What is Slow Cosmétique?

A label for healthy & authentic beauty

The Slow Cosmétique movement and the association by the same name were created in 2012 by the Belgian aromatherapist and cosmetician Julien Kaibeck, author of several books on natural beauty and the blog Lessentieldejulien.com.
Today, Slow Cosmétique is both a label and a movement (NGO) carrying out actions in various countries to raise public awareness and take the right steps for a more authentic and healthy beauty.
Slow Cosmétique is a philosophical approach based on a widespread will to promote more authentic and healthy cosmetics.

"The current ecological and psychological impact of cosmetics weighs heavy on the planet, for our finances and our state of mind. Faced with this observation, some people say that an alternative model for cosmetics is possible."

Julien Kaibeck,
Founder of Slow Cosmétique

Categorically, today, what is Slow Cosmétique? It is:

 
This website is that of the Slow Cosmétique International Association, a not-for-profit association withinternational focus. Having legal form, our association is the only worthy representative of the global Slow Cosmétique movement.

The Slow Cosmétique association brings together volunteers: coordinators and active members, all actors for new smart, sustainable, eco-friendly and humane cosmetics.

The association also certifies and then supports hundreds of cosmetics brands, recipients of the Slow Cosmétique Label. These brands offer quality, more authentic and natural products.

"Slow Cosmétique" is a registered trademark managed by our association. Brands may not use it for trading purposes unless they have received the certificate from us. We provide on this site the list of the recipient brands of the Slow Cosmétique Label.

 
What is Slow Cosmétique?

A Founding Charter

The Slow Cosmétique Charter is the movement’s basis since 2013. It defines our founding values and criteria for healthy & authentic cosmetics. It is recognized and followed by our members.


Download the Charter in pdf here

1We want ‘healthy’ cosmetics
Cosmetics must be formulated and used with respect for the human and animal health, as well as for Nature.

The least processed natural and organic ingredients should be favoured in formulas, excluding any synthetic chemical ingredients, petrochemicals, animal abuse leading to death, as well as any ingredients potentially polluting the environment.

Cosmetics must strive to minimize its environmental impact in all spheres of its design and use. Short cycles and exchanges at the local level must be favoured.

Cosmetics must also be formulated, sold and used with respect for humankind. It must acknowledge humankind’s need for enjoyment as a quality, but must encourage to nurture enjoyment in a simple way.

Cosmetics must emphasize the benefits that plants, animals and minerals bring to the body and to the mind. Any ingredient or technique potentially harmful to humans must be avoided. Thus, humankind will be encouraged to come into direct contact with nature and will not seek to recreate it synthetically.
2We want 'authentic’ cosmetics
Cosmetics must suitably meet the skin’s genuine needs. Cleansing, moisturizing and protecting the skin are basic needs, and cosmetics must respond with sound products or actions.

To this end, cosmetics must use ingredients from the available resources that provide something positive to the skin.

Efficient, cosmetics must give priority to the ingredients naturally active and beneficial for the skin without seeking to claim exclusiveness.

Inert, inactive or unnecessarily processed ingredients should be avoided as well as any ingredients that may improve the skin’s health at the expense of the health of the rest of the body or mind.

Cosmetics must not create new needs for the skin. Limiting the amount of products and rituals necessary to maintain healthy skin is key in avoiding marketing tricks.

In their marketing discourse, cosmetics must not make promises that are impossible to keep in view of the nature of the product or the cosmetic action. Nor should they t be anxiety-ridden and use the fear of ageing or being imperfect to sell. Cosmetics should not encourage us to consume even more products or services.

Cosmetics must forbid any form of greenwashing, as well as airbrushing or concealment intended to deceive its partners. It must be sold and bought at a fair and sensible price, reflecting the true quality of its formulation or service.