FAQs

Do Hållbar products contain phenoxyethanol?

No.  We do not use phenoxyethanol because we believe it to be sensitising and can cause irritation.  

Phenoxyethanol is a commonly used preservative in organic cosmetic products.  However, we have found it to be sensitising and irritating.  The research is still out as to its long-term impact.  Therefore, we do not use it in our product offering.  According to www.safecosmetics.org, exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions.  Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function.

To understand why we do not use phenoxyethanol click here.

How are your products preserved?

Our belief is that many preservation systems used on a commercial basis are damaging to the skin’s natural acid mantle and potentially harmful to the skin’s beneficial bacteria and flora.  We use a natural preservative system.

Are your products for women only? 

No.  Our products are gender neutral, therefore, are suitable for anybody with skin.   

Do I have to cleanse?

Long ago the air and water were so pure that all one needed to do was rinse in the pure water to clean.  How things have changed!  The air is polluted, and water contains fluorides and other chemicals to keep it “safe” to drink.  However, those unwanted minerals and chemicals can be damaging to the skin.    Cleansing morning and night is essential in skin care.   Cleansing at the beginning of the day removes the waste and toxins excreted naturally during the night.  Cleansing twice at the end of the day - initially to remove surface impurities built up due to make up, pollutants and daily grime, and then to remove the build-up in the pores missed in the initial cleanse.   

Why are organic ingredients important when it comes to skin care?

Organic plants have been shown to have a much higher percentage of antioxidants on average than plants farmed under conventional systems. This is an important factor in choosing a product for the skin. We choose to use as many organically farmed ingredients we can because we believe it is healthier for our bodies and the environment as a whole.

Do you test on animals?

No.

Are Hållbar Skincare products vegan?

Some Hållbar products contain honey and beeswax. We source our honey from organic farms and as ethically as we can. We believe the bee population in Australia is critical to health and wellbeing of our agricultural and natural flora. Therefore, we aim to source ethically in our quest to support the continued viability and health of bees.

The following products are NOT vegan, due to the presence of bee ingredients: Eye Cream.

I am a teenager. Can I use your products? 

Yes.   Hållbar products have been designed to be suitable for all ages 13+.  However, should you have serious skin conditions we advise you to seek the advice of a medical practitioner. 

What is the expiration date of my product?

We recommend using our products within six months of opening and, for some products, by the "Best Before" date on the bottom of the box or container in a BBDDMMYY format. If the product has not been opened it still needs to be used by the date provided. We use a natural preservation system to maintain the efficacy of our natural ingredients. It is always essential to follow our recommended storage and usage directions to ensure your products are not contaminated by dirty fingers, nails or introduction of water droplets as these external elements can introduce bacteria to your products.

Will using oil on my face make my skin oilier?

No, it should not as often skin that is oily is overactive. Oil can have the opposite effect by helping the skin’s top layer to rebalance its oil production. Once the skin cells detect oil, they do not need to produce more. Using oil can help the skin to maintain balance and to prevent breakouts.  Protecting the top layer is key to achieving healthy, clear skin. Removing this layer daily with harsh chemicals and surfactants might put the skin under duress and might lead to inflammation and damage.

I am pregnant. Are Hållbar Skincare products safe during pregnancy? 

We use a very low percentage of essential oils in our products; however, using essential oils in pregnancy is a personal decision. Should you have concerns, our advice is to consult your healthcare provider.

How do I patch test?

Use the inside of your wrist or elbow as a starting point as the skin is thinner there than the rest of your body skin.  Apply a small amount of the product to one of these areas and then cover with a bandage. If a reaction, such as slight pinking appears but subsides within 10-15 minutes, don't worry about it.  After 24 hours, if you do not see a reaction, then you can use the product.

If you wish to lengthen the test, you can follow the above instructions but repeating the above process for 7 days. If no reactions appear, the product should be all right to continue using.

What does the PAO symbol mean?

The PAO symbol stands for “Period After Opening.”  We recommend that you use products within six months after opening.  

Do you have products for men? 

Our products are suitable for anybody with skin.   

What is biophotonic glass?

Biophotonic glass, also known as MIRON® or violetglass, is a deeply coloured, almost opaque glass.  Being energised by light, it has outstanding capabilities of preserving substances contained within it for extended periods. Not to be mistaken for black glass.

Biophotonic glass naturally filters the spectrum of visible sunlight, allowing only infrared and UVA light, or violet light, to penetrate.  The unique properties of this wonderful glass protect natural products from the harmful effects of light, increase shelf life, and maintain and revitalize potency by preventing the deterioration of the bio-energetic properties of natural products.