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Aroma know-how
Essential oils are precious drops of concentrated plant power that can be used to promote our physical and mental well-being. Here you'll find everything you need to know about essential oils, farfalla products, certifications, and more.
Basic knowledge
Essential oils are fragrant mixtures of many substances extracted from a wide variety of plants. They can affect us through the nose (sense of smell and respiratory system), through the skin and mucous membranes, as well as through our organs.
In aromatherapy, they are specifically used to treat ailments and diseases.
Essential oils are fragrant, complex mixtures of substances produced photosynthetically and biosynthetically in the flowers, leaves, bark, resins, roots, seeds, or fruits of a wide variety of plants. Consequently, their composition varies considerably from plant to plant.
Essential oils have various functions in plants. On the one hand, they serve as a means of communication: they attract insects, ward off predators, and protect the plant from microorganisms and environmental factors. On the other hand, plants use these aromatic compounds in their cells to regulate their metabolism.
The precise composition of an essential oil determines its fragrance and range of effects. The chemical composition can be extremely complex – essential oils can consist of anywhere from a few to several hundred components. Rose oil contains over 400 components, jasmine even more than 500. This natural complexity offers significant advantages, especially compared to synthetic imitations, which consist of only a few artificial components. The diversity of ingredients ensures that microorganisms can hardly develop resistance to these substances. This is particularly true because the composition can vary depending on environmental factors. Accordingly, the fragrance can differ slightly with each harvest – as is typical of any natural product.
Essential oils from farfalla are natural, single-variety, and unadulterated products (authentic and genuine). They are obtained through steam distillation, cold pressing, or extraction from large quantities of plant material. They come from long-standing cultivation partners, mostly from organic farming and organic wild harvesting.
Harvesting the required plant parts is often done entirely by hand.
Example: Jasmine
When the Jasminum grandiflorum opens its fragrant white blossoms at 6 a.m., the workday begins for the pickers, who painstakingly gather the beautiful, fragrant flowers manually. Every drop of jasmine essential oil represents the enormous effort of many diligent hands. One thousand kilograms of jasmine blossoms are needed for one liter of the precious absolute (extraction).
Example: Ylang Ylang
Although the effort involved in hand-harvesting is also considerable, 40-80 kg already yields 1 liter of essential oil (steam distillation).
Steam distillation for extracting essential oils has a long tradition and is still used for most plants. The plant material is placed in a large stainless-steel container (alembic) and lightly compacted. Steam is then generated, which, as it passes through the plant material, breaks down the plant cells, releasing the essential oil into the vapor. This vapor is then cooled: this is how the essential oil is extracted, and at the same time, organic hydrosol is produced.
This method is used exclusively for citrus fruits whose essential oil is located in the peel. With oranges, lemons, red tangerines, etc., the extraction of the essential oil is linked to juice extraction. Here, the essence is pressed using the traditional method with a sfumatrice machine – the peels are not grated, but rather bent and crushed. For bergamot, the pellatrice method is used, in which the peels are grated and the essential oil is then separated from the water and juice components by centrifugation.
The fragrances of delicate blossoms, which cannot be distilled for quality reasons, are extracted using solvents such as alcohol or hexane. All farfalla absolutes are tested for residues.
As soon as the essential oil arrives in Switzerland, it is thoroughly checked in our laboratory using various physical and analytical testing methods to ensure that the quality meets our requirements.
When buying essential oils, you should ensure they are 100% pure (genuine & authentic), meaning neither diluted nor synthetically produced. The botanical name, the plant part used, the origin, and the extraction method are also important. In addition to transparent labeling and responsible sourcing, responsible manufacturers are characterized by proper storage in dark glass, legally compliant labeling (including hazard symbols in Switzerland), and, of course, batch-specific quality control through analysis and sensory evaluation.
Terms like "purity" or "therapeutic quality" are purely marketing terms and do not meet any legal standards.
Essential oils can affect us via the nose (sense of smell and respiratory tract), via the skin and mucous membranes, as well as via our organs.
