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Spotting High-Quality Cosmetics: 3 Points Consumers Should Know About ISO 22716

A consumer guide to what ISO 22716 covers, why it matters in cosmetics manufacturing, and what it does not guarantee.
Lab technician wearing a mask and gloves working with petri dishes and glassware.

When it comes to cosmetic products, quality and safety are paramount. As a consumer, you want to know that the products you use or buy for your loved ones are created with the highest standards in mind. This is where ISO 22716 plays a crucial role.

1. What Is ISO 22716?

Four people discussing quality standards in an office
ISO 22716 outlines key guidelines for ensuring cosmetic safety and quality.

ISO 22716, formally titled “Cosmetics — Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) — Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices,” is an international standard that provides guidelines for the production, control, storage, and shipment of cosmetic products. [1] It ensures that cosmetics are consistently manufactured and controlled to meet quality standards appropriate for their intended use.

The guidelines outlined in ISO 22716 cover every aspect of the manufacturing process. These include:

  • Personnel training and hygiene
  • Properly maintained equipment and facilities
  • Clear and documented production procedures
  • Rigorous quality control measures

ISO 22716 is designed to help manufacturers reduce risks and deliver products that meet consumer expectations for safety and quality.

2. Why Is ISO 22716 Important?

Cosmetics being applied to a model
ISO 22716 helps ensure cosmetic products are safe, consistent, and transparent.

Cosmetics, including products like baby wipes, come into direct contact with the skin. Any contamination or substandard production practices could lead to irritation, allergic reactions, or more serious health concerns. By adhering to ISO 22716, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to:

  • Ensuring product safety: Minimizing risks of contamination or defects.
  • Consistent quality: Producing products that meet the same high standards batch after batch.
  • Transparency: Following clear and standardized practices that consumers and regulators can trust.

3. ISO 22716: A Key Standard, but Not the Only Factor in Quality Assurance

Pharmacist consulting with a customer
ISO 22716 lays the foundation for quality, but consumers should consider other factors, too.

However, it is important to note that ISO 22716 is not a one-size-fits-all certification that guarantees absolute quality. Instead, it’s one of the critical building blocks of a robust quality assurance program. Consumers should keep in mind that while ISO 22716 certification provides a strong foundation of good practices, additional factors also contribute to product safety and quality. For example, proper ingredient quality ensures the product is safe for use, and packaging standards play a crucial role in maintaining quality. Safe packaging, especially for products like baby wipes, should be sealed properly to prevent contamination and designed to preserve product integrity over time. If you're interested in finding out more about what to look for in ingredients and fabric composition in baby wipes, read Are Extracts in Cosmetics as Natural as They Seem? and Transparency in Baby Wipes: Understanding Fabric Composition.

It is also worth noting that not all manufacturers are certified with ISO 22716. This makes it even more important for consumers to check for this certification when seeking assurance about the quality and safety of cosmetic products.

ISO 22716 Certification and Blissmile Baby Wipes

Five boxes of Blissmile baby wipes with cotton
Blissmile baby wipes are manufactured in an ISO 22716-certified facility.

At Blissmile, we understand that quality isn’t optional when it comes to baby care. That’s why our baby wipes, made with 100% water and 100% cotton, are manufactured in an ISO 22716-certified facility. This certification reflects our dedication to providing products that are safe, gentle, and reliable for your baby’s sensitive skin.

While ISO 22716 is a key standard, our commitment to quality doesn’t stop there. We carefully select the purest ingredients and subject our products to rigorous testing to ensure they exceed your expectations.

Final Thoughts

When choosing cosmetic products, including baby wipes, it’s essential to consider how they are made. ISO 22716 provides reassurance that the manufacturer adheres to good practices, but it’s one of many factors to consider for overall quality.

At Blissmile, we’re proud to combine the purity of our materials with the assurance of ISO 22716 certification. Because your baby deserves nothing less than the best.

References

[1] International Organization for Standardization. (n.d.). ISO 22716:2007 - Cosmetics — Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) — Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://www.iso.org/standard/36437.html.