Our world is changing. The chemicals used in traditional everyday products – that we’re putting in our bodies, on our skin, and bringing into our homes – are under scrutiny. The effects that these chemicals have on our health and the environment can no longer be overlooked. However, with the ever-expanding market of “green” products, it’s essential for consumers to differentiate between genuinely natural and organic products and those that merely claim to be. This is where NATRUE certification plays a vital role. As an international non-profit organization, NATRUE, by BioGro provides a reliable and comprehensive certification system that helps consumers identify authentic natural cosmetics and personal care products. In this blog, we’ll highlight the importance of NATRUE certification and why it should matter to conscious consumers.
Authenticity Assurance
One of the primary reasons why NATRUE certification holds significance is its role in guaranteeing the authenticity of natural and organic products. With the NATRUE label on a product, consumers can trust that it meets stringent standards set by the organization and is definitely 100% natural. NATRUE ensures that certified products are free from synthetic chemical fragrances, parabens, colours, preservatives, GMOs, phthalates, and silicones. However, while containing natural ingredients is important, where and how those ingredients are sourced, processed, manufactured, tested, and packaged is a vital and often ignored part of natural and ethical purchasing.
Ethical Ingredient Sourcing
NATRUE certification promotes transparency by requiring detailed information about ingredient sourcing. There are many elements that need to be accounted for, and we must provide evidence for every step of the process.
An important aspect of ingredient sourcing is extracting the ingredient from its natural raw material. The ‘conventional’ cost-effective way to do this is using chemical solvents. This makes one think – if you’re using chemicals to extract an ingredient from a plant, would you still consider that ingredient natural? Us, and NATRUE, absolutely do not. All of the ingredients in a NATRUE-certified product must be extracted naturally, for example, with cold-press or steam distillation. Other evidence that NATRUE requires in terms of ingredient sourcing is proof of natural origin (not derived in a lab), ethical practices including laborers’ pay and working conditions, and the sustainability of ingredients.
NATRUE certification offers peace of mind because the natural extraction ensures the ingredients are pure and ethically sourced with the utmost respect for the environment and personal well-being.
NATRUE-certified Manufacturing
The manufacturing facility that creates the NATRUE-certified product acts as another step in achieving transparency through accountability. The manufacturer must in itself also be certified by NATRUE, and has its own strict regulations that it must adhere to. Plus being regularly audited – ensures there are no shortcuts, nothing swept under the rug – as the manufacturer is its own separate entity with their business on the line. This extra line of accountability provides further assurance for consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase.
Ethical Product Testing
Another assurance that comes with buying a NATRUE-certified product is the way that the ingredients and the products are tested. More importantly, how they are not tested. A NATRUE-certified product will not be tested on animals. While animal testing has been used for many years, it is now widely recognized as being unethical and unnecessary. Animal testing can cause pain, suffering, and death to animals, and it is often not an accurate predictor of how a product will affect humans. In addition, there are now many alternative methods available that can be used instead of animal testing, which are often more accurate, reliable, and cost-effective.
Commitment to Sustainability
NATRUE certification goes beyond guaranteeing the purity of ingredients. It also focuses on the sustainability of the entire production process. Certified products must adhere to eco- friendly practices such as responsible sourcing, energy conservation, waste reduction, and ecological packaging. By choosing NATRUE-certified products, consumers actively support companies that share their commitment to protecting the planet and minimizing their environmental footprint.
Rigorous Standards
Obtaining NATRUE certification is not an easy feat. It involves a rigorous evaluation process that assesses products based on three levels of certification. This ensures that products bearing the NATRUE label uphold the highest quality standards, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
As consumers increasingly prioritize natural and organic products, navigating through the sea of misleading claims and greenwashing becomes vital. NATRUE certification is a beacon of trust and transparency in this crowded marketplace. When it comes to choosing natural and organic products, the NATRUE certification provides consumers with assurance and peace of mind. By choosing NATRUE-certified cosmetics and personal care products, consumers can be confident that they are making choices aligned with their values, prioritizing their health, and contributing to a more sustainable world. The certification not only guarantees the authenticity of ingredients but also emphasizes transparent ingredient sourcing, ethical practices, and sustainability. So, the next time you shop, look for the NATRUE label—a symbol of authenticity and integrity in the realm of natural and organic products. Browse our premium certified natural products here.
