Here you will find answers to some common questions about our products.  If your question is not answered below, please feel free to contact us using this form.

Q.  Are Fresh Organics skin care products allergen free?

Fresh Organics products are free of the most common allergens, which are: milk, nut oils, soy, wheat, gluten and artificial fragrance. Some fatty acids used in our Shampoo/Wash and Bubble Bath are derived from Coconut oil. However, even though coconut has "nut" in its name, it is technically not a nut and is not regarded as an allergen. We also use Shea Butter which is from the fruit of the Karité tree, which is similar in appearance to the avocado and, again, is not regarded as an allergen.

Finally, while not normally presented as a source of allergies, artificial fragrances can contain hundreds of chemicals which can be irritating, toxic or cause an allergic reaction in your child. This is why our fragrances are naturally derived from plant and flower sources. Still, it is possible that you or your baby may have a sensitivity to some ingredient that is not typically allergenic and so use any new product with care.

Q.  What is Sodium Laureth Sulphate and why should I avoid products containing it?

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) and its derivatives are the most commonly used foaming ingredient in shampoos, liquid soaps and bubble bath.  SLS denatures the naturally occurring oils in the skin and is a common irritant with serious drying effects. It is commonly contaminated with dioxane, a known carcinogen and easily penetrates to systemic tissues, such as heart, liver and brain. Studies have shown that it can cause damage to the immune system.  SLS can also cause permanent eye damage, even without getting it in the eyes. Fresh Organics products do not contain any variation of Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Note that many personal care products use variations of SLS which can be just as damaging such as Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate.

Q.  What is Cocamide DEA and why should I avoid using products containing it?

Cocamide DEA is the most commonly used foam stabilizer used in shampoos, washes and bubble bath. It is a known immune system disrupter which can increase the likelihood of developing allergic reactions to other agents. Cocamide DEA is bio-accumulative, it stays in the system and builds over time, and has been linked to liver and kidney cancer. Fresh Organics products do not contain any variation of Cocamide DEA.

Q.  What cleansing agents does Fresh Organics contain?

Plant derived glucosides (decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside) are non-invasive cleansing/bubbling agents that we use in our bubble bath, shampoos and body washes. Glucosides are very gentle, non-toxic and do not irritate delicate membranes such as the eyes. These cleansing agents are also completely biodegradable.

Q.  Do Fresh Organics products contain artificial colors or dyes?

All Fresh Organics products are artificial color and dye free. Artificial colors are made from coal tar or petroleum and often contain impurities like lead acetate. They can be toxic to the nervous system, cause allergies and irritation. Some are also known carcinogens. The Organic Bath Co, bubble bath petals and roses, that we carry contain a safe red coloring extracted from beet.

Q.  What are Phthalates and why should I avoid them?

Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid that have been widely used as plasticizers in PVC and PETE plastics and as solvents in artificial fragrances and pesticides. Phthalates are know to be powerful endocrine system disrupters and are suspected to be a factor in the exponential rise in obesity in the USA. They have also been linked to male reproductive system damage. Their use is now restricted in children’s toys, teething rings and feeding bottles but phthalates are still widely used where not regulated. Fresh Organics products are packaged in phthalate free PE tubes. We also use only phthalate free, aromatherapy quality, botanical scents.

Q.  What are synthetic fragrances and why are they undesirable?

Synthetic fragrances are esters derived by chemical process, usually from fossil oils and coal.  Synthetic fragrances can mimic almost any scent but they often contain phthalates and other contaminates. Synthetic fragrances cause many allergies and may explain an ongoing headache or a mystery rash that seems to have no apparent cause. Synthetic fragrances are in most personal care and household products - even in some products marketed as natural or organic. Also synthetic fragrances do not evaporate as quickly as essential oils and their scent tends to linger. Natural fragrances, like those used in Fresh Organics products, are made from botanical sources or essential oils.

Q.  Are Fresh Organics products tested on animals?

Fresh Organics is a cruelty-free company and we do not do animal testing. All our products are tested extensively on volunteer humans - starting with our own staff, friends and families and then to a wider group of test volunteers.  If you would like to register as a volunteer to test future new Fresh Organics products, please contact us.

Q.  Do Fresh Organics products contain animal ingredients?

We also use lactoperoxidase in some products as a natural preservative. Lactoperoxidase is naturally present in the milk, tears and saliva of most mammals, including humans, the lactoperoxidase we use is derived from goat milk. Other than that, the only animal product we use in any of our products is beeswax. Beeswax is hypoallergenic and does not harm the bees to harvest. It is an excellent emollient and water barrier and is acceptable by most vegetarians.

Q.  What is the difference between wild crafted and organic ingredients?

We use as many certified organic ingredients as possible in the formulation of our products. These ingredients have been grown according to strict international standards and are regularly monitored. We also use ingredients derived from certified wild crafted sources - like Shea Butter. Something is wild crafted when it is not grown commercially, but harvested in it’s natural environment. Organic and wild crafted ingredients exceed 95% of the total possible in all Fresh Organics skin care products.

Q.  Do Fresh Organics skin care products contain preservatives?

All skin care products are vulnerable to bacteria, molds and yeast. Apart from product spoilage, some of these microorganisms are dangerous to humans and must be controlled. Certain preservatives are known to cause health problems, and to build up in the body over time, so we avoid any and all of these suspect chemicals and use only those that are proven to be benign to humans.  We also use higher than average concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins & essential oils, which form part of our natural preservative system.

Q. What is the shelf life of Fresh Organics products?

Shelf life is affected by a variety of factors. If your product is unopened and stored in a cool environment, it is expected to remain fresh for a minimum of 3 years.