NATURAL COSMETICS & CO...

What do we mean by natural cosmetics?

In principle, there is no standard legal definition of the term natural cosmetics at European level as the basic criteria underlying it are formulated somewhat differently, the result being that these products cannot comply with a single uniform standard. The situation for manufacturers and distributors, as well as consumers, is therefore confusing.

A brief definition of the term natural cosmetics:

Natural cosmetics are products made from natural raw materials with a plant and mineral origin. As far as possible, the raw materials used in natural cosmetic products should be grown organically. Only physical, microbiological or enzymatic methods are legally permitted for the extraction and processing of these natural materials. Any use of chemical extraction or processing steps is strictly prohibited!

In Austria, the Austrian Food Codex (Codex Alimentarius Austriacus, generally referred to as the Codex) forms the definition basis and legal basis for natural cosmetics and natural cosmetic products that are produced and marketed in Austria.

You can download the full text of the Codex chapter B 33 Cosmetic Products, sub-chapter: Natural Cosmetics here.

The following are not used in natural cosmetics:

Synthetic dyes, ethoxylated raw materials, silicones, paraffin wax, paraffin oil, vaseline, cyclopentasiloxane, trideceth - 6 phosphates, glyceryl stearate, CI 15985, CI 47005, petrolatum, cera microcristallina, microcristallina wax, ozokerite, ceresin, parabens and phenoxyethanol synthetic fragrances, aluminum, nanoparticles, genetically modified raw materials, mineral oil and other petroleum products, etc.

What effect do mineral oil and paraffin oil have on the skin?

Applying these saturated, acyclic hydrocarbons (mineral oil) seals the skin leaving it unable to breathe. This water-insoluble film on the epidermis (outermost layer of skin) stops the skin from transpiring naturally. Even with thorough cleansing, it is not possible to break up this film completely. What may be shiny on the surface and feel soft to the touch is responsible for several processes under the skin.

So why are many of these substances specifically used in the cosmetics industry?

The main reason for using these ingredients is that the raw materials are cheap and easily available. Although cheap to produce, the prices of cosmetic products vary widely. They are often marketed and sold at very high retail prices. Mineral oil and paraffin oil is added to many products which considerably extends their shelf life. The addition of these substances makes it easy to mass produce them extremely cheaply.

What does INCI stand for?

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients: a guarantee for the quality of the raw materials included.
The ingredients must be listed in descending order and in Latin, according to the botanist Carl von Linné (Carl Linnaeus).
EU labelling required since 1 June 1999.

Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products

We hereby state that all our products fully meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products, from its entry into force on 11 January 2010 and the commencement of its application on 11 July 2013.

The associated CPNP reference numbers can be found in the text relating to each product.

About Exmonte natural cosmetic products

Our natural cosmetic products contain only nature’s raw materials. There are very strict criteria for satisfying the term “natural cosmetics”. Natural cosmetics may only contain substances of plant and mineral origin which are processed without chemical changes. The plant oils used have the distinct advantage that they are quickly absorbed into the skin and support its natural function.

Our product criteria:

• Cold-pressed plant oils
• Only raw materials of natural origin and those grown organically or growing wild are used.
• Essential oils (e.g. pine needle oil, mountain pine oil and menthol in the marmot balm, etc.)
• Herbal extracts
• Waxes and fats, shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, coconut oil, etc.
• Excipients such as emulsifiers, preservatives and tensides are obtained from natural raw materials
• Processing methods are physical, microbiological and/or enzymatic

Our natural cosmetic products are pure quality products from Austria!

AND WHAT’S MORE: The jars that hold our balms and ointments are also made from recycled waste glass!