Newsletter Archive
February 2010
Three Questions for Hans-Jörg Rösch
As Safety Assessor for Dr.Hauschka Skin Care and Dr.Hauschka Med products Hans-Jörg Rösch and his colleagues test every new formula for safety and tolerability. This includes consideration not only of regulatory requirements but also of scientific knowledge on the composition and actions of the ingredients used.
Are natural skin care products better tolerated than conventional cosmetics?
Intolerance of cosmetic products is strongly dependent on the individual predisposition of the user and can never be ruled out completely. Conventional cosmetics contain many synthetic chemical substances such as preservatives to which users often react with intolerance or sensitization. Dr.Hauschka Skin Care products do not contain such substances. The German cosmetics association IKW collects data on intolerances triggered by cosmetic products and subjects them to annual statistical evaluation. This has shown that Dr.Hauschka cosmetics cause considerably fewer intolerances than the German national average.
How do natural cosmetics manage without synthetic chemical preservatives?
We guarantee the stability of Dr.Hauschka cosmetics in various different ways: In the first instance the standard of hygiene during production is important. Ours is as high as that required for the manufacture of medicines. Furthermore raw materials undergo antimicrobial procedures – for example heat treatment. The type of packaging is also important: We pack many of our products in aluminium tubes or special packaging that offers better protection from air and microbial contamination. Our longstanding experience in developing skin care products also plays a large part. Our knowledge of the raw materials used and the ideal composition of the preparations is of crucial importance here. Of course the stability of our products has to meet the same criteria as conventional cosmetics.
How can consumers recognise genuinely natural skin care products?
Up to now there is no legal definition at the national or European levels and therefore there are no mandatory requirements relating to the composition of natural cosmetics. However, various associations do offer quality seals which make it possible for consumers to recognise certified natural cosmetics. In addition to the BDIH seal already established in Germany our products are also certified internationally by the International Natural & Organic Cosmetics Association NaTrue. Use of certified organic raw materials plays an important role for certification under NaTrue guidelines. Taking into account the percentage of the raw material used that is organically sourced emphasises the ecological responsibility of the manufacturing companies. WALA’s international cultivation projects (e.g. in Iran, Burkina Faso and Bulgaria) are models of environmentally friendly and socially responsible business practice.
