FAQ categories

Product answers

• How do you pronounce miessence®?

  The correct pronunciation of miessence® is "MY-ESSENCE".

• Why do some of the miessence® products contain alcohol?

  Herbs and flowers are the core of miessence® Skin and Personal Care formulations and alcohol is used to extract plant materials. The alcohol used is of the highest food quality standard-primarily derived from fruits, potatoes and occasionally grain. The percentage of alcohol used does not approach a concentration that would be considered harmful in any way; it is not drying to the skin. Alcohol carries active plant extracts into the skin. A natural emulsifier and stabilizer; alcohol acts as a preservative.

• Why do your products have an expiration date?

  Although not required by law for products with a shelf life longer than two and a half years, ONEgroup provides this information as a guideline for freshness.

• Why are two of the products (Herbal Shampoo, and Body Wash) only 73% organic?

  To be certified organic, 95% of the ingredients must be certified organic. Currently, the "foaming agent" is not and it makes up about 27% of the product.

  The "foaming agent" we use is "polyglucose". Coco polyglucose is a "non-ionic surfactant" (foaming agent) synthesised from coconut and glucose from corn.

  Polyglucose has excellent dermatological compatibility. It is very mild on the skin. Based on the Duhring Chamber Test it has the lowest irritation score of all common surfactants tested. It is free from ethylene oxide, which can cause nitrosamine contamination, and free from preservatives. It also has a very low environmental impact due to:

  1. High bio-degradability - It breaks down readily.
  2. High eco-toxicological compatibility - It doesn't harm the environment if released.
  3. It is manufactured from completely renewable vegetable raw materials.

  It is very good, however it is still not certified organic. ONEgroup will do better. They are working on replacing it with a certified organic "foaming agent" of similar functionality, but it takes time.Rest assured that as soon as they have a certified organic replacement that works, they will introduce it.

• Ingredients we use

• What is the percentage of active ingredients in your products?

  100% of the ingredients in our products are active.

• Why do you use ethanol (sugar cane alcohol) in the products?

  Organic sugar cane alcohol is used to extract our fresh herbs and flowers, which are central to our products. The percentage of alcohol does not approach a concentration that is considered harmful in any way; nor is it drying to the skin. Alcohol carries the plant extracts into the skin and is a natural emulsifier and stabiliser.

• Is benzoin used in any of your products?

  Benzoin is synthesized from benzaldehyde in the benzoin condensation. Benzoin is not a constituent of benzoin resin obtained from the benzoin tree (Styrax) or tincture of benzoin. The main component in these natural products is benzoic acid. No forms of benzoin or benzoic acid are used in our products.

• Where are your suppliers based?

  We source our raw materials from organic farmers all over the planet.

• I've heard bad things about grapefruit extract. What can you tell me about the one you use in Rose Monsoon?

  We have been aware of this Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) issue for some years, and had independent laboratory tests for synthetic preservative contaminants undertaken on the GSE we use, and ours is free of contaminants.

• Can you tell me about the CO2 extracts of carrot and calendula?

  Super critical fluid extraction (or CO2 extraction as it is also known) is a highly technical process by which CO2 is liquefied under pressure. This liquid then acts as the solvent in extracting compounds (e.g. oleoresins, essential oils, flavours) from a product.

  This method of extraction has numerous advantages:
  • No solvent residues.
  • Selectivity - solvent power and selectivity is readily adjustable by small changes in process conditions, allowing more than one extract product.
  • CO2 is acceptable as a food grade "solvent".
  • Low temperature processing means sensitive products do not deteriorate.
  • Gentle extraction process.
  • High quality separation that eliminates the need to remove solvent and other residues by further processing

• Isn't bicarb soda abrasive on the teeth?

  Bicarb soda is an extremely low abrasive, contrary to popular myth; it will NOT abrade tooth enamel. The following information has been extracted from the Arm &Hammer website about the use of bicarb soda in toothpastes:

  www.myoralcare.com/ArmAndHammerUniversity/

  New research proves bicarb soda a more effective whitener.
  Data from six clinical and laboratory studies presented at a recent peer-reviewed symposium shows that a toothpaste with a high concentration of bicarb soda cleaned away plaque and reduced deep tooth stain better than leading regular toothpastes. Other reported pluses for a high-content bicarb soda toothpaste: it deodorizes and freshens bad breath and is minimally abrasive.

  But the research shows that it takes a high concentration of bicarb soda to get the full benefits. Bicarb soda removes plaque with low abrasion.
  Studies show that when there are high concentrations of bicarb soda in a toothpaste, it will exist in two forms in the mouth: dissolved in liquid and as solid particles to provide two mechanisms for cleaning both tooth surfaces and deep stain. When research compared three different toothpastes, it was concluded that a high-content bicarb soda toothpaste was superior at daily plaque removal to the two leading regular toothpastes tested that contain hydrated silica and dicalcium phosphate: ingredients more abrasive than bicarb soda.

