Seminar aims to clear up confusion over green standards

A one-day seminar, Green Beauty Buyers Guide to Cosmetic Standards and Ingredients, is to take place in New York City in September.

The event aims to address confusion for people working in all areas of the cosmetic industry supply chain over what actually qualifies a product to be natural or organic certified.

With a plethora of different certification standards, some dealing with organic products, others with natural, it is not only consumers that are confused, but those working in the industry too.

Range of industry speakers

The event will take place at the Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel in Time Square on Monday September 14 and will include a range of guest speakers from both natural and organic cosmetic companies and certification bodies.

So far confirmed speakers include Ido Leffler, CEO of Yes to Carrots, Joe Smillie, VP of Quality Assurance International and Karen Sinclair, head of research and development at Sophyto Organics.

Organizers IntertechPira say that one of the key messages will bethe importance of selecting strong brands that clearly convey a green message, backed by third party endorsements.

Aimed at cosmetic buyers

The conference is primarily aimed at individuals involved in purchasing cosmetic goods in the areas of retail, spas and home shopping, as well as the dermatologist and skin care field.

Ultimately the seminar aims to give attendees the necessary tools to identify an authentic natural or organic product from one that does not conform to perceived industry standards.

The event will also take a look at cosmetic ingredients, providing a low down on which ingredients should not appear in certified products and what key health risks they might pose.

Key presentations will focus on ‘greenwashing’, bogus manufacturer claims, labeling standards, as well as a discussion forum about why certain cosmetic ingredients have been receiving bad press.