When inhaled, scent molecules encounter the olfactory mucosa and there, millions of olfactory cells with their cilia. They are converted into electrical impulses that are transmitted directly to the limbic system.
The limbic system is a crucial regulatory system in our brain, largely operating outside our conscious awareness. It's the area where emotions are processed and memories are stored. At the same time, it acts as a control center for motivation, creativity, and concentration, as well as for fundamental functions like breathing, body temperature, and digestion. The limbic system also plays a central role in stress responses, anxiety, emotional processing, and the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. It even influences whether we find someone attractive or not and is closely linked to sensual and sexual experiences.
Indirectly, the limbic system also exerts a strong and multifaceted influence on the hormonal and autonomic nervous systems. Olfactory perceptions therefore trigger extremely complex processes in the brain, which can cause psychological, physical, and consciousness-altering reactions. This is why natural fragrances have a strong influence on these aspects.
Furthermore, our skin and organs also possess receptors through which essential oils can take effect. Essential oils can be absorbed through the skin by penetrating the upper layers and from there entering the bloodstream. Through diluted rubs, massages, baths, or compresses, the active ingredients are absorbed and exert their effects both locally and throughout the entire organism.
These effects are further supported by touch, warmth and mindfulness, as well as by the comforting and relaxing impulses via the sense of smell.
Essential oils can also exert various effects in the air and on surfaces. For example, the germ-inhibiting properties of many essential oils are well documented.
On a practical level, essential oils possess properties that can support our psyche in a variety of ways: they have relaxing and calming properties, can promote serenity, lead to inner peace, strengthen joy, courage and cheerfulness, as well as alleviate anxiety, stress and tension. Other scents can stimulate, promote concentration, provide clarity and perseverance, or inspire creativity and inspiration.
Essential oils also offer a wealth of benefits for the body and skin: they can nourish, regenerate, stimulate, refresh, warm, relax, cleanse, clarify, invigorate, strengthen, protect, and harmonize. Many essential oils are also known for their anti-inflammatory, circulation-enhancing, hormone-modulating, or pain-relieving properties.
Essential oils also exhibit special properties in the air and on surfaces: they can cleanse, clarify and reduce the germ count.
Aromatherapy is a form of phytotherapy and belongs to the field of complementary medicine. It encompasses nursing and therapeutic applications for various ailments and illnesses using essential oils extracted from selected aromatic plants. Treatments are administered by trained aromatherapists. External applications of essential oils can also support our well-being, balance, and health at home – in everyday language, this is referred to as aroma care.
Ancient cultures in Asia and the Mediterranean area already used aromatic plants for therapeutic and ritual purposes. Fragrant plants also played an important role in preventative healthcare during the Middle Ages.
Aromatherapy gained renewed attention in the 20th century: the French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé published the first scientific papers on essential oils and coined the term "aromatherapy." His research laid the foundation for its modern application. Today, numerous studies confirm that many essential oils possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and other health-promoting properties, which explains their traditional use.
We are fascinated by the concentrated power of plants in droplets and the natural diversity that arises from the chemical composition of the individual oils. Aroma care at farfalla utilizes these natural fragrances to gently support physical and mental well-being. Their beneficial properties unfold both through inhalation and via the skin.
Application & safety
Essential oils are versatile in their applications. They can be used via the sense of smell or on the skin. For safe use, there are some important points to consider – for example, essential oils should always be diluted according to the dosage chart when applied to the skin. Organic floral waters and organic carrier oils also form part of a well-rounded aromatherapy approach.
For room fragrance or inhalation, as well as for diluted skin application or as a cosmetic additive.
Skin application
Basic rule: Always dilute according to the dosage table and never mix with synthetic substances.
Shower gel/bubble bath: Depending on the desired intensity, dilute 0.5–1% by adding 20–40 drops to 200ml of DIY shower gel/bubble bath.
Bath, foot bath: Depending on the intensity of the essential oil, use 4–10 drops per full bath. Essential oils are not water-soluble, therefore mix with a natural emulsifier, e.g. liquid soap (DIY shower gel/bubble bath), cream, honey, bath salts or organic carrier oil.
