Independent, not self-declared
A third party reviewed the formulation, not the brand's own marketing team. That is the difference between a claim and a certification.
Certification
How certificationworks.
CertClean is an independent, ingredient-focused certification. Every ingredient in a product is screened against a published standard of more than 1,400 restricted chemicals. Products that clear it earn a certificate and the right to carry the seal — renewed each year, not granted once.
Why it matters
What the seal tells a shopper
Clean, natural, green, non-toxic — the beauty industry uses these words inconsistently, and shoppers have learned to discount them. Certification replaces a self-declared claim with an independent one that can be checked.
Every ingredient, by name
Each line of the INCI list is matched to its canonical identity and screened against the standard. Every unique ingredient is reviewed.
One published standard
The same restricted list is applied to every brand, the same way. It evolves as the evidence does, and certified brands are told when it changes.
Renewed, not granted once
The licence is annual. A product carries the seal only while its formulation still clears the standard and the licence is active.
What that means for your brand
A statement you can make plainly and back up — “screens products for over 1,400 harmful chemicals” — on packaging as the seal, in CertClean's certified directory as your own brand and product pages, and on a certificate you can hand to a retailer. Shoppers who look for third-party verification find you; retailers who ask for it have their answer.
The program
Ingredient screening, not a marketing claim
CertClean is an independent, ingredient-focused certification. We match each line of a formulation to its INCI identity, screen it against our restricted-substance list, and issue a certificate only when every ingredient clears — renewed each year, not granted once.
What we check
- Full ingredient disclosure (INCI)
- Match to canonical ingredient identity (INCI / CAS / EC where available)
- Screening against CertClean’s restricted list — approved, conditional, or not approved
- Supporting documentation for conditional ingredients when required
What we don’t
- Efficacy or performance
- Sustainability or environmental impact
- Whether a product is natural or organic
- Allergy potential or suitability for a given skin type
- Absolute safety or medical outcomes
The standard restricts substances that may include endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, persistent environmental pollutants, and other substances restricted under CertClean standards. Certification means the product met CertClean’s ingredient standard on the date it was assessed. It is not a guarantee that the product will work for every shopper, or that every excluded ingredient is uniquely dangerous at cosmetic doses — it is a standard-setting decision, made public and applied consistently.
Process
The assessment, step by step
One open assessment at a time. The portal always shows whose turn it is — yours or ours. Most straightforward assessments are reviewed within 5 business days of a complete, paid submission.
- 01brand
Create your account & brand
Register, add company details, and start an assessment in the portal. Each consumer-facing brand has its own account.
- 02brand
Upload formulations
Submit a spreadsheet of products and full INCI ingredient lists. The system matches ingredients to our database; anything it cannot resolve is flagged for you to correct.
- 03brand
Pay the assessment fee
One fee per assessment round, not per product. Review does not start until it is paid.
- 04brand + us
Ingredient review
You confirm or correct matches. We review each unique ingredient once against the standard, and each lands in one of three places — approved, conditional, or not approved (see below). Conditional ingredients need supplier documentation before they can clear.
- 05brand
Sign the licence & pay the annual fee
E-sign the seal licence agreement, then start the annual licence subscription. Only approved products appear on the agreement.
- 06automatic
Certificate issued
Download your certificate and signed agreement. Use the seal on packaging, site, and marketing while the licence stays active.
Three outcomes for every ingredient
Nothing is judged at the product level until every ingredient has been placed.
Approved
Clears the standard as disclosed. Nothing for you to do.
Conditional
Clears only with more information — typically a supplier information sheet, the percentage in the formulation, or how the ingredient is derived (for example plant-derived versus petroleum-derived). Gathering these early is the single biggest thing a brand can do to shorten the review.
Not approved
Restricted under the standard. Any product containing it is not certified in this round. Other products in the same assessment are unaffected, and you can reformulate and reopen later.
Requirements
Who can apply
To apply, your company and products must meet all of the following.
Company requirements
Sell cosmetics and personal care products that fall under the definition of cosmetics/make-up and personal care products
Demonstrate compliance with CertClean’s Standards
Show ongoing commitment to the certification criteria
Acknowledge that CertClean’s Standards are dynamic and will evolve to reflect the latest science, regulations, and other relevant considerations
Agree that certified products will be listed on CertClean’s website and database
Eligible product categories
- Skincare
- Creams, gels, oils, balms, butters, moisturizers, serums, and lotions.
