Frequently Asked Questions :

How do you choose products to be offered to your customers?

We are VERY selective as to the products we offer to our customers. We only use manufacturers that have demonstrated the highest integrity in terms of product safety and concern for the environment. They must use only natural ingredients (no synthetic chemicals or petroleum products), may not conduct animal testing, and most of their cosmetic or personal care products must be rated as a "low hazard" (0 to 2 rating) by the Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database. This insures that you receive the highest quality, safest and least toxic products possible. We have also tested and used all of the products to verify their effectiveness and we review them on the product pages.

Why aren't all your products listed on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database?

We make the utmost effort to carry only product or product lines that are rated on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. However, due to the limitations of the database (listed here), they are unable to rate every single product by each manufacturer. There are some excellent natural products that are not yet rated on the database that we offer to our customers because of their high quality, safe ingredients, and manufacturer's commitment to safety. We have thoroughly researched all of the ingredients on unrated products, receive a "provisional product report", and have determined that they would rate as "low hazard" (0-2) rating on the database were they to be listed.

What is the typical shelf life of a natural product?

Most products have an expiration date printed on the package. Skin care products typically last up to 2 years as long as they are not exposed to excessive heat. Mineral cosmetics, due to their natural anti-bacterial properties, have a much longer shelf-life, and some (like eye shadows) that are pure minerals will last forever (or until you use them up). None of the products we sell except for MiVitality In-Liven (refrigerate after opening) need to be refrigerated.

What are the formulations/ingredients for each product?

We have listed the ingredients for each product in the product "More Information" pages. Just click on the name of the product or the image and you will access the "More Information" page for that product. For additional information about ingredients and their healing properties, check out Miessence Product Information and Zosimos Botanicals Product Information. For additional Miessence or MiEnviron questions, please check out ONEgroup (Miessence, MiEnviron, MiVitality) Product Questions (we have referred you to our ONEgroup website because they have an EXTENSIVE Q & A on their products).

What are your recommendations for a skin care regimen?

To maximize your the natural radiance of your skin, you daily skin care regimen should begin with cleansing twice a day, morning and evening. This step removes dirt, oil and pollution that have accumulated and can cause skin problems. Follow up with a toner or skin conditioner to complete the cleansing and add an extra layer of moisture and conditioning with botanical extracts and essential oils. Finish with a moisturizer selected to match your skin's needs, which may vary depending on environmental or seasonal factors (for example, we use a more intense moisturizer during the dry winter months).

On a weekly basis: Exfoliate dead skin cells once or twice a week, depending on your skin type (dry, oily, etc.). You should also use a mask 2-7 times a week to pull impurities from the skin and to soften, smooth, and brighten the complexion. If your skin needs extra help (blemishes, extremely dry, etc.), we have many excellent serums and gels to deal with each problem. We would also be happy to make recommendations, just contact us.

What are your recommendations when switching over to natural products from conventional ones?

It can be hard on the pocketbook to switch all your cosmetics and skin care products over to natural ones at one fell swoop. When planning the switch to chemical free products, you should always consider the amount of time that a product remains on your skin and the surface area involved. For example, your moisturizer, lotions, and deodorant are among the first things you should change because they remain on your skin for an extended period of time. Your shampoo and soaps can be among the last items to switch over, since they are in contact with your skin more brieflly.

I just switched to natural skin care and now my face is breaking out. Why?

Depending on your health - metabolism, eating habits, and medications - some people experience a detoxification once they start using natural and organic products. You may see a worsening of symptoms before things clear up. Your body is simply eliminating the toxins and chemicals stored in your body from conventional products. Skin cells are renewed every 4-5 weeks, which should give you an idea of how long it may take to have your skin clear up. If you are still using any conventional products, you may need to stop using conventional products completely in order to see the best results. During this time, consider using a natural clay mask twice a week to aid in pulling the toxins from your skin. Taking a probiotic and a chlorophyll based dietary supplement (we sell In-Liven or you can find these at your local health food store) will aid in the detox process as well.

Allergic reactions to natural products are somewhat rare because the most common allergies are to synthetic chemical ingredients, however they are possible. If you experience discomfort or allergic reactions to a product, discontinue use immediately.

I started using a natural deodorant and now I really smell. Why isn't my deodorant working?

Conventional deodorants use aluminum and other synthetic chemicals that leave residue in your body. Your body needs time to eliminate the toxins and flush out your pores. Depending on your health - metabolism, eating habits, and medications - this may take up to 4 weeks or so. In the meantime, take your deodorant with you and re-apply during the day to combat odor. Taking a probiotic and a chlorophyll based dietary supplement will also help the detox process.

