Natural cosmetics: only genuine if certified

June 5, 2025

If you love natural cosmetics, you want to be sure that what's labelled as natural truly contains natural ingredients. But did you know that the term "natural cosmetics" isn't legally protected? That's precisely why it's so important to look closely – and to opt for genuine, certified quality.

What is genuine natural cosmetics?

Genuine, controlled and certified natural cosmetics avoid a whole range of ingredients that are frequently used in conventional cosmetics. These include:

• synthetic fragrances, colors and preservatives
• Silicones, paraffins and other petroleum products such as microplastics
• Hormonally active substances, so-called endocrine disruptors

Genetically modified plants and chemically aggressive manufacturing processes are also prohibited. Only plant-based and mineral raw materials that are processed gently are permitted.

How can you recognize genuine natural cosmetics?

The ingredient list (INCI) on the packaging is often difficult to understand – and not particularly practical for everyday use. That's why there are seals of approval to help you identify genuine natural cosmetics. They guarantee that products have been independently tested and meet strict criteria.

All Farfalla cosmetic products bear the NATRUE seal – currently one of the strictest natural cosmetics standards in Europe. Other well-known seals include COSMOS and Cosmebio.

NATRUE – the seal for genuine natural and organic cosmetics

NATRUE is an independent, international organization based in Brussels. It certifies both raw materials and finished cosmetic products according to particularly strict guidelines. farfalla consciously chose NATRUE because its requirements are among the highest on the market and reflect the company's philosophy: naturalness, transparency, and responsibility .

The NATRUE seal distinguishes between two certification levels:

1. natural cosmetics
   Products with natural ingredients of plant, animal (e.g. honey or beeswax ) or mineral origin – strictly controlled and without synthetic additives.
2. organic cosmetics
   The highest level: At least 95% of the plant-based raw materials must come from organic farming. Only a few additives are permitted.

Is natural cosmetics the same as vegan cosmetics?

A product can be vegan – and still contain synthetic or even problematic ingredients.

• Just because cosmetics are "vegan" doesn't mean they are natural .
• Genuine natural cosmetics may contain ingredients of animal origin such as honey or beeswax – as long as they do not come from dead vertebrates.
• Conversely, many vegan products are not automatically free of microplastics, silicones, PEGs or synthetic fragrances .

Only the combination of a trustworthy natural cosmetics seal like NATRUE and the "vegan" label gives you peace of mind. At farfalla, all products are vegan – with a few exceptions: the "Honeycomb with Honey" essential oil and the Immunoforte syrup. Neither of these are cosmetic products .

Why not mineral oils?

Mineral oils are derived from petroleum and form a sealing layer on the skin. This may feel pleasant at first, but it doesn't support your skin's natural functions. On the contrary, mineral oils hinder skin respiration and can disrupt the skin's natural flora.

Plant oils, on the other hand, are similar to the body's own lipids. They penetrate the uppermost layers of skin and support skin metabolism , promote regeneration, and strengthen the skin barrier from within.

Keep your eyes open when buying cosmetics

True natural cosmetics are not recognized by green leaves on the packaging, but by transparent standards and trustworthy seals.
Therefore: Keep your eyes open when buying cosmetics – and opt for genuine, certified natural cosmetics that you can trust.