In 1921, Weleda pioneered the use of biodynamic and organic ingredients in the personal care industry. Since this time, Weleda has adhered to these original quality standards, continuing to use biodynamic and organic ingredients to create Weleda's unique preparations. All formulations are free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants and parabens, and the ingredients and finished products are never tested on animals.

Weleda's pure plant extracts and ingredients are harvested throughout the world, either from Weleda's own gardens, or through contractual partnerships with farmers. Weleda work with local farmers, helping them to convert their conventional farms into sustainable, organic agriculture. Through these Fair Trade agreements, Weleda offers economic and social support to these communities. Such practices uphold Weleda's founding virtue, "In harmony with nature and the human being."

BDIH Certification

European Standards
Founded in Europe in 1921, Weleda has always followed and often exceeded the governing laws and certification standards in both the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. These standards are more stringent than in the U.S.

What is the BDIH?
The BDIH, a German Association that has developed guidelines for Certified Natural Cosmetics, serves as an "Association for Safety" in the health care and personal care industries. The BDIH is a member of both the European Health Product Manufacturers Association (EHPM) and the German Federation of Food Law and Food Science (BLL).

"Products bearing the BDIH seal of approval use natural ingredients like high-quality plant-based oils, fats and waxes, herbal extracts, floral waters or essential oils and aromatherapy fragrances, obtained wherever possible from controlled biological cultivation, or controlled biological wild collection. No organic-synthetic dyes, synthetics fragrances, ethoxylated raw materials, silicon, paraffin or other mineral oil derivatives are used." (BDIH)

The Seal of Approval
A BDIH "seal of approval" was officially introduced in 2001. Since this time, over 2,000 Weleda products have been tested by the BDIH. This labelling can be found on the outer packaging of Weleda products, designating all products certified by the BDIH.

Weleda believes in cultivating ingredients that are as close as possible to all elements of nature and the end formulations themselves. In this way, each of Weleda's formula is alive, bringing the life forces of the plant extracts directly to you for both internal and external wellbeing.

In order to achieve this, Weleda cultivates its own biodynamic gardens at the source of its production facilities in Switzerland, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. At Weleda, at least 300 healing plants are biodynamically grown and harvested for use in both homeopathic and anthroposophic medicines, as well as the Weleda skin care formulations.
 

Weleda's Gardens

Biodynamic Cultivation
The biodynamic method of agriculture, developed by Rudolf Steiner, the spiritual founder of Weleda, integrates the purest of all elements of our world, from the sun and the moon, to the soil and water to the animals that makeup the ecosystem of the farm. Each of these living components works in relationship to one another and connect through the cosmos. It is with this understanding and through observations of the position and forces of the moon, planets, stars and all parts of the universe that Weleda cultivates its plants.

As in organic agriculture, biodynamic cultivation enriches the soil and yields plants that have not been burdened with synthetic/chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Biodynamic cultivation, however, goes even a step further than organic, using biodynamic fertilizer preparations to further support the earth and the crops. Natural sprays that comprise of silica and manure, as well as compost preparations from herbs such as Chamomile, Dandelion, Nettle and Yarrow, bring abundant life to the soil and support the cultivation of Weleda's delicate ingredients. It is these specially-prepared blends that further connect the earth to the cosmic rhythms and distinguish biodynamic agriculture from organic and other farming techniques.

At Weleda, Biodynamic harvesting is an everyday way of life, beginning with the rising of the sun to the rising of the moon. Following this natural, daily rhythm, Weleda harvests its healing plants in the peak hours of the morning, as the earth breathes out, reawakening the life forces and bringing rise to the sap within the plants.

Plant Extracts

Weleda: Harvesting Plants
Life brings life, so at Weleda, all plants—biodynamic, organic, wild-crafted and natural—are processed immediately after they are harvested. Weleda's dedicated farmers and partners work with great care to clean the roots, peel off the bark and hand-select the best blossoms and leaves. Whole plants are often used to treat the entire being, while selected plant components are also extracted, such as the roots, seeds, bark, leaves, blossoms and fruits.

Unlocking Nature
After this initial preparation, the form of the plant must be broken down through grinding, squeezing or cutting so that it can unfold its healing forces.

Transmitting Messages
This active plant blend is then combined with a solution, such as organic Alcohol and Water. This tincture carries an "imprint" or life message of the plant.

Extracting for Formulas
The therapeutic application of the final formulation plays a crucial role in the elaborate extraction methods that follow. For instance, the rhythmical processing and temperature of extraction are specifically altered for the creation of each, individual Weleda formula. Through these processes, the natural elements of the plant are further extracted.

Purifying Tinctures
Finally, the remaining matter is separated from the tincture through a process of filtration or pressing.

Protecting and Storing
Like all other pure, raw materials harvested and used by Weleda, these tinctures are subject to strict quality control. Each Weleda batch is carefully examined in Weleda's analytic laboratory, and each tincture is then meticulously stored in stoneware or glass containers in Weleda's cellar.

Continuing the Journey
This life-encapsulated tincture may then be blended with other extracts and raw materials for use in Weleda's end-formula of both medicines and personal skin care products.

Quality

Pioneering Weleda organic body care since 1921
The forces of our body, soul, and spirit are intrinsically connected, and they are closely related to the processes that occur in nature. Based on this insight, Weleda has developed the purest body care formulations and holistic, homeopathic and anthroposophic medicines, containing wholesome active ingredients since 1921 — In harmony with nature and the human being.

Weleda's Pure Ingredients
Weleda skin care products are formulated naturally, without the use of synthetic fragrances, colours or preservatives. Weleda do not test products or ingredients on animals, and Weleda's formulations are free of genetically modified organisms.

Pure Cultivation
Weleda use only the purest materials—grown biodynamically, organically and naturally—in Weleda's own gardens in Europe and through our unique partnerships with farmers throughout the world. These sources ensure the highest quality products and help to maintain the delicate balance of nature.

Pure Harvesting
Biodynamic and organic gardens are similar to one another in that they both work to enhance the soil and cultivate plants that are free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Biodynamic cultivation, however, goes a step further. Weleda's Homeopathic preparations are used to enhance the vitality of the plants. Each plant is harvested by hand at its peak, according to the season, time of day, and position of the planets in the universe.

Pure Processing
After harvesting, Weleda process and combine raw materials according to holistic criteria, with slow and careful hand processing, so that Weleda can maintain the vital essences of the plants as much as possible.

Pure Cooperation
Weleda participates in cultivation projects to support the sustainable development and recovery of the living organisms of the earth. These Weleda projects offer ecological, economical and social benefits to our cultivation partners. Ultimately, the Weleda customer reaps these benefits through the high quality Weleda formulations that result.

Pure Quality
Weleda's quality control procedures include careful scrutiny of all raw materials in order to maintain strict standards. Regular inspections also take place during and after production to guarantee our customers the highest quality formulations.
 

See Weleda Skin Care products

For more information about Weleda, please follow this link directly to www.weleda.com