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How do you know so much about skin and hair care?My years of training includes Herbal Studies, Certificate in Natural Cosmetic Preservation, Organic Skin Care Science, Cosmetic Compliance in Organic Skincare Formulation, Organic Hair Care Formulation and Ingredient Theory in Organic Haircare Formulation. I am very conscious about what I put in my formulations. I spend countless hours researching each ingredient to ensure it meets my standards. I expertly formulate and personally test each product to guarantee you achieve luminous skin and hair. The process for testing batches can take a quite awhile to ensure I have a product I am eager to put my name on.
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Why should I choose Natural skin and hair care?First of all, not all 'Natural' skin and hair care companies are alike. You must still do some research on the company even if they say they are 'natural'. The United States does not regulate the use of that term so anyone can claim to be 'natural'. The difference with my products is that I follow the stringent standards of the European Union (EU). The EU restricts the use of over 1,400 products but are still allowed in the US. Some of the reasons to choose a reputable company for your Natural skin and hair care include: 1. Your skin is the largest bodily organ and it absorbs whatever you put on it. 2. Conventional companies utilize harsh chemicals that will potentially irritate your skin or have long-lasting affects. 3. Reputable 'natural' skin care companies will not use synthetic chemicals. 4. Natural and organic ingredients provide superior benefits most often without negative reactions. 5. Ingredients are often sourced more responsibly.
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What is ECOs-COSMOs certified?The preservation process I use includes naturally derived ingredients that meet ECOs-COSMOs standards and are approved in Organic Skin Care. These standards are the highest form accepted in Europe. The certifications issued by Ecocert guarantee and highlight the best environmentally friendly and socially conscious practices. COSMOS (COSMetic Organic Standard) A Europe-wide private standard developed by five charter members: BDIH, Cosmebio, Ecocert Greenlife SAS, ICEA, and Soil Association. This group’s purpose is to set minimum common requirements for organic and natural cosmetic certification supporting the Ecocert principles. Which include the following: 1. Promote the use of ingredients from organic farming. 2. Use production and manufacturing processes that are environmentally sound and safe for human health. 3. Include and expand the concept of "green chemicals".
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How do European Union (EU) standards for cosmetics differ from United States standards (US)?It's very important for me to follow EU standards. This requires me to be very mindful of the ingredients I am sourcing along with the transparancy of the ingredients in my formulations. Most national 'natural' skin care companies do not follow EU standards. A long list of potentially harmful ingredients banned in the EU are legally allowed in the US due to historically relaxed regulations.
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What is your method of formulating?A lot of thought and intention goes into formulating my products. My process always begins with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). Approaching formulating this way ensures a safe and effective end product. All of my products undergo a testing phase for stability and effectiveness. Delicate oils and ingredients are added at the right temperature to ensure their botanical properties are beneficail to your skin and hair. Many essential oils and plant oils should be added at a lower temperature to preserve their efficiency. Each product is pH tested. pH testing is important. This ensures the final pH matches your skin pH. Most natural ingredients are more susceptible to pH changes than synthetic ingredients. Not checking the pH of these formulations may lead to the disruption of the skin’s pH. Each essential oil has different recommended usage rates depending on the body area to be used and whether it is a leave on or wash off product. Each essential oil contain sensitisers at different levels. Dermal limits of each essential oil are calculated and any possible sensitiser is listed. The end result is a beautiful product.
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What is the difference between a cream, serum and balm?"A cream utilizes water as its base to ensure optimal absorption and hydration. A balm does not contain water so it is important that the skin is damp when applying a balm. Using a Facial Spritz like my Glowing Skin Facial Toner is a great way to ensure optimal absorption. Serums are made up of botanical oils. The blend of oils I use are a mix of moisturizing and ‘dry’ oils. The combination of using these 2 types of oils allow for deep penetration and faster absorption. For more information on this, check out my blog post.
