FAQ

1. Which packaging materials does SELF use?

Our products contain only natural ingredients, it is important to us to use materials that provide the correct protection. We chose to work with recycled materials for both primary and secondary packaging. The primary package is airtight. We use plastic components such as polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They contain no traces of phthalates or softeners, estrogen-like materials or bisphenol A, known as BPA. Naturally, the packages were approved as primary packaging materials for cosmetics and food. In other words, we can guarantee that no other substances are transferred from the packaging to the product inside. We do not work with glass because glass is less ecological and less safe in the bathroom.

2. SELF products are 100% natural, what does this mean?

This means that our products contain no synthetic additives. We work exclusively with natural preservatives, no perfume substances, healthy alcohol, vegetable oils ... More information can be found here (reference blog INCI list + ingredients)

This means that our products contain no synthetic additives. We work exclusively with natural preservatives like vegetable oils and healthy alcohol derived from coconut. We don't add any perfume and chemical substances. More information can be found here: www.naturalself.eu/en/ingredients

3. Are the products also 100% organic?

Natural products are not the same as organic products. Organic is not a protected title. The same applies to the term "natural". Any producer can make this claim, even if it is not true. Hence the motivation to create SELF, as our products truly are 100% natural and you can believe this is not just another false claim.

When speaking about an organically grown ingredient, the grower must present a certificate. Obviously, obtaining this certificate isn't cheap. We are always looking for growers who work organically, but they are not always in possesion of certification. We feel it's important to work according to the rules of organic farming, but we also understand that not all farmers can afford this audit.

4. Is natural better?

Just because a product is natural does not mean it is better by definition. What is extremely important is the percentage of active substances the products contain, which can be found in the INCI list.

5. Some products contain alcohol. However, I have read that this can dry out the skin?

Indeed, many natural products often use alcohol and a "bad" alcohol dehydrates the skin. At SELF, we use an alcohol which is healthy, such as a fatty alcohol. You can find this directory in the INCI- list. This alcohol is not harmful and will not dry the skin. Natural products still appear on any form of alcohol there is in the INCI-list, as this can be harmful.

6. Are your products tested on animals?

SELF loves bunnies. Animals are made to cuddle, not to test things. SELF does not perform any sort of animal testing, neither for production, development or quality control. We advice others do so as well.

7. Are your products suitable for vegans?

All our products are 100% vegan. You can look it up in our INCI-list: naturalself.eu/en/blog/inci-list-all-day-dreamer-day-cream

8. Are your products suitable for babies and pregnant women?

Yes, our products are specially made for this, because I was confronted myself with eczema on the skin of my daughter. The products are always tested on her. They are 100% safe for babies, new-borns and pregnant women!

9. Do I have to use different products depending on the season?

Your skins needs don't entirely depend on the season, but from day to day as well. It is therefore important to check your skin's daily condition. Is your skin drier? Then you need to lubricate more often. If you feel your skin is more restless, then just skip the scrub and clean it mildly. You have more pimples? Then you just have to clean more thoroughly and scrub maybe just use one time more. To look good every day is a must for you! Now you have the perfect excuse to stand before the mirror a little longer and enjoy your SELF moment!

10. When can I start to see the results of my new products?

When you start using new products, your skin has to get used to them, which can take up to two months. Especially with natural products you will feel it's different. It may be that your skin will feel dry and tight at the beginning, this is because you no longer use oil and your skin itself should start to produce fat. After a few weeks your skin is balanced again, and your natural sebum production goes back to normal. Even if your skin feels taut, it takes the healthy and intensely nourishing ingredients. It is like watering a very dry soil. After a while you notice that your skin will be restored.

