Answers to Questions About Hand Sanitizer
In Response to Questions About Hand Sanitizer
Our hand sanitizer is made with a minimum of 65% alcohol, as required for effectiveness.
Hand sanitizer does not expire. Yes, really.
To those of you who have recently ordered hand sanitizer from us or those who plan to, please be advised that due to the unavailability of our usual gelling ingredient, carbomer, we were forced to convert to xanthan gum as a thicker. Xanthan gum does not create a thick, crystal clear sanitizer that you may be accustomed to using, but the upside is that you can put it into a spray container, as well, which in some circumstances may be more convenient to use.
Though perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing, it is made to specifications required for sanitizing hands with an alcohol content of at least 65%, hydrating glycerin, and soothing essential oils of sweet orange and lavender, which now, considering the shortage, is a good thing. We wanted to be able to continue to do our part to help those at risk to have this product available at a cost after free shipping, which leaves us little or no profit.
As soon as carbomer becomes available again, we will resume using it in our hand sanitizer.
As stated in our return policy, we are not able to accept returns on hand sanitizer.
Exciting News from Bee Naturals Beginning March, 2020
Now Using Organic, Unbleached Beeswax
Bee Naturals will begin using organic, unbleached beeswax in all products that contain this ingredient.
What does this mean for you? No concerns about potential pesticide or organophosphate residue.
It costs more, but you’re worth it!
Our Decision About the Future Use of Xylitol
Bee Naturals will stop using xylitol in our very popular Whitening Pre-Brush Oral Rinse and Mouthwash and instead will begin, using the much-preferred erythritol. What does this mean for you?
Greatly reduced risk of harm to domestic animals that live in your household. We don’t want your fur babies to be at risk, plus, there is evidence that erythritol is even more effective at suppressing cavity-causing bacterial biofilm than xylitol!
For more information see: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5011233/
The Battle Against Blemishes, Oil and Acne, Part 2 of 2
In Part 1 of this article, we discussed the frustrations felt by those plagued with acne. Unfortunately, acne is an unforgiving issue that does not discriminate when it comes to your age. Recognizing that blemishes can threaten our skin at any stage of life, Bee Naturals has created a line of products to arm you in your battle. As promised, this section of the article will take a closer look at some of the active ingredients that make these products successful.
Anti-Aging Cream for Acne Prone Skin:
Moisture. As we age, we cannot seem to get enough of it. For this reason, many of us turn to a heavy-duty anti-aging product, formulated with every hydrating ingredient under the sun, hoping we will wake up the next morning with a supple, dewy, glowing complexion. Then, there are those of us who are aging and have come to terms with it, but their skin is living in a state of denial. This is a product for skin going through a midlife crisis. It is aging, but wants to break out in an attempt to relive its teenage years.
This cream uses Caprylic Capric Triglycerides to deliver aging skin with the nutrients it needs, without being too suffocating. At first glance, this tongue twister may look unnatural, but it is an ester derived from Coconut Oil. The ingredient has a dry, silky texture, full of skin loving fatty acids from the coconut that gently moisturize the skin. Sugar Cane Extract and Lactic Acid are Alpha Hydroxy Acids that have been added to the formula to aid in exfoliation. These two are equipped to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, while promoting collagen in the deep layers of the skin.
This little glass bottle is for 911 skin emergencies. Because it is formulated with so many powerhouse ingredients, only a little is needed and the bottle is sure to last you a while. Out of all the ingredients, Calamine is one that stands out from the rest. This pink powder is known for soothing skin irritations of all sorts. The ingredient’s claim to fame dates as far back as the 19th century when its anti-itch properties were first discovered. Calamine eliminates itchiness by absorbing fluids in the skin that are causing the irritation. Similarly, when applied topically over blemishes, Calamine works to draw the bacteria out of the clogged pores, drying up the area. As an anti-inflammatory, Calamine also reduces the redness often associated with acne.
Sulphur is the leading ingredient in the Blemish RX formula, which seems appropriate, as it is one of the most abundant minerals in our bodies. Often referred to as, “the beauty mineral,” Sulphur encourages the shedding of dead skin cells responsible for breakouts. Like Calamine, it clarifies the skin, absorbing excess oil and minimizing redness.
It is hard to find acne-fighting products that do not leave you overly dry and irritated. This soap-free bar thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it of all its healthy oils. The Activated Charcoal in this product’s formula is responsible for its unique gray color and intriguing appeal. The ingredient is currently getting a lot of attention in the natural skin care arena, giving other ingredients a run for their money. Created by adding oxygen to charcoal, Activated Charcoal absorbs 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities. This is why the ingredient is often incorporated into the manufacturing of water filters. Its purifying qualities work in the same way for our skin, drawing impurities out of our pores.
Allantoin is used in the formula to help soothe, heal, and protect the skin. The ingredient is a chemical compound naturally occurring in most animals and plants. It is an incredibly versatile chemical and praised for its abilities to smooth the skin texture, diminish the appearance of acne scars, and stimulate new cell growth. Allantoin is the perfect ingredient for sensitive, dry, acne prone skin types.
