Bandeau actu comment choisir un détergent pour cosmétique bio

How to choose a detergent for making organic cosmetics?

04/12/2025

In the organic cosmetics industry, choosing a detergent is a strategic step. It influences product quality, operator safety, and environmental impact. According to the COSMOS standard, detergents must meet strict criteria to ensure they are truly eco-friendly.

Here are the key points to consider:

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1. Identify the type of contamination to be cleaned

The first criterion for choosing a suitable detergent is the nature of the stain.
Residues can be:

greasy,
watery,
pigmented,
etc.

Each type of contamination requires a specific formulation. A good detergent must therefore be able to effectively remove dirt while remaining compatible with organic requirements.

2. Consider the environmental impact

Next, it is essential to assess the destination of the wastewater.
Traditional detergents still contain phosphates and synthetic surfactants. These substances:

degrade very poorly,
accumulate in the soil,
disrupt ecosystems,
and increase the environmental footprint of production.

In contrast, detergents certified by Ecocert or compliant with the COSMOS standard use plant-based, biodegradable, and renewable surfactants. They significantly reduce pollution while offering excellent cleaning efficiency.

3. Comply with regulatory requirements: Ecocert, Cosmébio, and CSR

The choice of detergent must also comply with:

organic labels (Ecocert, Cosmébio),
environmental regulations,
the company’s CSR policy,
the COSMOS standard.

These standards limit the use of hazardous or toxic substances and require healthier formulations. Non-compliant detergents are now excluded from the manufacture of organic cosmetics due to their toxicity and non-biodegradability.

4. Adapt the detergent to the type of equipment

Finally, the choice depends on the cleaning method used:

Washing tunnel,
CIP (Clean in Place),
Manual cleaning.

Each technique has different requirements: contact time, mechanical action, material compatibility, etc. An effective detergent must be suited to the equipment to ensure optimal cleaning without damaging the installations.

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Plant-based surfactants: a modern and sustainable solution

Today, laboratories are actively working to develop plant-based surfactants. These offer several advantages:

safe for operators,
biodegradable,
derived from renewable resources,
customizable according to the type of dirt,
compatible with Ecocert and COSMOS requirements.

In addition to reducing the use of hazardous products, these surfactants help reduce the amount of water and detergent required, contributing to more responsible production.

Choosing a detergent for the manufacture of organic cosmetics requires a comprehensive approach

The following factors must be analyzed:

the type of contamination,
the environmental impact,
regulatory requirements,
the type of equipment.

New plant-based surfactants now offer a high-performance, sustainable solution that is perfectly suited to organic standards such as Ecocert and COSMOS. They are a real lever for cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly production.

Need advice?

Our experts will assist you in your selection and testing, as our role is to offer you the solution best suited to your needs, constraints, and production environment.