About the certification
NATRUE is an international standard for natural and organic cosmetics. The certification was created in 2008 and applies to both cosmetic ingredients and finished products. Certification is awarded following a successful assessment by an independent certification body approved by NATRUE. For finished products, the standard distinguishes between two levels: natural cosmetics and organic cosmetics.
Certified products may contain only ingredients that NATRUE classifies as natural, derived natural or nature-identical. The standard permits natural substances of plant, mineral and animal origin, with the exception of ingredients from dead vertebrates. Only specified physical, enzymatic, microbiological and selected chemical processes are permitted for obtaining and processing ingredients.
NATRUE prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms in accordance with the rules established by European legislation on organic production. Synthetic nature-identical fragrances are not permitted; natural fragrance ingredients compliant with ISO 9235 may be used. Plant and animal ingredients and finished products must not be treated with ionising radiation.
For natural cosmetics, NATRUE specifies a minimum proportion of natural substances and a maximum proportion of derived natural substances for each product category. The exact values vary by product type, for example between oils, emulsions, deodorants, shampoos and decorative cosmetics.
To be labelled as organic cosmetics, a product must meet the basic requirements for natural cosmetics. In addition, at least 95% of the natural substances of plant and animal origin and the relevant derived natural substances must come from controlled organic farming or certified wild collection.
The standard also addresses environmental protection and packaging. For example, it requires cleaning surfactants to be biodegradable, establishes rules for protecting biodiversity, and recommends using minimal packaging, reusable solutions and recyclable materials. Halogenated plastics, such as PVC, are not permitted as packaging materials.
NATRUE states in its principles that animal testing is contrary to its values and ethics. It also extends the ban on testing finished cosmetic products to third countries outside the European Union.