If you have a question which is not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact info(at)essential-care.co.uk

Do you have a list of product ingredients?

Yes, please click here.

Do I need to keep the products in a fridge?

No, that's not necessary but keeping them in a cool place away from direct heat and sunlight will maximise their shelf-life and freshness. Always close firmly after use and handle hygienically to avoid exposing the contents to dirt, moisture and contamination.

How long will my products keep?

All our products are made in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and carry 'Best Before' dates and 'use within' guides to enable you to enjoy them at their very best. These are conservative guides to ensure your skin gains maximum benefit from their high level of vitamins and plant nutrients which can diminish over time. Kept well, many (such as balms) will remain in perfectly usable condition for longer - and certainly well within the normal time it takes to use them up! 

Do you use synthetic preservatives?

Essential Care has never used parabens, formaldehyde donors or other questionable synthetic preservatives. The Soil association also follows this 'precautionary principle' and forbids their use under their exacting organic and ecological standards. Please see our article on Safe cosmetics here to find out more. To maintain product condition, safety and skin compatability we rely on a combination of proven, safe antimicrobials found in nature and the broad spectrum of antioxidants naturally present in the plant oils and herbs we use.

Please note we do not use grapefruit seed extract (GSE) as part of our conservation system. It is very often synthesised and far removed from its original source. A study in Germany in 1999 found that benzyl alcohol which had been added to preserve the grapefruit seed extract itself, was the sole source of its preserving qualities. Interestingly, organically certified grapefruit seed extract has not been shown to be an effective preservative.

Is it true that alcohol dries and irritates the skin?

It is generally recognised that at a concentration above 5% alcohol can have a drying and irritating effect on the skin, especially of the face. However, not all alcohols are created equal, and the 'fatty alcohols' such as cetearyl, stearyl or cetyl alcohol are waxy solids derived from plant oils and have a positive caring effect on the skin. It is ethanol or ethy alcohol, the volatile liquid which describes anything from the drinkable variety we all recognise to a decidedly non-drinkable industrial solvent, which can cause a problem. The quality generally used in perfumes and skin care has been synthesised or chemically adulterated to render it undrinkable (denatured or SD alcohol) and is likely to be quite irritant. At the high concentration required to act as a preservative, any type of ethanol can dry the skin by dissolving it's natural oils. The organic food-grade sugar cane alcohol used in the preparation of a few of our organic herbs represents a tiny amount in a product and therefore presents no quantity or quality problem. Essential Care does not use alcohol as a preservative in any skin care product.

I have eczema and struggle to find anything which suits my sensitive skin - can you help?

We sincerely hope so! As well as a firm commitment to keeping potentially harmful chemicals out of our products, Essential Care has a special interest in the care of skin problems, particularly eczema. We have 2 products Repair lotion and Ultra Rich which have been formulated specifically to help relieve the dry, itchy and irritated skin associated with eczema. All our products have sensitive skin in mind - including the exciting new make-up range - and are also free from artificial fragrances, colours, wheat, corn, soy and dairy derivatives.

Do you provide product samples?

We offer sample sachets of 2 of our most popular products Rose Moisturiser and Baby Repair Lotion. Many of our products are available in small, inexpensive sizes and there are also 3 trial/travel gift sets (rose, citrus, Baby) which are a convenient and economic way of trying out several skincare products together.

How do I use essential oils?

Pure essential oils are extremely versatile for skin care, health care, home care and general well-being and their uses range from antiseptic bug busting to delighful natural room fragrancing! There are many self-help books on Aromatherapy, but the main thing to bear in mind is that they are very concentrated and should always be diluted appropriately before skin application.The exception is Lavender for the emergency treatment of burns, and Tea tree for the odd spot - see ingredients A-Z for more information on individual essential oils. Guidelines for use are given on all our bottles of organic single essential oils and ready-mixed blends. Over time we plan to add tips and ideas to the website on their many benefits around the home.

Do all Essential Care products contain essential oils?

No - only those which will benefit from their therapeutic or cosmetic addition. Those without essential oils include the Essential Care make-up range, skin care products Ultra Rich, Repair Lotion and Organic Superfruit Concentrate and in the Mum and Baby range, Soothing Salve, Repair Lotion and Nipple Balm. Amongst wash products, there is Gentle Herb Shampoo, Aloe Vera Bodywash, Olive Oil Soap and Honey and Oat Soap.

Do you to plan to add more products to your organic Fair-Trade make-up range?

Indeed we do! We have started with a 'capsule' range of the most popular make-up items like mascara, lipstick (which doubles as a cheek tint), lip and eye pencils and pressed eye shadows, all in ultimately wearable and flattering shades. Currently under development is concealers and tinted moisturisers, again with skin-caring and anti-aging actives like shea butter, calendula and seabuckthorn fruit.