  Whitens with Deep Cleaning
  Research showed that use of the high-content bicarb soda toothpaste caused the stained plaque to appear to flake off the tooth like peeling paint. High-content bicarb soda toothpastes were also reported to be better at reducing deep stain and increasing tooth whiteness. A study compared how well toothpastes removed deep stain in 115 people who brushed twice daily for three months. The high-content bicarb soda toothpaste tested significantly increased tooth whiteness, while the leading regular toothpaste did not show any significant changes. It is postulated that bicarb soda's ability to remove deep stain from the crevices in enamel is a factor of concentration and particle size. There has to be enough bicarb soda in the toothpaste to ensure you're brushing with solid particles. Abrasives like hydrated silica and dicalcium phosphate do not break up as readily during brushing; thus, many of those particles can be too large to fit into stained enamel crevices.

  References:
  J Clin Dent 9:72°75, 1998
  J Clin Dent 9:57°60, 1998

• Would people who are allergic to plants, trees and grass be able to use your product?

  It would depend on their specific allergies. Obviously, the fact that our products are comprised of ONLY plants, being allergic to plants may pose a problem! We suggest that you consult a medical professional prior to using any product if you have any allergies.

• I am salicylate intolerant. Can I use the Jaffa Lip Balm?

  It contains avocado and oranges, which have high salicylate content. Research indicates avocado oil or orange essential oil do not contain salicylates. However, we would advise that you consult a medical professional before using it to be safe.

• Apparently the coco polyglucose used in your products has the lowest irritation score of all common surfactants tested based on the Duhring Chamber Test. What is the Duhring Chamber test?

  Surface-active-agents (surfactants) are substances capable of dissolving oils and holding dirt in suspension so that they can be rinsed away with water. Coco polyglucose is the surfactant used in our body wash and shampoos because it is so mild. The Duhring Chamber Skin Patch Test determines the relative skin irritation potential of a substance on human subjects. It is not animal testing.

• I am concerned about nanotechnology. What is the particle size of the minerals you are using?

  The average particle size of our iron oxides is 1.3 microns, which is much too large to be considered a nanoparticle. Nanoparticles are less than 100 nanometres.... very very small! We use minerals to colour all of our cosmetic products.

• What is zinc oxide, and is it safe?

  Zinc oxide (zincite) is a naturally occurring mineral that provides a white colour base for our cosmetic products as well as providing superior sun protection with broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) absorption. It is a soft, heavy white mineral powder that creates a soothing, protective barrier for the skin, and it recognised by the TGA as a skin soothing and healing agent. It is eminently safe!

• Why does it say '+/-' iron oxides for some of the Miessence cosmetics?

  The "+/-" indicates "more of / less than" iron oxides. For example, the foundations are all basically the same formula but as the product gets darker (from porcelain through to almond) there are 'more of' the iron oxides that give the product its colour.

• Why do you use zinc oxide, iron oxide and mica in your products and what are the health concerns and side effects of these products if any?

  We use minerals to provide coverage and colour in our cosmetics. There are no relevant health concerns if the products are used for their intended purpose. Zinc oxide, iron oxides and mica are claimed to be harmful to the immune system, respiratory system and reproductive system if they are ingested. But if we use some common sense.... they are similar to crushed rocks. If you eat them, they will cause damage and pain. As would eating any rock particles! Respiratory damage can occur in industrial situations where workers are exposed to massive amounts of particulate matter in the air they breathe. This is taken care of in our factory by vacuum extractors. It is not relevant for consumer application. They are certainly not the hazards they are purported to be under normal conditions of use. Having said that, they are not foods, and aren't metabolised, they are earth minerals, and shouldn't be ingested.

• Are your zinc oxide and iron oxides in your makeup line naturally mined or synthetically produced?

  Naturally mined iron oxides are not allowed in cosmetics, due to their high level of contaminants. Ours are highly purified, refined oxides that are man-made.

• How are your herbs extracted?

  Our organic herbal extracts are macerated in organic alcohol and water.

• What is the emulsifier system that you use?

  We use our own proprietary natural emulsification system we have designed. Everything is listed on the label! (Please note: The emulsification system used in Miessence products is a trade secret. For legal and commercial reasons this information is to remain confidential)

• What is the amber essence oil?

  Amber oil is a rare, precious and highly sought-after scent, treasured for its warm, musky and deeply sensual properties. Amber Essence Oil is handcrafted by extracting the oils from amber resins from Styrax tree resin blended from the wood and resin of various trees and other plants which is then added to a synergy of pure essential oils and plant oils.

• Why do you use balsam peru essential oil in the Shine Herbal Hair Conditioner?

  Balsam Peru Essential is beneficial for the hair and scalp and gives a lovely scent to our product.

• Does lemon myrtle oil increase the skin's sensitivity to light if left on the skin

  No, lemon myrtle essential oil is not phototoxic, and therefore will not increase the skin's sensitivity to light.

• Is the Aloe Vera Leaf Juice in our products the whole leaf or is it the inner gel?

  Inner gel only.

• I heard annatto was a problem with allergy sufferers, should I be concerned?

