What is the BDIH seal?

This test mark for controlled natural cosmetics is based on ecological, health and social aspects. The criteria go beyond what is required by law and take into account the raw materials used, the manufacturing process and the end products.

The seal was developed in 2001 on the initiative of natural cosmetics manufacturers and is awarded by the Federation of German Industrial and Trading Companies (BDIH for short).

What criteria must products meet?

The label is intended to define the term controlled natural cosmetics and provide orientation for consumers. It also aims to contribute to fair competition among manufacturers and distributors of natural cosmetics.

At least 60 percent of all cosmetics of the brand to which the respective labeled product belongs must meet the BDIH standard. This includes the following specifications:

• no artificially produced colorants and fragrances, silicones, kerosenes and other petroleum products may be used for the products
• the raw materials must come predominantly from controlled organic cultivation
• 15 vegetable raw materials, such as jojoba oil, olive oil or soybean oil, but also palm and coconut oil, must always come from certified organically grown plants.
• in addition to the predominantly plant-based approved raw materials, substances produced by animals (e.g. milk and honey) are also permitted.
  
• Raw materials from dead vertebrates (e.g. animal fats) are prohibited
  
• Animal testing is prohibited in the production, development and testing of the final products; raw materials tested on animals after 31.12.1997 are excluded.
  
• genetically modified organisms must not be used
• the products must be manufactured in an environmentally friendly and resource-saving way
• packaging materials must be made of recyclable materials and used as sparingly as possible.

How is compliance with the criteria ensured?

The criteria for awarding the label are co-developed by independent bodies. Independent control institutes test the registered natural cosmetic products for their ingredients and composition. During the first test, the manufacturers must submit certificates from recognized control bodies with which they can prove that the organic standard of the products is met. Subsequently, certificates from non-recognized inspection bodies are also sufficient.

What are the criticisms of the BDIH seal?

Few critical voices are known about the BDIH seal for natural cosmetics. One of the standards is that 15 raw materials specified by the BDIH must come from organic production - all other raw materials must only come from organic production "as far as possible". Stiftung Warentest states in this regard: "a proportion is not defined, however". It is however defined, if the product carries additionally the word "bio" in the name, then 95% of the contents materials must come from controlled biological cultivation . label-online.de criticizes that the assignment process of the label for outsiders is not transparent enough.

No animal testing with BDIH products

BDIH natural cosmetics are not automatically vegan. Although the use of raw materials from dead vertebrates (e.g. animal fats and oils, collagen and fresh cells) is prohibited, very much so is the use of substances produced by animals (such as milk and honey).

However, no animal testing may be carried out or commissioned either in the production or in the development or testing of the end products. This also applies to raw materials, which may not have been tested on animals after 1997. BDIH natural cosmetics may therefore be considered free of animal testing in practice.