Organic Excellence Q&A

DOES OX CONTAIN GENETICALLY MODIFIED INGREDIENTS OR TEST THEM ON ANIMALS?

Organic Excellence products do not contain genetically modified ingredients, and are never tested on animals.

DOES OX USE TOXIC CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS?

Organic Excellence is dedicated to quality products that will help you and your family maintain good health. All of their products are natural, and contain no chemical additives.  No Sodium Laurel Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Quaternium-15 or other harmful chemicals are used in our products.  All formulations, from the raw materials to finished products, are developed in accordance with the highest standards of excellence

what is the test for typical vitamin c products?

1. Is the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, the only true form of vitamin C that the body can use in the product?  For the Organic Excellence C-Max Skin Repair
Formula the answer is YES.
2. If yes, is the L-ascorbic acid at a low pH so that it penetrates skin and high enough concentration to have an effect?  For the Organic Excellence C-Max Skin Repair Formula the answer is YES. C-Max has a concentration of 6.5% of the L-ascorbic acid form of Vitamin C in each 2 ounce jar, and is formulated with a low enough pH to be absorbed into the skin. (Studies have shown that at least
a 5% concentration is needed to achieve results.)
3. Is the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C in the product stable?  For the Organic Excellence C-Max Skin Repair Formula, the answer is YES.

I WAS WONDERING IF YOUR PACKAGING (PLASTIC BOTTLES, ETC) HAVE BISPHENOL (bpa) IN THEM? i HAVE HEARD THAT BPA LEACHES FROM THE PLASTIC BOTTLE INTO THE CONTENTS.

This is a good question. The answer would be no.  I've used your products for years with wonderful results. I noticed some changes in your ingredients. Why change a good thing?  We hope you like our new product labels! Since we were updating our labels, we took the opportunity to make a few small changes in our products to enhance the great results our customers already enjoy.

We choose our ingredients, and the way we combine them, to create a synergistic effect and results you can quickly see and feel. The order of some of our ingredients has changed to maximize their effectiveness. We also discontinued the use of Cocomide Propyl Betaine in our Wild Mint Shampoo and Spearmint Bodywash. Although Cocomide Propyl Betaine is a mild, non-toxic surfactant (wetting agent) derived from coconut, a chemical process was required. We are dedicated to providing your with 100% chemical free products!

Why have you changed the names of your products?

With our label change, we realized it was time to freshen things up a bit. We wanted to differentiate between our two progesterone creams (with and without phytoestrogens) so we gave them new names. We also faced regulations that prohibit identifying specific health conditions. For example, we had to change "Arthritis Formula" to Joint Pain Therapy. Be assured, it is the same results-driven product with a new name.

What chemicals should I avoid in my personal care products?

Each year, there approximately 700 new chemicals introduced to the US market. Unfortunately, chemical companies are not required to conduct safety tests for toxicity. Many of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, and some are considered carcinogenic. Still, even so-called "natural" personal care products utilize harsh chemicals as foaming agents, preservatives, fragrance, and colors.

It's impossible to avoid chemicals in our surroundings, but you can make a chemical free healthy choice in your personal care products. We make it simple by offering 100% chemical and fragrance free products. Please see the list of Ingredients We Don't Use below.

What beneficial ingredients do you use?

Our chemical free products are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. We utilize ingredients that maintain a healthy pH balance, organic and non-organic herbs known for their medicinal properties, and pure, organic essential oils.

What ingredients do you use as preservatives?

Each of the chemical free Organic Excellence products contain Grape Seed Extract and Vegetable Glycerin which act as very effective natural preservatives.

Do you use ingredients that have been tested on animals?

No, never.

I have MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). Can I feel safe using your products?

Absolutely. Every Organic Excellence product is 100% chemical free. Most of our products are fragrance free too. Our Wild Mint Shampoo, Conditioner, and Styling Spray, along with our Spearmint Bodywash, do have a small amount of certified organic peppermint and spearmint oils which add a slight hint of natural fragrance.

Since you don't use Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, does your shampoo and bodywash lather?

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth are harsh, toxic sudsing agents. Our special combination of ingredients do create a slight, smooth lather, however not like what is produced by this commonly used chemical.

Most of your products are fragrance free. Why do you add essential oils to some of them?

We use a small amount of specific essential oils for their natural fragrance and medicinal qualities. For example, the organic spearmint oil in our Spearmint Bodywash soothes the skin and calms itching. In our Wild Mint Styling Spray, it lends a refreshing hint of fragrance. Organic peppermint oil, found in our Wild Mint Shampoo and Wild Mint Styling Spray, refreshes and clarifies. Some essential oils even act as natural preservatives.

Does your conditioner cause that "heavy hair" feeling that so many others do?

No, and our customers frequently comment on that fact. They love how our Wild Mint Conditioner moisturizes and adds body without building up.

Do your hair care products protect against UV rays?

Yes. Each of our hair care products contains ingredients to protect your hair from pollution and other environmental factors, and from the harsh effects of ultra-violet rays.

I love C-Max! Is it the same as Skin Renewal Therapy?

Yes, Skin Renewal Therapy is the exact same formulation that you have come to love.

