make it an extremely reliable certification, one worth looking for on natural cosmetic products to ensure their quality, purity, and integrity.

Antimicrobial protection test, also known as the challenge test

Since cosmetic products come into contact with microbes to a greater or lesser extent during use, it is important to know whether the product can handle microbial contamination. To assess this in the laboratory, a challenge test is used.
During the test, the product sent to the laboratory is inoculated with a specific amount of five different strains of microorganisms.
The presence of this test is not indicated on the packaging, so it’s best to ask the manufacturer directly whether the product has undergone it.

Estonian Allergy Association

The Association recognizes products that are safe and trustworthy. Such products do not contain allergenic fragrances or common irritants and are free from substances or concentrations that may cause hypersensitivity. They are suitable for people with sensitive skin or those suffering from allergic conditions. Products bearing the Estonian Allergy Association label help allergy sufferers make informed and confident choices.

Unfortunately, we cannot fully guarantee that a cream will never cause rare skin reactions. Sensitive skin is individual and may sometimes react even to natural ingredients.

Berrichi cares for your skin — you should too!