Certification – A short explanation on certifications



Because the natural world and peoples’ wellbeing are two things that we value particularly highly, all of our products have been certified under either the BDIH or COSMOS standards for natural cosmetics. Here’s an explanation on what these certifications cover, and what they mean.

BDIH is a German certification awarded by a non-profit association to manufacturers around the world; it is an unmistakable sign that a natural cosmetic has been certified and approved.

The BDIH standard describes requirements relating to the extraction or production of cosmetic raw materials and their processing. Here, particular consideration is given to wildlife conservation, both in general and especially of endangered species.

WHAT CRITERIA MUST BE MET FOR BDIH CERTIFICATION?

Vegetable raw materials

Vegetable raw materials must come from certified organic source material, insofar as they consist of or have been obtained from plants.

Animal Raw Materials

The use of substances produced by animals (e.g. beeswax or honey) is permitted. The use of raw materials from dead vertebrates (e.g. emu oil, mink oil, marmot fat or other animal fats, collagen and live cells) is not permitted.

ANIMAL TESTING AND FINAL PRODUCTS

No testing on animals may be carried out or commissioned, neither in the production nor in the development or testing of the end products.

ANIMAL TESTING AND RAW MATERIALS

Raw materials that have been tested on animals after December 31, 1997 may not be used. This does not include animal experiments carried out by third parties who have neither acted on behalf of or at the instigation of the raw material manufacturer, the raw material supplier, or the manufacturer of the end product, nor are associated with them under company law.

MINERAL RAW MATERIALS

The use of inorganic and mineral salts, acids, and alkalis (e.g. magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride) is generally permitted. (For exceptions, see paragraph on "Prohibited substances").

PERMITTED MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

In addition to physical processes including extraction with water, vegetable alcohol, carbonic acid, vegetable fats and oils and glycerine obtained from them, enzymatic and microbiological processes as they occur in nature are also permitted in the production of natural cosmetics. In addition, substances may be obtained from natural substances such as fats, oils and waxes, sugars, starches, cellulose, proteins, polysaccharides, and vitamins by hydrolysis, hydrogenation, oxidation, reduction, esterification, or other fission and condensation processes. On the website of the BDIH you will find a list of permitted substances which is regularly updated. All restrictions contained in this list must be observed.

PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

Substances from the following substance groups may not be used:

  • organic-synthetic dyes
  • synthetic fragrances
  • ethoxylated raw materials
  • silicones
  • paraffins and other petroleum products
PRESERVATIVES

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

  • Benzoic acid and salts derived from it
  • Salicylic acid and salts derived from it
  • Sorbic acid and salts derived from it
  • Benzyl alcohol
  • Dehydroacetic acid and salts derived from it

When using these preservatives, this statement must be included on the packaging: “Preserved with... [name of the preservative]”.

FRAGRANCES

Only natural fragrances that comply with the ISO 9235 standard are permitted. Fragrances produced using biotechnology may also be used.

RADIOACTIVE IRRADIATION

The treatment of vegetable and animal raw materials or the end products with ionizing radiation is not permitted.

RESOURCES & PACKAGING

According to BDIH, the labels for the products must also be ecologically friendly. They must be produced in an environmentally friendly and resource-saving manner, and the raw materials must be as biodegradable as possible. The packaging must also consist of recyclable materials and generally be as limited as possible. Source: https://www.kontrollierte-naturkosmetik.de/

COSMOS STANDARD

The COSMOS Standard was introduced in 2010 in order to provide a clear, unified standard and thus reduce the variety of certification bases and resulting confusion. Since 2017, new products have been tested exclusively according to this new standard. The new seal consists of two components: the already-familiar symbol (in this case, BDIH) and a COSMOS signature, depending on whether the cosmetic product is natural or organic.


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMOS ORGANIC AND COSMOS NATURAL?

COSMOS NATURAL

The COSMOS NATURAL signature is for products that meet every aspect of the COSMOS Standard, but do not contain the required minimum organic-ingredient content specified in the COSMOS Standard.

COSMOS ORGANIC

The COSMOS ORGANIC signature is for products that meet every aspect of the COSMOS Standard and also contain the required minimum organic-ingredient content specified in the COSMOS Standard. The label of a given product must indicate the proportion of organic ingredients it contains. This refers to a percentage of organic content in the total product; however, as some products contain a large amount of water and mineral ingredients (which cannot be organic), the percentage of organic content indicated will also be given minus these two ingredient categories. The minimum percentage of organic content in the total product is 20%. As an exception, at least 10% of the total product must be organic for rinse-off products, non-emulsified aqueous products and products containing at least 80% minerals or components of mineral origin.

Source: https://www.cosmos-standard.org/

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