Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you sell products with an EWG rating from "0" to "3"?

 It is challenging to keep up with the latest research on chemicals.  The EWG rating system is becoming the de facto standard for people who are looking for an alternative to a chemistry Ph.D.  The EWG analyzes the ingredients in the products they rate, then assigns them a number from from 0 to 10.  The best approximately 9% of products are rated "0", the next best 9% "1" and so on.  

Since "0" is the safest rating, that is an easy starting point.  By going up to a "3" (even though the EWG calls it "moderate hazard") we found we could significantly increase the products that very discerning people (like fussy teenage girls or grandmothers who think they are too old for chemical additives to matter) are open to using.  I'd rather have my daughter using a shampoo rated "3" than giving up and buying herself a "7".  We display all of the rating numbers, so those who want to use very low numbers can make that choice as well.

Can't I just buy products labeled as natural or organic?

Unlike in foods, the term "organic"  is not regulated in products like bodycare or cleaning items.  A look at the EWG database will highlight this.  A 2009 examination of bodycare companies with the word organic in their name resulted in the discovery of one with products rated as high as "9" (high hazard) and another whose best product is considered a moderate hazard ("4").  USDA organic certification is considered an exception to this.

It can also be risky to identify a good product or two, then buy everything else from that company.  There are companies who have both good and poorly rated products.  That is why we use the EWG ratings on a product by product basis.

What other criteria do you use to select your products?

We are constantly on the lookout for products that meet our ingredient and quality expectations.  When we find something interesting, our first step is to check the "Skin Deep" database on the EWG website.  If the product is listed and has a rating of "3" or better, it can go on to the next step.  If it is not listed, we will enter the ingredients on their provisional rating tool, to see if it would rank as "3" or better. 

Once a product passes this step, we purchase a sample or full sized product and try it ourselves.  If it passes again, we typically send samples to our consumer panel for further testing.  We have rejected products that we or our raters thought were ineffective, had poor sensory characteristics and even caused rashes! (Even natural products can cause reactions and everyone is unique; that's why recommend a skin test first).  

We believe in supporting small artisan companies.  As many of the early natural "pioneers" are bought out by corporations (a practice that has both positives and negatives), we believe that it is important to encourage the type of innovation that is typical of entrepreneural cultures.  So an artisan producer will get extra "points."  

Do I need to set up an account to process an order?

There is an express checkout option for those who do not wish to set up an account.  We know how hard it is to remember all of those passwords!  Feel free to contact us if you have any problems with this.

Are your shippinig practices green?

We have found that items come to us in large boxes with lots of packing material and leave us in small boxes with small amounts of packing material.  To date, all of our packing materials have been reused from the original shipments.  In fact we save our excess peanuts and give them to another local company to use in their shipping! 

How long does an order take to process and ship?

Our goal is to ship within 2 business days of an order.  Shipping  typically uses USPS priority mail, which usually takes an additional 1-3 days to arrive.    Larger orders may use other shipping methods and take a bit longer.

Is order tracking used?

Most shipments are sent USPS priority mail.  This service sends you an email when the package is shipped and another when it is delivered so you can be sure your package has not gone astray. 

Why can't I order an out of stock product? 

Stock outages can be unpredictable.  And with "cure" times for natural soaps taking  three weeks or longer, occassionally the wait times can be extended.  Should this occur, we'd be happy to suggest an alternative product or to notify you when the item is back in stock.  Just email or fill our our contact form!