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Natural Cosmetics

Diverse skincare harnessing nature’s many possibilities

The basis of certified natural cosmetics are high-quality plant extracts, cold-pressed plant oils, naturally pure essential oils, beeswax and minerals. The plants often come from certified organic farming or are wild-harvested. Certified natural cosmetics consistently avoid the use of mineral oils, silicones and synthetic fragrances.

At Violey, you’ll find products for facial care, hair care, body care and dental care, as well as make-up and soaps. Many brands are certified by recognised international natural cosmetics labels such as NATRUE, COSMOS and Demeter, or national natural cosmetics labels such as BDIH, Ecocert and Cosmebio. The range extends from simple basic products to ranges tailored to different skin types. No advertising cookies, no personalised tracking.

Natural Cosmetics: Product Reviews

Natural Cosmetics: Selection of current special offers

*= incl. VAT plus shipping costs**= Discount on the manufacturers suggested retail price

Is the term ‘natural cosmetics’ protected by law?

No. Unlike ‘organic’ in the context of food, ‘natural cosmetics’ is not a protected term in the EU. Nor is ‘organic cosmetics’ legally protected in the cosmetics sector. A word such as ‘natural’ or a picture of a plant on the packaging therefore means very little on its own. The claim only becomes meaningful through independent seals that set verifiable criteria and check them regularly.

What makes a product a genuine natural cosmetic?

It is the ingredients that matter, not the wording on the packaging. This is often difficult for consumers to discern. Various organisations have therefore defined strict standards and requirements for natural and organic cosmetic products. Their labels help consumers identify authentic natural cosmetics. Certified natural cosmetics do not contain mineral oils, silicones, PEGs, parabens or synthetic fragrances, relying instead on plant-based and mineral raw materials. Recognised labels such as NATRUE, COSMOS or Demeter verify this against fixed, verifiable criteria.

What is the difference between NATRUE, COSMOS and Demeter?

All these labels guarantee genuine natural cosmetics and prohibit the use of mineral oils, silicones, synthetic fragrances, PEGs and parabens. The difference lies in their organisational structure, the precise definition of ingredients and their philosophy.

  • NATRUE distinguishes between two levels: ‘NATURAL COSMETICS’ as the basic level and ‘ORGANIC COSMETICS’. The NATRUE label is not awarded to individual products, but only to brands or sub-brands that are firmly committed to the production of natural and organic cosmetics. This means that at least 75 per cent of a brand’s products must be certified.
  • COSMOS also has two seals for natural cosmetics: ‘COSMOS NATURAL’ and ‘COSMOS ORGANIC’. Products bearing the former must at least meet the already demanding COSMOS standard. If, in addition, a particularly high proportion of the plant-based raw materials comes from organic farming, an application can also be made for the Organic seal. Packaging and waste management are also examined and assessed.
  • Demeter is one of the strictest organic labels, but not a natural cosmetics certification in the traditional sense: it is based on biodynamic agriculture in accordance with the guidelines of the Demeter growers’ association. The high proportion of biodynamic raw materials required for Demeter cosmetics is strictly certified by Demeter.

In short: whilst both NATRUE and COSMOS distinguish between natural and organic cosmetics based on the proportion of organic ingredients, Demeter focuses on biodynamically grown plants.

Who is behind the certification labels?

The certification labels are administered by independent organisations and some of them were established by consortia of well-known natural cosmetics manufacturers:

  • COSMOS is administered by the international association COSMOS-Standard AISBL, based in Brussels. It was founded by five European natural cosmetics associations: BDIH (Germany), Cosmebio and Ecocert (France), ICEA (Italy) and the Soil Association (UK).
  • NATRUE was founded in 2007 by pioneers in the natural cosmetics sector, including Weleda, Wala (Dr. Hauschka), Laverana (Lavera), Primavera and Logocos (Logona + Sante). NATRUE is an international non-profit organisation based in Brussels.
  • Demeter has its roots in biodynamic agriculture as developed by Rudolf Steiner (1924) and is now run by the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International.

The actual testing is carried out by independent, accredited certification bodies, not by the associations themselves.

Finding the right category for your needs

It often makes sense not to focus on a particular brand straight away, but rather on your specific needs. In the facial care section, you’ll find information on skin types, whilst the body care section offers specific information for dry or sensitive skin. Dental care, soaps and men’s grooming also each have their own sections with relevant information.

How can I tell if a product is genuinely certified?

By the certification mark on the packaging – for example, the NATRUE or COSMOS logo – and by the product description in the shop. If in doubt, you can also check the certification in the public database of the relevant certification organisation. A claim such as ‘natural’ or a picture of a plant on the packaging alone is not sufficient.

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