  Yes, 26% of people who already suffer with CHRONIC ALLERGIC REACTIONS reacted to annatto. Annatto is also an astringent, emollient, antibacterial, and antioxidant. These are all beneficial properties for normal, healthy people. We use annatto in our Jaffa Lip Balm.

• Does shea butter clog pores and result in acne?

  Absolutely not, shea butter in non-comedogenic; it does not cause clogged pores or acne. Shea butter is a beautiful, healing butter that promotes the elasticity and suppleness of the skin.

• I heard there are possible health concerns with carrageenan, which is used in the Hair Gel, should I be concerned?

  Food-grade carrageenan is a purified extract from red seaweed (Chondrus crispus). It is used as a thickener and stabilizer in a wide range of food and cosmetic products.

  There is some confusion about carrageenan which has cast an unfortunate light on the ingredient. Recently, several websites have labelled carrageenan as dangerous, saying it can cause cancer in humans. These studies, however, have not used the type of carrageenan used in foods, they used Poligeenan. While Poligeenan has shown unfavourable health effects in studies, food-grade carrageenan has no known toxicity or carcinogenicity and is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food & Drug Administration.

  Poligeenan is a chemically degraded derivative of carrageenan which is used for industrial (non-food) purposes. Degraded carrageenan (Poligeenan) is not approved for use in food products and does not posses the thickening or stabilizing properties of carrageenan, it was improperly named "degraded carrageenan" and for a short time the word "carrageenan" was used ambiguously and might refer to either food-grade or degraded carrageenan.

  Due to this confusion, the US Adopted Names Council determined that "poligeenan" was a more accurate and descriptive name for the chemically degraded form of carrageenan. Unfortunately, because the two ingredients were referred to by one common name for a short time, many people have been left with the mistaken impression that the negative health effects shown for poligeenan are true of food-grade carrageenan. Food-grade carrageenan is an entirely safe and appropriate ingredient for toothpaste.

  The safety of carrageenan for use in foods has recently been assessed by the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Food; in the UK, by the Food Advisory Committee and by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT); by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); and by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All have concluded that the levels of carrageenan found in foods do not pose any hazard to health.

• Which antioxidants do you use?

  We use rosemary and olive juice and leaf extracts. They protect both your skin and the polyunsaturated oils in our products from free radical damage. They also reduce skin damage caused by pollution and UV radiation, therefore protecting the skin from photo aging. They also improve skin hydration and elasticity.

• Do you use any dairy products or derivatives?

  No, none of our ingredients are derived from dairy products.

• What is panthenol and where does it come from?

  Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid, more familiar as Vitamin B5. In a living cell, panthenol is converted to pantothenic acid, which then becomes an important part of the compound "Coenzyme A", which is important in cellular metabolism. Because panthenol binds well to hair follicles, and attracts moisture from the air, it is a moisturizing agent used in shampoos and conditioners. It lubricates the hair without feeling greasy. It smoothes roughened hair surfaces, making them shiny

• What is your opinion of producers using lanolin in creams?

  Lanolin is "wool fat" or grease, chemically akin to wax. It is produced by wool-bearing animals such as sheep, and is secreted by their sebaceous glands, which are associated with hair follicles. Lanolin is chiefly a mixture of cholesterol and the esters of several fatty acids. Lanolin is great for the skin, but it can be contaminated with the organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides used for dipping sheep.

• What is mica?

  Mica is a natural mined mineral with high light reflectivity properties. It is used to provide slip, light reflection and shimmer in cosmetics. Mica is used in our Translucent Poweder, Bronzing Dust, all three Shimmer Cremes, and all three Satin Blush Powders.

• Do you use coated minerals?

  No. We do not use minerals that are coated with aluminium compounds, silicone compounds or titanium dioxide.

• Are the Exfoliant particles spherical?

  The particles used in the Garnet Exfoliant are alluvial garnet particles and are great for thorough exfoliating. These are not perfectly spherical, they are irregular in shape. Their surface is smooth and hard, not sharp or brittle. The jojoba beads are spherical and softer than the garnet, which is great for sensitive skin.

• Which products contain the proprietary blend of essential oils?

  All our products have it except:

  • 4 x Masks
  • Rejuvenessence Serum
  • Ambrosia
  • Jaffa Lip balm
  • 6 x Lip crémes
  • 4 x Concealers
  • 4 x Foundation Powders
  • 6 x Blush Powders
  • 3 x Shimmer Crémes
  • Translucent Powder
  • Bronzing Dust
  • Body Powder
  • Liquid Hand Soap

• Is sodium bicarbonate (bicarb soda) the same as sodium carbonate or baking powder?

  No, sodium bicarbonate (bicarb soda or baking soda) is completely different to sodium carbonate (soda ash) or baking powder (which contain aluminium compounds). Sodium bicarbonate, as used by us, is completely free of harmful effects.

• Why do you use stevia in your toothpaste?

  To sweeten it without contributing to dental caries! Our toothpastes require sweetening to counteract the saltiness of the bicarb soda.

• Ingredients we will never use

• I know Sodium Laureth Suphate is an ingredient to avoid, but what about the naturally derived one from coconut?

