Preparation of Cosmetic Samples for Bio-based Analysis

Analysis of product naturalness: verifying natural origin using carbon-14 and isotopic analysis

Scientifically verify the natural or synthetic origin of your products through carbon 14 and isotopic analysis.CIRAM supports you, industry players, in authenticating your products and formulations, detecting potential substitutions of fossil origin, and securing your “product of natural origin” claims, in compliance with naturalness standards.

Contact our teams

CIRAM Graphitization Line

Why verify the natural origin of your products?

As allegations regarding the origin of products become increasingly common across various industries, companies must be able to substantiate the true origin of their ingredients with reliable scientific evidence.

Verifying natural origin helps address several key challenges:

  • Secure marketing and sales claims (“100% natural”, “plant-based”, etc.),
  • Comply with the standards of labels and certifications (COSMOS, ISO 16128, Ecocert, Natrue, Ecolabel…),
  • Avoid the risk of substitution with synthetic ingredients,
  • Minimize the risk of fraud, disputes, or greenwashing,
  • Build confidence among consumers, distributors, and regulatory authorities,
  • Differentiate products in increasingly competitive markets.

Naturalness can no longer simply be claimed; it must now be demonstrated through reliable scientific analysis.

Explore the areas of application

They trust us

Cosmetic brands, natural ingredient suppliers, and green chemistry manufacturers trust us to scientifically attest to the naturalness of their products.

Essilor logo
Solvay Logo
IFP Energies nouvelles logo
L'Oréal logo
Michelin logo
Eiffage logo
Microscope used to examine a leaf for the authentication of natural products

Identify the true origin of your products

A naturalness analysis thus makes it possible to determine whether a product, ingredient, or formulation truly comes from natural sources or contains synthetic components. It is particularly well-suited for:

  • Verify the authenticity of essential oils and plant extracts,
  • Detect counterfeit flavors or fragrances,
  • Control so-called "natural" cosmetic ingredients,
  • Ensuring the safety of green chemistry formulations,
  • Distinguish between natural materials and synthetic substitutes.

This approach is now essential in sectors where the perception of naturalness is a key differentiator.

Request a quote
Laboratory verification of the authenticity of essential oils through sampling and analysis

Our methods for verifying the origin of products

At CIRAM, we use a cross-analytical approach to rigorously assess the natural or synthetic origin of a product or ingredient:

  • Theradiocarbon analysis (carbon-14) is used as a tool to verify the true origin of raw materials and formulations. In particular, it enables the detection of fossil-derived carbon in products claimed to be natural. Substances derived from recent biomass contain carbon-14, whereas synthetic or petrochemical compounds do not. This difference provides a robust scientific basis for identifying substitutions and validating claims of naturalness. Unlike bio-based content analyses, which quantify a material’s composition, this approach aims to authenticate its true origin.

  • In addition, isotopic analysis refines interpretation by identifying the botanical, animal, or synthetic origin of ingredients and by detecting certain forms of biosynthesis. For example, it can distinguish between a natural flavor and a biosynthesis flavor.

This combination of analyses guarantees a reliable, reproducible evaluation that complies with the referentials of naturalness, even for formulated or processed products.

Request a study

Steps in a naturalness analysis at CIRAM

At CIRAM, we have structured our analysis process to guarantee you reliable, standardized, and directly usable results:

01 - Defining your objectives

We work with you to analyze your needs: validation of a "100% natural" claim, compliance with a reference standard, marketing differentiation, etc.

02 - Choosing the right method

We select the most relevant approach: radiocarbon dating alone or combined with isotopic analysis, depending on the product and the targeted standards.

03 - Sampling protocol

You'll receive simple instructions on how to prepare and send your samples in conditions that guarantee their integrity.

04 - Laboratory analysis

Our experts carry out the analysis according to strict, validated protocols, with quality controls at every stage.

05 - Reporting results

You'll receive a detailed report, ready to be incorporated into your communication materials, certification files or tender responses.

Why choose CIRAM for your naturalness analyses?

Choosing CIRAM means benefiting from the expertise of an independent scientific laboratory, specialized in materials analysis and recognized for the reliability of its results. We have been working for over 20 years with industries facing increasing challenges in traceability, compliance, and product enhancement.

We bring you :

  • Analysis in compliance with label standards (COSMOS, ISO 16128, Ecocert...),
  • Clear, standardized reports that you can use in your regulatory and marketing activities,
  • Results delivered within 10 working days,
  • Personalized support, with an expert dedicated to your project,
  • Total confidentiality, respecting your formulations and strategic data.

In a market where naturalness is a key differentiator, scientific evidence becomes a decisive competitive advantage.

Contact our teams

Are you asking yourself these questions?

Can naturalness be measured on a processed or formulated product?

Yes, our methods apply equally to ingredients and finished products, even complex ones.

Can the results be used for a label like COSMOS or Ecocert?

Yes, our reports comply with the requirements of our standards and are recognized by certification bodies.

Is analysis mandatory to make a "natural" claim?

It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended to justify your declarations, avoid disputes and reinforce your credibility.

How long does the analysis take?

On average 5 to 10 working days from receipt of sample.

Can you compare two formulations or two suppliers?

Yes, we regularly carry out comparative analyses to help our customers make strategic choices.

Make an appointment with an expert

Get all the answers to your questions!

Make an appointment

Your other challenges in the Biobased Industry

How to prepare and send industrial samples for analysis
How to prepare and send industrial samples for analysis

Prepare your industrial samples in the best conditions to guarantee reliable and actionable results.

Measuring the biobased content of industrial products
Measuring the biobased content of industrial products

Measure the proportion of renewable raw materials in your formulations and certify their biobased origin.

Analysis of biogenic carbon: biofuels, CSR, and CO₂ emissions
Analysis of biogenic carbon: biofuels, CSR, and CO₂ emissions

Determine the biobased content of your fuels and quantify biogenic emissions in line with environmental standards.

Explore our dating and analysis resources

Industry
What is a biobased product?

What is a biobased product?

Find out what biobased products are, what their advantages are, and how manufacturers are integrating them to transform their practices.

Read the article

Industry
Milk adulteration: what laboratory testing methods are available?

Milk adulteration: what laboratory testing methods are available?

Milk adulteration is a threat to the quality and conformity of dairy products. What methods can be used to detect these frauds quickly, reliably and ...

Read the article

Industry
How to check the naturalness of a flavor using carbon 14?

How to check the naturalness of a flavor using carbon 14?

Test the naturalness of your flavors and dietary supplements using radiocarbon and stable isotopes. Carbon 14 and stable isotopes allow...

Read the article

Industry
Why trust an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for your stable isotope analyses?

Why trust an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for your stable isotope analyses?

Stable isotope measurements play a key role in the quality control and traceability of industrial materials. But how can you be sure of the reliability of your results? By entrusting your...

Read the article

Industry
ISCC Plus certification: how to secure your biobased supply chains?

ISCC Plus certification: how to secure your biobased supply chains?

Increasing demands for traceability and sustainability make ISCC Plus certification a strategic asset for manufacturers involved in biobased products. Find out more...

Read the article

Industry
ISO 21644: an essential framework for CSR analysis

ISO 21644: an essential framework for CSR analysis

EN ISO 21644 is an essential standard for ensuring the compliance and traceability of solid recovered fuels (SRF). But how can you be sure that your materials comply ...

Read the article

Request a quote