FAQ

What makes your botanicals the finest?

All of our plant material is grown under eco-friendly conditions. This means two things: 1) The soil on which it grows is not poisoned by chemicals, therefore, it’s not stripped of its natural nutrients. 2) Due to the eco-friendly growing conditions, the soil is enlivened by biodiversity, which further nourishes the soil. Nutrient-rich soil allows plants to obtain the maximum nutrients necessary for its growth cycle, thus producing quality plant constituents–elements of the plant that contain the medicinal or nutritive properties we value for our well-being.

I always thought that oils were bad for this skin, hence, “oil-free” was always an attractive feature. Why is it now that oil is being promoted?

This is a very good question, and it speaks to the very issue of using bad ingredients in the cosmetic industry. Oil has gained a negative connotation, and rightfully so, because the oil that is often used is mineral oil. Mineral oil is derived from petroleum; its harmful chemicals are absorbed into the skin and not processed by the body, while the oil itself clogs pores and prevents the skin from breathing. This is very damaging to the epidermis and for internal health. Mineral oil’s only positive feature is that it is soft to the touch, and for the beauty industry it is a very inexpensive ingredient. It is, therefore, used in place of more expensive nut and seed derived oils, 

We love using oils in our products because they radiate with nature's energy and contain so much of the medicinal properties of the plant. Oils, when harvested and processed properly, are silky, soothing and sensual. As importantly, they are vibrant with EFA, vitamins, minerals, and more, making an excellent source of food for the skin! Our only condition is that they are sustainably grown, fairly-traded, cold pressed and do not clog pores. Every oil used is carefully selected for its specific property that will mix with other ingredients in such ways to enhance its performance and provide the ultimate benefits to your skin. 

I have oily skin, should I use Nelum Botanics’ face elixir on my face?

Yes, you should, but only apply a very thin layer. Oily skin is the result of sebaceous glands over producing sebum oil. The modern day cosmetic industry has trained us to believe that oily skin is bad and needs to be removed at all cost. We are taught to apply abrasive products but these, in fact, strip our face from all the protective oil our body has produced leading the glands to produce even more sebum. Before you know it, you end up in a vicious cycle. The truth is, oily skin is better than dry skin because it protects your skin more than dry skin and it prevents wrinkles. But, you have to make sure that you keep your face clean and free of pore-clogging ingredients often found in creams and makeup. If not, the dirt in your clogged pores will mix with the oil and create pimples.

Using Nelum Botanics’ face elixir can help oily skin in two ways: First, by adding a very thin layer of nutrient rich oil that is easily absorbed into your skin, your glands will automatically help balance sebum production: Second, our special formula is made with botanical blends that are renowned for balancing skin pH. 

When is the best time to apply the body oil?

After your shower, while your skin is wet or damp. This is when your skin cells are open allowing for the oil to be easily absorbed and most effectively nourishing your skin. Allow setting for 3-4 minutes before getting dressed.

Will the oil stain my clothes?

If you wait 2-4 minutes before getting dressed, the oil will not affect your clothes. If you accidentally spill some on your clothes, apply dish-washing detergent and wash with warm water, or follow the instructions recommended for your garment.

Can I mix the face elixir or body oil into a cream that I already use?

Yes! This is a great way to benefit from both products.  However, while Nelum Botanics’ products will enhance any cream that you use, we recommend that at some point you try our product on its own so that you can enjoy the properties of our products to the fullest.

Is it really ecological to use products that are derived from plants?

It depends on how these plants are grown. If the plants are grown using methods of industrial agriculture then no, it is not ecological. Industrial agriculture methods use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that are toxic to the health and to the earth, destroy biodiversity and damage (top)soil productivity. 

All of our ingredients are either wildly sourced or sourced from small farms that use natural fertilizing methods, and natural pest control. These inputs do not damage the soil or the plants.

If all your ingredients are all naturally grown why don’t you have the Certified USD Organic label?

As our company grows, we will work towards obtaining this certification.

How do you ensure social and environmental responsibility?

By engaging in the Fair Trade system, which honors people, communities and the environment, we are empowering individuals to build stronger communities while supporting agricultural practices that are safe for the environment. To learn more about the virtues of being a part of the Fair Trade system, please see the question below “What is Fair Trade?”

In addition, our choice in the materials we use makes a large impact on our environment; by using glass bottles, limited packaging biodegradable adhesives, and vegetable ink, we are reducing our carbon footprint significantly!

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a method of trade that guarantees the well-being of workers all along the production chain.  Fair Trade employees receive a community-determined living wage that covers the cost of food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care, enabling them to reinvest money into the socio-economic development of their community, thus giving marginalized communities an opportunity to climb out of poverty—through conventional trade, this is not possible. 

Fair Trade also protects the environment as Fair Trade farmers employ ecological farming methods, avoiding monoculture and industrial farming practices. For instance, Fair Trade farmers do not use synthetic chemicals, which deplete the soil of its nutrients, threaten biodiversity and result in wash-off into the water supply.

Are you Fair Trade Certified?

Not yet but we want to become certified through Fair for Life, a brand neutral third party certification program for social accountability and fair trade in agricultural, manufacturing and trading operations. Fair for Life Social & Fair Trade Certification guarantees that human rights are guaranteed at any stage of production, that workers enjoy good and fair working conditions and that smallholder farmers receive a fair share. Fair trade improves the livelihood of thousands of smallholder farmers and workers by providing the means for social community projects and empowerment of people.

For more information about Fair for Life, please visit their website at www.fairforlife.net

What are the common toxic chemicals found in commercial creams that are NOT used in Nelum Botanics products?

Isopropyl Myristate is a synthetic oil used as an emollient. However, this synthetic ingredient dries the skin and hair, and creates cracks and fissures in the skin, which encourage bacterial growth.

Propylparaben is a preservative derived from petroleum and is a known hormone disruptor that mimics estrogen.

BHT –The oxidative characteristics and/or metabolites of BHA and BHT may contribute to carcinogenicity or tumorigenicity.

Tocopherol Acetate – comparative studies with other forms of vitamin E (thermostable esters of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol acetate or alpha-tocopherol succinate) revealed that neither alpha-Tocopherol acetate nor alpha-Tocopherol succinate prevent photocarcinogenesis, but may even enhance skin cancer development and growth.

Fragrances are a cocktail of chemicals that are either toxic or have never been tested for. To create one fragrance, there can be hundreds of chemical ingredients.  – Mia Davis, organizing director of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Benzophenone-3- There are several suspected dangers associated with Benzophenone-3 or Oxybenzone. Despite its sun protective abilities, it has been shown to penetrate the skin and cause photo-sensitivity. As a photocarcinogen, it has demonstrated an increase in the production of harmful free radicals and an ability to attack our DNA cells.

=> The list keeps growing. Please do a search for "Toxic Ingredients" in our Blog Posts to find updated information about harmful ingredients.

If I bought a product online and I’m not happy with it, can I receive a refund?

Yes, of course. A full refund will be offered if you return the product within 15 business days from the day purchased.  Kindly explain what it is that didn’t work for you so that we can take into consideration your experience for our on going R&D.