Organic- Organic means that the ingredients have been sourced and harvested in a manner that is better for the environment and free of pesticides, herbicides, genetically modified organisms and any synthetic ingredients or harmful chemicals.
Wild-Crafted- Wild-Crafting is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or "wild" habitat, as opposed to cultivating them in a greenhouse or on a farm, for food or medicinal purposes. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they may be found, and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas. Ethical considerations are often involved, such as protecting endangered species. When wild-crafting is done sustainably with proper respect, generally only the fruit, flowers or branches from plants are taken and the living plant is left, or if it is necessary to take the whole plant, seeds of the plant are placed in the empty hole from which the plant was taken. Care is taken to only remove a few plants, flowers, or branches, so plenty remains to continue the supply.
Sustainable-Sustainability is a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.
Parabens- Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care products such as deodorants, moisturizers and shampoos. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens allow skin care products to survive for months or even years in your medicine cabinet; however, they also enter your body through your skin when you use these products. Parabens can mimic hormones in the body and disrupt functions of the endocrine system.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- A common ingredient in personal care products, sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, is an additive that allows cleansing products to foam. According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, SLS is a "moderate hazard" that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption.
Carcinogen- A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer.
Phthalates-Phthalates are known to be probable carcinogens, suspected hormone disrupters, fetal development toxins, as well as reproductive toxins. They can be found in everything from fragrances to baby skincare, everyday cosmetics, shower curtains, and plastic toys.
Formaldehyde-Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and to produce many household products. Although the short-term health effects of formaldehyde exposure are well known, less is known about its potential long-term health effects. In 1980, laboratory studies showed that exposure to formaldehyde could cause nasal cancer in rats. This finding raised the question of whether formaldehyde exposure could also cause cancer in humans.
Synthetic Fragrances-Synthetic Fragrance oils are primarily made from petrochemicals and attempt to duplicate the smell of a specific plant. A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences reports that 95 percent of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxins and synthesizers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
GMOs- GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE. This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. A growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights.
Cruelty-Free-Cruelty-free is a label for products or activities that do not harm or kill animals. Products tested on animals are not considered cruelty free, since these tests are often painful and cause the suffering of millions of animals every year.
Gluten-Free-Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat (durum, emmer, spelt, farina, farro, KAMUT® khorasan wheat and einkorn), rye, barley and triticale. Active Essentials is gluten-free so that anyone with allergies to gluten will still be able to benefit from our luxurious products.