Cannabis infused cosmetic products are gaining popularity! FDA defines cosmetics as products intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance without affecting the body’s structure or functions. Cosmetics are versatile and come in many forms – skin patches, lip balms, shampoos, body wash, facial oils, lotions, bath bombs– the list continues to grow matching the industry’s innovating ways. The increasing popularity may be from its discreet use, versatile applications, or even the decreased regulatory oversight compared to other infused consumable products such as food, dietary supplements, and smoking products. Due to this lessened regulatory oversight, cosmetics producers are encouraged to ensure voluntary quality and safety of their products. Cannabis cosmetic companies may obtain various certifications to illustrate their desire to make quality and safe products. Luckily, cosmetic producers have a few certifications to choose from to demonstrate their dedication to quality and safety.

GMP Certification

Current Good Manufacturing Practices (aka cGMP) is a set of standards that were created by the US Food and Drug Administration under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and cover manufacturers of food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, medical devices, and prescription drugs. cGMP requires a systematic quality approach to manufacturing, including the development and implementation of procedures and documentation for the design, monitoring, and control of all manufacturing processes. Businesses can get certified in cGMP from a third-party certification body. cGMP certification is specific to the facility; each production facility will need their own certification. This quality management system helps to ensure products are made consistently and reliably to product specifications for identity, strength, quality, and purity. Not only does cGMP help businesses prevent hazards such as contamination or errors, it also ensures that products are safe for consumers, every time. Most large retailers (such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Pet Supply Stores, etc.) require this certification prior to selling products.

ISO 22716 Certification

Achieving an organic certification means that the operation has undergone a robust review and inspection to verify compliance with the NOP. Being certified as organic ensures the integrity of organic products from the farm to the consumer. The certified organic seal is a recognizable symbol of consumer trust and appreciation that the brand cares about our environment’s health.

ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 is an international standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system holistically within the entire company. It helps businesses and organizations to be more efficient, create continual improvement culture, and improve customer satisfaction. In contrast to cGMP certification, ISO 9001 is suitable for organizations of all types, sizes, and sectors, not just the production facility. Similar to cGMP, some enterprises require ISO 9001 prior to engaging in business.

Organic Certification

There is a growing interest in purchasing organic products. A way to attract consumers is obtaining organic certification. Organic certification helps to demonstrate transparency to consumers that your product is grown or handled in an organic way that (according to the USDA) contributes to increasing water quality, conserves energy, increases biodiversity, and improves soil health. Both hemp cultivation and hemp processors may receive this certification. Unfortunately, the marijuana industry cannot yet receive organic certification but may continue organic practices. There are some third party organic-like certifications that are becoming available to the THC Cannabis industry to try to fill this gap in the industry and hopefully, organic certification will be available to marijuana companies when federal legalization occurs.

Which certification is right for your cosmetic production facility? Allay Consulting can help you determine which is the best fit for your company and support your compliance goals.

Contact Allay Consulting to learn more about cannabis certifications: cGMP, ISO9001, Organic and more!