Cosmetics is a form of external nourishment that we give to the skin. It is a way to enhance the skin’s natural processes of regeneration, revitalization and protection.
A good cosmetic product should not replace the main function of the skin, but support and complement it. This is what natural and organic cosmetics do: add value to what the skin already knows how to do.
Through the use of high quality active ingredients, coming from the botanical world, from flowers, plants, trees and roots, the high quality natural handcrafted cosmetics is a tool to be used to optimize the magic that happens inside our organism: the renewal of tissues.
However, this does not mean that all natural cosmetics is a form of high natural and artisanal cosmetics: be wary of this!
There is a big difference between conventional cosmetics, which claim a natural ingredient, and natural artisan cosmetics.
Is claiming a natural ingredient the same as manufacturing with 100% ingredients of natural origin?
The main difference between conventional cosmetics, which claim a natural ingredient, and high quality natural and artisanal cosmetics, is the percentage of natural and quality ingredients contained in the formulation, their origin and the way in which they have been extracted.
In Spain, we can find many conventional brands that look like naturalFor aesthetics and marketing reasons, and claim “natural” as something intrinsic to the brand, that is why, nowadays, talking about natural cosmetics does not mean much, since there are many cosmetic brands that combine natural ingredients with synthetic ingredients, or even that their natural ingredients have been so processed that they are no longer considered completely natural.
Artisanal natural cosmetics, on the other hand, is very different: it is the quintessence of natural beauty, conscious and respectful of the planet. It is a true art, a philosophy of life.
When we talk about high quality natural and handmade cosmetics, we refer to a type of cosmetics that uses active ingredients of the highest quality in its formulations:
- are brands that are usually certified with a European seal of quality, such as Bio.Inspecta
- all ingredients are natural, and a high percentage come from organic farming, and most are vegan brands.
- usually use botanical ingredients in their purest state, extracting them through processes that respect and do not alter their composition, such as first cold pressing, for example,
- combine with each other to enhance and add to each other,
- are usually produced in small quantities, in small laboratories and craftsmen, following the demand and avoiding mass production…
Natural and handcrafted high cosmetics is what apothecaries used to do in the pharmacy: combine different plants and natural elixirs to create healing formulations. To be taken care of. To protect the body from external harmful agents.
What are the requirements to sell natural and handmade cosmetics?
The requirements for selling conventional cosmetics or natural handmade cosmetics are the same, although they may vary depending on the country and jurisdiction in which you are located. In the case of Spain, in order to sell high quality handmade cosmetics, it is necessary to comply with a series of requirements and regulations established by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) y European cosmetics regulation (Regulation (EC) 1223/2009)These requirements are the same for manufacturing conventional cosmetics or natural cosmetics.
Here are some of the main requirements:
- Product registration: you must notify your cosmetic products to the AEMPS before placing them on the market. This involves submitting a notification dossier with information on the products, the ingredients used and the details of the person legally responsible.
- Labeling and presentation: cosmetic products must have appropriate labeling that complies with the requirements of current regulations. The label should include information such as product name, list of ingredients, product function, precautions for use, lot number, expiration date (if required by the product), contact information for the manufacturer or responsible party, and country of origin.
- Good manufacturing practices: you must comply with good manufacturing practices to ensure the quality and safety of your products. This involves following hygiene standards, having a suitable manufacturing site, using safe ingredients and keeping production records.
- Safety assessment: it is necessary to perform a safety assessment of your cosmetic products to ensure that they do not pose health risks to consumers. You can do it on your own or through a qualified professional.
- Notification of adverse effects: in case of adverse effects related to your cosmetic products, you must notify them to the AEMPS.
- Restrictions and bans on ingredients: there are restrictions and bans on certain ingredients in cosmetic products. You must ensure that the ingredients used comply with regulations and are not prohibited.
These are just some of the main requirements that SAPER has had to follow in order to be able to create and sell products that we qualify as high quality natural and handmade cosmetics and that we prepare with a lot of love and care in our private laboratory in Uceda.
What should I look for if I do not live in Spain?
In case you do not live in Spain, here is another short general list of common requirements you might encounter when selling handmade cosmetics:
- Regulations and licensing: research the specific regulations that apply to the sale of handcrafted cosmetic products in your country and make sure you comply with all legal requirements. This may include obtaining special licenses or permits to manufacture or sell cosmetics.
- Good manufacturing practices: you must follow good manufacturing practices to ensure the quality and safety of your products. This involves maintaining a clean work environment, using safe ingredients and complying with proper hygiene standards.
- Proper labeling: make sure your products are properly labeled according to local regulations. This usually involves including information such as a list of ingredients, directions for use, precautions and your company’s contact information.
- Ingredient registration: some jurisdictions may require you to register the ingredients used in your cosmetic products. Be sure to check if this is necessary and complies with the corresponding requirements.
- Safety and efficacy testing: depending on your location, you may need to conduct safety and efficacy testing of your products before offering them for sale. This may involve microbiological testing, stability testing and skin irritation testing, among others.
- Liability insurance: Consider obtaining liability insurance to protect you in the event that a customer files a claim related to your products.
- Cosmetics compliance: make sure you comply with the specific rules and regulations for cosmetic products in terms of permitted ingredients, maximum concentrations and any other applicable restrictions.
It is important that you consult with the relevant authorities, such as cosmetics regulatory agencies, or seek specific legal advice in your country for accurate and up-to-date information on the requirements that apply to the sale of handmade cosmetics.
And above all, put all your love and care into it, because cosmetics can be true gifts of nature or weapons against the planet.
