Ecological certificates are one of the most reliable ways to verify the ecological origin and quality of raw materials. Earth Day reminds us every year how important it is to act responsibly towards nature – not only in words, but above all in deeds. At Handymade, we strive to translate this philosophy into everyday decisions, including when it comes to selecting the raw materials in our range.
About this article
How can you recognise high-quality and sustainable cosmetic raw materials? We make sure that the raw materials we offer are not only effective, but also gentle – on the skin, on health and above all on the planet. That is exactly why this article looks at the international ecological certificates that confirm such quality, and shows them on specific raw materials from our range.
Key benefits
- Verified ecological origin
Certificates are one of the most reliable ways to verify the ecological origin and quality of raw materials.
- Independent assessment instead of promises
Not every raw material described as “natural” or “organic” really is – the actual composition and method of manufacture can often only be confirmed by an independent ecological assessment.
- Checks that go beyond composition
Certificates check not only the origin of the ingredients, but also ethical aspects of production, animal testing and ecological packaging.
- Transparent information for the formulator
When formulating your own cosmetics, you have transparent information about the origin of the raw materials in your hands, and greater certainty when choosing ingredients for sensitive or problematic skin.
- Customer trust
Brands that use certified raw materials find it easier to gain the trust of customers and can apply for their own product certifications.
Certificates at a glance
Ecological certificates at Handymade
Not every raw material described as “natural” or “organic” really is. The actual composition and method of manufacture can often only be confirmed by an independent ecological assessment. The result of such an assessment is ecological certification that checks not only the origin of the ingredients, but also ethical aspects of production, animal testing and ecological packaging.
ECOCERT certification
ECOCERT is one of the best-known certifications for natural and organic cosmetics. Thanks to this certification, we know that the raw material consists of at least 95% natural ingredients.
We also make sure of the purity of the raw material, because the certification prohibits ingredients such as silicones, parabens, synthetic fragrances and colourants.
With raw materials that have this quality confirmation, you can be sure that the suppliers also place emphasis on ecological packaging and sustainable production.
The surfactant Glucopon 50G APG – certified according to ECOCERT – is suitable for natural cleaning products.
RSPO certification – Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
Palm oil is a common component of cosmetics, but its cultivation is associated with deforestation and threats to biodiversity.
RSPO is a certificate that guarantees that the palm oil does not come from illegal logging or endangered areas. And also that its cultivation respects principles of care for nature and for human rights.
In our range you will find the emulsifier Emulpharma K10 (Beautyderm) – containing RSPO-certified palm oil.
Soil Association certification
Soil Association is a recognised UK certification body focusing on organic agriculture and organic cosmetics. It guarantees that raw materials meet strict sustainability standards.
All raw materials with this certification are grown without GMOs and synthetic pesticides and, which is no less important, these raw materials with verified origin are not tested on animals.
The organic shea butter in our range is obtained in a gentle way and certified by the Soil Association.
What does ecological certification mean for the customer or formulator?
Using certified raw materials means certainty for the formulator. If you formulate your own cosmetics at home or professionally, you have in your hands:
- transparent information about the origin of raw materials
- greater certainty when choosing ingredients for sensitive or problematic skin
- the possibility of creating products that are in line with ethical and ecological values
Brands that use certified raw materials also find it easier to gain the trust of customers and can apply for their own product certifications.
How do we celebrate Earth Day at Handymade?
For us, sustainability is more than just a seasonal topic – it is the way we try to operate every day. We minimise waste, pack ecologically and select raw materials consciously and transparently with regard to their ecological certifications.
Even though we are only a small part of a big world, we believe that every conscious step has its meaning.
Frequently asked questions about ecological certificates
Practical questions about what the individual certificates guarantee, what they check besides the composition and what a natural cosmetics formulator gets out of them.
Is it enough for a raw material to be labelled “natural” or “organic”?
Not every raw material described as “natural” or “organic” really is. The actual composition and method of manufacture can often only be confirmed by an independent ecological assessment, the result of which is ecological certification.
What does ECOCERT certification guarantee?
ECOCERT is one of the best-known certifications for natural and organic cosmetics. Thanks to it, we know that the raw material consists of at least 95% natural ingredients. The certification also prohibits ingredients such as silicones, parabens, synthetic fragrances and colourants, and the suppliers place emphasis on ecological packaging and sustainable production as well.
Why is RSPO certification important for palm oil?
Palm oil is a common component of cosmetics, but its cultivation is associated with deforestation and threats to biodiversity. RSPO guarantees that the palm oil does not come from illegal logging or endangered areas and that its cultivation respects principles of care for nature and for human rights.
What does the Soil Association certificate confirm?
Soil Association is a recognised UK certification body focusing on organic agriculture and organic cosmetics. It guarantees that raw materials meet strict sustainability standards, are grown without GMOs and synthetic pesticides and are not tested on animals.
Do ecological certificates only check the composition of a raw material?
No. Certificates check not only the origin of the ingredients, but also ethical aspects of production, animal testing and ecological packaging.
What do certified raw materials give me when formulating my own cosmetics?
Using certified raw materials means certainty for the formulator: transparent information about the origin of raw materials, greater certainty when choosing ingredients for sensitive or problematic skin and the possibility of creating products in line with ethical and ecological values. Brands that use them also find it easier to gain the trust of customers and can apply for their own product certifications.
Which certified raw materials can I find in the Handymade range?
The surfactant Glucopon 50G APG, certified according to ECOCERT, is suitable for natural cleaning products, the emulsifier Emulpharma K10 (Beautyderm) contains RSPO-certified palm oil, and the organic shea butter is obtained in a gentle way and certified by the Soil Association.
Join us and create cosmetics that are gentle to you and to nature. Raw materials with ecological certificates – from surfactants and emulsifiers to organic butters – can be found directly in the Handymade raw materials range.
