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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are the answers to frequently asked questions. If there is anything else you'd like to know, please contact us.

How natural are Willowberry products?

The standard of our products is very important to us and we are very proud that all Willowberry products are as natural as possible. What's more, we use the highest quality natural oils and butters, many that are unrefined, to retain the maximum nutritional content from the original plant source.

All of our oil-based (anhydrous) products, such as oils and balms, contain 100% natural ingredients. All of our products containing water (such as lotions and creams) contain very high quantities of natural/naturally derived ingredients (see next question below for more info on naturally derived ingredients), plus safe, gentle preservatives.

Any products containing water (such as lotions and creams) require a preservative to be used, otherwise micro-organisms such as fungi and bacteria could grow in the cream and it wouldn’t be safe to use.

None of our products contain ingredients such as parabens, methylisothiazolinone (MIT or MI) or SLS. We are completely transparent about all of the ingredients in every one of our products, so that you can be safe in the knowledge of exactly what you are putting onto your skin.

What is the difference between natural and naturally derived?

We refer to an ingredient as ‘natural’ when the ingredient has been used in its natural, raw state after being extracted from the plant source. For example, chia seeds are cold-pressed to extract the oil from the seeds; this chia seed oil is then used within our products.

We refer to an ingredient as ‘naturally derived’ when the natural ingredient is treated to access other properties of the raw material; for example, getting natural fatty acids and natural fatty alcohols from a coconut.

Naturally derived ingredients such as natural fatty acids and natural fatty alcohols are necessary to create certain elements of skincare products, such as emulsifiers and preservatives that are needed within a cream-based product. We think it’s pretty great that we can source these from nature, rather than creating them synthetically in a lab.

We like to state when an ingredient is naturally derived rather than just calling it natural, as we want to be as transparent as possible, so that you can have 100% confidence in our products.

Is Willowberry organic?

While all Willowberry products are as natural as possible (see above), using the highest quality natural ingredients, Willowberry products are not organic. This is because organic ingredients cost more than natural, non-organic ingredients do, which would bump the prices of our products up higher than we are comfortable with making them.

It is very important to us that Willowberry is as affordable as it can be while offering the highest quality natural ingredients, to feed the skin with essential nutrients that can help make a real difference to the skin. For those of you with a particular interest in organic beauty products, this may be something that we offer within our range in the future.

Does Willowberry use any preservatives in its products?

Oil-based (anhydrous) products that do not contain water (such as our face oils and cleansing balms) will not develop bacteria and so they can remain completely preservative-free. Any products containing water (such as lotions and creams) legally require a preservative to be used, otherwise micro-organisms such as fungi and bacteria could grow in the cream and it wouldn’t be safe to use.

Therefore, when we have to use preservatives we choose safe, gentle preservatives, in minimal quantities. None of our products contain ingredients such as parabens, methylisothiazolinone (MIT or MI) or SLS. We are completely transparent about all of the ingredients in every one of our products, so that you can be safe in the knowledge of exactly what you are putting onto your skin.

How do cleansing balms work?

Cleansing balms are loaded with natural oils and butters, which help to break down and dissolve dirt, make-up and impurities on the skin, making it easy to then remove with a cleansing cloth for a thorough cleanse.

Because cleansing balms are made with oils and butters, they also help to hydrate the skin and protect the skin’s moisture balance – perfect for those who find that other forms of cleansing can sometimes leave their skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. And because oil attracts oil, cleansing balms help to remove excess sebum on the skin, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Can cleansing balms be used on oily skin?

Yes – cleansing balms are loaded with natural oils and butters and because oil attracts oil, cleansing balms help to remove excess sebum (the skin’s natural oil), which would otherwise cause blocked pores and breakouts.

It is also far better to cleanse oily skin with gentle oils than using harsh cleansers that strip the skin of oil, which only signals to the skin to produce even more sebum in response and ends up making oily skin worse. For best results, look for cleansing balms that are specifically targeted towards oily skin as these will contain lighter formulas, with oils that target oily skin’s needs such as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, soothing and balancing characteristics.

Can face oils be used on oily skin?

Yes – although it may seem strange to use oil-based products if your skin is oily, it actually helps to balance sebum production (your skin’s natural oil), as it signals to your skin that there is already enough oil on the skin.

Natural oils are also loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help to protect and restore spot-prone skin. For best results, look for face oils that are very light and easily absorbed (like our Willowberry Nutrient Boost Face Oil), rather than thick, rich oils, which would be too much for oily skin.

Where are your products made?

Willowberry is proud to be made with care in Britain.

Are your products safe to use during pregnancy?

The essential oils in all Willowberry products are used at low percentages, within safe limits. However, if you are pregnant you should always speak to your doctor first before using any products containing essential oils.

Are your products tested on animals?

Willowberry is completely against animal testing. We never test any of our products on animals and we only work with ingredient suppliers that are also against animal testing. European law also now supports the case against animal testing.

The RSPCA states: “The use of animals to test cosmetics products or their ingredients is banned in the UK and all other member states of the European Union. Since March 2013, it has also been illegal to sell cosmetics products within the EU which have been, or which contain ingredients, newly tested on animals.”

Are your products suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

All Willowberry natural skincare products are suitable for vegetarians. Most of our products are suitable for vegans, with the exception of our cleansing balms which contain beeswax.

Can your packaging be recycled?

Yes, Willowberry natural skincare products are all packaged in glass jars that can be infinitely recycled. Our postage packaging and padding is also fully recyclable - even our parcel tape.

What inspired the name 'Willowberry'?

Willowberry is a made up word (there is no such thing as a willowberry) - we hope that it evokes a sense of natural in a luxurious way. We hope you like it!

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