11. Do I need an eye cream?

Most products are rather poor in quality and often contain irritants thereby highlighting the need for a milder cream for eyes (which is a good commercial of course :) ). An eye cream is actually not completely necessary. The skin under your eyes is thinner and requires a mild cream, but it is also necessary for your face in general. Your face does not need aggressive substances. A good mild cream is perfect for your face and eyes. The SELF products have full cell-stimulating properties, both our day and night cream will address those crow's-feet :)

12. What is a good facial cleanser?

Cleaning the skin is essential, both in the mornings and in the evenings before bedtime! But cleaning it with mild and soft products is equally as important! A foaming facial cleanser is very aggressive and it hurts the skin. It is better to use a milky cleanser, where oil has been added. You can rinse it with lukewarm water afterwards. It sounds crazy, but the oil in the product dissolves dirt and bacteria without drying your skin!

13. How should I care for my skin after working out?

Working out and building a sweat is by no means a bad thing! By transpiring your body eliminates waste and working out means the bloodstream is pumping harder and both are good for your skin!

I work out without makeup. After working out I take a shower and hydrate my skin that little bit more using our body butter. I wash my face using our mild facial cleanser so all of the sweat gets washed away. After showering I apply the All Day Dreamer day cream. It will regulate your moisture balance! And of course, drinking enough fluids after working out, because your skin needs hydration: both inside and outside!

14. Can I be allergic to natural products?

Yes, you can be allergic to anything, even natural ingredients. Just because they're natural, doesn't mean they are great for your skin. Certain substances could irritate and damage the skin. So I advise you to test out new products on the inside of your elbows, this way you can find out if you’re allergic to a product. SELF's ingredients are macadamia, argan, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera and mandarin and geranium oil. Each and every one of these ingredients have a safe and active effect, but you could still be allergic. So test out products on your arms to be safe.

15. Do I need skin care products that contain SPF?

It's not recommended to use a product that contains SPF, it's better to apply SPF separately after the creams. Why? Because SELF has to be absorbed by the skin and SPF doesn't. SPF has to be applied in function of the season or the weather. So always go for a seperate day cream and sunscreen.

16. Won't the active ingredients disappear faster in a jar?

The myth goes as follows: active ingredients in a jar would go to waste much faster than a tube. Whenever these substances such as antioxidants or vitamin C come into contact with oxygen, the active ingredients would lead to a deterioration in quality. Bacterias could easily find their way into jars because you're always sticking your fingers in it.

However this information isn't correct. All of the active ingredients in SELF are subject to several tests, this way we can research the quality of the substances after repeated use or if the formula remains stable. In skin care, we use stable vitamins that can't be converted to an active form by oxygen. In other words: the vitamins remain stable up until they come into contact with the skin. Secondly, it's not true that a tube or pump would be better than a jar. Both packages require closing and the active ingredients keep on working. Besides, tubes or pumps could clog up and they are harder to clean.

So the myth that jars are a gathering place for bacteria is wrong as well. Yes, there will be some bacteria in the jars, but you'll find the same amount in the caps of tubes or pumps. Bacteria are everywhere, including in your favorite pump. So before you start panicking and disinfecting everything, don't worry because they won't do you any harm! There are millions of bacteria on the skin and everything we touch, think of doorknobs, keyboards, your phone. With our SELF bamboo spatula you can apply creams without having to put your fingers into the jars.

17. Why is it better not to use a toner?

You may have read a lot about it, a toner. According to several sources it's a must have to cleanse your face, but here at SELF, we're not really fans of it. A toner contains less cleansing ingredients, it contains mostly water. The toners on the market at the moment usually consist of a high dose of alcohol, which leaves the skin dried out. Toners only contain a mall dose of healthy ingredients that offer nutrition. SELF's mild cleansing lotion has a double effect. It cleanses the face by removing tallow, dirt and makeup and simultaneously, the pure oils will offer nutrition for your skin.

18. Is skin care best chosen in function of your age?

Every skin needs healthy nutrition and moisture, the old and the younger skin. But a lot of skin care brands made us believe we should pick skin care products in function of our age. This isn't true at all, it's most important to look at your skin type! Have you got a dry skin, or more of a fatty skin, or even a combination?

SELF is suitable for every type of skin and age, because our products provide nutrition, they protect against external influences and hydrate intensely. Age isn't the biggest factor! The mature skin could benefit from our night cream, as the formula works even better against fine lines, stimulates cell regeneration and minimizes the loss of moisture.