Massage, body care: Always use diluted essential oils on the skin! 1–3% dilution: 10–45 drops in 75ml of organic carrier oil, adjusted to skin type, or mix into your own body lotion.
Facial care 0.5% dilution: 3 drops of essential oil to 30ml of farfalla organic care oil. Use organic centella, cucumber seed, pomegranate seed, evening primrose, or rosehip oil. Mix your own skincare cream with farfalla Do it Yourself.
Gargling
For our immune-boosting gargle, add the following essential oils to 120g of farfalla DIY bath salt (pure, unscented sea salt) and mix well: 20 drops of ravintsara, 10 drops of thyme linalool, and 20 drops of lemon. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon in 1/2 a glass of lukewarm water and gargle intensively for at least 30 seconds, then spit out.
Inhalation
Steam inhalation: add 1–3 drops, depending on the intensity of the essential oil, to a bowl of hot water and inhale. Use sparingly, as it is intense.
Dry inhalation/scent stick: Drip 1-3 (children) to 3-8 drops (adults) of the chosen essential oils onto the scent stick and insert it into the scent stick casing or inhalation tube then close the scent stick. Hold it to your nose and inhale the scent.
Room fragrance
Aroma diffuser: The electric aroma diffuser evaporates a mixture of water and essential oil into the room air in countless microparticles. Unlike conventional oil burners, the essential oils are not heated. Add 2–5 drops of essential oil to the water and adjust the device; please refer to the instructions for use. Safe to use, as the device switches off automatically when there is no more water. Also ideal for therapeutic use, e.g., for sleep problems, winter ailments, etc.
Aroma lamp: Fill the aroma lamp bowl with water, add 1-5 drops of essential oil, and light a tea light. There must always be enough water in the bowl. Do not pour cold water into a hot bowl (risk of breakage)! Never leave it burning unattended!
Scent stones: suitable for scenting bathrooms, toilets, office desks, bedside tables, closets, cars, etc. Application: Place approximately 10–15 drops of undiluted essential oil onto the scent stone and repeat as needed.
Room sprays: Organic room sprays revitalize the atmosphere, neutralize unpleasant odors, and create a pleasant and fragrant ambiance. With the DIY organic room spray from farfalla, everyone can create their own. Simply mix the room spray base with 20-40 drops of essential oil – and you're done.
Thermal fragrance stone: For therapy rooms, seminar rooms, hotels, hospital rooms, waiting rooms, etc. Place 1–3 drops of essential oil directly onto the thermal fragrance stone. Wipe clean with a paper towel while still warm after use.
Regularly wipe the bowl/container of aroma diffusers and fragrance lamps with fragrance lamp cleaner and then clean with a damp cloth, following the operating instructions.
Washing/cleaning
Essential oils are suitable for scenting soap bars or for mixing into liquid soap with cleaning water for a fresh scent.
For detailed information on these topics, consult the specialist literature.
Literature for beginners:
Further specialist literature on the topics of essential oils & aromatherapy:
«Arbeitsheft Aromatherapie» E. Zimmermann
«Aromapflege» Handbuch Buchmayr/Deutsch
«Aromatherapie – Die Heilkraft ätherischer Pflanzenöle» E. Zimmermann
«Aromatherapie für Pflege- und Heilberufe» E. Zimmermann
«Aromatherapie für Sie» E. Zimmermann
«Aromatherapie von der Schwangerschaft bis zur Stillzeit» I. Stadelmann
«Bewährte Aromamischungen» I. Stadelmann
«Die heilende Energie der ätherischen Öle» Samel / Krähmer
«Duft-Meditation» inkl. CD B. Bernath-Frei
«Hebammen Sprechstunde» I. Stadelmann
«Himmlische Düfte» S. Fischer-Rizzi
«Mind-Maps Aromatherapie» M. Werner
«Praxis Aromatherapie» Werner/Braunschweig
In the dark and cool at 18 - 22 °C.
