Natrue Cosmetics Certification

According to data from Grand View Research, Organis and Nielsen, it is estimated that the global organic cosmetics market will reach USD 25.11 billion by 2025. The research shows that 84% of people who use these products do so for health reasons, and the environment is the 6th concern among Brazilian consumers.

This is the consistent trend: the organic consumer is conscious and wants truly natural products, with a significant percentage of organic raw materials. And the Natrue label, a leader in Europe, is one of the main ones in the global market for natural and organic cosmetics.

Natrue is an international non-profit association created in Brussels in 2007, committed to promoting, standardizing, and protecting the development of natural and organic cosmetics worldwide. It establishes several rules that must be strictly followed by cosmetics manufacturers when developing products eligible for certification. This body’s principle is to authorize only natural or processed raw materials, indicating a high level of requirements in terms of natural and biological cosmetic standards and the standardization of labeling standards at the European level.

What are natural cosmetics?

Natural cosmetics should not contain chemical additives in their composition. Therefore, they are made almost entirely of natural substances, such as water, minerals, and ingredients of vegetable or animal origin. Products with a mix of permitted and prohibited materials are considered only as cosmetics based on natural raw materials, meaning their property is not 100% natural.

In the case of organics, there are two types: organic cosmetics and those made with organic raw materials. The former follows the rule of at least 95% certified organic raw materials, while the remaining 5% can consist of water and other natural materials. In the latter case, cosmetics must have at least 70% and at maximum 95% certified organic raw materials.

In summary, a natural cosmetic is not necessarily organic; however, when a product is organic, it is always natural. A cosmetic based on natural products cannot be considered natural. And, organic cosmetics have a higher percentage of organic raw material than cosmetics only made from organic raw material.

What is QIMA's role in the natural cosmetics market?

QIMA acts as a reliable certifier in the natural products market, meeting established sustainability criteria, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally conscious industry, following specific prevailing regulations. In the cosmetics field, the certifying company has a unique and exclusive partnership agreement and mutual recognition with Natrue Cosmetics regarding organic and natural cosmetics standards.

In addition to the NATRUE certification, QIMA also offers seals for cosmetics:

• Brazilian Organic Standard, Normative Instruction 18/2009 – “Organic cosmetics” must have at least 95% organic ingredients, or for “cosmetics made with organic ingredients”, at least 70% organic ingredients. All ingredients must be free of transgenics.

• QIMA Natural Ingredients – For natural cosmetics, there is no minimum level of organic raw material. They must be without colorants, synthetic fragrances, or petroleum derivatives. All ingredients must be free of transgenics.

• RSPO – For cosmetics containing palm oil and derivatives, with social and environmental criteria and verification of the land use history of production. Principles and Criteria Standard of 2018.

• QIMA Natural and Vegan Ingredients – Final cosmetic products with raw materials that do not contain materials of vertebrate or invertebrate animal origin.

Being a respected company in the organics market, QIMA provides clients with assistance in the requirement and audit cycles, as well as analysis, maintenance, and monitoring of the document and activities. It not only verifies the correct use and display of certification and conformity marks on product labels but also in communication materials such as websites, advertisements, brochures, business cards, and other informative media.

What are the criteria for obtaining the NATRUE Cosmetics label?

For NATRUE approval and certification, products must be classified as:

1. Natural.

2. Organic (at least 95% of the raw materials must be organic). All ingredients must be free of transgenics.

The certification is based on observing each step of the supply chain. During the audit, before certification, experts analyze policies and operational processes to establish compliance with the principles and criteria of natural cosmetics:

• Compliance with local and international laws and regulations;

• Proven commitment to long-term economic and financial variability;

• Use of best agricultural practices by producers and mills;

• Environmental responsibility, including the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity;

• Responsible consideration for employees and the community affected by cultivation or production;

• Responsible management of new plantations;

• Commitment to continuous improvement.

Why NATRUE certification?

By certifying operations, producers, processors, traders, manufacturers, retailers, investors, and organizations gain a competitive advantage in the global market by demonstrating compliance with the production and supply factors required by the European label.

The main advantages of having QIMA Cosmetics certification are:

• It attests to the quality and compliance of standards for organics and naturals.

• Guarantees a transparent and reliable process for products made with ingredients from sustainable sources, from organic and/or natural raw materials, recyclable packaging.

• It adds value to the brand by meeting consumers' desires.

Additionally, when obtaining the certificate with QIMA, the agents involved in the natural and organic product supply chains will benefit from the expertise, commitment, and recognition of the certifying company, a leader in the segment.

Why choose QIMA for the NATRUE certification?

Efficient communication and service

• Responsive and agile technical support at all stages.

• Transparent certification process and deadline compliance.

• Proven service quality, with an NPS satisfaction metric of 72 points.

Cost and time optimization

• Integrated audits that minimize the number of visits and costs.

• Simplified processes that reduce operational impacts.

• Strategic and efficient allocation of auditors.

Industry leadership

• Pioneering company with over 30 years of experience in food safety, organic certification, and sustainability.

• Complete certification ecosystem, from farm to table.

• Advanced technology for monitoring compliance.

Click here to access the step-by-step guide to the scheme.