Soil Association COSMOS Organic vs. B Corp: Which Certification Truly Prioritises Sustainability?
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In a world where greenwashing is rampant, certifications are a way for brands to prove their sustainability credentials.
Two well-known certifications in the beauty and personal care industry are Soil Association COSMOS Organic and B Corp. But not all certifications are created equal. If you want a truly organic, planet-friendly choice, COSMOS Organic is far superior—and here’s why.
What Do These Certifications Actually Mean?
Soil Association COSMOS Organic
Soil Association COSMOS Organic certification is the gold standard for organic and natural skincare. To earn this certification, brands must meet stringent criteria:
- No microplastics – Products must be free from plastic-based ingredients like acrylates, carbomers, and silicones.
- Strict organic ingredient requirements – At least 95% of a product’s agricultural ingredients must be organic.
- Bans on petrochemicals – No petroleum-based synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or surfactants.
- Sustainable packaging standards – Plastic use is restricted, and biodegradable or recyclable alternatives are encouraged.
- Full ingredient transparency – Every ingredient is assessed for safety and sustainability.
B Corp Certification
B Corp certification is a broader accreditation covering social and environmental responsibility. While this might sound impressive, the criteria are much looser:
- Allows microplastics – B Corp does not ban the use of ingredients like acrylates and PEGs, which can pollute ecosystems and enter the food chain.
- No mandatory organic requirements – A B Corp-certified brand can use synthetic and non-organic ingredients freely.
- Limited ingredient transparency – Companies are assessed based on overall business practices, but there are no strict product formulation guidelines.
- Sustainability is subjective – B Corp certification is based on a points system, meaning brands can offset poor environmental practices with good social policies.
Why COSMOS Organic Is the Better Choice
1. Ingredient Safety and Purity
With COSMOS Organic, you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. This certification bans harmful synthetic chemicals, whereas B Corp allows brands to use whatever ingredients they choose—including microplastics, which are known to persist in the environment and cause harm to marine life.
2. True Environmental Commitment
B Corp operates on a ‘balance’ model—companies can gain points in some areas while still engaging in unsustainable practices elsewhere. COSMOS Organic, however, is non-negotiable. If a product contains banned ingredients, it won’t be certified—simple as that.
3. No Greenwashing Loopholes
B Corp brands can market themselves as sustainable while still using unsustainable ingredients and materials. COSMOS Organic certification prevents this by ensuring every product meets strict standards from formulation to packaging.
4. Focus on Organic Agriculture
COSMOS Organic protects biodiversity by prioritising organic farming. B Corp, on the other hand, does not require brands to use organic ingredients at all, which means products can still contribute to pesticide pollution and soil degradation.
The Verdict: Choose COSMOS Organic for Genuine Sustainability
B Corp certification is often used as a marketing tool rather than a true mark of sustainability. While it may encourage better business practices overall, it does not guarantee that products are free from harmful or unsustainable ingredients.
So, if you truly care about the health of your skin and the planet, always look for the Soil Association COSMOS Organic logo. It’s the only certification that ensures your skincare is genuinely clean, green, and microplastic-free.
Obvs Skincare's Commitment to True Sustainability
At Obvs Skincare, we take sustainability seriously. Despite being approached by B Corp multiple times to certify with them, we have remained committed to Soil Association COSMOS Organic certification because we believe in real, verifiable sustainability. We refuse to compromise by allowing microplastics or questionable ingredients into our products, and we stand by the strict standards that ensure our formulations are as clean and environmentally responsible as possible.
