To ensure product stability and quality, we use two preservatives in very small quantities which are known to be safe, namely Benzyl Alcohol and Dehydroacetic Acid. These two synthetic ingredients are ECOCERT approved preservatives based on nature identical compounds.

All product jars are made of Polypropylene (PP) which is a thermoplastic polymer (plastic). Its plastic recyclable code is ‘5’. Our product tubes are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) which is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene (plastic). Its plastic recyclable code is ‘4’. These plastics do not leach harmful chemicals and have high resistance to solvents. They are considered safe. Our product cartons are made of recyclable paper. All these materials comply with ECOCERT packaging material regulations.

Down to Earth’s products are manufactured and packed by specialists in organic and natural skincare, under clinical conditions and quality assured in a laboratory. Our manufacturing facility is one of few facilities in South Africa that adheres to the strict guidelines of ECOCERT accreditation.

ECOCERT is the largest organic certification organisation in the world.

The outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) is slightly acidic, ranging between a pH level of 5.4 and 6.5. When the pH of the skin is disrupted and becomes alkaline (often a side effect of common soaps) the skin becomes dehydrated, irritated, flaky, rough and prone to infection.

All Down to Earth products are pH balanced for normal and healthy skin at a level of 5.5.

There are a wide variety of opinions on the use of essential oils while pregnant. The main concerns are the risk of essential oil compounds crossing over into the placenta and the possibility of miscarriage during the first trimester.

The essential oils used in Down To Earth Care products are diluted below 1% and as a result will not have any adverse effect during pregnancy. Since there are no records of birth abnormalities due to essential oils, either by inhalation or by topical application, you can be assured that Down to Earth products are absolutely safe to use.

Read our blogpost to find out more about the essential oils we use in our products: The role of essential oils in skincare

Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) is an animal rights organisation worldwide that endorses products which are not tested on animals.

Their endorsement policies are strict, ensuring adherence to true humane status. Products are not allowed to contain substances obtained as a result of the suffering or death of an animal and attested by written assurances from ingredient supply companies.

Their mission is to bring about change in South Africa for the ethical testing of cosmetics and personal care products. The European Union, India, Israel and now Brazil have all banned animal testing, proving it is possible to have a thriving cosmetics industry without cruel animal tests.

Their approved list of products is known as the humane guide. Down to Earth listed and endorsed on the humane guide.

Vegans adopt a lifestyle that avoids animal exploitation and cruelty. This includes food, clothes, and products. Veganism is growing in popularity as many practises related to animals are cause for concern from a cruelty, sustainability and environmental aspect.

Down to Earth Care products are vegan-friendly and we are listed on the Vegan SA directory and comply with their strict listing criteria. The one exception is the use of beeswax in our African Potato Cream.

Listed below are some of the most common toxic ingredients used in conventional skincare, but this list is not exhaustive. We adhere to avoid using ingredients prohibited by ECOCERT. Some of these ingredients are harmful to human beings and many others are officially labelled as “probably” harmful to humans, we encourage you to read labels and avoid buying products containing these ingredients. Another major cause for concern is that many of these ingredients are washed down drains in large quantities. These end up in our waterways, damaging our environment and disrupting our ecosystems.

Here’s a list of ingredients to watch out for:
• Petrochemicals such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), petrolatum, mineral oil, petroleum jelly and paraffin wax
• Ethanolamines such as diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA)
• Sulphated surfactants which include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
• Parabens which include methylparaben, proplyparaben and butylparaben
• Phthalathes (usually hidden in ingredients like “parfum” or “fragrance”)
• Artificial colours, dyes and fragrances

Natural and organic product certifications can be costly and these costs are often passed onto the customer. At Down To Earth Care, we have chosen to keep our products affordable.

The individual organic ingredients we use in our products are certified.

Overall, we adhere as far as possible to the standards of natural and organic certification. We also help our customers make informed decisions by availing as much information as possible about our processes and products on our websites or to call & email us.

ECOCERT is an organic certification organisation which was founded in France. Though based in Europe, it conducts inspections in over 80 countries, effectively making it one of the largest and renowned organic certification organisations in the world. It was the very first certification body to develop standards for “natural and organic cosmetics”. Down to Earth Care products adheres to their strict standards.