  It makes no difference whether it comes from coconut or mineral oil - it's the process the source oil goes through that renders the final product toxic. Coconut "derived" products are no better than the others. The only claim they can make is that the ingredient comes from renewable resources, as opposed to non-renewable petrochemical resources.

• Do you use Sodium Laureth Sulfate in your shampoos?

  Sodium Laureth Sulfate is an ethoxylated surfactant. A serious problem with ethoxylated surfactants is that they utilise ethylene or propylene oxide in the chemical reaction, which are carcinogenic, and they can also be contaminated with dioxane, a potent carcinogen, as a by-product of the manufacturing process. Ethoxylated surfactants are listed on labels as ingredients ending with -eth, (like laureth) or containing the phrase PEG (PolyEethylene Glycol), or PPG (PolyPropylene Glycol). We absolutely do not use these ingredients. We never have and we never will. All of our ingredients are listed on our labels.

• What is suttocide glycerin? I have another company claiming it to be natural and safe.

  Suttocide glycerin is the trade name for sodium hydroxymethylglycinate which is a toxic synthetic preservative. The fact they aren't listing the ingredient by it's correct INCI name is misleading to consumers.

• What's the story with parabens?

  Another company is telling me they are safe. I've pasted information from the methyl paraben MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) below. Please read it for yourself and make up your own mind.

  Section 3 - Hazards Identification, Including Emergency Overview

  METHYL PARABEN
  Health Hazards Acute & Chronic: INHALATION:
  VERY DANGEROUS.
  EYES: IRRITANT.
  SKIN: IRRITANT.
  INGESTION: IRRITANT.
  SUBSTANCE IS TOXIC TO LUNGS. REPEATED/PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO THE SUBSTANCE CAN PRODUCE TARGET ORGANS DAMAGE.
  Route of Entry Indicators:
  Inhalation: YES
  Skin: YES
  Ingestion: YES

  Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures Spill Release Procedures:

  USE SHOVEL TO PUT MATERIAL IN A CONVENIENT WASTE DISPOSAL CONTAINER. FINISH CLEANING BY SPREADING WATER ON THE CONTAMINATED SURFACE & ALLOW TO EVACUATE THROUGH THE SANITARY SYSTEM. DISPOSE OF IN ACC ORDANCE W/LOCAL, STATE & FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

  Section 8 - Exposure Controls & Personal Protection

  Respiratory Protection:
  IN CASE OF INSUFFICIENT VENTILATION, WEAR SUITABLE RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT.
  Ventilation:
  USE PROCESS ENCLOSURES, LOCAL EXHAUST/OTHER CONTROLS TO KEEP AIRBORNE LEVELS BELOW RECOMMENDED EXPOSURE LIMITS.
  Protective Gloves:
  REQUIRED
  Eye Protection:
  SPLASH GOGGLES.
  Other Protective Equipment:
  LAB COAT. DUST RESPIRATOR. USE MSHA/NIOSH APPROVED RESPIRATOR/EQUIVALENT.

  Section 11 - Toxicological Information:

  SUBSTANCE IS TOXIC TO LUNGS.
  Other Information:
  ALL CHEMICALS MAY POSE UNKNOWN HAZARDS AND SHOULD BE USED W/CAUTION. THIS MSDS APPLIES ONLY TO THE MATERIAL AS PACKAGED. IF THIS PRODUCT IS COMBINED W/OTHER MATERIALS, DETERIORATES/BECOMES CONTAMINATE D, IT MAY POSE HAZARDS NOT MENTIONED IN THIS MSDS. IT SHALL BE THE USERS RESPONSIBILITY TO DEVELOPE PROPER METHODS OF HANDLING AND PERSONAL PROTECTION BASED ON THE ACTUAL CONDITIONS OF USE. WHILE THIS MSDS IS BASED ON TECHNICAL DATA JUDGED TO BE RELIABLE, SPECTRUM QUALITY PRODUCTS INC. ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COMPLETENESS/ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.

• Product Information

• What do you use to preserve your products if you do not use chemicals?

  Miessence products are preserved using a natural and organic preservative system, which includes our proprietary blend of steam-distilled aromatic derivatives of natural herbs, leaves and twigs. The stability of our unique products is supported by long term, real-time stability testing, microbiological challenge testing, analysis of types of packaging in use, assessment of the potential for microbial contamination, reviewing analytical data from suppliers, quality control testing of raw materials and finished products, ensuring our manufacturing facilities minimise exposure to contaminants, understanding consumer habits and practices, and, importantly, our R&D director's extensive experience with her home-grown, unique formulations.

  We recommend that you use the products up within 6 months of opening to ensure you get the benefit of the cold-formulation and freshly extracted herbal, floral and fruit extracts.

• How many roses are in a bottle of the hydrating mist?

  The Rose Monsoon Hydrating Mist contains the equivalent of 45 organic roses.

• Dermatologists usually recommend sorbolene cream, what's your opinion?

  Sorbolene usually contains liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin, both petroleum by-products that coat the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. They interfere with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. They also slow down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use paraffin because it is very inexpensive.

