18 November 2009: 12.00-13.00

How to... be certifiably organic

Judi Beerling, Organic Monitor

This seminar will first cover some proposed definitions of the terms 'natural' and 'organic' in cosmetics. It will look at what is driving increasing numbers of consumers to turn to natural/organic products and the major market trends.

It will briefly examine the host of different private standards for natural and organic certification in Europe. The seminar will then concentrate on how formulators can work with these standards to produce products with the aesthetics and performance properties that consumers require, whilst still achieving green and natural credentials. The difference between naturally inspired products and authentic certified organic cosmetics will be highlighted.

The session will finally attempt to summarise the key issues involved in formulating natural and organic cosmetics and give hands on experience of the sort of decisions that need to be made by the formulator.

Learnig outcomes:
• An understanding of the market for natural and organic cosmetics
• The ability to recognise true natural and organic products in the marketplace
• A basic understanding of organic and natural standards
• An appreciation of the challenges involved in producing certified natural or organic ingredients or products