Ireland: Flourish Cosmetics certified organic

Killarney-based (County Kerry) Flourish Cosmetics is now certified organic with IOFGA, license number 6833. The company has been producing cosmetics with organic ingredients and without synthetic additives ever since its launch in 2003 but has only recently received organic certification. Last year, IOFGA adopted licencing for cosmetics in Ireland similar to the UK Soil Association Standards. The “Health & Beauty Standards” have three companies registered with IOFGA in the organic health & beauty products sector. The standards are specific to the health and beauty industry due to the nature of the ingredients. For a product to be certified organic it must contain at least 95 % organic ingredients.

In addition to Flourish Cosmetics’ existing range (we reported earlier), Facial Polish, a gentle facial exfoliator with essential oils, sandalwood and Ylang Ylang, Jasmine Face Mask, Jasmine Face Oil, and six different massage oils (Muscle Ease, Eastern Opulence, Soothe, Replenish, Rebalance, Purify) are now available. Since these are all SPA range products, the company is specifically targeting beauticians and spas with those products. So far, beauticians and hotels use the range and customers are especially satisfied with Jasmine Face Mask and Cleanser. The cosmetics are also available in various stores all over Ireland as well as through the Dublin-based online delivery service Absolutely Organic and on the company's website.

After the certification, Klaus Woessner, who runs the company together with his wife Geraldine, believes their marketing options will increase ever further, since customers everywhere are looking for certified organic and affordable skin care. Despite the cost of certification, the company has not increased its prices. With certification it is expected that new markets will open for the company. They have already found an exclusive distributor for Iberia (Be Well in Madrid) and are currently in negotiations with a distributor for the Benelux states. However, their main market will remain Ireland, with a numer of new outlets adding the certified Flourish Cosmetics’ products to their range. Flourish Cosmetics has also re-launched their website after certification.