Yes, our natural cosmetic products have shorter shelf lives than conventional cosmetic products because we do not use any conventional preservatives.

Natural cosmetics help the skin to activate its own mechanisms, thereby supporting skin regeneration. They enable the skin find its natural balance. With natural raw materials such as waxes, oils and ceramides, natural cosmetics provide the skin with what it actually needs. Conventional cosmetics, on the other hand, add unfamiliar substances to the skin. As a result, the skin loses its ability to regulate itself.

The BÖRLIND products are all developed and manufactured in Calw, in the Black Forest. Our company was established there, and that is where our production facilities have always been. Production in the Black Forest is a component of our philosophy regarding quality. And we also have a commitment to safeguarding jobs at our location.

We pump our own, very soft Black Forest spring water from a depth of more than 166 meters. The naturally pure spring water is the ideal basis for our care products.

Other than that, the options for high-quality natural cosmetics with raw materials exclusively from the region are unfortunately quite limited. However, we pay strict attention to where we source our raw materials from, in order to protect nature. By systematically purchasing botanical raw materials, we support numerous projects with ecological cultivation methods and environmental projects worldwide.

BÖRLIND opted for certification by CSE (Certified Sustainable Economics). These guidelines go well beyond the usual criteria for natural cosmetics certification because they look at more than the products, including the review and verification of the entire company and its underlying socio-ecological philosophy. Manufacturing companies that apply for certification in line with the CSE standard must manufacture at least 75% of the volume of their products in line with an existing product standard in their industry (NATRUE, COSMOS, BDIH, Ecocert, Soil Association, Cosmébio, ICADA, demeter, naturland, Vivaness 2011, Ordinance on natural cosmetics in accordance with the Austrian Food Code, NCS).

Ever since our company was established in 1959, we have rejected animal testing. Even before the legal stipulations were tightened EU-wide, we did not carry out tests on animals or commission them from third parties. All products that BÖRLIND makes are also vegetarian: they do not contain ingredients from dead animals.

Because it would constitute advertising that states the obvious, a note in the spirit of “no animal tests” is prohibited on packaging and in advertising.

Veganism is defined as a lifestyle that rejects utilizing both animals and animal products. Vegan cosmetics are not only free from animal extracts from dead animals (such as carmine), but also from products that originate from animals, such as wax or honey.

The numbers on the product boxes indicate the care step within the systematic care series. Care step 1 stands for cleansing, 2 for toning, 3 for daytime protection, 4 for nighttime care and 5 for eye care.

In our online shop, you will find a list of the ingredients used in the product and an explanation of them under the “Ingredients” tab on the relevant product page. The list of ingredients (INCI) is also on the box.

The International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is an international guideline for the correct listing of the ingredients in cosmetics. The ingredients are listed by the proportion of their weight in descending order. This applies to all ingredients that make up more than 1% of the contents. Ingredients that make up less than 1% must not be listed in that order.

The order of the ingredients on the list can lead users to believe that one ingredient represents a particularly large proportion and another has only a very small effect on the relevant product. However, that is not the case.

Even a main ingredient must not appear first on the INCI list, since some active ingredients are so efficient and concentrated that they have maximum effect in small doses. A higher proportion would not improve the formula’s efficacy; and in some cases it would make it worse.

Just because an ingredient is listed first, that doesn’t automatically mean the product contains more of it than the other ingredients. First, the gradations are expressed in grams. Second, the ingredients source from plants could represent a high proportion in total than an ingredient that is first on the list, such as water.

Neither palm oil nor palm kernel oil are used in our products. However, we do use some palm oil derivatives. They cannot be easily replaced since they ensure that a cream is supple, for example. Whenever possible, we use derivatives with certificates that confirm they are sourced from sustainable cultivation.

To increase the proportion of certified (sustainable) derivatives, we have joined the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP). It is committed to significantly boosting the proportion of sustainably produced palm oil on the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. When this aim has been achieved, supply chain traceability will be so effective that even derivatives will be available in certified form. Due to the high yields for cultivators, abolishing palm oil production is not the solution and would most likely lead to other, less environmentally friendly monoculture.

From our point of view, complete certification of palm oil is the only sensible option for putting an end to the exploitation of nature in the sector.

We consciously decided against using parabens in our product formulations. Parabens have proven their worth as preservatives in cosmetics for years, but they have recently come under fire because they are considered to be hormonally active.

Yes, we use mica in our products. Mica is a natural, rock-forming mineral that belongs to the phyllosilicates group. The cosmetic industry primarily adds it to decorative cosmetics such as powder to achieve a shimmering effect.

Sixty percent of the world’s demand for mica is met by raw materials from India because the mica mined there has special properties that make it possible to produce high-quality pigments. Unfortunately, there is no blanket prohibition on child labor in India and a large proportion of the mica exported and the mica mining activity there is not controlled.

