Nordic Swan Ecolabelled cosmetic products are among those with the lowest environmental impact within their category, meeting stringent environmental and health requirements. Standards address the environmental and health characteristics of all ingredients as well as packaging materials.
These products typically enter wastewater systems after use. Consequently, factors such as biodegradability, potential for bioaccumulation, and aquatic toxicity are critically evaluated for all components. Since cosmetic products are applied directly to the body, Nordic Ecolabelling enforces rigorous standards concerning any substances that may present health risks.
The criteria for cosmetics are being updated, with new requirements for rinse-off cosmetics (such as soaps) coming into force the 1st of September 2026. Leave-on cosmetics’ (such as creams) new requirements come into force in March 2027. We are committed to guarantee that all of Kiilto’s cosmetics currently carrying the ecolabel, including Erisan Pro, Plum, DAX, and Antibac products, fully comply with the updated, even stricter Nordic Swan Ecolabel criteria and remain both safe and effective.
“For us at Kiilto, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel represents high trustworthiness in all the products that carry the certificate. We are extremely proud to continue supporting our customers’ businesses with the same high-quality products with low environmental impact, even with the new, stricter criteria.”
– Nina Pärssinen, Group Product Manager Personal Hygiene
Stricter standards for cosmetic products
The revised criteria introduce even stricter requirements for both ingredients and packaging. Nordic Swan Ecolabelled cosmetics:
- Meet rigorous chemical safety standards – substances classified as carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction, or endocrine disruptors are banned. PFAS compounds and microplastics are not permitted.
- Consider the environment – ingredients are biodegradable, and they do not accumulate in nature or living organisms.
- Feature packaging designed for the circular economy – packaging uses minimal material and is optimised for recycling. The new criteria place special emphasis on the recyclability of plastics and cardboard, as well as the use of recycled materials.
- Ensure responsible sourcing – for example, any palm oil used must be RSPO-certified and traceable.