Natural cosmetics are only genuine if they are certified – as the term itself is not protected. So the question should be: What is genuine natural cosmetics? Genuine, controlled and certified natural cosmetics do not contain synthetic fragrances, colorants and preservatives, silicones, paraffins and other petroleum products such as microplastics. Numerous other problematic ingredients are also strictly forbidden, as are radioactive radiation, hormonally active substances and animal testing. All reputable natural cosmetics standards stipulate GMO-free plant and mineral raw materials, which may also only be processed in compliance with certain procedures.

How can you recognise genuine natural cosmetics?

Since the ingredients in the INCI, the Latin-English technical terminology, are usually difficult to understand and unhelpful for non-specialists, reputable natural cosmetics manufacturers, organic associations and certifiers developed their own standards years ago, initially often only for their national market. That is why today there are several seals for controlled natural cosmetics, whose external certifiers check whether the strict standards are met. Many products in natural cosmetics are NATRUE-certified and thus comply with the currently strictest guidelines for natural cosmetics in Europe. Other European certifiers for controlled natural cosmetics are COSMOS EcoCert or COSMOS BDIH.

How do genuine natural cosmetics and vegan cosmetics differ?

Genuine natural cosmetics allow the use of ingredients of animal origin (honey, beeswax, etc.) as long as they do not come from dead vertebrates. A natural cosmetic product, even if it is certified and contains certified organic ingredients, is therefore not necessarily vegan. The reverse conclusion is also important: vegan cosmetic products are by no means automatically genuine natural cosmetics or «natural» at all. Unfortunately, the term «vegan» does not imply the absence of microplastics, PEGs, mineral oil derivatives or synthetic dyes. Only the well-known natural cosmetics seals such as Natrue guarantee this. Only this, together with the indication «vegan», shows that these are ethically impeccable and 100% natural products.