  From the National Toxicology Program Chemical Health and Safety Data on mineral oil:

  "A human carcinogen by inhalation that produces gastrointestinal tumors."
  "A human teratogen by inhalation that causes testicular tumors in the fetus. Inhalation of vapor or particulates can cause aspiration pneumonia."

  Sorbolene creams usually do not contain any vitamins or essential fatty acids and disturb or even prohibit the skin from absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. They appear to hydrate and moisturise but in reality they can suppress the skins ability to function normally, and do very little to nourish and hydrate the dermis.

  The skin then develops a dependency on constant applications of mineral oils which, in turn, results in a deterioration of the skin's character and overall health. Long-term usage of these products may block the pores resulting in acne and blackheads; they strip the skin of its natural oils and can create fluid retention, resulting in irritation, sensitivities and allergies.

  Conversely, cold pressed fruit and seed oils are readily absorbed by the skin and are used to nourish and give energy. They are required to create new cells and for other important bodily processes. Most vegetable oils contain vitamins such as A, D & E, essential fatty acids and have a naturally occurring sun protection factor. They can stimulate the skin to function more efficiently and assist with improving circulation. They soften the skin making it more pliable thus helping it to retain moisture more effectively.

• What is the pH of your shampoos?

  The pH of our shampoos is between 5.5 and 6.5.

• What is the pH of the soaps?

  The pH of the soaps is around 9.

• What is the pH of the Sunflower body wash?

  The pH of the Sunflower body wash is between 5.5 and 6.5.

• Are the Miessence foundations non-comedogenic?

  Yes, the foundations are non-comedogenic. They will not block your pores, or cause breakouts.

• Why don't the mineral masks have an expiry date?

  The masks will keep, unopened, for more than 30 months. In this case, expiry dates are not required. We recommend that once the mask has been opened, that it is used up within 30 months.

• The masks contain kaolin clay. I thought this smothered and weakened the skin. Can you please clarify?

  All of our masks contain clay. As clay dries, it attracts and absorbs impurities from the skin. It not great to be left on the skin all day, as it would dehydrate the skin, but it is very effective for the cleansing purpose it is intended.

• Is a spray-on deodorant in the plans?

  Current technology does not allow for such a product to be made organically. Our deodorant formulas are too thick to be sprayed.

• Do you know of any hair colouring products that have the least amount of chemicals?

  Henna is a great natural hair colouring agent. Everything else on the shelves I'm aware of contains chemicals to be avoided.

• Will you be coming out with a RED lip créme?

  Unfortunately there are no natural, organic pure red colourings available for something like this. The only options are using crushed bugs (cochineal) and toxic FD&C colours, which we won't do.

• Do the skin care products penetrate to a cellular level?

  It is theoretically possible for lipophilic (oil soluble) substances with a molecular weight less than 500 Daltons to pass through the skin. The components of essential oils used in our products fall into this category.

• Do your soaps contain any water?

  Water is used in the manufacturing process. You can't make soap without water!

• How are soaps made?

  Soaps are made through the process of saponification. This is where alkaline substance (sodium hydroxide in hard soaps and potassium hydroxide in liquid soaps) is reacted with oil and it goes through a complete chemical reaction to form soap. It is a complete reaction: there is no oil and no alkali left. You cannot create soap without the process of saponification and you cannot have saponification without an oil and an alkali.

  The hydroxide (lye) is a catalyst, and is neutralised during the soap making process as it reacts with the oils to form a completely different substance - soap. It does not remain as hydroxide, which is why soap does not burn skin as the hydroxide would do in its normal form.

  oil + hydroxide (lye solution) => (saponification chemical reaction) => soap

• I have acne, which products should I use?

  The Purifying Skin Essentials Pack: Cleanser, Skin Conditioner and Moisturiser, in combination with the Garnet Exfoliant, Purifying Mask and Purifying Blemish Gel. The daily regime should include:

  1. Cleansing
  2. Skin Conditioning
  3. Treatment with Blemish Gel
  4. Moisturising

  For the first week, include daily exfoliating and masking. For the second week exfoliate and mask every second day, for the third week every third day and so forth until you are exfoliating and masking just once or twice a week to keep the skin clear.

  Depending on your individual health - metabolism, eating habits, and medications - some people experience a detoxification once they start using organic products. You may see a worsening of symptoms before things clear up. This means that your body is simply eliminating the toxins stored in your body over time. Human skin cells are renewed every 4-5 weeks, which should give a good indication of the possible duration of your 'detox'. The products should not dry your skin out

• I have psoriasis, which products should I use?

  Either the Rejuvenating or Soothing Moisturiser would be suitable. If the skin is still dry, I suggest mixing the moisturiser in the palm of your hand with a few drops of either the Rejuvenessence or Ambrosia Essence, which will provide extra nourishment. Using the Rose Monsoon Hydrating Mist during the day will soothe and hydrate your skin. We also suggest In-Liven to recolonise your intestinal tract with healthy bacteria.

• I have eczema on my body, which products should I use?

