German Bio seal

Since 2001, the green hexagon has been the German symbol for organic quality in ecological agriculture in accordance with EU guidelines. Amongst other things, it stipulates that at least 95% of a product – if it consists of several ingredients – must be produced ecologically. In addition, gene technology and numerous additives are prohibited.

Further information can be found at www.oekolandbau.de and www.biosiegel.de.

EU Bio seal

Since 2010, a stylised leaf on a green background has stood for the highest legally ensured food legislation standards in the EU. Specifically, it means that flavour enhancers, artificial aromas, colouring and other additives are forbidden. Moreover, fertilisers, pesticides, animal transport, animal production facilities are also regulated by this law. Further information can be found under www.ec.europa.eu.

Cosmos

COSMOS-certified products are produced in compliance with demanding, independent European standards for natural cosmetics.

There are two different labels:

• COSMOS natural
• COSMOS organic

COSMOS natural is used for products that comply fully with COSMOS standards, but do not meet minimum requirements for organic components.

COSMOS organic can be used for all products that comply both with COSMOS standards and the prescribed organic requirements.

More information can be found at: https://cosmos-standard.org/for-consumers/fur-verbraucher/

BDIH

In 2001, the Federation of German Industry and Commerce for medicines, health products, food supplements and personal hygiene products (BDIH) developed a label to protect consumers from fraud and at the same time guarantee safety in the purchase of natural cosmetics. A working group prepared the "controlled natural cosmetics" guidelines that stipulates the following: Raw materials must be certified as organic; no animals must be used for raw materials; animal testing, preservatives and artificial materials are forbidden. To date, some 8000 products have been certified. Before they can be certified they must pass an independent control of the ingredients and the composition of the products.

Further information is available at www.kontrollierte-naturkosmetik.de and at www.ionc.info

Dermatest

Since its founding in 1978, dermatologists, allergists, biologists and food chemists of this independent institute have tested cosmetic products for safety. The aim is to make products safer and to ensure that their effectiveness can be measured and compared. For Töpfer, all cosmetic products are subjected to a so-called patch test. The patch tests for primary irritant effect or a contact allergy. Every product must undergo this test before being sold and when there are important changes in the composition of the product.

Further information can be found at www.dermatest.de.

Vegan – no animal products

All Töpfer products that are marked "vegan-free from animal-derived ingredients" contained no animal-derived raw materials. This is an internal vegan standard for cosmetics that ensures that these products have not been made from any animal-derived ingredient. During the production process, however, contact with products using materials of animal origin cannot be completely ruled out.