Large alphabetical overview of certificates

Cruelty-free/ Not tested on animals

Both certifications can be used if neither the product nor its ingredients have ever been tested on animals. These are leading organisations that work to create a world where animal experiments do not exist. They educate and inspire respect for and protection of animals, revealing the reality of animal lives in laboratories. (examples include Alteya Organics, Nordics)

Eco Control

This German certification body monitors the quality of raw materials in organic and agricultural products (including wild harvesting) that are not food or animal feed. It also checks the quality of the processed product (such as Annemarie Borlind) and standards for sustainability.

ECOCERT COSMOS

The Cosmos standard is guided by core principles: respect for biodiversity, responsible use of natural resources, clean and respectful processing and manufacturing, also determines the organic content of ingredients, standards for water, ingredients of mineral origin, oversees storage, traceability of production processes, waste management, absence of misleading claims in product information and labels. (e.g. DeBa)

FSC certified paper

Indicates products from responsibly managed forests. It means that the wood has been harvested responsibly with respect for the environment and the community. The laws of the state and region have been respected, the foresters have been properly paid and will continue to work towards long-term forest sustainability. (e.g. Ben&Anna)

Gluten-free

The logo marks products that do not contain gluten (e.g. Alteya Organics). This protein is found in wheat and several other cereals. Currently, you can also find a lot of cosmetics with gluten-free labelling. From a cosmetic point of view, gluten can be irritating to the skin and eyes.

Green brand

The Green Brand seal of quality is a registered EU certification mark (for example, Annemarie Borlind) for ecological sustainability with an independent, transparent and neutral testing procedure. The validation procedure criteria take into account all dimensions of the company, and the product is internationally protected from logistics to waste, energy and water management, employee awareness and many others.

Non-GMO (without genetically modified substances)

The organisation started as an initiative by independent natural food retailers in the USA and Canada, in accordance with their standards. The aim is to prevent and monitor the presence of genetically modified substances. (e.g. Alteya Organics)

NATRUE

Products certified with NATRUE are natural, free of artificial substitutes, and don't contain unnecessary water, which would artificially increase their volume, and are in line with sustainability. (for example, Ben&Anna)

ORGANIC SOIL ASSOCIATION

Production can be called organic if it is certified, grown in soil where no prohibited substances have been applied for three years before harvesting. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. (e.g. WoodenSpoon)

USDA ORGANIC

The American national form of certification for agricultural products (minimum 95% ingredients from organic farming). Its role is to monitor the quality of animal life, their access to free-range, the quality of their feed (without antibiotics and growth hormones). Inputs of genetically modified raw materials are prohibited, as are fertilisers, pesticides and other chemical products that endanger health. Checks are carried out several times a year. (Alteya Organics)

Vegan

Only a product that has no animal ingredients and is not tested on animals obtains this certificate. The V-shaped leaf symbol is internationally recognised. In addition to cosmetics, it also marks clothing, food, drinks, household products and much more. (example from our website: Alteya Organics, Annemarie Borlind, Nordics)