Validation of the naturalness of a plant extract

The validation of the naturalness of a plant extract aims to verify that an ingredient or product derived from a plant is of natural origin and complies with regulatory standards such as ISO 16128 , COSMOS or Ecocert .
This analysis makes it possible to distinguish truly natural extracts from those that have undergone chemical modifications or contain unauthorized solvents.

It is essential for players in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, animal nutrition and agri-food , who wish to guarantee the transparency, traceability and regulatory compliance of their natural products.

Principle and analytical methods

The assessment of naturalness is based on a multi-technical , combining chromatography , mass spectrometry and sometimes DNA sequencing to confirm the botanical origin.

Chromatographic analysis (HPLC, GC-MS) :

• Identification and quantification of phytochemical markers characteristic of the plant species (flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, alkaloids, etc.).
• Verification of the absence of solvents or synthetic residues that do not comply with organic or natural specifications.
• Establishment of the reference chromatographic profile , compared to authentic standards.

Naturalness analysis according to ISO 16128 :

• Calculation of the naturalness index and the percentage of natural origin .
• Evaluation of transformation processes (extraction, hydrolysis, fermentation, etc.) according to the definitions “natural” and “natural derivative”.

DNA sequencing (NGS – Next Generation Sequencing) :

• Verification of the botanical identity and purity of the extract.
• Detection of possible plant substitutions or adulterations.

This approach guarantees complete traceability of the product , from the raw material to the finished extract.

Industrial applications

Validation of naturalness is today an essential criterion for:

• Cosmetic laboratories : certification of ingredients compliant with the COSMOS Natural , Ecocert or Natrue .
• Nutraceutical and agri-food manufacturers : authentication of bioactive plant extracts (polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, etc.) intended for food supplements.
• Active ingredient formulators : verification of regulatory compliance before placing on the market.
• Distributors and importers of raw materials : securing sourcing and detecting adulterated or artificially reconstituted extracts.

This analysis helps ensure consumer confidence and promote high value-added products made from natural resources.

Analytical interest and complementarity

The naturalness study can be combined with other analyses for a complete characterization :

• Securing plant sourcing : verification of the botanical and geographical origin of raw materials.
• Validation of the naturalness of essential oils : authenticity control of volatile extracts.
• Analysis of residual solvents : verification of compliance with organic and pharmaceutical standards.
• Determination of the chemotype : identification of the dominant composition of an aromatic extract.
• Isotopic analysis (IRMS) : distinction between compounds of natural and synthetic origin.

These cross-analyses guarantee complete analytical proof of authenticity and regulatory compliance .

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab relies on a network of ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC accredited partner laboratories phytochemical, chromatographic and genetic analysis of plant extracts.
Our experts assist you in the selection of appropriate methods according to your standards (ISO 16128, COSMOS, Ecocert, Natrue, etc.) and the nature of your matrices (powders, hydroalcoholic extracts, oils, glycerines, etc.).

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your requests, track your samples and access your results with complete transparency.
Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting cosmetics, nutraceutical and medicinal plant manufacturers in the scientific and regulatory validation of their natural ingredients .

For any specific requests or quotes, contact our scientific team today.