Organic cosmetics – Phyt's & Gamarde

COSMÉBIO is a French organic cosmetics label, Ecocert the independent certification body that verifies compliance with the standards. A COSMÉBIO certification guarantees: at least 95% of the natural ingredients are organic, at least 95% of the total product is of natural origin, and a minimum proportion of organic-certified raw materials is mandatory.

Synthetic preservatives, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, and petrochemical ingredients are excluded. Phyt's and Gamarde are both certified according to these standards.

The term natural cosmetics is not protected in Switzerland and the EU – any brand can call itself that, even without independent verification. Certified organic cosmetics demonstrably meet strict requirements from an independent testing body such as COSMÉBIO or Ecocert.

Phyt's and Gamarde are both certified. Ingredients, processing, and origin are regularly checked. This means for you: verifiable organic quality instead of vague advertising promises.

Both brands consistently avoid petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic fragrances, mineral oils, parabens, silicones, microplastics, PEG compounds, and synthetic preservatives.

The formulas are based on plant-based active ingredients, organic certified raw materials, and natural carrier substances – thermal water in Gamarde, essential oils and plant extracts in Phyt's.

Cruelty-free: yes. Both brands also avoid ingredients tested on animals in their raw materials. In Switzerland and the EU, animal testing for cosmetics is legally banned anyway – Phyt's and Gamarde go beyond this legal requirement.

Vegan: many products from both brands are vegan, but not all. Some formulas contain beeswax, honey, or milk derivatives. You can find the vegan status for each product on its respective product page.

Organic cosmetics work with plant-based active ingredients whose effects on skin structures have been documented for decades – for example shea butter, argan oil, fermented hyaluronic acid, plant oils, and essential oils. As with any cosmetics, effectiveness depends on formulation, active ingredient concentration, and skin compatibility.

Phyt's and Gamarde combine certified natural cosmetics with professional institute-quality skincare. Moisturizing, Anti-Aging, clarification, and protection are achievable with bio-certified active ingredients just as with conventional formulations.

In most cases very good. Gamarde in particular was developed with a focus on sensitive and reactive skin: the formulas are based on mineral-rich thermal water from the Landes region in southern France and avoid irritating synthetic ingredients such as perfume, alcohol, or synthetic preservatives.

Even natural ingredients can rarely cause reactions, especially essential oils. If you are sensitive to certain plants, check the INCI list on the product page or get support from our consulting team.

Phyt's was founded in 1972 as an aromacosmetics brand and has been working for decades with essential oils in dermatologically tested dosages. The products are well tolerated by most skin types.

If you have sensitive skin or know of plant allergies, check the ingredients before purchasing or get advice from our team. During pregnancy, we recommend consulting your doctor or midwife before trying new products with essential oils.

Since organic cosmetics largely do without synthetic preservatives, their shelf life after opening is often shorter than that of conventional products. The Period after Opening is shown as a small jar symbol on every package – for example, 6M for six months or 12M for twelve months.

We recommend storing organic cosmetics in a cool, dry place, closing the lid tightly after each use, and not using the product beyond the indicated duration.

Phyt's was founded in 1972 as one of the first certified natural cosmetics brands in Europe and works with essential oils and plant-based active ingredients. The brand covers a wide range – from Anti-Aging (Aromalliance) to cleansing (Nettoyants) and mineral sun protection (Solaire) to men's care.

Gamarde draws from the thermal springs of Landes in southern France. The mineral-rich water is the base of all formulas. Gamarde is especially designed for sensitive, reactive, and very dry skin – with its own line for babies (Soin Bébé) and for pregnant women.

Phyt's is especially suitable for mature skin (Aromalliance), impure skin, men's skin, and for users who want to work specifically with essential oils. The Phyt's Solaire sun protection line is also suitable for babies and children.

Gamarde is the right choice for sensitive and reactive skin, very dry skin (Nutrition Intense), baby care (Soin Bébé), as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

If you are unsure, our Skin Selector or personal consultation with our team can help.

Phyt's Solaire relies exclusively on mineral UV filters – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – which act like tiny mirrors on the skin's surface and reflect UVA and UVB rays. Chemical UV filters are completely avoided.

The line is ocean-friendly and does not harm coral reefs or marine life. Additionally, organic oils like sesame and jojoba oil, as well as Vitamin E, nourish the skin. Suitable for sensitive skin, babies, and children.

Phyt's Nettoyants includes a wide range of organic certified facial cleansers – from cleansing oil to eye makeup remover and cleansing milk, as well as enzyme peeling powder and a bamboo-based Activ'Peel. All products are based on plant-derived surfactants, are sulfate-free, and contain alcohol-free toners.

Suitable for every skin type and for deep cleansing in the evening as well as for refreshing in the morning.

Many expectant mothers prefer organic cosmetics during pregnancy because they avoid synthetic ingredients. At Chiara Ambra, you will find products for pregnant women – for example, the vegan Baby Bump Sheet Mask.

However, caution is still advised with essential oils, as some plant oils are not recommended during pregnancy. We recommend consulting the INCI list with your doctor or midwife before using new products or contacting our advisory team in advance.

Three simple steps lead to a balanced organic routine: first, cleansing with a product from Phyt's Nettoyants or a cleansing line from Gamarde. Second, a serum or concentrate tailored to your skin concern – hydration, Anti-Aging, clarification, or soothing. Third, day care depending on your skin type and additionally a sunscreen from the Phyt's Solaire line.

Unsure? Our Skin Selector in the shop and personal advice from our team help you put together your individual routine.