Do You Have a Natural Standard? Part 2
So my question to you is do you have a natural standard? Let me ask you another way- do you mind if skin care manufacturers use their own definition of natural when developing products? Well, as a formulator is can be frustrating dealing with 20 different clients with 20 different definitions of natural. That’s why it was a relief when Ecocert started to make it’s way into the US and raw material suppliers began getting their products “Ecocert Certified”. If you haven’t heard of Ecocert, it’s a French based private company that has set written standards for natural and organic. Ecocert gives out seals for raw materials and a separate seal for finished goods only if the materials pass fall within their guidelines. Now, it seems as though each country has their own certifying organization but their standards vary slightly.
- Ecocert/Cosmebio (France)
- ICEA (Italy)
- BDIH (Germany)
- Bioforum (Belgium)
- Soil Association (UK)
- Natural Products Association (USA)
Keep in mind that we are not discussing organic certifications- that’s why you don’t see USDA on the list. Since there is so much confusion with the different organizations in the EU, they are working toward harmony under one organization called Cosmos-Standard that will certify both natural and organic ingredients.
Anyway, so with established standards in place, if my client wants a natural product all we need to do is use all Ecocert (or NPA- Natural Products Association) ingredients in the formulation. Now with that being said it is up to you, the consumer, to familiarize yourself with what those standards are so when you are buying a natural product that is Ecocert certified, you know what you are getting.
There are pros and cons to these standards because they may consider something like isopropyl myristate natural and you may consider it synthetic. It is comforting to know that there are standards established for consumers- and formulators to turn to for guidance. You will begin to see products on the market with an Ecocert or NPA seal.
Here are some of the guidelines for a certified natural product or ingredient under the NPA rules.
Here are the standards set forth by Cosmos-Standard.
Also, know that there is a difference between “natural” and “green”. There are many companies that have “natural” products but their manufacturing practices are not considered “green”. The personal care industry is making a push toward green so the products that we create can impact the lives of our consumers without negatively impacting the environment. Like everything else, it’s a process and things will not change overnight. I still love to use synthetics esters, polymers and silicones and will continue to do so. With that being said, I do believe that we need to preserve the world that we live in and, just like my industry, I am retraining my thought process for the better!