Four pillars. One purpose.
Every requirement we set is guided by transparency and a commitment to people and the planet. Ingredient safety isn't black and white. We carefully evaluate the full picture so we can make the most informed and transparent decisions possible.
the credo standard for
Product
If you’re interested in learning more about how Credo decides which ingredients belong in the Credo Standard, read more here.
Required
- Meet Credo Ingredient Requirements
- Provide complete ingredient disclosure using standardized ingredient names (INCI) on product labels and online
- Notify Credo of formulation changes
- Maintain ingredient and supplier documentation
- Comply with applicable regulations, including MoCRA
- Conduct product safety testing appropriate for the formulation, including:
- Stability testing
- Compatibility testing
- Preservative efficacy testing (when applicable)
- Human safety testing for relevant new or reformulated products (HRIPT)
- Contaminant testing (when applicable), including heavy metals, PFAS, asbestos in talc, and other relevant contaminants - Maintain lot and batch traceability
- Substantiate ingredient and product claims with appropriate documentation
- Categorize fragrances for consumers
view the ingredient requirements
Encouraged
- Use GMP-certified manufacturing facilities
- Use ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratories
- Include Period After Opening (PAO) and/or expiration date information on packaging
- Fully disclose fragrance ingredients
- Share ingredient sourcing information
- Clearly identify certified organic ingredients
the credo standard for
Packaging
Required
- Meet Credo Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
- Restrict single-use materials
- Meet 50% PCR recycled-content requirements where applicable
- Provide clear disposal instructions
- Include resin codes on relevant packaging materials
- Use FSC-certified paper when applicable
- Ensure packaging sustainability claims are accurate and substantiated
view the packaging requirements
Encouraged
- Become a member of the non-profit landfill diversion program we co-founded, Pact Collective
- Design for refill, reuse, and take steps towards circularity
- Increase recycled content beyond minimum requirements
- Improve recyclability and end-of-life outcomes
- Reduce virgin plastic
- Prioritize lower-impact materials
the credo standard for
People
Required
- Prohibit child labor and forced labor within the supply chain
- Support ethical sourcing and labor claims with documentation when applicable
- No animal testing by the finished product brand
Encouraged
- Increase supply chain transparency
- Strengthen responsible sourcing programs
- Advance animal welfare beyond minimum requirements
the credo standard for
Planet
Required
- Ensure environmental marketing claims are truthful and substantiated
- Support sustainability claims with relevant documentation
Encouraged
- Reduce environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle
- Improve ingredient sourcing practices
- Increase renewable and responsibly sourced materials
- Continuously improve climate and sustainability performance
the credo standard for
Product
If you’re interested in learning more about how Credo decides which ingredients belong in the Credo Standard, read more here.
Required
- Meet Credo Ingredient Requirements
- Provide complete ingredient disclosure using standardized ingredient names (INCI) on product labels and online
- Notify Credo of formulation changes
- Maintain ingredient and supplier documentation
- Comply with applicable regulations, including MoCRA
- Conduct product safety testing appropriate for the formulation, including:
- Stability testing
- Compatibility testing
- Preservative efficacy testing (when applicable)
- Human safety testing for relevant new or reformulated products (HRIPT)
- Contaminant testing (when applicable), including heavy metals, PFAS, asbestos in talc, and other relevant contaminants - Maintain lot and batch traceability
- Substantiate ingredient and product claims with appropriate documentation
- Categorize fragrances for consumers
view the ingredient requirements
Encouraged
- Use GMP-certified manufacturing facilities
- Use ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratories
- Include Period After Opening (PAO) and/or expiration date information on packaging
- Fully disclose fragrance ingredients
- Share ingredient sourcing information
- Clearly identify certified organic ingredients
the credo standard for
Packaging
Required
- Meet Credo Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
- Restrict single-use materials
- Meet 50% PCR recycled-content requirements where applicable
- Provide clear disposal instructions
- Include resin codes on relevant packaging materials
- Use FSC-certified paper when applicable
- Ensure packaging sustainability claims are accurate and substantiated
view the packaging requirements
Encouraged
- Become a member of the non-profit landfill diversion program we co-founded, Pact Collective
- Design for refill, reuse, and take steps towards circularity
- Increase recycled content beyond minimum requirements
- Improve recyclability and end-of-life outcomes
- Reduce virgin plastic
- Prioritize lower-impact materials
the credo standard for
People
Required
- Prohibit child labor and forced labor within the supply chain
- Support ethical sourcing and labor claims with documentation when applicable
- No animal testing by the finished product brand
Encouraged
- Increase supply chain transparency
- Strengthen responsible sourcing programs
- Advance animal welfare beyond minimum requirements
the credo standard for
Planet
Required
- Ensure environmental marketing claims are truthful and substantiated
- Support sustainability claims with relevant documentation
Encouraged
- Reduce environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle
- Improve ingredient sourcing practices
- Increase renewable and responsibly sourced materials
- Continuously improve climate and sustainability performance
For brands
Building a beauty brand isn't easy. From ingredient safety and product testing to packaging, transparency, and evolving regulations, there's a lot to navigate.
The Credo Standard is designed to help brands navigate these challenges by providing a clear, science-backed framework for developing products that are safer, more transparent, and more sustainability made. While some requirements in the Credo Standard apply to every product, others depend on the product type, ingredients, packaging, or claims being made. Brands and formulators can request the complete technical Credo Standard by contacting the Credo team.
For brands
Building a beauty brand isn't easy. From ingredient safety and product testing to packaging, transparency, and evolving regulations, there's a lot to navigate.
The Credo Standard is designed to help brands navigate these challenges by providing a clear, science-backed framework for developing products that are safer, more transparent, and more sustainability made. While some requirements in the Credo Standard apply to every product, others depend on the product type, ingredients, packaging, or claims being made. Brands and formulators can request the complete technical Credo Standard by contacting the Credo team.