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Will serums make my skin feel oily?I formulate with a combination of oils. Some oils are considered 'dry' oils which means they absorb very quickly into your skin. Other oils take longer to penetrate but do so deeply. Because of this balance in formulating I am able to create a facial oil that absorbs in fairly quickly, without leaving your skin oily. While you can use facial serums both morning and night, I recommend using them mostly in the evening, where they can slowly seep into your skin and work their magic. :)
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Is there a natural alternative to retinol?Bakuchiol offers 100% natural, anti-aging & anti-blemished skin benefits. This plant is extracted from the edible seeds of the Psoralea Corylifolia, an herb that is widely used in Indian as well as in Chinese medicine. Bakuchiol has been clinically demonstrated to reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles as efficiently as retinol. This beautiful plant helps to stimulate collagen production and maintain the high level of elastin. You can find this ingredient in these products. Rosehip seed oil is another great natural retinol alternative. Rosehip seed oil is a pressed seed oil, extracted from the seeds of the wild rose bush. It is proven to be perfect for moisturizing, treating wrinkles, brightening skin, firming skin and evening out skin tone. I utilize Rosehip seed oil in many of my formulations, including my Rose Gold Facial Serum. Retinol has common side effects that can include dryness, peeling, and skin irritation. Many experience acne flare up as well.
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Do skin care products need a preservative in them?If a product includes water or a hydrosol, then yes. I create both anhydrous (oil-based) and hydrous (water-based) products. Both are beneficial to skin, for different reasons. When using a balm, I recommend applying right after you step out of the shower or spritz with my Deep Hydration Facial Tonic prior to application. This helps seal in moisture right away. My training includes Natural Cosmetic Preservation along with Organic Skin Science. This has helped me to formulate a greener, cleaner product. It is important for me to be transparent about how I formulate my products and the ingredients I use. In the United States, the cosmetic industry is highly unregulated. This means anything goes. Companies are not held responsible in their claims. Anyone can call their product or company ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ and not have to prove this. Part of my ethics is being conscious of how I formulate and sharing this process with you. My education is under the guidelines of strict European standards. This is where my training becomes a crucial part of how I formulate. Large ‘natural’ skin care brands use synthetic ingredients, specifically in the preservation process. Many of these 'natural' companies use an ingredient called 𝙋𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙭𝙮𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙡. This is a synthetic preservative known to cause skin irritation like eczema and rashes. This ingredient is called the 'darling' of the skin industry because it's cheap for the company to use.. but not necessarily healthy for you. Small, artisan companies either don’t share that they are using a preservative or are not using any at all. If a face or body cream contains any water or a hydrosol, it absolutely must be preserved properly. If a company is telling you that their products are 'preservative-free' and they are using water in their formulations, they are opening up the possibility of mold contamination in their products. Companies that use water in their products but do not preserve will tell you their products are ‘good for 12 months when stored in the fridge’. My questions is this: would you eat food that’s been stored for a year in your fridge? Just because you may not be able to see mold or harmful bacteria, doesn’t mean it’s not growing in your face cream. Studies show that bacteria, yeasts and fungi grow “copiously” in unpreserved creams and lotions. Is that something you want to rub all over yourself? Also, grapefruit seed extract, rosemary and vitamin E are not preservatives. These are antioxidants. 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙨 Luminous Rose 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩? I land in the unique space between large 'natural' brands using synthetic preservation and small skincare companies that are not preserving properly. The preservation process I use includes naturally derived ingredients that meet ECOs-COSMOs standards and are approved in Organic Skin Care. These standards are the highest form accepted in Europe. I am so serious and passionate about skin health. I feel it is important that I share my process with you and am transparent. Personally I feel as much responsible for your skin health as I do for my own.
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I don’t want to use preservatives, what are my options?"We offer several products that do not contain preservative. These include: Radiance Facial Oil a daily treatment to help hydrate, minimize redness and fine lines. Nourishing Eye Balm: a blend of butters to replenish the delicate eye area.