My hair is dry and knotty after using natural shampoo. Is this normal?

If you are trying natural shampoo for the first time, you will notice that the shampoo probably won't foam for you and your hair may feel dry and knotty during shampooing. This is normal, and known as“hair detox”. It is due to residue of silicone and its derivatives (dimethicone, cylcomethicone, any chemical with ...'cone' in it) left from conventional hair products. Once the silicone has been dissolved, you will find your shampoo foams more normally and your hair is silky and soft. This process normally takes 2-3 weeks, depending on your previous products and the condition of your hair.

There are a few things you can do to accelerate the “hair detox” process:
1. Switch to natural shampoo, conditioner and hair mousse/gel. If you are still using a synthetic product, you are still coating the hair silicone and other chemicals and the hair detox process will not resolve.
2. Detox your hair with a few baths of 1 cup sea salt, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 cups baking soda (hop in the bath and swish your hair around in it).
3. Make a paste of baking soda and natural shampoo and wash your hair with it a few times.
4. Make a paste of clay (one of our masks - or just clay from the health food store) with a natural shampoo and wash your hair with that a few times.

After your hair has been stripped of chemical residue, you will be amazed at how shiny, manageable and soft it is. Many people who suffer from scalp irritation, itching and dandruff experience relief from their symptoms after switching to natural hair care products. You may even be able to stop using conditioner and styling products.

Why don't you have every item in stock? Why are some items Special Order?

The vast majority of our products are in stock and ready to ship next day. However, there are some products that we offer on a "special order basis" only. Natural products, due to the fact that they don't contain harsh chemical preservatives, have a shorter shelf-life than conventional products. In addition, these particular products have the most benefit when they are ordered fresh. Therefore, to ensure that you receive the freshest, most effective products possible, some items are Special Order only (noted on product description). They will be shipped out to you within 2-3 weeks of your order.

What if you don't have a product in stock, can I still order?

The vast majority of our products are in stock and ready to ship next day. Occasionally, if there is an especially high demand for a particular product in a short period of time, we may run out of that item momentarily, but you can still order that product. Rest assured, you will still receive your product within 2 weeks (using UPS Ground shipping option, less for other options) due to our quick manufacturer turnaround.

How do I return items?

Please contact us within 15 days of receipt of your purchase for instructions on how to make a return. Include your name, address, order number, and reason for return in the email. We are happy to replace items that have been damaged in shipping or in any other way defective. We apologize, but we are unable to take returns on cosmetics due to color or scent. We encourage you to purchase a sample before buying the full sized product. See our full Return Policy for more details.

I just got my order and a product is damaged. What do I do?

Please contact us within 15 days of receipt of your purchase for damaged items. Include your name, address, order number, UPS tracking number and damaged item description in the email. We are happy to replace items that have been damaged in shipping or in any other way defective.

What is your shipping turnaround time?

We normally ship each order out the next day and turnaround will depend on the shipping option you choose. Please note that shipping times increase during the holiday season. See Chart below.

Shipping times are approximate, as follows:

Why do you only use UPS to ship?

We currently only use UPS to ship because they are the most reliable carrier with the best insurance coverage and customer service. We are aware that USPS has better rates, and we may use them in the future, however their shipping estimates are less reliable and we have had damaged packages and items with them in the past. If you insist on shipping with USPS, we would be happy to accomodate you, but it may delay your order. Just place your order and choose "local clients-no shipping" and contact us immediately. We will calculate the USPS shipping costs and email you a separate Paypal invoice for the shipping costs.

What type of recycled, earth-friendly shipping materials do you use?

In order to save the environment and reduce landfill waste, we recycle old boxes as much as possible to use for your shipping containers. We also use biodegradable packing peanuts made from vegetable starch and recycled/recyclable paper packing materials. We are also looking into product bags (used to protect your items from leaking during shipment) made from recycled and biodegradable materials, however we have not found a satisfactory product (if you have suggestions, we would love to hear from you).

Do you have a pick-up option for shipping?

For local customers in Pasadena, California: you may choose the "local clients-no shipping" option. You must correspond with us if you choose this option so that we can make arrangements. We also have free local delivery!

Have Other Questions? We Care!

For specific questions that are not answered under the FAQs, please use the form below and we will be happy to get back to you with an answer within 1 business day.