The ideal storage temperature is between 18 and 22 °C without significant temperature fluctuations. Once opened, use within 6 months (tea tree), 1 year (citrus and conifer oils), or up to 2 years. It is best to note the opening date on the bottle. Always close the bottle quickly and tightly to minimize contact with oxygen.
Yes, we can recommend its use for flavoring food.
Since autumn 2024, the three aroma oils orange, lemon, and a cookie mix have been part of the farfalla product range for culinary use. These essential oils, classified as foodstuffs, are subject to food law. Because of this classification, they are labeled "aroma" and may be used in cooking.
The dosage instructions on the product must be followed: Do not use undiluted. To flavor, add 1 drop to 250-500 ml of liquid or mixture. Soluble in fat, alcohol, honey/syrup, dairy products, and sauces. Not water-soluble.
Suitable for ages 3 and up, in well-ventilated rooms before and after use.
Room sprays should not be used in the immediate vicinity of babies.
How to use farfalla room sprays correctly for children aged 3 and over:
1. Ventilate the room.
2. Depending on the room size, spray a few pumps of the farfalla room spray in the room (2-3 pumps for 20sqm).
3. Wait 2 minutes and then let the child into the room.
4. Ventilate again after 60 minutes.
A smelling stick is a lipstick-sized tube with an inner part made of fleece for dripping on essential oils.
These fragrance sticks are practical everyday companions. We offer models made of colored plastic and a high-quality, durable model made of glass and metal. They all contain a scented pad that you can add 3-8 drops of pure essential oil or an aroma blend to.
Close the fragrance stick and smell it when needed by holding it UNDER your nose (not inserting it into your nose).
Be sure to read the enclosed warning/instructions!
Fill the bowl with water, add 4-6 drops of essential oil or aromatherapy blend, and light the tea light. Always ensure there is enough water in the bowl. Do not pour cold water into the hot glass bowl (risk of breakage)! Never leave it burning unattended! Please refer to the enclosed leaflet for further information.
A scent stone is a ceramic object for sprinkling with essential oils.
Scent stones are small ceramic objects, with or without a glazed base. They serve as carriers for essential oils for targeted room fragrance, for example, at a desk or next to the bed. Approximately 10 drops of undiluted essential oil or aromatherapy blend are placed on the stone, and it is then placed in the desired location (desk, bathroom, wardrobe, shoe cabinet, etc.). This process can be repeated as desired.
Warm the bottle in your hands to liquify the essential oil.
Some essential oils, such as rose oil, crystallize below a certain temperature. This is a natural process and does not affect the quality or properties of the oil. To liquify the oil again, simply hold the bottle in your hands for a few minutes and gently warm it. The essential oil can then be easily dispensed.
Plant waters (also known as hydrosols) are produced during the steam distillation of plants, mostly as by-products of essential oil production.
They contain the water-soluble components of plants (while essential oils contain the fat-soluble ones). Floral waters are wonderful aids in skincare and can be sprayed directly onto the skin, used as a facial toner, for compresses, or even for oral care. Depending on the plant, they offer soothing, clarifying, or regenerating properties and can be combined and mixed with other skincare products. Especially during sensitive phases of life, floral waters are a sensible and uncomplicated alternative to using essential oils (children, pregnancy, elderly care).
Plant oils should be stored at a constant room temperature, around 22°C.
Ideally, plant, or vegetable oils should be stored in their original, tightly sealed (amber glass) packaging at room temperature. Do not expose to sunlight. Coconut oil thickens below 22°C (72°F) and can be liquified again in a warm water bath. If possible, do not heat above 60°C (140°F) to preserve its vitality and quality. Generally, large temperature fluctuations are stressful for plant oils and can shorten their shelf life.
Nebulizers are electronic devices that are connected to a power source via cable or USB. Depending on the model, they operate with water (ultrasonic nebulizers) or without water (cold nebulizers/nebulizers based on compressed air or vibration technology). Many water-based devices utilize ultrasonic technology.
Please refer to the operating instructions for the respective models here:
Yes, except for the plug-in air freshener.
Essential oils diluted in jojoba oil, such as "melissa 10% in jojoba oil", can also be used in farfalla aroma diffusers, fragrance lamps or on fragrance stones.
