What is NATRUE?
Founded in 2007, NATRUE is an international non-profit association working for the protection and promotion of truly natural and organic cosmetics. Thanks to its strict label, NATRUE fights greenwashing and guarantees consumers products that comply with demanding standards.
Why choose NATRUE?
With 260 certified brands, more than 10,000 certified cosmetics and raw materials, and almost 80 members worldwide, the NATRUE label has now established itself as an international reference for natural and organic cosmetics.
The global market of natural and organic cosmetics is expanding, with a 4.4% growth in 2024 and sales reaching 13.17 billion USD in 2023 [1]. In Europe, 55% of natural and organic products sold are certified. Europe is thus the second most important market after the United States. Together, they account for 85% of global sales of organic and natural cosmetics [2].
The growing need for transparency strengthens the importance of reliable certifications such as NATRUE, a guarantee of quality for businesses and a benchmark for consumers.
What guarantees does NATRUE offer consumers?
Staying close to nature
NATRUE guarantees consumers and businesses complete transparency regarding the origin and quality of cosmetic products and raw materials. NATRUE only allows the following substance types:
- Natural: originating from nature, unmodified, obtained directly—for example from plants—or indirectly from micro-organisms through processes such as fermentation.
- Derived natural: substances obtained exclusively from natural ingredients but transformed through permitted chemical reactions. No synthetic material may be used in their composition.
- Nature-identical: substances that are created in a laboratory but are identical to those found in nature. NATRUE limits their use to certain pigments, minerals and preservatives, only when it is essential to guarantee consumer safety and the ingredient quality.
Products you can trust
NATRUE-certified products are formulated without controversial ingredients such as GMOs, silicones, parabens, microplastics, synthetic fragrances, or mineral oils. This rigorous exclusion strengthens transparency and safety for users.
Strict environmental requirements
NATRUE certification is based on a holistic approach that takes into account the environmental impact of cosmetic products throughout their entire lifecycle. The manufacturing processes must conserve natural resources by limiting their consumption and prioritizing sustainable methods. Tests on animals are strictly prohibited. Moreover, the packaging of certified products must meet strict ecological criteria: it must be recyclable and designed to minimize the environmental footprint.
Two certification levels, same guarantees
The NATRUE label offers two certification levels: natural or organic. In order to obtain the organic level, at least 95% of natural ingredients or ingredients derived from natural sources must be from organic farming. Regardless of the chosen option, strict criteria must be met.
Which advantages does NATRUE offer to manufacturers and brands?
Being NATRUE certified means benefiting from international recognition and a range of concrete advantages that strengthen visibility, credibility, and access to the market for natural and organic cosmetic products:
- Having your raw materials or products included in NATRUE’s public online reference database, a platform directly accessible to everyone—consumers and manufacturers alike. (ajouter lien)
- Gaining access to the global market for organic and natural cosmetics, with recognition in over 33 countries
- Having easier access to organic stores and specialized retailers
- Having a certification recognized by regulatory authorities.
- Displaying the NATRUE logo on your packaging(s) and benefiting from increased visibility with consumers
What can be certified or validated with the NATRUE label?
The NATRUE label covers several certification levels, from raw materials through cosmetic formulas to finished products. In each case, rigorous criteria apply, with appropriate control measures.
Certification and validation of raw materials
Raw materials can be:
- Approved without organic content (exceptions excluded): their documentary validation relies on a thorough documentary review, with no requirement for an on-site audit.
- Certified with organic content: a full check is required, combining documentary verification and on-site audit.
Certification of finished products
Finished products undergo an on-site audit to ensure compliance with the label requirements:
- Natural cosmetics: they must meet minimal thresholds for natural substances and have limitations on the use of natural-derived substances.
- Organic cosmetics: at least 95% of natural and natural-derived ingredients must be from organic farming (in addition to meeting all requirements for natural cosmetics).
It is important to note that the NATRUE label is awarded to a brand or a sub-brand, and not to an individual product.
Formula validation
NATRUE also offers a documentary validation of cosmetic formulas. This validation is intended for third-party manufacturers who wish to sell their formulas to brands so that the brands can use them under their own name.
- Natural formulas: they must meet minimal thresholds for natural substances and maximal limits for natural-derived substances.
- Organic formulas: at least 95% of natural and natural-derived ingredients must be from organic farming (in addition to meeting all requirements for natural cosmetics).
This validation applies only to the composition of the formula and does not constitute full certification of the finished product.
How to obtain NATRUE certification?
NATRUE does not certify products itself. The certification process is carried out by an independent, NATRUE-accredited third-party organization (NATRUE Approved Certifier). This approach guarantees a rigorous, objective, and fully impartial certification process.
Moreover, in order to guarantee the highest level of quality, certification criteria are regularly updated to adapt to new market requirements and to consumer expectations.
NATRUE certification with Certisys
Certification of finished products and raw materials
Validation of raw materials and formulas
Conclusion
Obtaining NATRUE certification is a commitment to authenticity, transparency, and quality in natural and organic cosmetics. With strict criteria and international recognition, this label is a guarantee of trust for both consumers and brands looking to stand out in a rapidly expanding market.
By choosing Certisys for NATRUE certification and validation of your raw materials and products, you are affirming your commitment to natural and sustainable cosmetics.
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[1] Represents 2.3% of global sales, due to limited availability in key regions such as Latin America, Africa and Asia.
[2] Source: “Global Natural & Organic Cosmetic Market: Ecovia Intelligence 2024”.
