Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is Green Chemistry?
A: Green Chemistry is essentially a different way to view chemistry vs. a new branch of chemistry. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Green Chemistry as: “The design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.„ They adopted this term in 1990 to indicate a new approach to chemistry that specifically aimed to reduce or prevent pollution.
The goal of Green Chemistry in personal care product development is to create products that are effective and healthy, that protect the skin, hair, and body as much as the environment. The strategy is to minimize the presence of toxicity and pollution at the material source and prevent these issues later in the product life cycle. This is achieved by minimizing energy consumption and waste generation and promoting the use of non–toxic, renewable, and biodegradable raw materials.
Due to ongoing exploration and application of the principles of Green Chemistry, several innovative forms of renewable ingredients have been developed that successfully replace petrochemicals and harsh synthetic materials in cosmetic formulations. Using safer, more environmentally benign raw materials and solvents, or solvent free processes, allows for a product that is intrinsically safer for both the consumer and the environment. The principles cover such concepts as: the design of processes to maximize the amount of raw material that ends up in the product.
Natural essential oils create a refreshing aroma that instill a feeling of natural well–being and enjoyment during use, without being bombarded by harsh synthetic fragrances. The formulas incorporate a nature–identical preservative system proven to be safe for both the consumer and the environment.
Q: What should I look for when buying other cosmetics?
A: According to Environmental Working Group's shoppers guide to safe cosmetics:
"With no required safety testing,cosmetics companies can use almost any chemical they want,
regardless of risks..."
| Ingredients to Avoid | DMDM Hydantoin and Imidazolidinyl urea: toxic contaminants Fragrance and dyes: allergies, cancer, nervous system Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone: allergies, nervous system Parabens or "-paraben": hormone effects "PEG" and "-eth": toxic contaminants Sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate: skin damage, toxic contaminants Triclosan and triclocarban: thyroid and environmental concerns Triethanolamine (TEA): allergies, toxic contaminants |
Products to avoid |
Anti–aging creams: with lactic, glycolic, AHA, and BHA acids Hair dyes: with ammonia, peroxide, p–phe–nylenediamine, diaminobenzene; all dark permanent hair dyes Liquid hand soaps: with triclosan Nail polish and removers: with formeldehyde Skin lighteners: with hydroquinone |
For more information on this list, visit cosmeticdatabase.com
To download a PDF of EWG's Shopper's guide to safe cosmetics click here
Q: What makes our conditioners naturally effective?
A: Specially formulated to accommodate sculpting and ongoing hair maintenance, our pH–balanced conditioner moisturizes and detangles, keeping hair soft and easy to manage. A Natural Vitamin Oil Complex containing Olive oil, Tocopherol, Panthenyl Triacetate, Alpha Bisabolo,l and Vegetable Oil, promotes hair shine and nourishes to maintain overall hair health.
Panthenol and Sorbitol promote natural moisture and elasticity while strengthening the hair. Panthenyl Triacetate is used in our conditioner at 0.1% and it is a vital part of the conditioning aspect of the formula. It is synthetically produced GRAS (generally recognized as safe) material and we feel it makes our conditioner exceptionally beneficial for the hair.
Q: Why do we use multiple preservatives?
A: One preservative that can eliminate all kinds of pathogenic bacteria in a personal care product simply does not exist. To make sure that our products are safe and do not contain harmful bacteria over use
(which can cause skin and health problems) we use a specially formulated combination of safe and effective preservatives, which together make up a preservative system, preventing microbial activity in the products. We use some of the latest nature-identical pharmaceutical–grade preservatives available to Green Cosmetic Chemistry.
Q: How we can claim "Biodegradable"?
A: Biodegradable is defined as: Readily / Ultimately Biodegradable (60 or 70% mineralization in 28 days) per OECD standard tests. The amendment 648 / 2004 / EC applies specifically to detergents. Our ingredient suppliers have each provided statements ensuring the biodegradable status of the individual ingredients.
In order for the finished product to carry an accredited seal for product biodegradability, the company must conduct aquatic testing, which fundamentally goes against one of our guiding principles.
The test to prove biodegradability (Low Aquatic Toxicity) may be considered to be animal testing and we do not perform animal testing on principle, nor do we ask our suppliers to do so on our behalf.
Q: Why do we use Behentrimonium Methosulfate in our conditioner?
A: Behentrimonium Methosulfate (derived from canola and rapeseed oil) is used as a natural-derived conditioning agent within Green Chemistry and is known to have the following properties:
- Extremely mild
- Effective shine agent
- Stable in wide range of pH systems
- Excellent detangling agent
- Powerful emulsifier
Q: What is Natural Aroma?
A: A 100% Natural Aroma blend is a mix of Essential Oils and Natural Isolates. Essential oils are botanicals that are steam distilled. Natural isolates are single ingredients contained within the essential oils that are distilled or isolated from an essential oil.
The process to create a Natural Isolate is done through a simple distillation process that does not include the use of diluents or any products derived from petroleum. It is a heat process in which the essential oil is warmed up to a specific boiling point in order to distill the isolate.
The resulting material is then defined as a 100% Natural Isolate as it is a direct derivative of the essential oil and no additional ingredients or chemicals have been added.
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Crisp, Green & Exciting Top: Green leaf accord & Italian bergamot Middle: Bamboo stalks & crushed mint ice Bottom: White peach nectar |
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Fresh, Fruity & Lively Top: A selection of citrus & ozone notes Middle: Bamboo stalks & crushed mint ice Bottom: Warm sugar brulée |
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Clean, Natural & Refreshing Top: Brazilian oranges & mixed berries Middle: White tea infusion combined with lychee Bottom: Sweet agave accord |