The Battle Against Blemishes, Oil and Acne, Part 1 of 2
Did you know that acne affects between 40-50 million people in the US, alone? Just what defines acne? For our purposes, I’m using the term acne in a broad, general sense, as there are many different types of acne. see: https://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=479093
Though much more prevalent in adolescents, this unsightly and distressing skin disorder can follow many of us well past mid-life. Dealing with adolescent acne is certainly a challenge, but often overlooked is the tendency for acne to plague us in our 30’s, 40’s and even 50’s. Mine didn’t occur until I was nearly 30, after having acne-free teen years. What’s with this!? (hormones) Then, to add insult, I hit menopause, my skin went from oily to dry, and if I used any sort of rich moisturizer for the dryness, bam, I’d break-out. Wrinkles and acne- what’s a woman to do?
I’m not a dermatologist, but having many years of first hand experience with this problem and knowing what works for me and what doesn’t and as a formulator, I certainly have some strong opinions about various approaches to these issues (yes, there are multiple, complex issues associated with the treatment of acne). My opinions are not to be construed as medical advice, so if you’re happy with your dermatologist, great. If you’re considering see one, or not pleased with your treatment regimen, read on.
First, I’m not a fan of aggressive treatment approaches to acne, in general. Yes, I know, you want it gone, yesterday, but if you use excessively strong products, you risk over-drying your face to the point of inflammation, which can actually trigger more breakouts, Inflammation is a major component in the acne cycle, so if you get carried away with scrubbing and benzyyl peroxides, you may actually be doing more harm in the long run. That why some people, when trying a new product or regimen may see a dramatic initial improvement in their condition, only to be frustrated with ‘rebound’ breakouts.
Next time I’ll detail the ingredients we use in our products and how I believe they’ll may make a difference for you.
With Summer at hand, you may be interested in the newest additions to our Troubled Skin Care Collection. You won’t find any BPA, here. These effective adjuncts to our current products will be available on our website with the next 3 weeks. They are:
Anti-Aging Cream for Acne Prone Skin – 1 oz. This product is a small miracle for any woman over 50 whose complexion is showing signs of aging and needs some moisturizing, but who also tends to experience breakouts while using most traditional moisturizers. It’s two treatments in one!
Blemish Rx – 1/2 fl oz, which will last a long time. This tiny little bottle is for those times when you need to address a major eruption quickly. Filled with star performers like sulfur, zinc oxide, witch hazel, calamine, kaolin, allantoin, honey, propolis, white willow extract, tea tree and lavender essential oils. To be used as a bedtime spot treatment, this powerhouse will dry and sooth the worst pimples while you sleep.
Blemish/Acne Cleansing Bar – 5+ oz bar. This soap-free bar won’t over-dry your skin. It contains activated charcoal, zinc oxide and soothing oatmeal, allantoin and lavender, to cleanse and detoxify. Use twice daily or alternate with Bee Naturals Foaming Face Wash
Rhassoul Clay Bars– 5+ oz bar. Rhassoul clay is also known as Moroccan clay which has a great track record with detoxifying and ‘clearing’ the complexion. Swiped over damp skin, it’s a great detoxifies pores and leaves skin clean and clear. Used twice daily or twice weekly, you notice the difference. It’s like a mini-mask in a bar.
Sebum Regulating Gel – 2 oz. This lightweight gel effectively reduces the excess sebum(oil) production associated with acne prone skin with a proprietary blend of botanicals that includes Botanical polyphenol-rich complex from argania spinosa kernel extract (argan oil)
Make Me Matt- Mattifying Tinted Oil Controlling Treatment – 4 oz. This product absorbs oil, but also keeps your makeup fresh for hours. Just shake, apply to cotton pad and swipe wherever shine and ‘oil slick’ occur to achieve hours of flawless matt finish. Use alone or under makeup. Will be available in two shades.. It very gently draws the impurities from the skin, tightens
Earth Day 2015
Earth Day, April 22, 2015 – Show your support for Earth Day!
Earth Day is a perfect opportunity for me to pause, reflect and plan how Bee Naturals can be good stewards of our earth and the environment. We’ve been recycling and/or re-purposing 95% of all the materials and supplies we use at the company for years, but I still wonder, is it enough? Don’t get me wrong, recycling and re-purposing plastic, cardboard, Styrofoam, metal and glass are all good things and I’m proud of our achievements, but I still have to ask myself, what else can we do? Do our recycling efforts make us sustainable? In short, no.
Just what the heck does sustainable really mean? https://www.landlearnnsw.org.au/sustainability/what-is-sustainability. To be truly sustainable. a system, whether it’s environmental, economic or social must be able to continue to work, not just today or tomorrow, but way into the future. Further, these three primary systems must remain in balance, and that, put simply, is where sustainability resides. So our challenge is: what will we, as a company do, moving forward, to better meet these critical objectives?
Here are some of the things we plan to implement this year:
* Source 90% sustainable ingredients (a lofty goal) (Environmental Pillar)
* Source 25% more ingredients certified ‘fair trade’ (Social/Economic Pillar)
* Raise awareness by educating consumers and providing incentives for recycling our packaging. (Environmental/Social)
Do you have any special stories you’d like to share about how you recognize Earth Day? Ideas for us? We’d love to hear from you, and here’s to keeping our beautiful planet healthy and able sustain to us, our children and generations to come!
