Natural cosmetics. Certified transparency

The term natural cosmetics is used differently internationally and cannot be equated with organic cosmetics, as is often assumed. First of all, natural cosmetics means that the ingredients are natural, i.e. of plant, animal or mineral origin. If the products meet the strict criteria of leading natural cosmetics seals such as BDIH, NaTrue, Ecocert, ICADA or COSMOS Standard, they receive certification. If more than 95% of the raw materials also come from controlled organic cultivation, these organizations award the organic cosmetics seal. In addition to ingredients, production and packaging, social-ethical aspects and fair trade play a major role.

"Natural means natural" - if something is described as natural, then it must also be 100% natural. This principle of the Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company runs consistently through all areas of its production, from the raw materials used to the packaging. Only pure, natural ingredients, preferably from the region and in organic quality, are used in the boiling pots. The soaps and creams, lotions and solid perfumes are mostly packaged in paper, glass and tin cans. And so that hand cream can finally do without its plastic tube, the Scots spent months developing a solid hand cream. It is based on beeswax, which has been used for thousands of years as a natural preservative and stabilizer in body care products. It gives the hand cream such a firm consistency that it can be stored in a small tin can.

With its holistic approach, Lichtgrün's phyto-active ingredient cosmetics represent a new generation of effective and compatible skincare. The innovative formulas are created using the latest findings from skin care research and plant-based active ingredients. They are based on natural organic plant oils and extracts as well as highly concentrated plant-based active ingredients: they support the skin's potential to regenerate and protect itself. All products are based on golden linseed oil and extracts from golden linseed and Alpine rock rose. Pre- and probiotics support the skin's microbiome and the surfactants used are very mild and free from sulphates. Lichtgrün only uses ingredients that are highly compatible with the skin and the environment and has the products dermatologically tested on sensitive skin. Thanks to the high quality and dosage, they can achieve long-lasting effects.

Only in the Arganeraie, the area between the Atlantic Ocean, the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas in southwestern Morocco, do the argan trees (Argania spinosa), now threatened with extinction, grow. To protect them and support the sustainable production of argan oil using stone mills and hand pressing, UNESCO declared the Arganeraie a biosphere reserve in 1998 and placed the traditional production of argan oil on the "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Urgent Need of Preservation". Argand’Or uses hand-pressed argan oil from the UCFA (Union des Coopératives des Femmes de l'Arganeraie), an association of over 20 women's cooperatives, through which the incomes of Berber families are secured and thus the social structures and the unique cultural landscape of the argan trees are preserved.

The Bavarian company is one of the pioneers among the local natural cosmetics manufacturers. In the process, the company emerged - as happens in many areas - from its own sense of lack: In the 1980s, there were very few fragrances and care products based on natural ingredients and pure essential oils. Without further ado, the company decided to produce these itself. As far as possible, the plant-based ingredients come from controlled organic cultivation and from the region. All Bergland products are certified by the BDIH (the German Association of Industrial and Trading Companies for Pharmaceuticals, Health Products, Food Supplements and Personal Hygiene Products) and thus meet the requirements for organic and natural cosmetics.