Renue is an ethical, European marketplace for sustainable brands. And if you’ve been following along, you know we received an email about two months ago, questioning our sustainability standards, particularly around cosmetics. That email? It made us pause, reflect… and get to work. (Read the full article here).

Unpacking the complexities of cosmetic ingredients and regulation

Since then, we’ve spoken with Mark Smith, Director General at NATRUE – The International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association, Nuria Alonso from Certificación BioVidaSana, and had some great conversations with brands like Omamori, who are already certifying part of their products and doing things by the book. One thing quickly became very clear: cosmetics is a tricky world. Ingredients, regulation, transparency… it’s a lot.

So hence our decision: only certified cosmetic products will be accepted on Renue.

Our new standard: Why certified cosmetics only

Not because we want to be exclusive or make things harder. But because we know what we don’t know. We’re not chemists. We’re not a certification body. And frankly, we don’t want to become one either.

What we do want, is to collaborate with experts who’ve already done the homework; people and organisations we trust, who share our values and vision. Because we believe in teaming up with those who know their stuff. That’s why we’re proud to be working with certification bodies like Certificación BioVidaSana and NATRUE, and currently in the talks with COSMOS-standard AISBL and brands like Botanik Skin Natural Cosmetics, VerbelBio, Aina de Mô, OMAMORI BEAUTY TALISMAN, y AYLANABIO.

We’re all about progress, not perfection

Also: we’re not just sticking certification logos onto our site. We’ll be adding explanations of what these certifications actually mean. Because let’s be honest, if we get confused sometimes, imagine what it’s like for the end consumer. We feel it’s our job to bring clarity and trust to the table.

To those brands who’ve invested the time (and let’s be real, money) to get certified: we see you. We want to support you. This decision is for you.

And to those still on the path: we’re here to help guide and connect you with people who can support your process. We’re all about progress, not perfection.

What’s next?

So now we’re turning it over to you: Which certification bodies should we talk to next? Which sector should we tackle? We’re thinking fashion? Oh boy… what a jungle. But we’re motivated and committed. Even if it means growing slow, we’re in this for the long run.

Read more about Renue here and start selling on our ethical marketplace!