Exception: Use in the farfalla fragrance plug-in.
Using the fragrance lamp cleaner: Empty the bowl, distribute the solution evenly, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wipe clean with a cloth or paper towel. Ideally, use once a week.
The fragrance lamp cleaner primarily removes residues of essential oils and only descales lightly calcified surfaces. For heavy limescale buildup, treat with a commercially available descaler or environmentally friendly vinegar or citric acid.
No. The intimate care oil is for external intimate care only. It is not compatible with condoms.
No, because they foam, they are not suitable for whirlpools.
At farfalla you'll find a diverse range of do-it-yourself products that make it easy to mix your favorite products yourself – supported by our handy dosage chart . We've compiled the most important tips and instructions for you HERE .
Do-it-yourself base products are unscented starting materials (natural perfume, shower gel/bubble bath, room spray, liquid soap, moisturizing cream) that can be enriched with essential oils and other active ingredients (organic care oils, aloe vera gels, hydrosols, etc.) to create your own products. They offer a simple foundation for starting your own mixing and gaining initial experience.
You can find all the important information here for download.
Refer to our table for the appropriate number of drops.
If you'd like to mix your own shower gel, perfume, or body lotion, you'll find the correct mixing ratios for essential oils here. This information makes it easy to find the right number of drops depending on the amount of base product and how you plan to use it.
Yes, essential oils can be used for homemade natural wax candles. Because they are highly volatile, they have a less intense scent than synthetic perfumes.
Keep undiluted essential oils away from flammable sources.
AromaCare FAQ
Do you have questions about our AromaCare products? We've compiled the most frequently asked questions for you – about tolerability, ingredients, product features and much more.
Essential oils and absolutes are both natural mixtures of many substances, but they differ in their extraction methods:
Essential oils are produced by distillation or cold pressing and contain exclusively volatile plant substances.
Absolutes are obtained through a multi-stage solvent extraction process – ideal for delicate flowers that are unsuitable for steam distillation. All farfalla absolutes are certified residue-free.
In common parlance, absolutes are often also referred to as essential oils and used in the same way.
Specifying the chemotype prevents confusion. An essential oil like rosemary, thyme, or lavender can have different chemotypes. Depending on the region, climate, altitude, weather, and soil in which the plant grew, the chemical composition of the same plant can vary. Because these oils can differ significantly and have different therapeutic applications depending on the chemotype, the chemotype is indicated on the bottle. For example, thyme is labeled "chemotype linalool" (suitable for children) and "chemotype thymol" (a very strong essential oil not recommended for children). The chemotype is only specified where there are different variants. For plants with a consistent chemotype, it is not indicated, as there is no risk of confusion.
They are listed on the label.
We list allergens on every label in accordance with the law (depending on whether the product falls under the cosmetics regulation).
Yes, the organic care oils (plant oils) are cold-pressed (up to about 60 degrees Celsius).
All organic care oils from farfalla are cold-pressed (up to approximately 60 degrees Celsius). The term "cold-pressed" is not legally protected. The official regulations for so-called cold-pressed oil simply state that the seeds are mechanically pressed and subsequently not refined. While cold pressing up to 60 degrees yields a relatively low quantity, the result is the highest quality oil, also known as virgin oils. No chemical methods are used in this process. The oil retains its typical taste and color. Cold pressing up to 150 degrees involves no external heat being applied during the pressing process, but the pressure of the pressing causes the oil to heat up naturally. This increases the yield but compromises the oil's quality.
In farfalla's aromatherapy range, we distinguish between massage oils and body oils; here we explain the difference:
Massage oils:
Body oils:
IMPORTANT: Fatty vegetable oils are not suitable for use with condoms. Latex-containing condoms become porous due to fatty substances and lose their effectiveness.
The baby tummy oil contains 1% essential oils selected to support baby's well-being.