- Odour care
- Deodorants and body odour products. Antiperspirants are not eligible.
- Wash products
- Shower gels, soaps, bath oils, bath bombs, body scrubs, shampoo, hair products, and makeup removers.
- Cosmetics
- Lipsticks, eyeshadow, facial powder, foundation, BB/CC cream, bronzer, concealer, blush, mascara, eyeliners, and nail polish.
Scope
Categories outside the standard
Not yet certified
These fall outside the current standard. They may be added as it evolves.
- Personal hygiene and feminine products
- Hair dye and colourants
- Sunscreen and sun protection products
- Perfume or cologne
- Birth control products including spermicides
- Oral care products (toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss)
- Direct eye products (contact solutions, eye drops, eyelash glue)
- Beauty accessories and tools (brushes, sponges, wipes, pore strips)
- Semi-medical products (wart removal, pain relief, dandruff treatment, nail treatment)
Never certified
Excluded by the standard itself — not expected to become eligible.
- Aerosol-based products
- Antiperspirants
- Products containing nanoparticles (less than 100 nm)
- Products containing plastic microbeads
What the licence includes
Right to use the CertClean seal on approved products under the licence terms
Brand and product certificates (PDF) from the portal
Your own brand page and product pages in CertClean’s certified directory, linking back to your store
Approved wording you can use in your own communications, e.g. “screens products for over 1,400 harmful chemicals”
Promotional placements — brand spotlights, features, campaign round-ups — are offered separately and are not part of the licence fee.
Fees
What it costs
Fees are per brand, not per product — the same whether you certify three products or thirty. There are two payments: one when the assessment begins, and one each year the licence stays active.
Assessment feeone-time
$200CAD
Due after product upload, before review begins. Once per assessment round, regardless of how many products are in it.
Annual licenceper year
$450CAD
Due once products pass and the licence is signed. Keeps the seal, certificates, and directory listing active for the year. Founding rate through December 31, 2026; the standard annual licence is $999 USD from January 1, 2027.
Additional assessmentone-time
$55CAD
For a later round — new or reformulated products — while your licence is active. The annual licence does not change.
All prices in CAD. Tax extra where applicable.
Questions
Common questions
Is this the same as the Clean Beauty Awards?
No. Certification screens ingredients against CertClean’s standard. The Awards judge performance and user experience. A product can be certified, enter the Awards, both, or neither.
Do you test products in a lab?
No. We assess disclosed formulations against our ingredient standard. We do not run efficacy, dermatological, or laboratory product tests.
How long does it take?
Most straightforward assessments are reviewed within 5 business days of a complete, paid submission. The two things that add time are INCI names the system cannot resolve and conditional ingredients waiting on supplier documentation — both are in the brand’s hands, so brands that prepare those up front tend to finish fastest.
What if one ingredient fails?
That product is not certified in this round; other products in the same assessment are unaffected. You see the outcome per ingredient, so you know exactly what would need to change. Most brands do not certify every SKU on the first pass — reformulating and reopening a later assessment is normal.
Can I certify only some of my SKUs?
Yes. Only approved products appear on the licence and earn the seal.
We have several brands. Can they share one account?
No. Each consumer-facing brand needs its own account and its own assessment, and fees are per brand. This keeps each brand’s certificate, directory pages, and licence separate.
How much does it cost?
Two fees per brand: a one-time assessment fee when review begins, and an annual licence once products pass. Both are listed under Fees on this page and are the same regardless of how many products you certify.
What if I have multiple products?
The fee doesn’t change. Certification is per brand, not per product — the assessment fee and the annual licence are the same whether you submit three products or thirty in a round.
What happens if I stop paying?
The licence ends at the close of the paid period. The certificate is marked expired. You must stop using the seal under the agreement terms.
Will the standard change after I’m certified?
Yes, standards evolve. Material changes are communicated; ongoing commitment to the criteria is part of eligibility. Renewal assumes continued compliance.
Where do I start?
Create an account in the CertClean portal and start an assessment — or email info@certclean.com with your category and a sample INCI list, and we’ll tell you whether it’s in scope before you pay.
Ready to get assessed?Start in the portal.
If your formulations fall in an eligible category, start in the portal. If you’re unsure, send the category and a sample INCI list to info@certclean.com — we’ll tell you whether it’s in scope before you pay.