New raw materials are subjected to comprehensive testing and validation before being used in products.
This includes on one hand the examination of documents and certificates of analysis, and on the other hand, microbiological safety which is of great importance to us. 
New raw materials are therefore analysed in a laboratory specialising in microbiological tests.
For many raw materials, we carry out specific test according to a monitoring plan to ensure perfect quality. 

Some examples from this field:
For vegetable oils, it must be ensured that the oil is fresh and not rancid. In addition to a sensory test, parameters such as peroxide number or acid number are analysed. Pesticides are also an issue in plant-based raw materials; which is why several hundreds of different substances are tested. Heavy metal analyses include lead, cadmium and mercury.

For raw materials that are standardized for certain ingredients, the active ingredient content is already analysed by the supplier. In addition, we perform random checks to ensure that, for example, the vitamin content or mineral content complies with the specification. These analyses are performed by accredited laboratories that are leaders in this field. In addition to the analysis of the raw materials, our end products are subjected to various analyses.

When plants germinate, they produce more natural vitamins. To achieve higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals, a special cultivation and production process is required in which nutrients are supplied to the seedlings. The seedlings then absorb the given nutrients and integrate them into their plant structure. This way, the vitamins and minerals are present in their natural form.

Natural cosmetics labels such as ECOCERT and COSMOS provide precise guidelines as to which substances may be used. Although the principles of green chemistry are used as a basis, the substances can be produced in the laboratory, but always in accordance to environmentally friendly and sustainable principles.

The use of Coco-glucosides, also known as sugar surfactants, are permitted in various natural cosmetic standards, although the substance does not exist in this form in nature. However, the raw materials, vegetable oil and sugar, are natural and so are the production steps.
The same applies to soap, which has been produced by humans for thousands of years. It can not be found in nature and has always been produced by humans from oil, lye and salt.
RINGANA has imposed very strict criteria on itself for the use of raw materials. We demand maximum success and effectiveness with the greatest possible conservation of resources. In some cases, however, the effectiveness of the substance can take priority over naturalness / sustainability. In that situation each specific case is assessed individually and the use of “nature identical” raw materials may be accepted, if necessary.
“Nature-identical” refers to substances that have been “copied” or synthesized to have the same structure as their naturally occurring counterparts. The desired substance is produced from various starting compounds on the basis of its natural model (= synthesis).
RINGANA uses nature-identical raw materials if the extraction of the natural substance is unacceptable to us for various reasons. Here are some reasons for favouring nature-identical substances: the use of raw materials that are originally obtained from animal components, unsustainable and environmentally damaging manufacturing processes, etc.

Examples:
Creatine, L-Carnitine, Carnosine:
These amino acids or related substances are generated by the human body and have countless positive effects on health in the form of food supplements. Since these elements are not found in plants and their extraction from animals is not ethically acceptable and technically impractical for us, RINGANA uses the nature-identical substances.

Calcium citrate, magnesium citrate:
These two mineral salts are also present in plants, but in extremely small quantities. Since no organic calcium and magnesium salts extracted from nature are available worldwide, RINGANA uses nature-identical raw materials here as well. Calcium and magnesium are extracted from rock (dolomite, limestone, etc.) and combined with citric acid (produced fermentatively from sugar) so that calcium citrate and magnesium citrate result as nature-identical mineral salts.

One such substance in cosmetics, for example, is urea (INCI: urea), which can be produced via atmospheric nitrogen and is regarded as an excellent moisturizing factor for the skin. It does exist naturally, however its extraction from natural sources would not be particularly aesthetic.
Phenethyl alcohol, also known as rose alcohol, is found in nature in many essential oils such as rose oil, but it is usually produced nature-identically, as it is much more profitable and resource-conserving than the natural component of essential oils.

Does RINGANA use palm oil?

RINGANA products do not contain pure palm oil or palm kernel oil. However, palm (kernel) oil derivatives are used in some products.

As a company, we are currently paving the path of using “better” palm oil, for example with the help of the “Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil” (RSPO) launched in 2004. If a product bears the RSPO’s certificate, more than required by law is done for nature conservation and human rights on the respective plantations.

In addition, RINGANA’s membership in the Sustainable Palm Oil Forum (FONAP) represents a voluntary commitment that exceeds the criteria for RSPO certification. As a member of this forum, we are committed to making 100% segregated certified palm oil and palm kernel oil available as quickly as possible and have made a public commitment to only use palm oil that is certified as sustainable in our products.

When developing new products or revising existing formulations, the Research & Development department places great emphasis on replacing non-certified raw materials with certified ones and is in regular contact with suppliers to achieve further improvements.

Where do the RINGANA raw materials come from?