Regulation of wintergreen or methyl salicylate
The EU Cosmetics Regulation regulates the dosage of wintergreen or methyl salicylate as an ingredient in cosmetics, varying depending on the product type (body care, facial care, toothpaste, perfume, etc.). The farfalla Thermo Active Gel was developed in accordance with this regulation. Furthermore, all farfalla products are tested by a toxicologist who verifies that the formula and the product are safe for consumers and comply with applicable regulations.
Cinnamon oil is sometimes criticized. Analyses by the Cantonal Laboratory of Basel-Stadt show that the quality of the tested farfalla products "cinnamon bark essential oil" and "poinsettia aroma blend" is excellent.
In 2023, the Cantonal Laboratory of Basel-Stadt conducted a large-scale, nationwide study examining essential oils. The study focused on essential oils containing safrole. Safrole is a highly problematic plant constituent and is considered a potential carcinogen. It can be a component of essential oils such as cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, or nutmeg. The study included farfalla's "Cinnamon Bark" essential oil and the "Poinsettia" aroma blend.
The results of the analyses carried out by the Cantonal Laboratory of Basel-Stadt show that the quality of farfalla products is excellent. The essential oils meet the specifications and certificates of analysis issued by farfalla for these products and comply with Swiss and EU regulations.
Once again, the Cantonal Laboratory expressly praised the excellent quality of the essential oils from farfalla.
It is important to pay attention to the exact composition on the label.
Food supplements are subject to food regulations and are freely available for purchase. The exact composition of the product is stated on the label.
If you are unsure about individual tolerability, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
No, farfalla nebulizers are BPA-free.
BeautyCare FAQ
We have compiled the most frequently asked questions about our BeautyCare products for you here.
All our cosmetics, aromatherapy products, and perfumes are vegan. There are two exceptions.
All our cosmetics and perfumes are vegan. Of our approximately 500 products, only two are not vegan. These are the honeycomb essential oil with 50% honey, which we offer for therapeutic purposes, and the dietary supplement from our "Stay Healthy" line (Immuno Forte Syrup), which also contains honey.
Yes, all farfalla products are free from animal testing.
The farfalla brand is founded on a philosophy of sustainability and compatibility with people and nature, and is therefore one of the pioneers of cruelty-free cosmetics production. Since our founding, we have completely refrained from animal testing.
European cosmetics law prohibits animal testing for cosmetic products.
Products have been subject to regulations since 2004, and cosmetic ingredients since 2009. A complete sales ban on cosmetics tested on animals in the EU came into effect in 2013. Since then, cosmetic products tested on animals may no longer be sold in the EU, even if the tests were carried out outside the EU.
The Swiss Animal Protection Association (STS) lists farfalla among the companies that do not test on animals in its brochure STS-REPORT "Cosmetics without animal suffering".
Our skin has a pH value between 4.1 and 5.8, in the intimate area of women, the pH is between 3.8 and 4.5. Below is an overview of the pH values of farfalla natural cosmetic products:
We preserve most of our cosmetic products with pentylene glycol, which can be identified by its INCI name, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, in the product's listed ingredients. This raw material is derived from sugar cane or corn.
At farfalla, we do not use fatty palm oil. Palm oil-based surfactants are only used in RSPO-certified quality.
For its shower gels, shampoos, and lotions, farfalla does not use fatty palm oil but surfactants derived from RSPO-certified palm oil. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), founded in 2004 on the initiative of the WWF, serves as a central organization to promote sustainable palm oil cultivation methods and thus limit environmental damage. Members of the Roundtable include environmental organizations and other NGOs, as well as companies and institutions from the palm oil value chain, including plantation operators, traders, and industrial palm oil consumers. RSPO currently represents the highest available quality, even though it does not fully meet farfalla's value criteria yet. Unfortunately, there are no alternatives on the global market. The quantities used by farfalla are too small to exert pressure on the industry to choose a different source material.
At farfalla, we are very aware of the problems associated with palm oil. Therefore, farfalla actively participated in a pilot project led by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, committing to the project for a total of nine months. The project aimed to research biosurfactants derived from organic agricultural waste. Unfortunately, to date, no product has been developed as an alternative to palm oil.
