Transparency for the Consumer

During the collection and production of raw materials, nature is to be disturbed as little as possible. Particular care to protect endangered species is mandated. Genetic manipulation and modification are rejected. The transformation of raw materials into cosmetics is to be accomplished with care and with few chemical processes.

Renewable and biodegradable materials are preferred because their ecological impact is substantially lower, especially when they come from controlled biological sources or other responsible means using natural resources. With natural ingredients, one deals with substances that have been used and studied for ages, so there is a minimal toxicity potential. Natural products most easily fulfill the requirement of accountability and socially responsible production.

The choice of technical production methods is limited. Technical methods cannot be fully eliminated especially when the user's expectations for purity and performance cannot be met by raw materials in their natural state. Environmentally-friendly production methods, renewable and biodegradable materials and minimal use of packaging are expected.

The following guidelines define the concept of natural cosmetics in a sensible and clear manner, with the consumer's expectations of safe and ecologically sound products in mind.

 Interested in certification?

Please contact:
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 Guidelines

1. Raw materials of plant origin

Raw materials of plant origin must originate from certified organic raw material, provided they consist of or are obtained from plants that are listed in Annex 1. The definitions and restrictions contained in Annex 1 are binding with regard to this.

2. Raw materials of animal origin and animal protection

Raw materials of animal origin

It is allowed to use substances that are produced by animals (e.g. milk or honey). It is not allowed to use raw materials obtained from dead vertebrates (e.g. emu oil, mink oil, marmot fat, animal fats, collagen or living cells).

Animal testing and end products

It is prohibited to carry out or commission another party to carry out animal testing – not only when manufacturing products, but also when developing and controlling the end products.

Animal testing and raw materials

Raw materials that were tested on animals after December 31, 1997 must not be used. Any animal testing carried out by third parties who acted neither on behalf of nor at the instigation of the raw material producer or supplier, or the manufacturer of the finished product, and who are not connected with the preceding parties under company law, are not taken into account here.

3. Raw materials of mineral origin

The use of inorganic and mineral salts, acids and bases (e.g. magnesium sulphate or sodium chloride) is generally allowed, except for those listed under point 5.

4. Production processes allowed

Alongside physical processes – including extraction with water, vegetable alcohol, carbon dioxide, vegetable fats and oils, and glycerine obtained from these – enzymatic and microbiological processes as they occur in nature are also allowed for the production of natural cosmetics.

In addition, substances may be obtained from natural substances such as fats, oils and waxes, sugar, starch, cellulose, proteins, polysaccharides and vitamins by means of hydrolysis, hydrogenation, oxidation, reduction, esterification or other methods of cleavage and condensation.

Annex 2 contains an open-ended list of allowed substances (positive list). The restrictions specified in this list must be observed.

5. Substances not allowed

Substances from the following groups are not allowed to be used:

- Organic-synthetic dyes
- Synthetic fragrances
- Ethoxylated raw materials
- Silicones
- Paraffin and other petroleum derived products

6. Preservation

For the purpose of consumer protection, the following nature-identical preservatives may be used if required:

- Benzoic acid and its salts
- Salicylic acid and its salts
- Sorbic acid and its salts
- Benzyl alcohol
- Dehydroacetic acid and its salts

If these preservatives are used, the following addition is necessary: “preserved with... [name of the preservative]”.

7. Fragrances

Natural fragrances that comply with ISO 9235 are allowed. Fragrances of biotechnological origin may also be used.

8. Radioactive irradiation

It is not allowed to treat raw materials of plant and animal origin or end products with ionizing radiation.