  Eczema is an external symptom of an internal condition. A visit to a health practitioner to address the internal cause of the eczema would be advised. The Intensive Body Cream and Soothing Couperose Gel and Intensive Body Cream will help to soothe and soften eczema. We also suggest In-Liven to recolonise your intestinal tract with healthy bacteria.

• I have rosacea, which products should I use?

  I would recommend our Soothing Cleanser, Soothing Skin Conditioner, Soothing Couperose Gel to calm redness, and Soothing Moisturiser to soothe and protect. The Purifying Blemish Gel would be appropriate if it develops into inflamed acne, and the Soothing Mask would gently soothe and tone irritated skin. Miessence skin care is suitable for the most sensitive skin. We also suggest In-Liven to recolonise your intestinal tract with healthy bacteria.

• What is the SPF of the foundations?

  Although our foundations contain zinc oxides, which provide protection from UV radiation, we cannot claim an SPF on our products because they are not listed with the TGA.

• What is the strong herbal aroma of Ambrosia Essence?

  As you have noticed - the Ambrosia Essence is not a perfume. It is a very potent herbal concoction designed to impart the highest benefit for the skin. Organic unrefined tamanu oil has a strong aroma, but the benefits far outweigh any unpleasantness of the aroma. Tamanu oil is pressed from the dark chocolate-brown kernels of the Tamanu tree that grows profusely along the coastline of the Pacific Islands. Tamanu oil possesses the unique capacity to promote cicatrisation thereby improving the appearance of wounds and healthy skin alike. It is used widely in the Pacific islands as a folk medicine, and is applied liberally to cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, and eczema. Most people who have used it find it quite appealing in its raw naturalness. Ambrosia Essence is an extremely potent combination eight highly effective herbal and flower extracts to soothe, tone, and renew the skin.

• Can I use your products if I'm allergic to aloe vera?

  Unfortunately, there is not much we can do with that, because our products are based on aloe vera. Products that don't contain aloe vera are our shimmer crémes, lip cremes, blush powders, and mineral foundation powders.

• Product Usage

• Which products are the best for pregnant women's stretch marks?

  The Intensive Body Cream is beautiful for a pregnant woman's expanding belly. The Ambrosia Essence would also be brilliant because of the nourishment and support it imparts to expanding skin!

• The aroma of the products is quite different to what I expected. Why?

  The organic, fresh herbal aromas of our products often stand in contrast to the perfumed and artificially scented products that line store shelves today. Once you acclimatise to the natural beauty of the aromas of Mother Nature you will never be able to walk down conventional skin care aisles again without being repelled by the synthetic chemical fragrances. Some of our customers experience this amazing transformation in as little as one week.

• I've just started using Miessence hair care, but it is not lathering. Why?

  The shampoo probably won't foam for you until you eliminate the plastic coating on your hair from past hair care products. This can be done by either:

  1. time - using our products until it happens (slow)
  2. detoxing your hair with a few baths of 1 cup sea salt, 1 cup apple cider vinegar 2 cups bicarb soda (hop in the bath and swish your hair around in it)
  3. making a paste of bicarb soda and our shampoo and washing your hair with it a few times
  4. making a paste of clay (one of our masks - or just clay from the health food store) with our shampoo and washing your hair with that a few times.

  While your hair is detoxing, it may feel dry and knotty. This is normal, as the hair is eliminating the silicone derivatives (dimethicone, cylcomethicone, any chemical with ...'cone' in it) from your hair. Once they have been dissolved, you will find our shampoo foams and you hair is silky and soft.

• Do your shampoos strip synthetic hair colours and dyes?

  Some people have reported hair dye being stripped from using the Lemon Myrtle Shampoo. But others have claimed that they use both our shampoos on dyed hair without any stripping of colour. We, therefore, cannot say categorically whether it will strip colour from the hair. We believe it is dependant on the hair dye used.

• I just started using Miessence skin care, why am I breaking out?

  It is not unusual to experience a period of detoxification when you first start using Miessence. Because Miessence skin care supports the natural eliminatory functions of your skin, without subjecting it to further toxic overload, your skin will breathe a sigh of relief, and will naturally begin to eliminate accumulated toxins from past products. Skin cells are renewed every 4-5 weeks, depending on your individual health, metabolism, and eating habits, so in a month or two, you should have glowing "Miessence" skin.

• My dentist is concerned about the lemon toothpaste affecting my tooth enamel, is this problematic?

  No, our toothpastes are based on bicarb soda (sodium bicarbonate), which is naturally alkaline. The main component of tooth enamel is hydroxyapatite, which is dissolved by acids. Our toothpastes naturally neutralise plaque-acids that cause tooth-decay and enamel erosion.

• Which products you recommend for severe acne?

  The Purifying Skin Essentials Pack: Cleanser, Skin Conditioner and Moisturiser, in combination with the Garnet Exfoliant, Purifying Mask and Purifying Blemish Gel.

