Sourcing Cosmetic Raw Materials: How Can We Access More Reliable Data? Focus on Ecocert Sourcing and Sustainability Data Check.

Transparency requirements are transforming the sourcing of cosmetic ingredients. Brands, formulators, R&D teams, and regulatory affairs professionals need access to reliable information to compare raw materials, document their decisions, and support their claims.

However, this information is often scattered across various databases, technical data sheets, supplier documents, and individual communications. The level of accuracy varies, comparing data can be complex, and the available evidence is not always presented in a consistent manner.

• In short: How does Ecocert facilitate the sourcing of cosmetic ingredients?

Ecocert Sourcing is a B2B cosmetic ingredient sourcing platform open to all. It brings together more than 18,000 ingredients whose sourcing information and sustainability criteria have been independently and rigorously verified by Ecocert as a certification body.

Designed in collaboration with more than twenty cosmetic brands and ingredient suppliers, the platform serves as a trusted infrastructure across the value chain.

In addition, Sustainability Data Check is a service for verifying sustainability data. The goal is to provide structured, documented information that has been reviewed by an independent third party, making it easier for professionals to use.

• Who is Ecocert Sourcing, the cosmetic ingredient database, intended for?

Ecocert Sourcing is designed for professionals who are looking for or offering cosmetic raw materials that meet recognized sustainability criteria.

For brands, formulators, and R&D teams, the platform allows users to search for ingredients based on various criteria (verified origin, responsible sourcing, process transparency, free of hazardous substances, etc.), view structured data, and—when information is available—identify the associated manufacturers or distributors and then contact them directly.

This centralized approach facilitates the pre-selection of ingredients, reduces the time spent gathering information, and allows for more targeted interactions with suppliers.

For manufacturers and distributors, Ecocert Sourcing serves as a channel for visibility among professionals seeking well-documented raw materials. Suppliers can use the platform to showcase their ingredients and make certain data available according to defined confidentiality levels.

• What does the “Sustainability Data Check” verification cover?

Sustainability Data Check focuses on sustainability data and the supporting documentation. This allows the information and supporting evidence to undergo independent third-party review.

The 6 topics covered:

1. GMOs and biotechnology

2. Animal origin and biodiversity

3. Responsible sourcing

4. Process transparency

5. Controversial substances

6. Environmental performance

The challenge is to move from self-reported information to more substantiated data, drawing on documents and evidence regarding the raw material. Verified data is thus more structured and easier for professionals to use.

The verified information can then be leveraged in Ecocert Sourcing, alongside other available data on the raw material.

• What are the benefits for brands and suppliers in the cosmetics industry?

For brands, access to verified data can make it easier to compare raw materials based on sustainability criteria, guide sourcing decisions, and better document choices and claims.

For suppliers, this approach allows them to organize the information and evidence available on their raw materials, strengthen the credibility of the data provided to their customers, and highlight the relevant ingredients in Ecocert Sourcing.

Ecocert Sourcing and Sustainability Data Check thus address two complementary needs: making it easier to identify well-documented raw materials and enhancing the reliability of the available data to guide sourcing decisions.

• Ready to take action with Ecocert?

If you're looking for cosmetic raw materials with documented characteristics, check out our new Ecocert Sourcing platform!

Designed to overcome the obstacles posed by data fragmentation, the platform serves as a true infrastructure of trust within the industry.

Do you manufacture ingredients and want to improve the reliability of the sustainability data you share with your customers? Have your data verified with Sustainability Data Check.

🗓️ And don’t miss our free webinar on Ecocert Sourcing, on November 5 at 11:30 a.m. (Paris time). Registrer now!