What about the Silk Protein Formula? Did you rename it Anti-Aging Therapy?

Yes, we did, but the ingredients have remained the same. They synergistically offer powerful anti-aging benefits that we identified by changing the name to Anti-Aging Therapy.

What is Silk Protein? Does it come from an animal?

Hydrolyzed Silk Protein has the ability to repair damaged skin. Firming and very moisturizing, it easily absorbs deep into the skin due to the low molecular weight of silk amino acids. Our Silk Protein is not from the silk worm or any other animal source.

What is Acerola Extract and why is it in Skin Renewal Therapy?

Acerola Extract is a key ingredient in Skin Renewal Therapy for its ability to repair damaged skin and renew skin cells. It boasts an exceptionally high concentration of Vitamin C. This is the only form of Vitamin C proven to stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell renewal.

Ingredients that Organic Excellence DOES NOT USE in their product range:

Ingredients we DO NOT use:

Acrylamides act as stabilizers and thickeners in personal care products. They are restricted in European cosmetics due to their documented health risks.

Alcohol Denat (Denatured Alcohol) is a petrochemical byproduct that usually contains benzyl alcohol. It can cause systemic eczematous, contact dermatitis and chemical sensitivities. Used in all commercial perfumes and as a solvent.

Aluminum is a skin irritant linked to Alzheimer's and lung disease.

Benzyl Alcohol is an endocrine disrupting petrochemical. It is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin and is a severe irritant to the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

Bismuth Oxychloride is soft to the touch and often used in cosmetics to give sheen to the face. A by-product of lead and copper refining, it is considered a heavy metal.

BHA and BHT encourages the breakdown of vitamin D, and can cause lipid and cholesterol levels to increase. Endocrine disrupting, they are linked to cancer.

Diethanolamine is used as a skin softener and humectant in personal care products. It can be carcinogenic when combined with other ingredients. Closely related to the toxic ingredients, TEA, and MEA.

Ethoxylates are chemical compounds made as reaction products involving ethylene oxide. Ethoxylated materials include ingredients such as Laureth, Myreth, Ceteth, Ceteareth, and Glycereth which are typically used as lathering agents in shampoo and soap products. Trace contaminants in some ethoxylates have been implicated as potent carcinogens.

Formaldehyde is a preservative which includes Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. A known irritant and potential carcinogen, it is often hidden in other ingredients.

Fragrance is highly allergenic to many people. Companies do not have to list the ingredients used in fragrances, however they contain large quantities of toxins and undisclosed chemicals.

Glycols (Propylene, Butylene, Pentylene, Hexylene, and Caprylyl) are a family of synthetic chemicals often found in personal care products as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsifiers, skin conditioners, and humectants.

MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinase) is an enzyme that breaks down collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. While it is known to help with wound healing, it also causes premature aging of the skin and tumor cell metastasis.

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is an antimicrobial agent found in some shampoos and hand creams. It inhibits the development of particular neuron structures that are essential for transmitting signals between cells. Prolonged exposure to low levels of MIT have potentially damaging consequences to the nervous system.

Phthalates are synthetic chemical compounds used as softening agents and to create fragrance. Possible carcinogens and known endocrine disruptors, they are abundant in plastics.

Parabens (methylparabens, propylparabens, butylparabens, and ethylparabens) are synthetic compounds used as preservatives in many personal care products. Parabens have been found in breast cancer tissue and implicated in a multitude of health problems.

PEG (PEG-6, PEG-150) are close and dangerous chemical cousins of the Glycols. This water soluble polymer used often used as an emulsifier and has been cited as potentially carcinogenic. Unfortunately, PEG is frequently found in otherwise safe personal care products.

Petrochemicals are derived from raw materials of petroleum or natural gas origin. These include materials such as propylene glycol, ethoxylates, acrylamides, mineral oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). These known endocrine disruptors have many potentially dangerous affects on the body.

Petrolatum is a derivative also known as petroleum jelly. This petrochemical is a known endocrine disruptor. Petroleum byproducts can pass through the brain barrier and cause ADD/dyslexia symptoms and may be carcinogenic. Like mineral oil, it ultimately causes dry skin.

Phenoxyethanol is found in more and more "natural" personal care products including some that have previously been promoted as "chemical free." This synthetic ether alcohol preservative is being (inaccurately) touted as a natural substitute for parabens.

Silicone is a synthetic emollient. Some forms of silicone such as Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane, Methicone, and Phenyl Trimethicone can be toxic and irritating to the skin.

Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate are synthetic foaming agents found in many soaps, cleansers, and shampoos. They are common skin irritants and are rapidly absorbed into the heart, liver, brain, and eyes, which can cause long term health effects.

Synthetic Dyes (Food Colors) are byproducts of the petroleum industry. Their molecular structure is so small that they can pass through the brain barrier. In children, extensive research shows that food colors affect behavior and create ADD/ADHD and dyslexia type symptoms. Many people have allergies to artificial colors, especially red dye 40.

Talc contains asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen linked to lung disease and ovarian cancer.

TEA (Triethanolamine) contains ammonium salts and is a toxic eye irritant.