  The daily regime should include:

  1. Cleansing
  2. Skin Conditioning
  3. Treating with the Blemish Gel
  4. Moisturising

  For the first week, also include daily exfoliating and masking. For the second week exfoliate and mask every second day, for the third week every third day and so forth until you are exfoliating and masking just once or twice a week to keep the skin clear.

• Do any of your products get rid of head lice?

  We do not make anything specifically for getting rid of head lice, but try the Buzz Free Zone as a head lice preventative. Just spray it on their hair in the mornings.

• What would you use on an abscess on someone's leg?

  I would recommend the Purifying Mineral Mask, which contains green clay - a potent healing and drawing agent.

• Can the body wash be used for babies?

  Yes, it should be fine to use. However as with any product, please pay close attention to any signs of discomfort or reaction.

• Do you have any products which will assist with childhood eczema?

  1. In-Liven has been shown to improve skin conditions such as eczema.
  2. Intensive Body Cream will help to sooth the skin while adding plenty of moisture.

• What would suggest as a range of baby products for new born babies and how would you suggest using them?

  We currently don't have any products specifically for the delicate skin of new-borns. However new born babies need almost nothing for skin care.

  You could try 1 or 2 drops of lavender oil in the bath to soothe and calm them. Or a couple of drops of Sunflower Body Wash will do the job of cleaning them gently. The Intensive Body Cream is lovely also if their skin is a little dry. As a general rule for babies, less is more.

  For nappy rash, you could try some Soothing Couperose Gel or better yet, let them go nappy-free as much as possible!

• I have purchased your Buzz Free Zone insect repellent. Is this safe to use on a 13mth old baby?

  It should be gentle enough, but definitely avoid the face. Pay close attention in case it does not agree with their skin though.

• Does the foundation stay on for a long period of time or does it need to be retouched every so often?

  Under normal conditions it should stay on all day.

• After using Tahitian breeze deodorant I'm showing signs of pigmentation on my skin. Could it be due to the bergamot (a known photosensitiser which causes hyper-pigmentation)?

  We have had a few reports of underarm skin discolouration with use of the deodorants. As it happens so rarely, and cannot be replicated by a different person using the exact same product, we have hypothesised that it is a reaction with certain individual's body chemistry. It also happens with the Aroma Free version, which eliminates the possibility of it being the essential oils.

• I just started using the Aroma Free deodorant and now I smell very strong of body odour. Why is this?

  Most likely you are detoxing - especially if you've ever used antiperspirants. I would suggest you allow your body a couple more weeks to eliminate toxins, and your body odour will improve! In the mean time, you might like to carry it with you to reapply during the day. It should only last a few weeks. Chlorophyll containing products are great to clean out you body and lessen body odour (spirulina, barley grass, chlorella etc). If you don't wish to persevere, you will need to take the product back to where you bought it. It's not a specific ingredient that causes detoxing; it's the absence of aluminum compounds in the products! Aluminum compounds block your pores, preventing healthy elimination of toxins via perspiration. This is what you body WANTS to do. Normal deodorants prevent this from happening, and you get a backlog of toxins. When you start using our product, your body can then begin eliminating.

• I've just started using the shampoo and I'm noticed more hair loss than usual. Why is this?

  Our products are loosening the sebum plugs that house the hair follicles in the scalp, which may have been blocked / clogged by previous product usage (especially those containing mineral oils). This means that, for a little while, you will notice more hair than usual falling out. The hair that grows back will be healthier and stronger.

• Whilst my hair is detoxifying, it's really dry and wiry, what can I do?

  Pre-treat your hair at night before washing. Massage organic coconut oil into the hair before you go to bed and wash out the next morning. Be sure not to use so much that the pillow cases end up a mess!

• Which product would you recommend to slow wrinkles or crow feet around the eyes?

  The Uplift Eye and Neck Serum.

• I just started using the Soothing Couperose Gel on my broken capillaries and now they are worse than ever, why is this?

  This occurs because the herbs in the formula are stimulating blood flow again. The area becomes temporarily flushed with blood before it can move freely through the area. The redness will subside; the time frame depends on each person, and the strength and elasticity of your capillaries.

• My children don't like the toothpastes, what can I do?

  No doubt your children prefer the sickly sweet taste of aspartame-ridden toothpastes. (Whose wouldn't?) My children have been using our toothpastes for years (since they were toddlers). They complained a lot at first, but are well and truly used to them now. In fact, they love the Anise Toothpaste.

• I just started using the toothpaste; the top of my mouth is sore and slightly swollen and my gums are bleeding after brushing. What's happening?

  Since you've only been using it for a short while, you may be detoxing (eliminating toxins through your mucous membranes in your mouth). I'd suggest persisting through it. It should cease within a month, and the end result will be much healthier gums.

• What should I use to massage a clients face during a facial?

  The best kind of massage medium gives a high slip and does not absorb into the skin. Organic coconut oil would be ideal for that.

• The deodorants don't stop me from perspiring, why?

  They are not antiperspirants, they are deodorants. They are designed to allow your body to eliminate toxins via perspiration, naturally. Although you sometimes have to put up with perspiration marks on your clothing, I think it is a small price to pay for the long-term health of your body.