Pentylene Glycol is used as a natural, skin-friendly preservative. It is derived from plant-based raw materials, typically from sugars obtained from sources such as corn or sugar cane.
Pentylene Glycol contributes to the stability of the formulations while also providing moisturizing properties. This natural cosmetic preservation system is alcohol-free and well tolerated by the skin, making the hydrosols suitable for sensitive skin as well as for facial care and use with babies.
In 2026, some hydrosols are still in the process of transitioning from radish root extract (LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE) to Pentylene Glycol.
INCI: PENTYLENE GLYCOL
Cistrose BB Cream with SPF 10, Sun Cream E+ with SPF 50, Lipbalm E+ with SPF 20.
The mineral sunscreen filters used contain no nanoparticles and the products are – like all cosmetic products from farfalla – Natrue-certified.
Yes, the High Protection E+ Sun Cream SPF 50 from farfalla is waterproof.
Nevertheless, sunscreen should be reapplied occasionally. This is because mechanical abrasion from towels or clothing can reduce its effectiveness.
No, in these product categories we only use citrus oils low in furocoumarins.
In farfalla products for skin application (natural cosmetics and natural perfumes), we exclusively use citrus oils low in furocoumarins. These products are therefore not photosensitizing.
CETEARYL ALCOHOL is a fatty alcohol and not comparable to ethanol, which dries out the skin.
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as a thickener and consistency enhancer. It is not an alcohol (ethanol). Cetearyl alcohol has no adverse effects on the skin.
We need this emulsifier for technically demanding balsams.
Sucrose palmitate is an emulsifier required for the production of technically demanding balms. It is not palm oil itself, but a palm oil-based derivative present in minute quantities in the product and RSPO-certified. Our competitors in the natural cosmetics industry also use palm oil-based surfactants and emulsifiers, as the cosmetics industry—even natural cosmetics—has no real alternatives. This emulsifier is not harmful to health and can be easily certified in natural cosmetics. Although there are currently no alternatives to palm oil-based additives, it is worth noting that any alternative would require significantly more land for cultivation.
Plant alpha-hydroxy acids
In our Intense Sleep AHA facial fluid, we use AHA fruit acids. These are plant-based alpha hydroxy acids:
None, as farfalla is a Natrue-certified cosmetics brand and uses exclusively natural ingredients. The carrier oils used are purely natural plant oils, and therefore none of our products are comedogenic.
The principle of action is: binding moisture, absorbing odor, inhibiting enzymes.
The tapioca starch in this deodorant binds moisture and absorbs the amount of sweat that remains on the skin, thus neutralizing odor. Triethyl citrate is an enzyme inhibitor that inhibits bacterial metabolism, thereby reducing body odor. Essential oils enhance the deodorant's antibacterial effect.
The proportion of aloe vera in aloe vera gels is 84%, while in cucumber-fresh aloe gel it is 79%.
It varies depending on the category.
The proportion of essential oils is...
Eau de Cologne 5-8%
Perfumes 10-15%
Airstick 10-40%
Color changes are possible with natural products and do not constitute a loss of quality.
Where there's genuine nature, there are also perfectly natural variations in color. After careful filtration, slight deposits or cloudiness may form due to the use of pure essential oils. A product as wonderfully diverse and unique as nature itself!
Certification & symbols
On farfalla products you will find various symbols and certifications that stand for quality, sustainability, naturalness and other aspects. We'll explain what they mean.
Botanically and biochemically defined essential oil.
Farfalla essential oils are pure, unadulterated natural products, neither diluted nor standardized, and without the addition of any other additives or derivatives. The designation BBDÄÖ indicates the high and pure quality of our essential oils and includes the following information:
We analyze our essential oils using gas chromatography to confirm the composition and rule out any pesticide residues.
Our products are manufactured in Switzerland. This guarantees short supply chains, the highest quality standards, and transparency.
Stands for 100% natural ingredients.
Stands for raw materials from controlled organic cultivation.
