Na True Takes Steps to Define Natural and Organic Personal Care

Posted: June 17, 2008

During the Society of Cosmetic Chemists' Scientific Seminar, Tim Kapsner of Aveda Corp. discussed Na True, an interest group consisting of European natural cosmetics companies. Many at the meeting were hearing about the group for the first time. Recently, Na True published a definition for natural and organic cosmetics as well as criteria for a three-tiered label system, based on the product's organic and natural content, that is expected to become valid throughout Europe.

The aim of the group reportedly is to achieve transparency and consistency with regard to the composition and quality of natural and organic cosmetics on a European level. Unlike those for foodstuffs, the criteria for natural and organic cosmetics in Europe are not legally regulated. As a result, there are a number of different institutional labeling systems for these cosmetics. According to the group, these standards are characterized by varying criteria that are often not comparable.

The definitions form the basis for a label with three grades and cover the ingredients allowed and their minimum and maximum proportion of the contents. The Na True definition for natural and organic cosmetics and the label associated with it describe the concrete requirements for the three grades:

1. Natural cosmetics: The first grade contains a clear delineation of the natural, nearly natural and nature-identical materials that may be used in natural cosmetics. So-called traces of other undefined substances are not allowed.

2. Natural cosmetics with organic components: The second grade covers natural cosmetics where a proportion of at least 70% of the natural substances contained in the product stem from certified organic production.