About the certification
BDIH is a German standard for controlled natural cosmetics. It aims to define clearly what may be regarded as natural cosmetics, make product labelling more transparent and establish uniform rules for manufacturers. The standard focuses on the origin of cosmetic ingredients, how they are processed, and the protection of animals and nature.
Selected plant ingredients must come from certified organic farming. The standard also specifies which manufacturing processes are permitted and which substances must not be used. Prohibited substances include synthetic colourants and fragrances, silicones, paraffins, ethoxylated ingredients and other petroleum products. Selected natural and nature-identical preservatives may, however, be used.
BDIH also establishes rules concerning ingredients of animal origin. Substances produced by living animals, such as milk or honey, are permitted. Ingredients obtained from dead vertebrates, such as animal fats, collagen, mink oil or emu oil, must not be used.
Animal experiments must not be conducted or commissioned during the manufacture, development or testing of finished products. Restrictions also apply to ingredients tested after 31 December 1997, with exceptions for independent third parties that did not act at the request of the manufacturer or supplier.