Do your products contain preservatives?

 No! Our full ingredient list can be viewed on the website. We do not use any preservatives whatsoever in our products. We select ingredients for our recipes with a naturally long shelf life such as cold pressed oils, waxes & butters, and use natural antioxidants such as natural non gmo vitamin e, rosemary extract and citrus seed extract to prevent oxidisation. 

 

How long do your products last without preservatives? 

Our products have a shelf life of 12 months. We make everything in small batches to ensure that you receive them at their freshest & at the beginning of their shelf lives. Using a high standard of hygiene when using your product, (such as clean fingers!) will minimise bacteria contamination.

 

Do your products need to be stored in the fridge?

No. The general rule is to store your products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep them at their best. Some products such as coconut oil become liquid in hot summer weather so you may wish to keep them in a cool room.

 

Are you certified organic? 

At the moment we do not have any products certified. (Yet!) However, the organic ingredients we use in our products have been individually certified.

 

Are all your ingredients organic? 

No, not all of them. Our ingredients are only organic where stated. We use organic ingredients whenever possible & our use of organic ingredients increases on a monthly basis.

 

What is the difference between a balm & a moisturiser? 

Our moisturisers are much lighter in texture & ideal for everyday moisturising. Our balms are much thicker & richer in texture which makes them more suitable for localised application, for skin nourishment & protection. This does not mean you can't use them for everyday moisturising! they are just denser & more intensive.

How can I tell if my shea butter is fresh? 

 

Fresh shea butter has a distinctive earthy, nutty aroma which indicates it is fresh & bursting with vitamins & tree goodness! White, hard shea butter is usually bleached & processed & devoid of goodness.

 

How long will my shea butter last?

Naturally a long-life product, shea butter has a shelf life of 24 months. This is when its vitamin content is at its highest. After 24 months, your can still use your shea butter but its properties will diminish & may become stale.

 

Why is my cream/balm/shea butter a different colour to the last time I ordered?

As we use natural & often unrefined ingredients, the colour of the ingredients will vary from time to time. For example, our locally procurred beeswax can vary in colour from golden orange to toffee brown - depending on what the bees have been foraging on. As a result you may see some variation in colour. There is no inferiority in the quality of the product just further evidence of a totally natural product.

 

All Plant Essentials products are suitable for Vegetarians and many are suitable for Vegans.