Our label «Grand Cru» distinguishes raw materials whose producers, in addition to their passion for organic farming or organic wild harvesting, create special social or ecological added value, such as the organic fair trade project in Madagascar, which benefits the entire village community; the wild harvesters in southern France who preserve an old tradition in a structurally weak region; or the sandalwood producers connected with the Australian Aboriginal communities.
More than organic: the Grand Cru quality criteria
For meticulous in-house production. Every product is created by us with a great deal of handwork, expertise, and attention to detail.
Our products are completely vegan - free from animal ingredients and without animal testing.
We guarantee, by self-declaration, that our products are vegan.
Since its founding, farfalla has pursued high standards of sustainability and transparency. For our cosmetic and aromatherapy products, we exclusively use plant-based, gently processed raw materials of the highest quality, ideally combined with social value. We self-declare our products as "vegan." This means that we do not test our products or raw materials on animals, and our products contain no processing aids derived from animals or animal products.
An official certification would be extremely complex and expensive for around 500 products and a multitude of raw materials, and would not change the fact that our products are vegan.
In Switzerland, all essential oils – regardless of their quality – fall under chemical legislation. By law, they must therefore be labeled with hazard symbols, similar to cleaning products and other chemicals. Only then are they authorized for sale in Switzerland.
Foreign companies that do not sell through retail channels circumvent this legislation solely through their distribution channels – not because of the quality of their oils.
In Germany and Austria, essential oils are classified as cosmetics and can be sold without hazard symbols. Therefore, our farfalla oils are also available in these countries through regular retail channels without hazard symbols.
NATRUE certification and ISO 16128 promote transparency regarding the natural and organic content of cosmetic product ingredients. However, they have different purposes and approaches.
NATRUE certification and ISO 16128 are tools used in the cosmetics industry to promote the use of natural and organic ingredients in cosmetic products and to increase transparency for consumers. However, they pursue different goals and approaches.
The NATRUE certification is an independent quality seal that aims to certify natural and organic cosmetic products to indicate quality. It focuses on certifying products that meet strict requirements regarding the naturalness and organic quality of their ingredients.
The ISO 16128 guidelines provide a method for calculating the natural and organic content of cosmetic products based on ingredient data. Their main objective is to provide a standardized method for calculating and communicating these percentages. However, the ISO guidelines do not define criteria for which ingredients are acceptable and which are not, nor do they define a minimum level of natural or organic content required to claim a cosmetic product as natural or organic. Therefore, the ISO 16128 guidelines do not assure consumers that every product using these guidelines meets the same stringent product benchmarks, harmonizations, and assurances (e.g., avoiding GMO ingredients, excluding (semi-)synthetic substances, or using only natural fragrances) that every certified cosmetic product claiming to be natural or organic must meet according to the NATRUE label criteria.
Here are the main differences and similarities between the two:
1. Are the standards of the norm transparently accessible?
• Natrue: free and openly accessible. NATRUE promotes transparency by setting clear requirements for product labeling.
• ISO 16128: accessible only with paid access.
2. Is its use mandatory or voluntary?
• Neither standard is mandatory for manufacturers.
3. Which ingredients are permitted?
• Natrue: ONLY ingredients permitted according to the Natrue standard criteria, i.e., natural and nature-identical or derived natural substances listed in the annexes. Natrue refers to a limited positive list of nature-identical preservatives, pigments, and minerals and prohibits ingredients from GMOs (e.g., GMO plants).
• ISO 16128: ANY legally approved cosmetic substance can be used.
4. Are there definitions for products?
Natrue requires a defined percentage of ingredients for the certification of natural or organic cosmetics with defined levels.
• ISO 16128: The calculation of natural and organic content is only possible on the basis of the formulation (case-by-case review).
5. Can products be certified accordingly?
• Natrue: YES, through an independent, approved and accredited inspection body.
• ISO 16128: NO, only the certification of calculated levels is possible, but not mandatory - no criteria for the certification of a NOC.
6. What is the product communication?
• NATRUE label on the packaging for compliant products. Consumers can easily recognize that a product meets NATRUE standards by the NATRUE logo.
• ISO 16128 does not require any information to be provided on the packaging and does not permit the use of labels.
