In detail:
HiPP deliberately avoids using microplastics in the formulations of our skincare products. By “microplastics”, we mean tiny, solid plastic particles with a diameter of less than five millimetres. These plastics are produced chemically; they are not biodegradable and do not dissolve in water. That is precisely why we consistently exclude them from the development of our products.
Furthermore, HiPP goes one step further and does not use any purely synthetic polymers – not even if they are water-soluble. Although such substances are not classified as microplastics, they are also man-made. We avoid using them in order to make our formulations as gentle on the skin as possible.
An exception to this are polymers of natural origin that have been chemically modified. These can be used when they are necessary for specific skincare properties. In the HiPP skincare range, this applies solely to the ingredient sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan, which is contained in HiPP moisturising cream.
For those who want to know the exact details, our definition of microplastics is based on EU Regulation 2023/2055. Its definition describes microplastic particles as solid polymers contained within particles that meet certain size criteria. At the same time, the Regulation also sets out exceptions – such as naturally occurring, chemically unmodified polymers, plastics that are demonstrably biodegradable, or polymers with high water solubility. These exceptions are based on strictly standardised laboratory tests which, for example, assess the degradability or solubility of a substance under controlled conditions.
Our commitment is clear: HiPP skincare products contain no microplastics and no purely synthetic polymers – ensuring formulations that are especially skin-friendly and a responsible approach to the environment.
With the statement “of course without animal testing,” we indicate that our product has not undergone any animal testing in connection with the development or safety assessment of the cosmetic product, in accordance with legal requirements.
This statement refers to compliance with the provisions of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009), which prohibits animal testing for cosmetic products and their finished formulations.
All cosmetic products offered in the EU, as well as their manufacturers, are subject to the same legal requirements.
When we state that a product’s formulation is biodegradable by a certain percentage, we are referring to internationally recognised test methods for assessing biodegradability. This is based on OECD methods 301 and 302, as well as corresponding, scientifically equivalent procedures.
OECD method 301 assesses whether substances can be rapidly and completely degraded by microorganisms under aerobic conditions – that is, in the presence of oxygen. It is regarded as particularly stringent and indicates whether a substance is readily biodegradable.
OECD method 302 is less stringent and assesses whether a substance is, in principle, biodegradable. This is used to assess whether a substance can be broken down by micro-organisms, albeit perhaps more slowly, but nevertheless reliably. Our products always comply with at least OECD method 302 (inherently degradable).
In addition to these OECD methods, equivalent test methods may also be used. This happens when there is no data available for OCED 301/302. If no other equivalent methods are found in the literature review, the raw material is categorised as non-degradable in the calculation. They pursue the same scientific purpose, deliver comparable results, and must be internationally recognised – for instance, through ISO standards or national environmental agencies.
Based on these standardised methods, we state the percentage of ingredients that is biodegradable. This information can be found on the relevant product and always refers to the specific composition of the formulation.
Further information on OECD method 301
Further information on OECD method 302
“Microplastic-free”, see above under “0% microplastics in the formula …”
When we state that a certain percentage of a product’s ingredients are of natural origin, we are referring to the calculation method set out in the international standard ISO 16128. This standard specifies the proportion of raw materials that originate from nature and how their natural proportion is determined.
Natural raw materials, as per the ISO definition, come directly from nature and are not chemically altered – these include, for example, vegetable oils, mineral components and water. In addition, there are ingredients of natural origin, which also come from natural sources but are further processed for use in cosmetics. Their natural content is calculated according to scientifically established criteria, such as molecular weight or the proportion of renewable carbon.
For each product, the natural content of all the ingredients used is then totalled. Ingredients of natural origin are included in the calculation only in proportion to their natural content, and only if that natural content exceeds 50%. This gives the total percentage of ingredients of natural origin for a product – as stated on the packaging.
More information on ISO Standard 16128-1:2016
More information on ISO Standard 16128-2:2017
Nuestros productos se elaboran con ingredientes derivados de productos alimenticios agrícolas. Cuando decimos «a base de alimentos naturales», nos referimos únicamente a que estos ingredientes se utilizan en su forma alimentaria habitual y no se fabrican sintéticamente. Esta afirmación describe el origen de los ingredientes utilizados, no su impacto medioambiental. Los productos alimenticios utilizados cumplen con la normativa alimentaria de la UE aplicable y se procesan de acuerdo con los requisitos legales pertinentes.
