If you have been browsing the net looking for beauty products that are pure, organic,biodynamic, natural without the hidden nasties, we at Chikii believe that you have come to the right place. Listed below are our ingredient guidelines. We will continue to keep you up to date as the latest research and information comes in.
Our offering of utmost integrity honours your gesture of helping to make a difference by choosing our products, and sharing this with your friends and love ones.
1. We do not choose the commonly used cosmetic chemicals – such as artificial colours or fragrances, petroleum bi-products, harsh preservatives; parabens, formaldehyde and donors, harsh- chemicals and surfactants including PEG, isopropyls, silicones, sulfates, SD alcohol. These substances contribute to the toxic overload Earth is suffering at this time and many are being shown to have a potentially negative impact on our health. They are unbearable to those of us sensitive to their side effects.
2. We would prefer to choose brands that are certified organic. Certification shows that the entire process, from farm to finished product meets the stringent organic requirements of purity, integrity and freedom from pesticide residue, GMO’s and artificial chemicals.
3. Certified Cruelty Free – this certification shows that the product lines and ingredients are free from animal testing. Love and respect for animals are important to us. http://www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au
4. 98% of our brand names are uniquely Australian.
5. Most of our products are vegan suitable to help those choosing an animal produce-free lifestyle. http://www.vegansociety.com
6 We have been aware of the Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) issue for some years, and we are assured that the brands that use this have independent laboratory tests for synthetic preservative contaminants undertaken and are free of contaminants.
7. We like to choose companies that do not use palm oil. Look for palm oil, palmitate or simply “vegetable” oil on labels. Some things like glycerin can be derived from palm oil without mentioning it on the label. We investigate our suppliers and their ingredients before purchasing. We are also aware that some brands use Palm Oil and state that their supply is from a sustainable source, we will keep you informed so that you can make your own decision. Our Ambrosial Chikii soaps and Chikii mineral makeup and cosmetics are also palm oil free.
8. Chikii minerals are accompanied by Manufacturers Guarantee of100% NANO PARTICLE FREE. You do not need to be inhaling nano particles every single day! The long term effects of doing this are unknown. Nano particles enter the skins barrier. When inhaled – the effects – unknown and frightening to imagine. The lose powder format, inhaled every day – it is an unknown… Much like asbestos and talc was 20 years ago. Furthermore it gives rise to a new era of toxicology studies, and these are always performed on animals. We believe this is unacceptable & unethical so we stand proud with NO NANO.
9. We choose brands that cold pressed and naturally extract ingredients and oils. All skincare products do not contain parabens,synthetic preservatives,PEG’sDEA,MEA,TEA’s,SLS,SLES(synthetic detergents),Phtalates,Triclosan,Mineral oil additives(PAHs),Colours,Propylene Glycol,Butylene Glycol, synthetic fragrances,( Limonene,Linalool,Citral are found naturally in some essential oils),synthetic alcohols. We choose products that do not contain Diazolindyl Urea, Imidazolindyl Urea, PVP/V Copolymer, Stearalkonium Chloride, synthetic colours.
10. No talc, fragrances and other colour components of non-organic or synthetic origin.
11. Vitamins fall in a category where they are extracted with many different processes and extraction methods. There are some vitamins that can be extracted and will stay stable in their natural form e.g. Vitamin E and then there are others like Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which does not stay stable at all when exposed to air and light.Under the organic certification standard some allowances have been made to vitamins. Vitamins like Vit A, B5 and C – the certification authority will accept these vitamins if the original source is natural and the extraction process is acceptable e.g. no ethoxylation, sulphonation, propoxylation is involved.As far as Natural vs. Synthetic goes – D-panthenol is no more synthetic than Retinyl Palmitate. Most of the vitamins available as raw material are not even derived from plant – they are completely synthetically derived – our raw material is plant derived.
12. Packaging must be biodegradable, recyclable or reusable. Chikii is committed to a clean, healthy environment.
13. Brands listed must disclose the full ingredients of each product. Full ingredients listing are on the shopping cart for each product on the product details page or on the product packaging.
Note:- You are likely to find a few of these nasties in your favourite products, don’t panic, just replace them with genuine natural products and start reading the labels and ask for full ingredient listings.
What are Petrochemicals and why are they not good for our skin?
Petrochemicals (like mineral oil, petrolatum, petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin) are a by-product of the petroleum industry; it comes from crude oil and is used in products as an emollient, giving a “slip and slide” property to a product. They are used in personal care products such as lipsticks, lubricants, baby massage oils etc because they are incredibly cheap. Also used by industry as metal-cutting fluid (Source – www.ewg.org).
Petrochemicals contain cancer-causing contaminants also known as carcinogens. Furthermore, mineral oil prevents the skin from “breathing when applied.” As such, it clogs pores, interferes with your skin’s natural ability to eliminate toxins, and can lead to acne flare-ups. Also, it is irritating to the skin and if used for any length of time, your skin can become dependent on it, causing chapping and dryness. Lastly, it can lead to premature ageing of the skin.
1,4-Dioxane is another petroleum-derived carcinogenic compound that is used intentionally in dry cleaning solvents, lacquers and automotive coolant. 1,4-Dioxane also shows up in personal care products because it is the byproduct of some chemical ingredient manufacturing processes, including the process by which sodium lauryl sulfate becomes sodium laureth sulfate (Source – www.safecosmetics.org).
What are Polyethylene Glycols?
Polyethylene Glycols are used as synthetic emulsifiers, humectants, cleansing agents or surfactants in conventional skincare products e.g. Baby Lotions, Deodorants, Moisturisers, Anti-Itch Creams, Lip Balms etc. These compounds are potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredients that can alter and reduce the skin’s natural moisture factor. Could increase the appearance of ageing and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. They are known irritants and cause delayed hypersensitivities and contact dermatitis. They are also found to be contaminated with the impurities e.g. 1,4-dioxane, heavy metals e.g. arsenic, lead which are linked to causing cancer (Source – www.ewg.org). The PEG compounds can also open the pores of the skin allowing the toxins and microorganisms to enter the skin causing acne.
Why are artificial colours or fragrances bad for the skin?
Skin care products should not contain artificial/synthetic fragrances or colours as they have no therapeutic value. Many fragrances are produced from ingredients that are cheap and known to be toxic or carcinogenic. Skin is the largest organ of the body. Anything you put on it can be easily absorbed through the pores. When you use skin care products, they are applied all over the face, neck, and body. This covers a lot of surface area and, therefore, a great deal of chemical absorption occurs (Source – www.ewg.org). They are commonly known to cause allergies and sensitivities.
Check out our Beauty Ingredient Glossary.
