Certification in Natural Cosmetics

Conclusion: The path to certification

There are numerous certifications in natural cosmetics that help consumers identify trustworthy products. These seals guarantee that the products meet certain standards regarding ingredients, manufacturing processes, and environmental friendliness. However, not every certification is the same, and the requirements can vary from seal to seal. In this article, we present the most well-known certifications in natural cosmetics and explain what each seal means.

1. NaTrue

NaTrue is one of the most well-known certifications for natural cosmetics and guarantees that products are made from natural ingredients and without synthetic additives. There are three categories:

Natural cosmetics: At least 95% of the ingredients must be of natural origin.

Organic cosmetics: At least 95% of the plant ingredients must come from organic farming.

Ecological cosmetics: These products also meet strict environmental requirements regarding packaging and manufacturing processes.

NaTrue guarantees:

+ High quality and transparency in the selection of ingredients

+ Value the sustainability of production

2. BDIH - Cosmos Natural

The BDIH seal was established by the German Association for Controlled Natural Cosmetics (BDIH). Now known as COSMOS Natural, the seal has become an international quality seal that sets strict standards for the naturalness of cosmetic products.

Cosmos Natural guarantees:

+ No synthetic fragrances, dyes or microplastics.

+ Use of ingredients from controlled organic farming, wherever possible.

+ Transparent declaration of ingredients

The BDIH seal is particularly strict when it comes to the use of synthetic chemical ingredients. The environmental impact of production is also taken into account.

3. EcoCert

EcoCert is one of the world's leading certification bodies for natural and organic cosmetics. It offers two different certificates: EcoCert Natural and EcoCert Organic. Both guarantee that products are made from natural or organic raw materials, with the proportion of natural ingredients required to be at least 95% for the "Natural" seal.

EcoCert guarantees:

+ High proportion of natural and organic ingredients

+ Environmentally friendly production and packaging

+ No animal testing

It is particularly known for its strict requirements for organic farming practices and the avoidance of hazardous chemicals.

4. Demeter

The Demeter seal is one of the most well-known organic certifications and stands for products that originate from biodynamic agriculture. In natural cosmetics, this means that all plant ingredients were cultivated according to the principles of biodynamic agriculture, which go beyond the standards of organic farming.

Demeter guarantees:

+ 100% of the plant ingredients must come from biodynamic cultivation

+ No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers

+ Holistic approach to production and manufacturing

It goes one step further than organic farming in agriculture and processing, with a focus on sustainability and quality of life.

5. Vegan Society

Although the Vegan Society seal isn't specifically for natural cosmetics, it's commonly found in the natural cosmetics industry. It guarantees that the product contains no animal-derived ingredients and that the company doesn't conduct animal testing.

Vegan Societa guarantees:

+ No animal ingredients

+ No animal testing

+ Supporting vegan lifestyle

It is particularly relevant for consumers who care not only about natural ingredients but also about ethical manufacturing practices.

6. Leaping Bunny

The Leaping Bunny certification is a globally recognized seal that guarantees that products have not been tested on animals. Although it's not specifically a "natural cosmetics" seal, it's important to many consumers because it ensures that no animals suffered during product development.

Leaping Bunny guarantees:

+ No animal testing

+ Ethics in the production of cosmetic products

7. Fair Trade

The Fair Trade seal stands for products produced under fair working conditions and using environmentally friendly farming methods. It is particularly important in natural cosmetics when it comes to ingredients such as sugar, cocoa, or certain plant oils.

Fair Trade guaranteed:

+ Fair pay and working conditions for producers

+ Support for sustainable farming methods

+ Respect for the environment and resources

Choosing the right certification depends on your personal priorities. Do you want to ensure that your cosmetic products are organic and produced without synthetic ingredients? Then NaTrue or EcoCert are good choices. Are you particularly looking for vegan and cruelty-free products? Then the Vegan Society or Leaping Bunny seal might be the right seal for you.

In any case, the various certifications provide reliable guidance to ensure that you are buying natural, ethically produced cosmetic products that meet your needs.

Certification in natural cosmetics is a formal process in which companies have their products and manufacturing processes reviewed by an independent certification body to ensure they meet certain standards. The exact requirements and process vary depending on the certification body and certificate. However, there are generally some common steps that companies must complete to obtain certification.

1. Selecting the appropriate certificate

First, the company must decide which certification it wants to pursue, based on the products it offers as well as its corporate goals and values. Possible certifications, such as NaTrue, EcoCert, BDIH Cosmos, Demeter, or Vegan Society, each have different requirements regarding ingredients, production processes, packaging, and more.

2. Preparation and documentation

Before the actual certification takes place, the company must provide extensive documentation. This includes:

Ingredient list and origin: A detailed list of all ingredients, including their origin (e.g. organic farming, wild plants, etc.).

Production processes: A description of the manufacturing processes, including the technologies used and sustainability practices.

Quality control and assurance: Evidence of quality assurance processes that ensure that products meet standards.

Packaging: Information on the type of packaging, its recyclability and environmental friendliness.

Proof that all ingredients and processes meet the requirements of the certification body is crucial.

3. Testing of ingredients and manufacturing processes

The certification body reviews the submitted documents and conducts a detailed analysis of the products. Among other criteria, the following are evaluated:

Use of natural and organic ingredients: Certain certificates require a minimum percentage of natural or organic ingredients (e.g., at least 95% of plant-based ingredients for EcoCert).

No synthetic additives: Conventional chemical substances such as parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives must not be included in the products.

Environmental and social standards: Some certificates, such as Fair Trade, also verify whether the company adheres to environmentally friendly farming methods and fair working conditions.

4. Audit and on-site inspections

Often, the certification body is required to conduct an on-site audit of the company. This involves inspecting the production facilities to ensure that all documented procedures are being implemented in practice. It also monitors whether all environmental and social standards are being met.

5. Receipt of the certificate

If all requirements are met and the company has provided all necessary evidence, the certificate is issued. The company receives the seal, which it may use on its products and in its communications.

6. Monitoring and annual audits

Certification is not a one-time process. To ensure continuous quality and compliance with standards, certification is typically reviewed annually. This can be done by:

Review of changes: If products, ingredients, or manufacturing processes change, the company must inform the certification body and submit a new review.

7. Costs and time expenditure

The certification process can be time-consuming and costly. These costs vary depending on the certification body and the size of the company. The testing fees, on-site audits, and, if necessary, adjustments to production methods can require significant investments. Nevertheless, many companies view the certificate as an important step to demonstrate their quality and gain consumer trust.

The path to certification in natural cosmetics requires careful preparation and a consistent alignment of company processes with high environmental and quality standards. Through certification, manufacturers can increase the credibility of their products and assure consumers that they are purchasing genuine natural cosmetics that meet certain ethical and ecological criteria.