• Can I use the Liquid Hand Soap as a shampoo?

  Absolutely! However, the issue with soap is that when it is used in hard water, precipitation occurs. The calcium and magnesium ions, which give the hardness to water, form insoluble salts that settle on whatever is being washed (i.e the hair). Build up can be reduced with use of the Clarifying Hair Rinse, but, eventually, it will build up and weigh the hair down and the hair will look a little limp and lank.

• Serums are usually used before moisturisers, yours are used afterwards, why is this?

  It's all in the definition. The 'serums' in other ranges are water-based pre-moisturiser treatments, which is the function fulfilled by skin conditioners and gels. Our definitions of serums are thick, nourishing oil-based products which are used after moisturising to lock in moisture and protect the skin.

• Can the mascara be used as a liquid eye-liner?

  Yes, certainly. If you use a thin brush you can use the mascara as an eye liner.

• I have extremely dry, mature skin and I am finding that the moisturisers are not sufficient to keep my skin moist.

  I would suggest drinking more water, hydrating your work and living space by having a bowl of water in the room, use the Rose Monsoon Hydrating Mist regularly, apply the Rejuvenessence Facial Serum over your moisturiser, you may like to even carry the moisturiser around with you so you can reapply it if necessary. Air conditioning or heating will dehydrate the skin, keep that to a minimum. Increase healthy essential fatty acids (like flax seed oil) in your diet to keep your skin supple and moist from the inside and nourished and feed the skin at night with Rejuvenessence.

• What can I do to tackle freckles?

  I would suggest creating a very small daily fresh batch of an infusion of ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) dissolved into water. Soak a cotton wool ball wipe it all over your face. The vitamin c will slowly bleach the skin and will also contribute to collagen synthesis so new skin will be formed. It is a long term solution, not a quick fix.

• Why should you not use a metal spoon when mixing a mask?

  The clay minerals contain metallic minerals and it is good not to interfere with the magnetic frequency of the minerals which are highly beneficial in the mask that's why we recommend that you mix with plastic or ceramic, don't contaminate it with other metals.

• Which shampoo is best for dyed hair?

  I would suggest the best one for dyed hair is the Desert Flower because it is more nourishing and gentler with the Yucca extract has the plant oil which coats and nourishes the hair.

• If I have a nut allergy can I still use your products?

  We tend not use nut ingredients, as a rule, except the tamanu nut oil in the Ambrosia Essence. If someone is highly allergic to nuts, we recommend they read our ingredients to ascertain what exactly is in our products. We don't use nut oils like hazelnut, almond or peanut.

• Packaging

• Should the products be refrigerated?

  No, refrigeration is not necessary, although the products do need to be kept out of direct sunlight and in cool conditions. The ideal conditions for the products are normal ambient temperature (around 15-20°C or 60-70°F). Our freight providers do not courier in climate-controlled vehicles, so the products have been tested to withstand short periods of extreme temperatures (between 0°C-50°C or 32°F-122°F), which emulate year-round international shipping conditions, and will remain stable and continue to fulfil their intended function.

• Is the cardboard packaging of your products made of recycled materials?

  Our cardboard boxes are part virgin part recycled. Fully recycled boxes can't be sealed with tape, as the fibres are too short and the tape won't stick to it.

• What is the 'fill' used to pack the boxes made of?

  The loose fill protective packaging in your box is manufactured from Australian grown wheat. It is reusable, compostable, and will disintegrate quickly when in direct contact with water, so it can be flushed down the drain or the toilet. We recommend placing it in your compost, as it breaks down readily and can be reused to nourish the earth from which it came!

• Why type of plastics do use? Is it safe?

  The grading used for plastics is a universal system used to sort plastics in terms of their ability to be recycled and is based on the type of plastic used. We use a couple of different types of plastics in our containers.

  These are:

  • PET - which has a rating of 1
  • HDPE/LDPE 50/50 blend - with respective ratings of 2 and 4

  The varying nature of our range of products requires different plastics with different qualities. Bearing this in mind, our company continues to seek packaging solutions that are highly recyclable or biodegradable if possible.

  We use plastic in the bottles that are used in the shower recess, for the safety of our customers. We use the hardest, food grade, recyclable plastic, PETE (1), which does not leach undesirable contaminants into our products.

• Are your plastic bottles recyclable?

  We are pleased to say our entire operation, including our overseas freight and director's promotional activities are carbon-neutral. We have committed to this, whilst we work diligently to reduce our ecological footprint on the planet. Our packaging (both glass and plastic) is recyclable. We have absolutely no harmful waste released from our factory into our waterways via drains. All of our cardboard and paper is reused and recycled, both within our office, and after it leaves our factory. Our promotional literature is printed on recycled paper.

• Why do you put your bottles in plastic bags to ship?

  The reason we use plastic zip-lock bags is because the products were moving around the box during transit and getting damaged. We use zip-lock bags because they can be reused by the customer, they prevent damage and breakages, and on the occasion we do have a breakage, they isolate any leakages and protect the other bottles in the shipment.