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Can a product have water or hydrosol in it and not have a preservative?If a product has water or a hydrosol in it, it needs a preservative. If you see a product with water listed—but no preservatives—that should immediately raise a red flag. Truly preservative-free water-based products could present a public health problem if mold or bacteria was ingested through the eyes or mouth. Spreading bacteria and mold to your skin, as this can potentially lead to acne and other bacterial skin infections.
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Are there ingredients you refuse to formulate with?Absolutely. I will not put ingredients into my products that I myself would not want on my skin. Here is a list of some of them: Phenoxyethanol, Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum or Formaldehyde, Polysorbate 60 and PEG-150 (which is Emulsyfying Wax) and absolutely no synthetic silicones.
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Why is water beneficial in my skin care routine?There are so many skin products on the market. Some contain water and others just butters and oils. Oils make the skin softer, but that doesn’t mean hydrated. Balms sit on top of the skin, missing the mark for deep hydration. In order for skin to be healthy and hydrated, it needs a mixture of both water and oils. Water will plump the skin and prevent cells from drying out. By solely using balms or salves, you are missing out on the skin benefits of a water-based lotion. I create both anhydrous (oil-based) and hydrous (water-based) products. Both are beneficial to skin, for different reasons. When using a body butter, I recommend applying right after you step out of the shower or tub while skin is still damp. This helps seal in moisture right away. Also, after cleansing your face, apply a Facial Serum or Balm soon after (again while skin is still damp) or spritz with a Facial Hydrosol prior to application. In doing so, you are locking in the beneficial oils and helping these butters and oils to absorb more effectively into your skin. To read more about this topic, check out my blog post.
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How do I know your products will work on my skin?Everyone's skin is different. Often it takes a bit of time to find the perfect product(s) for your individualized skin. I suggest trying Luminous Rose products for at least 30 days. This time frame will allow your skin to generate a full cycle and purge and adjust to new products. There can be a small adjustment period when transitioning to clean beauty products. If you have specific questions or skin/hair concerns, please email me: hello@luminousrosebeauty.com I am happy to offer guidance.
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Are your products made in small batches?Yes! I am the researcher and formulator. Each product I make is formulated in small batches. In doing so, this ensures your products are as fresh as possible.
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How long do your products last?I formulate all of my products in small batches. Never do they sit long before they make their way to you. You are guaranteed a freshly made product. The preservation system I use is delicate and unlike conventional products, which last for years on the shelf. Products formulated with water or hydrosol will remain stable up to 10 months. Of course I believe you will love them so much that you will use them up long before then. Balms or serums formulated without any water will last 12 months. I land in the unique space between large 'natural' brands using synthetic preservation and small skincare companies that are not preserving properly. The preservation process I use includes naturally derived ingredients that meet ECOs-COSMOs standards and are approved in Organic Skin Care. These standards are the highest form accepted in Europe. I formulate in small batches. This ensures your product was made shortly before you receive it.
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Can someone be allergic to an essential oil?There are the rare occasions that someone can be allergic to an essential oil. With this, it's important for me to list all of the essential oils used in each product. While many other companies do not do this, it is vital to ensure there are no potential allergic reactions with certain essential oils. I also comply with European Untion (EU) allergen disclosures by indicating components of essential oils and natural fragrance that can be allergens for sensitive populations. This is a very uncommon practice in the United States since it is not mandatory.
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What is your stance on animal testing?We do not perform testing on animals nor do we purchase natural ingredients from companies that test on animals.
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What is your shipping policy?Orders are shipped on business days (Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays). Most orders are processed and shipped in 1-2 business days after the order date, depending on product availability. Not responsible for lost or stolen packages. We’re sorry, products can only be billed or shipped to destinations within the United States. We apologize for any inconvenience. For the most up-to-date delivery information once your order has been shipped, please refer to the tracking information in your email confirmation. Simply use the tracking number provided to track your package online. If you have questions about when your package will arrive, please contact the delivery service utilized and reference your tracking information.
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