Natural Certifications

Most natural cosmetics manufacturers and natural food producers share a philosophy: to use and/or produce the good from nature with respect for nature. Natural ingredients and beneficial plants, herbs and flowers form the basis for these cosmetics and food products.

Controlled and safe
Manufacturers of products with the following quality marks process natural raw materials in accordance with the directive. Important here are: careful choice of processed vegetable raw materials, ecological compatibility of each product, environmentally and resource-saving production processes and biodegradability of raw materials.

In Europe there are a number of important bodies that have drawn up guidelines for natural cosmetics.

	The Federation of German Industry and Commercial Companies for pharmaceuticals, health products, food supplements and personal care (BDIH) has drawn up a guideline that clarifies the concept of natural cosmetics for the user. In 1996 the BDIH developed guidelines for controlled natural cosmetics.
	ECOCERT is a French control and certification organization that focuses on ecological and organic production of food, cosmetics and clothing. ECOCERT has drawn up guidelines for cosmetics that encourage the use of natural ingredients with a high ecological quality.
	ICADA stands for certified natural cosmetics. ICADA sets strict requirements down to company level. A manufacturer's range must consist entirely of 100% natural ingredients. Producing a second series that is not naturally pure or that has been tested on animals is not allowed. The company must have a 100% natural philosophy. This is verified by an independent institute.
	EcoControl certifies natural products on ICADA, Natru, Cosmos requirements, among others. The objective is always sustainable consideration of the environment and society. It is tested whether all ingredients used come from natural raw materials, whether fossil raw materials (such as mineral oil or coal) or derived products, or genetically modified organisms are used.
	NaTrue is the strictest and first worldwide quality mark. It has a 3 star system for natural and organic skin care. The NaTrue organization is committed to ensuring the integrity of genuine natural products by setting the highest standards for natural and organic products and ingredients. 1 star = natural, 2 stars = natural with at least 70% organic ingredients. 3 stars is a minimum of 95% organic ingredients.
	USDA Certified Organic is an American organic label and is awarded almost exclusively to edible products that meet their nutritional standard. Despite this, there are a number of cosmetic brands that have been awarded the USDA certification.
	The Soil Association is a British label for organic products. Founded in 1946, it is the oldest organization dedicated to the promotion and certification of organic products in Europe. Together with four other European certification bodies, they are working worldwide on harmonizing an organic standard.
	Leaping Bunny is the strictest certification for cruelty-free (natural) cosmetics.