Product Claims

SPF - Sun Protection Factor

SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor". This is the rating system that tells how long you can stay in the sun while using the product without burning. It is not exactly a measurement of sunscreen strength, as the length of burn exposure-time varies greatly from individual to individual. If a person's skin normally burns in one hour without sunscreen, an SPF 2 sunscreen theoretically will allow the person to remain in the sun two times as long, or two hours, without burning.

Hypoallergenic

A cosmetic that is claimed to be hypoallergenic has generally been manufactured without the use of certain ingredients that are known to frequently cause allergic reactions.

The term hypoallergenic does not mean nonallergenic. There is no such thing as a nonallergenic cosmetic. Somewhere in the world there is a person allergic to every single ingredient used in the cosmetic industry. While there is no way to guarantee a product as nonallergenic, hypoallergenic cosmetics statistically cause fewer allergic reactions.

Noncomedogenic

This means that certain ingredients that are known to cause comedone (acne) development have not been used in these cosmetic formulations. Fats and emollients are the principle agents that cause these reactions.

Unfortunately there is no standard industry definition of the word noncomedogenic, and the FDA does not require that testing be performed to make such a claim. The CTFA publishes a list that they recognize as non comedogenic ingredients which is a guideline Arbonne uses for formulation.

Nonacnegenic

Often this term is used interchangeably with noncoedogenic, but nonacnegenic means that the product has been designed not to cause comedones to develop or follicle irritancy that can cause immediate acne flare-ups. It takes sometimes as much as six months for comedones to form, while follicle irritancy potentially can cause an acne flare-up much more quickly.

Dermatologist Tested

This means that the product or products have been tested for irritancy under the supervision of a dermatologist. These tests are performed by independent laboratories who have a board of advisors on staff to supervise many aspects of testing requirements.

Natural

All natural does not necessarily mean the best. Some all natural ingredients and products can be quite harmful if used or formulated improperly. A good example of this is hemlock, natural, yes, but quite deadly if used. Or take a skin care product that is poorly preserved. Bacteria, which is natural, can form and grow, creating an array of skin problems.

While nature has some wonderful ingredients to contribute, they are not always sufficient by themselves, it depends on the formulation. The fact is that in one form or another everything comes from the earth. Naturally derived ingredients in cosmetics have been used for decades. Science and technology have allowed us to use them more effectively.

Chemical

This one really plays on consumer perception. What do you think of when you hear the word "chemical". Harsh is the first word that comes to mind. When it comes to cosmetic ingredients or any ingredient that combines with another to form something guess what you get? A Chemical reaction. Chemical is perceived by the consumer as some type of harsh ingredient that could strip wax from a floor, heavy duty, extra strength.

"Chemical", although accurate, is rather harsh when you view the scientific bases of compounding cosmetic products. From the raw material to the finished product there are millions of chemical processes to go through. Most raw materials are natural derivatives of plant sources. As the science of organic chemistry developed, chemists were able to isolate specific molecules, then manipulate these molecules, via complex organic reactions, to compound complex and effective products. This manipulation is a process of chemical reactions at the molecular level, therefore adding the chemical process to the outcome. "Chemical" does not necessarily mean harmful, it simply defines a molecular process.

Isn't it interesting that the very individuals who formulate cosmetic products are called "Chemists" derived from chemical.

pH Balanced

The skin has an acid mantle on its surface, made of a mixture of lipids, sebum and sweat. This acid mantle has a pH of about 5.5. Cosmetics that are formulated to be pH balanced do not disrupt the acid mantle. The main purpose of the acid mantle is to protect the skin from unnecessary exposure to bacteria and the environment. It is the skins natural protective barrier. If the acid mantle is disrupted or stripped by using products that are not pH balanced, the skin becomes more susceptible to unwanted bacteria.