The product group includes lotions, sunscreens, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and makeup – and all other products covered by the EU Cosmetics Regulation. It is also possible to certify wet wipes, animal care products, sex lubricants and medical lubricants. Products that are covered by the EU Biocidal Regulation cannot be certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
The substances included in a Nordic Swan Ecolabel cosmetic product must meet strict environmental and health requirements. This means banning several substances. In addition, there are requirements for design of the packaging to limit both quantity of material and waste of the products.
The requirements include:
Environmental properties such as degradability, bioaccumulability and toxicity to aquatic organisms of the chemical substances used.
Health properties of chemical substances used. There is a ban on substances classified to cause cancer, as toxic to reproduction or to potentially damage genetic material. Also, identified or potential endocrine disruptors on up-to-date lists from EU and national authorities are banned, and it is not allowed to add PFAS.
No fragrances in skin and hair care products for babies and children.
No use of microplastics – and no plastic fibres in wet wipes.
Only use of RSPO certified palm oil or palm kernel oil.
Design of packaging – and both quantity and type of material for the packaging.