BDIH

One of the most commonly used and also one of the oldest signs of the quality of natural cosmetics is the BDIH certificate - controlled natural cosmetics (Kontrollierte Naturkosmetik). The BDIH aims to define the term natural cosmetics in a way that is understandable to consumers. Furthermore, the unification of standards for natural cosmetics enables fair competition between distributors of natural cosmetics.

BDIH stands for the German non-profit association Bundesverband Deutscher Industrie- und Handelsunternehmen für Arzneimittel, Reformwaren, Nahrungserganzungsmittel und kosmetischle Mittel e.V. (Association of German Industrial and Commercial Companies in the Field of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Supplies, Food Supplements and Personal Care). Based in Mannheim, Germany, the association brings together more than 440 manufacturers and retailers of natural cosmetics, food supplements and medical and healthcare devices. In 1996, the natural products companies drew up guidelines and principles defining natural cosmetics, with a particular focus on consumer clarity. More than 2,000 products have already been tested according to these rules, the so-called BDIH standard, by Ecocontrol, an independent international institute responsible for the control and assessment of natural products. If the criteria are met, the product is labelled with the trademark "Controlled Natural Cosmetics". One of the main and most important conditions for obtaining this certificate is the use of only natural ingredients, in the maximum possible quantity, from controlled organic farming or organic collection in nature. Great emphasis is also placed on the protection of animals. The company actively supports organic farming with its claims and emphasises the ecological sustainability of the production and packaging materials used. Natural cosmetics bearing the BDIH trademark must not contain petroleum products (petroleum jelly, paraffin), synthetic perfumes and dyes, chemical preservatives (for preservation, it is permitted to use those emulsifiers and tensides that are produced from vegetable raw materials, i.e. fats, waxes, lecithin, etc.). Animal testing is prohibited, and this applies not only to the final products but also to the raw materials. The use of specific substances is defined in a regularly updated list of permitted raw materials. http://www.ionc.info/