They come from all over the world. All raw materials used have the best quality currently available on the world market. If there is a raw material of the optimum quality in the vicinity, it will of course be purchased regionally for sustainability reasons. Our customers and partners can rely on this 100%.

Due to seasonal and climatic conditions, not all raw materials are available of organic origin all year round. For example, there are special shea butter qualities with a particularly high proportion of unsaponifiable ingredients, which are not, however, available from organic cultivation. In these cases, and whenever we cannot obtain a raw material seasonally, we will switch to other sources. Since we are constantly producing in small batches, constant availability must be guaranteed.

RINGANA guarantees the purchase of raw materials from GMO-free cultivation methods and strictly adheres to all legally prescribed limits.

Vitamin D is contained in a variety of RINGANA products that are easy to find by a simple search on ringana.com. You will find more information about the source of vitamin D and its contained quantities in our supplements under “Ingredients & Mandatory Information”.

The following RINGANA dietary supplements contain caffeine:

RINGANA SPORT push, RINGANAchi__ and RINGANAdea__.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an adult can consume individual doses of 200 mg of caffeine per day (approximately 3 mg per kg of body weight). Up to 400 mg of caffeine can be safely consumed when distributed throughout the day.

For example, the caffeine content of a cup of espresso (approx. 80 mg per 60 ml) corresponds to the content in a RINGANAchi__.

Some RINGANA FRESH cosmetic products also contain caffeine.

The caffeine comes from organically grown coffee beans and provides the extra freshness kick. Caffeine stimulates microcirculation and reduces swelling; the skin is better supplied with oxygen and nutrients and is clearly refreshed. Caffeine is contained in the following products: FRESH sunscreen SPF 20, RINGANA SPORT go, FRESH eye serum & FRESH moisturiser for men.

The lactic acid used in RINGANA cosmetic products is vegan.
The name “lactic acid” is derived from the fact that the isolation of the acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, the scientific name) first occurred successfully from sour milk.
Nowadays, the majority of lactic acid is obtained biotechnologically by fermentation (from sugar, starch). It can also be produced synthetically. The lactic acid used in RINGANA products is produced by fermentation without the use of animal additives.

Fermentation is the term used for bio-(techno)logical processes in which a wide variety of substances are processed and obtained by means of bacterial, fungal or yeast cultures. Fermentative processes have been known since the Stone Age and are used to ensure the preservation of foods such as sauerkraut or the production of dairy products such as cheese or yoghurt.

Beer and wine are also obtained by fermentation. The sugar contained in grapes, for example, is converted into alcohol by bacteria through alcoholic fermentation.

Lactic acid is created during lactic acid fermentation, in which glucose and other monosaccharides are broken down by bacteria into lactic acid. This process acidifies the environment of the bacteria and inhibits the activity of harmful bacteria, making products (e.g. sauerkraut) to last longer.

Nowadays, in addition to food, many various substances are produced by fermentation, including important drugs such as antibiotics and insulin or cosmetic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or lactobacillus fermentum. All fermented raw materials in RINGANA products are extracted naturally and without the use of genetically modified organisms.

Our responsibility begins with the selection of raw materials. We want to ensure that our own commitment to responsible behaviour is also applied in the supply chain. Our procurement guidelines form the foundation for our business relationships with RINGANA. These are based on fairness, trust, respect for the rights of each individual and sustainable business practices.

RINGANA procurement guidelines:

Sustainability

When selecting our suppliers, we also pay attention to their activities with regard to environmental impact, climate change and social responsibility.

Regionality & BIO

If we have the opportunity to work with partners who are regionally and/or possess an organic certification, they will be more privileged than other competitors.

Transport & Logistics

From the field to our Frischewerk – we design this route in an environmentally friendly way and with as little CO2 emissions as possible. Unnecessary transports are avoided and climate-friendly means of transport are used wherever possible.

Ethics

In order to assume social responsibility, we are committed to comply with ethical standards and expect the same from our suppliers.

Procurement based on partnership

It is important to us to maintain direct and long-term partnerships with our suppliers. As a result, we offer to our suppliers not only investment and planning security, but also ensure consistently high quality in procurement.

If you want to mix two immiscible liquids (such as water and oil), special auxiliary materials are then required. These adjuvants are also referred to as emulsifiers. They help mixing the liquids and stabilize the resulting emulsion. In contrast to conventional cosmetics, RINGANA uses only natural emulsifiers from renewable resources, which bring positive effects for the skin such as moisturizers and nourishing effects.

Xylitol – The RINGANA FRESH tooth oil contains Xylitol. The caries-inhibiting and caries-preventing effect of Xylitol has been scientifically proven. Among other things, it inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the germ mainly responsible for caries. Double-blind and placebo-controlled studies was conducted with almost 4000 participants, mostly children, and shows that Xylitol in toothpastes, sweets and chewing gums can help to prevent caries.