ISO 16128-1-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products — Part 1: Definitions for ingredients. This document provides sector-specific definitions and classification rules for cosmetic ingredients (natural, organic, derived natural/organic, derived mineral and non‑natural) and guidance on quantification approaches used in ingredient characterisation.

Abstract

ISO 16128-1:2016 sets out definitions and classification guidance for ingredients used in cosmetics where natural and organic origin is a consideration. It clarifies ingredient categories, describes how processing and solvents affect classification, and explains basic approaches for quantifying natural/organic origin (for example by molecular weight or renewable carbon). The standard is guidance only and does not prescribe labelling, safety, packaging or regulatory requirements.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard)
• Publication date: February 2016 (Edition 1, 2016)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 71.100.70 — Cosmetics. Toiletries
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016)
• Number of pages: 11

Scope

Part 1 of ISO 16128 provides guidelines to define and classify cosmetic ingredients by origin and processing: natural ingredients (from plants, animals, micro‑organisms or minerals, obtained without intentional chemical modification), natural mineral ingredients, organic ingredients (from organic farming or compliant wild harvesting), derived natural and derived organic ingredients (ingredients partly or wholly chemically/biologically modified), derived mineral ingredients, and non‑natural ingredients. The document explicitly excludes product communication (claims and labelling), human or environmental safety, socio‑economic considerations (such as fair trade), packaging characteristics and regulatory compliance requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions for ingredient categories: natural, organic, derived natural, derived organic, derived mineral, and non‑natural.
• Distinction between process solvents and ingredient solvents and how solvents affect ingredient classification.
• Guidance on quantification methods for natural/organic origin (molecular weight approach, renewable carbon approach and other relevant methods).
• Informative annexes listing solvent categories, chemical/biological processes and calculation examples for origin assessment.
• Rules and restrictions associated with each ingredient category to promote consistent classification.
• Clarification that the standard is guidance only and not a labelling or regulatory instrument.

Typical use and users

Used by cosmetic ingredient suppliers, product formulators, R&D and quality teams, certification bodies, standards committees, regulatory and compliance personnel, and organisations developing internal ingredient‑origin policies. It assists those who need a common technical framework for classifying ingredients by origin and for preparing internal documentation or technical dossiers (note: it is not a substitute for labelling regulations or certification schemes).

Related standards

ISO 16128-2:2017 (Part 2 — Criteria for ingredients and products) which describes calculation approaches for ingredient and product-level natural/organic indexes and includes methods to derive product-level percentages and scores. ISO/TC 217 (cosmetics) is the technical committee responsible for this work; national adoptions and related national documents and amendments exist in various countries.

Keywords

natural cosmetics, organic cosmetics, ingredient definitions, derived natural, derived organic, derived mineral, natural origin calculation, renewable carbon, cosmetic standards, ISO 16128

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16128-1:2016 is an international guidance standard that defines categories and classification criteria for cosmetic ingredients with respect to natural and organic origin.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions for ingredient categories (natural, organic, derived natural/organic, derived mineral, non‑natural), solvent and process considerations, and high‑level quantification approaches. It does not cover product claims, labelling, safety assessment, packaging or regulatory compliance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ingredient suppliers, cosmetic formulators, quality and R&D teams, certification bodies, and others needing a consistent technical framework to characterise ingredient origin.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The edition published in 2016 (Edition 1) is the active Part 1 document. Users should check the ISO catalogue or their national standards body for any reviews, confirmations or revisions; Part 1 has been maintained as the baseline definitions used alongside Part 2 (which contains calculation criteria).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 16128 is a two‑part set. Part 1 (this document) covers ingredient definitions; Part 2 covers criteria and calculation methods for ingredients and finished products.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Natural, organic, derived natural, derived organic, derived mineral, natural origin calculation, renewable carbon, cosmetic ingredients.