We use palm oil that is certified in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation (Regulation [EU] 2018/848). This means that the cultivation of palm oil meets strict environmental standards.
The following requirements, amongst others, apply to organic farming:
- No synthetic pesticides
- No readily soluble mineral fertilisers
- Separate processing and storage of organic and non-organic produce
- Regular inspections by independent, state-approved organic inspection bodies
The statement “organic palm oil from organic farming” only refers to the palm oil content of the product.
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Low in sodium and strictly controlled: mineral water which is suitable for the preparation of baby food has to meet specific mineral levels and be low in sodium. In addition, the water quality is constantly subjected to strict controls. Our HiPP Baby Mineral Water meets all these requirements, guaranteeing the impeccable quality of our mineral water.
HiPP Baby Mineral Water is sourced directly from the Siegsdorfer Petrusquelle spring in the Chiemgau region. By using the phrase “of pristine purity’”, we are simply stating that this is natural mineral water in accordance with Germany's Mineral and Table Water Ordinance (MTVO), which remains untreated and must be bottled directly at the source.
According to the MTVO, the term “natural” means that the water must not be altered either chemically or microbiologically, and that only physically permissible processes – such as filtration through mechanical filters or the removal of iron and manganese by aeration – are permitted.
The statement of origin “deep within the rocks of the Chiemgau mountains” describes the hydrogeological origin of the mineral water, as documented in the officially recognised spring description.
This statement refers exclusively to the characteristics of natural mineral water as defined by law.
HiPP Baby Mineral Water is sourced directly from the Siegsdorfer Petrusquelle spring in the Chiemgau region. By using the phrase “of pristine purity’”, we are simply stating that this is natural mineral water in accordance with Germany's Mineral and Table Water Ordinance (MTVO), which remains untreated and must be bottled directly at the source.
According to the MTVO, the term “natural” means that the water must not be altered either chemically or microbiologically, and that only physically permissible processes – such as filtration through mechanical filters or the removal of iron and manganese by aeration – are permitted.
The statement of origin “deep within the rocks of the Chiemgau mountains” describes the hydrogeological origin of the mineral water, as documented in the officially recognised spring description.
This statement refers exclusively to the characteristics of natural mineral water as defined by law.
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Formulation and wipe fabric free from plastic and microplastics*
*And no water-soluble, purely synthetic polymers
We describe our wet wipes as “plastic-free wipes,” “100% plant-based fibers,” “made from 100% plant-based fibers,” or “fiber made from 100% natural raw materials” when their main structural component/fabric is composed of natural, non‑chemically modified polymers. In our wipes, these are all plant-based, such as cellulose.
Polymers is the technical term for substances made up of many identical building blocks -- similar to a long string of beads made up of many small beads. In contrast, the polymers used in plastics (such as polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene) are chemically produced or chemically modified. Wet wipes made from such materials are considered to contain plastic and must be labeled accordingly with this symbol (insert turtle symbol).
In Europe, this is legally defined and regulated by Directive (EU) 2019/904 “on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment” and the corresponding implementing regulation 2020/215.
The testing is carried out in accordance with an EDANA guideline (Version 4). To pass the test, all seven of the following assessments must be successfully completed:
- Toilet & Drain-Line Clearance Test (FG501)
This test verifies that the product can reliably pass through a toilet and household drainage pipes. It is flushed multiple times—similar to normal household use. It must not cause blockages and must continuously move through the pipe system. - Slosh Box Disintegration Test (FG502)
This test examines whether the product sufficiently disintegrates mechanically in water. A wipe is agitated in moving water for 60 minutes. At least 60% of its dry mass must break down into small pieces during this process. - Household Pump Test (FG503)
This test evaluates behavior in domestic lifting pumps, such as basement pumps. Over several days, it is simulated whether wipes accumulate in the pumps or could cause blockages—neither of which is permitted. - Settling Test (FG504)
This test checks whether components of the product sink and settle in wastewater. The fibers must not clump together or settle, for example, in manholes or basins. - Aerobic Biodegradation (FG505)
This test examines biological degradation under oxygen-rich conditions, as found in wastewater treatment plants. The material must degrade without impairing treatment processes. - Anaerobic Biodegradation (FG506)
This test assesses degradation in the absence of oxygen, such as in digesters or sewage sludge. The material must also be capable of breaking down under these conditions. - Municipal Sewage Pump Test (FG507)
This test evaluates behavior in large municipal wastewater pumps. The product must neither cause damage nor lead to blockages or fiber accumulation.