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Here, we define skincare terminology and traits, our sourcing values, and product composition,  storage and delivery. 

Additionally, if you would like to know more, feel free contact us for more information. 

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WHY DOES THE ĦARLO CREAM LOOK AND FEEL DIFFERENT TO CONVENTIONAL CREAM?

Ħarlo’s creams comprise purely of natural butters and oils, and are intentionally wax free. Waxes often assist with cream form and consistency, but over time, can cause a penetration barrier. Without waxes and other synthetics, our cream consistency can change depending on exposed temperatures.  

The creams may harden in cooler temperatures, and melt in very warm environments. Additionally, varying temperatures can cause granulating. This is the shea butter molecules crystallising at a slow temperature setting.

Whilst the varying consistencies does not affect the properties of formulation, we encourage the creams to be kept at a regulated temperature below 27 degrees to ensure oil potency. As we never heat our oils, we don't like to encourage the melting and resetting of our formulations rather, granules can be melted in between the fingertips upon applications. 

WHAT IS THE SKINCARE SHELF LIFE?

The shelf life of your product will largely depend on how it is stored. Our products and their ingredients are made and ordered in small batches, meaning a longer shelf life and potency optimacy. 

Oils will go rancid over time. This does depend on the oil and its stored environment, which is why we always encourage the reuse of our premium biophotonic glass and storing in a cool, dark cupboard. 

For optimal potency of vitamins and minerals we do recommend using our formulations within 3-6 months of opening, however our products can serve 12-18 months if stored in the right conditions. 

WHY IS FINDING FAIR TRADE ORGANIC SKINCARE SO HARD?

Certified fair trade guarantees ingredients are sourced and traded ethically and fairly. A baseline requirement for all conscious manufacturers and consumers. Yet unfortunately, it's something we don't see or talk about in the skincare industry. 

 

The certification is a lengthy process, that evolves complex applications, audits and ongoing fees. This, and its lack of enquiry and demand, means that only a small handful of fair trade certified ingredients are currently available on the market.

 

Fair trade sets a minimum price for produce, regardless of the market, protecting farmers from extreme price drops and ensuring ongoing fair wages, and development incentives. 

 

You can help encourage this crucial recognition by inquiry. The more demand from customers, manufacturers and suppliers, the more farmers are incentivised to take action.

 

Here, at Harlo we make sure we have those conversations with our suppliers. Our ingredient transparency includes no child or forced labour and Fair for Life certifications for some of our sourced botanicals, but we believe more can, and should be done. 

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We hope that with the rise of natural skincare, manufacturers will join us in asking the questions, provoking much needed change to our limited sourcing industry.  We believe transparency is important, you can find out more about our botanicals and how they are sourced, via our Glossary page.

WHY DOES MY PRODUCT LOOK, SMELL AND FEEL DIFFERENT TO LAST TIME?

Ingredient colour and smell does differ from batch to batch. Temperature variations, the amount of sun and rain during a harvest, will change the outcomes of the final product. All part of the unaltered, authentic attributes of working with natural ingredients and formulations. It's important to note, these varied characteristics won't effect the performance of your product.  

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS CHILD FRIENDLY?

Our creams are made our of pure organic butters and oils and are fragrance and even essential oil free. Safe for young babies and children. 

Our other essential oil formulations are patch tested recommended and suited for children over the age of 12 years.

WHY IS USING ORGANIC SKINCARE IMPORTANT?

The skin, the largest organ of your body, will absorb 60-70% of what you put on it. This fact aside, we believe that supporting organic produce is about more than just toxic free living. It's about sustaining our future. A future free from pesticides which is causing irreversible damage to our wildlife and soil. 

Where possible we encourage and support biodynamic sourcing and soil investment practises instead of wildcrafted ingredients. 

Ingredients which are not organic are selected due to restricted organic availability, or performance suitability.

WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC FARMING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE?

Biodynamic farming practises applies the ethos and principals of organic farming, but takes it a step further.

This method embraces a holistic approach by supporting, encouraging and nurturing the diversified elements involved in farming. In addition to natural fertilisers and soil enhancers, biodynamic practices commit to soil, fauna and even surrounding wildlife conservation.

With cultivable soil set to run out within the next sixty years, and one acre of cropland currently desertified every second, saving our soil and our farming future couldn't be more important.

As an eco conscious company, this topic is so incredibly close to our hearts. Moving forward, we encourage you to support socially responsible, ethical and earth -friendly farming practises in your day to day purchases. You can also head to our Glossary page to find out more about how some of our ingredients are sourced, and suppliers' Corporate Social Responsibility  (CSR) standards.

WHY IS YOUR SKINCARE AND MOISTURISERS WATER FREE?

Water, aqua, infusion formulations often comprise of 40-80% of water volume and a largely accompanied with unnecessary emulsifiers and potent synthetic preservatives. 

Investing in your skin takes valuable money, time and resources.

An investment that shouldn't be diluted. 

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS CRUELTY FREE AND  VEGAN?

Yes our organic skincare collection is Cruetly-Free Certified™ and Vegan Friendly Certified™. 

WHO MAKES THE PRODUCTS?

Our homewares collection is handcrafted ethically by both national and international qualified artisans. 

The skincare collection is handmade by us, here in Canberra in small batches, in our carbon neutral studio, whilst listening to Thom Yorke, Ben Harper, or the waterfall fountain of our 1500 litre pond.

WHAT IS A COMEDOGENIC RATING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT IN SKINCARE?

A comedogenic rating is a universal rating specifying the ability for a particular oil to clog your pores (0 unlikely - 5 very likely). Suitable oils for facial skin range from a rating of 0-3, depending on your skin type. Hemp for example, has a comedogenic rating of 0, whilst the widely used coconut oil, has a rating of 4.⁠
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Careful consideration of this rating plays an important factor in the formulation of an effective long term skincare regime.⁠

WHAT IS AN ABSORPTION  RATING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT IN SKINCARE?

An oil absorption rating is a universal scale specifying how speedily an oil soaks into the skin and the resulting sensory feel (5, very slow absorption rate, feels heavy and leaves a barrier on the skin - 1, very fast, quickly absorbed without residue). ⁠
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A lip gloss/balm will often contain oils with a very slow absorption rate to avoid dryness. Facial care for oily skin will generally include what is considered as a drying oil, with a very fast absorption rate. ⁠
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In addition to an oils beneficial properties and comedogenic rating, the scrutiny of an oils absorption rating is imperative to a products performance and also feel. ⁠

SHIPPING

All orders are shipped via Australia Post Standard Post. If you order is urgent, let us know in the comments box and we will get in touch.

Shipping information including a tracking number and link will be sent upon your orders shipment. 

All orders are posted in either plastic free, reused bubble wrap and/or recycled internal protective packaging. 
 

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