What is a synthetic ingredient? Many synthetic ingredients are chemical compounds that have been processed from natural resources. One example is: Wheat protein is naturally occurring and is processed to become hydrolyzed. Then it is a synthetic material, since hydrolyzed wheat protein does not occur in nature. Other synthetics are completely comprised of man made chemical compounds. What is a sulfate? Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are cleansing and foaming agents used in many products from shampoo to toothpaste. It has become a wildly popular belief that SLS and SLES are cancer causing agents although at this time there is no study to substantiate the claim. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all rated SLS and SLES as non-carcinogenic. They are however known irritants, which means if swallowed, inhaled or prolonged exposure to them could induce nausea, diarrhea, or skin irritation. Although SLS and SLES are still officially safe, Love, Peace & The Planet has chosen to use milder options as cleansing agents. What is a Paraben? It is a chemical component that has bactericidal and fungicidal properties and is used as a preservative in many personal care and food products. These chemicals are becoming controversial and have become associated with increased risk of breast cancer, although to date there is no scientific study substantiating this claim. Love, Peace & The Planet has chosen to use alternative options as studies are still being conducted on Parabens. Are your products petrochemical free? Love, Peace & The Planet does not utilize actual petrochemical or petroleum based ingredients (i.e. petroleum jelly), however it is necessary to utilize petroleum in the chemical extraction of many naturally derived ingredients in order to make them suitable for usage for their specific properties. Because of this, we choose not to state that we do not use petrochemicals as we feel that is misleading. Who tests your ingredients for safety? Every TIGI product meets worldwide regulatory standards and is formulated with the utmost concern for the safety of our consumers. In the United States personal care goods are regulated by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act which is overseen by the FDA. In addition, all ingredients are reviewed by CIR which is an independent, non-profit scientific body that assesses the safety of ingredients used in personal care. What is your packaging made of? Love, Peace & The Planet uses a 50% PCR/50% Virgin PET and 50%PCR/50% Virgin HDPE plastic materials for our tubes and bottles with the exception of the Eco Freako container. PCR (Post Consumer Recycle) plastic has been formulated from items that consumers have recycled. To recycle your Love, Peace & The Planet items, please remove the caps and rinse the bottles before placing in your recycle bins. If your local waste management does not offer curbside recycling, you can go to earth911.com to Find the nearest location and learn other great green information. Our caps are not recyclable and do not contain PCR, Love, Peace & The Planet is actively looking for alternatives to improve upon this. Our Eco Freako container is a food grade quality container and can be washed and reused for food or to organize small items such as paperclips or change - rethink and reuse! Who certifies your organic ingredients? All of our organic ingredients meet the USDA requirements for organic certification. This process takes place at the actual farm location which must utilize approved certification agencies to verify and process the certification of their operations and its production. What is sustainability? Sustainability, by the EPA's definition, is Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Love, Peace & The Planet is making efforts by using natural or organic ingredients when possible, biodegradable ingredients, plastics that contain PCR content, printed materials with recycled paper and water based inks among others. Are your products vegan? No, Our Eco Freako Texturizer utilizes bee's wax. Do you test on animals? Love, Peace & The Planet does not test our product formulations on animals; we test on friends and family.