The Hierarchy of Purity™ FAQ — Gladiateur Beauty™

This page explains how certifications work. For how Gladiateur Beauty™ prioritizes standards over labels, see Standards Over Stickers.

1. Are certifications the same as ingredient quality?

No.

Certifications are third-party standards that define how ingredients may be sourced, processed, and preserved. They do not evaluate performance, skin compatibility, or formulation intent.

At Gladiateur Beauty™, certifications are reference points—within a broader evaluation framework..

2. Why does Gladiateur Beauty™ reference COSMOS standards?

Because COSMOS is one of the most widely recognized international frameworks for cosmetic ingredient sourcing and processing.

COSMOS defines:

  • what types of raw materials are permitted

  • how ingredients may be processed

  • which preservation systems are allowed

Compliance tells us an ingredient meets recognized clean formulation rules. It does not mean the ingredient is organic, and we never present it that way.

3. What does “organic” mean within the Hierarchy of Purity™?

Organic is our highest purity tier—when it exists and performs as intended.

Not all cosmetic ingredients can be produced in organic form. When organic versions are unavailable, unstable, or unsuitable for skin, we evaluate alternatives lower in the hierarchy intentionally.

Organic is a priority—not a blanket requirement.

4. What does “bio-based” or “bio-identical” mean?

These are ingredients derived from renewable biological sources or engineered to be chemically identical to substances already found in skin.

They are often chosen because they:

  • improve skin tolerance

  • enhance stability

  • deliver consistent performance

This tier reflects precision science, not a compromise.

5. Why are some naturally derived ingredients processed?

Because raw materials often require refinement to be safe, stable, and usable on skin.

Processing alone does not disqualify an ingredient. What matters is:

  • how it is processed

  • why it is processed

  • whether it meets recognized safety and sourcing standards

Naturally derived does not mean unregulated.

6. Does Gladiateur Beauty™ use preservatives?

Yes—selectively and responsibly.

Preservation is essential for consumer safety. We only use preservation systems that:

  • are allowed under recognized clean frameworks

  • meet safety and stability requirements

  • are used at the lowest effective levels

Ingredients outside these boundaries are not allowed in our formulas.

7. Why not just say “clean” or “all-natural”?

Because those terms are unregulated and undefined.

Rather than relying on marketing language, we publish:

  • our evaluation framework

  • our ingredient standards

  • and our decision logic

Transparency replaces buzzwords.

8. Can an ingredient appear in different tiers across products?

Yes.

An ingredient’s placement depends on:

  • its source

  • its function

  • the needs of the formula

The Hierarchy of Purity™ is context-driven, not rigid.

9. Where can I see how individual ingredients were evaluated?

On each ingredient profile.

Every profile links back to the Hierarchy of Purity™ so you can see how and why the ingredient was classified.

Related Reading

  • Skincare Science Hub
    Educational resources explaining formulation science, ingredient standards, and the Hierarchy of Purity™.

  • Ingredient Profiles
    Transparent breakdowns of individual ingredients, including how each is evaluated and classified.

Official Standards Referenced

Gladiateur Beauty™ references the following internationally recognized frameworks when evaluating ingredient sourcing, processing, and safety. These organizations define certification standards; they do not determine our formulation decisions.