Natural and organic cosmetics standards setter NATRUE is celebrating a double milestone – its 10 anniversary and seeing the number of NATRUE labelled products reach 5,000.
NATRUE was founded in 2007 with the aim of establishing an internationally uniform standard for natural and organic cosmetics, and cutting the confusion for consumers caused by multiple national labels.
Since then, products of over 230 manufacturers from 30 different countries carry the NATRUE Label. Klara Ahlers, NATRUE President, says: “10 years of NATRUE and over 5,000 certified products – we are proud of what we have achieved over the last years in collaboration with our partners. Our goal is to continue raising awareness of natural skin care, and to protect and promote this internationally.“
The first product certified to the NATRUE standard was a body oil. This marked the beginning of many other products that followed suit: in 2009, 400 products were certified, followed by another 600 in 2010. Since then, the number of certified products carrying the NATRUE seal has continued to grow internationally. NATRUE says that the variety of certified products has also helped to track the evolution of natural and organic cosmetics. Over the last eight years, the product diversity, and hence the choice for consumers, has increased sharply – from hair and men care products to decorative cosmetics for the face and nails.
“any justified use of petrochemical and GMO ingredients for natural and organic cosmetics according to these guidelines may also undermine consumers’ trust in the industry”
NATURE says it expects further innovative developments in the natural cosmetics. But it warns that new ISO guidelines for natural and organic cosmetics could lead to a “notable weakening” of the definitions of natural ingredients. In a statement, it says: “ .. . any justified use of petrochemical and GMO ingredients for natural and organic cosmetics according to these guidelines may also undermine consumers’ trust in the industry in the future. Therefore, it is crucial that natural and organic cosmetics provide the consumer with authentic end products that embody transparency and trust. NATRUE is fully committed to a standard that provides high quality criteria in an international standard for the benefit of consumers worldwide.”