We have searched extensively and found no set of standards that adequately represents the quality and efficacy of the Annemarie Börlind products.  Some organizations – such as the BDIH – have excellent standards for ingredients, but no standards for dermatological proof of efficacy and skin compatibility.  Some organizations – such as the Neuform – have high standards for efficacy and purity of ingredients, but allow the ingredients to be processed in ways we do not consider natural.  Some groups do not adhere to our strict cruelty-free standards and allow dead animal ingredients, as long as they are derived from invertebrates.  And finally, many standards do not even address LOHAS issues in regards to production methods and fair trade.

Therefore, we have had each product tested and certified by EcoControl, the highly respected organization that has ensured compliance with cosmetic standards in Europe to verify that, when you use an Annemarie Börlind product, you can be certain that it conforms to the following standards:

Purity of Products

1. Complete Disclosure of Ingredients.  many organizations do not require companies to list preservatives or other trace contaminants present in the botanical extracts and other ingredients contained in their products.  When you read the ingredients on an Annemarie Börlind product, you can be certain that you know everything – even trace substances – contained in the product.
2. Organic and Wildcrafted Ingredients.  Botanical ingredients must, as much as possible, be obtained from controlled biological cultivation and certified wildcrafted sources.  Raw materials must be handled in a gentle manner to preserve natural essences and must be subjected to as few chemical processes as possible.
3. Strict Cruelty-Free Guidelines.  No ingredients may be obtained from dead animals.  Neither products nor ingredients can be tested on animals.
4.  Preservatives from nature.  Preservatives must found in nature.
5. A Continuous Search for the Most Effective Ingredients Possible.  Our researchers and ethno-botanists who are constantly searching worldwide for new botanicals and other ingredients to improve efficacy of our products.
6. Pure Medicinal Waters.  We use water from a dedicated spring located in the spa region of the Black Forest.  Water is purified by a reverse osmosis process to remove bacteria and heavy metals while retaining valuable trace minerals and gases.
7. Repudiation of Non-Biodegradable and Questionable Substances.  We never use substances such as ethoxylated ingredients like PEG, paraffin, petroleum derivatives, silicone oil, polycyclic musk compounds, etc.

Efficacy and Safety:

1.  All Products Tested For Safety, Skin-Compatibility, and Efficacy.  All products must be tested by independent dermatological clinics to ensure efficacy and skin-compatibility, as well as receiving verification of safety in use.  Tests must be exclusively conducted on human skin.

Sustainability:

1. Extraction and Production of Raw Materials.  Sustainability practices must be used in extraction and production of raw materials.
2. Manufacturing Practices.  Sustainability practices must be used during the production of our products.  For example, the hot water in our plant is warmed by heat recovered from our production and cooling processes.  We are constantly searching for new ways to increase sustainability in our operations.
3. Renewable Resources.  Ingredients must, wherever possible, be obtained from renewable resources.
4. Prohibition of Radiation and Genetic Engineering.  Ingredients that have been irradiated or genetically modified are not allowed.
5. Environmentally Sound Products and Packaging.  Products and packaging must be environmentally safe, readily biodegradable, and should be designed to conserve resources.

Social Responsibility:

1. Fair Trade and Socio-Ecological Producers.  Whenever possible, we purchase our raw materials from socio-ecological projects, Third World projects, and fair trade organizations.
2. Suppliers Must Provide Humane Working Conditions.  When selecting our suppliers, we check to ensure that they have humane working conditions, fair payment for the workers, and no child labor.  Verification of social standards is conducted by both state and independent organizations.

EcoControl, a neutral control organization, certifies that the above criteria are complied with.  All products carry this logo to indicate that the criteria have been met.