We are against child labor and do everything in our power to prevent it. Both our company and its products are certified by CSE (Certified Sustainable Economics). The certification guidelines demand the following and more: Supplier audits in accordance with the ILO (International Labor Organization), which in turn prohibits child labor, forced labor, etc. At regular intervals, we must prove that we comply with the strict CSE guidelines and an independent office verifies our claims.

No, all of our products are free from mineral oil derivatives. They only contain natural oils or aetheric oils from plants.

Our products contain our own spring water, which is only used in our products. The water is notable for its high level of purity and softness, and impeccable microbiological quality. It does not require supplementary antimicrobial treatment with chlorine, for example. And it does not contain insecticides or other harmful substances such as heavy metals or hormones.

All cosmetic products must be microbiologically stable. In other words, even after it has been opened, the product’s contents must remain resistant to microorganisms such as bacteria or yeasts, which can find their way in through the air or via fingers. Water, which is present in most cosmetic products, is a fertile breeding ground for such microorganisms. For the majority of the products, preservation is essential – as a rule with a mix and not one, single preservative.

We avoid the use of halocarbon compounds or formaldehyde releasers such as methylchloroisothiazolinone and methyldibromo glutaronitrile. We do not use parabens either.

Instead, we use nature-identical preservatives such as benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, salicylic acid and sorbic acid. And we try to design the formulas such that we are able to completely do without adding preservatives. However, to achieve that the ingredients must provide preserving, anti-bacterial additional benefits. Take alcohol as an example. The packaging can also be the means of preservation, as in the case of airless dispensers.

Shellac is a natural resin. It is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, Kerria lacca, as it tunnels through tree bark. It is used as a filming agent or in its unbleached form, as a natural red dye.

We use the natural colorant (SSB lac dye) in our ROSE BLOSSOM VITAL CARE, ORANGE BLOSSOM ENERGIZER and in ROSE DEW Facial Toner. We source it from a German manufacturer who deals with selected suppliers in India, Indonesia, or Thailand. Our manufacturer ensures that the impeccable raw materials are not extracted from dead or injured animals. In addition to the ethical aspect, economics also plays a key role here, since the louse population must be conserved in order to produce more raw material.

Carmine or cochineal is extracted from pregnant scale insects. It is an ingredient in many lipstick formulas because of its red color. We do not use carmine since we only produce vegetarian and vegan products.

Some chemical sun protection filters are suspected of damaging coral reefs. We do not use those types of UV filters. The sun protection products from ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND are coral-friendly.

Talc is a common natural mineral that is mostly used in powder form (baby powder). Because it is very soft and water-repellant, it is suitable for many areas. In general, talc does not irritate the skin or the eyes and is not allergenic.

Since talc and asbestos have a similar chemical composition, the two minerals are often found together in some natural deposits. However, the law says that the talcum used in cosmetics must not contain any asbestos. That is why BÖRLIND only sources its talcum from deposits that are asbestos-free.

Fibrous talcum, whose effect is similar to that of asbestos, must not be used for pharmaceutical purposes. Of course, we obey those laws when producing our products. All BÖRLIND suppliers are obligated to verify the quality of their talcum via X-ray crystallography and document the results with the relevant certificates.

Tocopheryl acetate is a provitamin. It can be produced from both natural and synthetic sources. Its production from synthetic sources is controversial, as it requires the use of hydroquinone, which is toxic and a potential irritant.

In accordance with directives for natural cosmetics, BÖRLIND only uses tocopheryl acetate from natural sources in its products. It is extracted from non-genetically modified plant oils such as sunflower or soybean oil. The concentration in our products is far below 1%.

Yes, we use xanthan gum in our products. Xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide. It thickens in aqueous solutions, which makes it a valuable thickening agent in both the food and cosmetics industries.

Xanthan gum is classified as vegan. However, sometimes egg protein is added to it during the fermentation process. We have begun to replace the xanthan gum currently used in our products by a vegan quality that is guaranteed to be the result of a fermentation process without animal-based protein. The relevant products will be not marked with the “Vegan” label until it contains the replacement ingredient.

The only difference is that the vegan xanthan gum is not transparent in an aqueous solution. The properties of the relevant product do not change.

ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND procures its aloe vera from a socio-ecological project in Guatemala. Together with our partner, CAC (Concentrated Aloe Corporation), we currently collaborate with 14 independent, local farmers in the region. Another 10 are in the process of becoming certified for organic cultivation in order to join the cooperation. The project ensures that farmers from Guastatoya can sell their harvest and has already created 250 jobs with fair pay.

All of our products can be used during pregnancy and while nursing.

No, we do not produce nail polish. It is unfortunately impossible to product nail polish with the resources available for natural cosmetics.

CSE stands for “certified sustainable economics.” It stands for responsibly ecological, socially integrated and quality-oriented company management. It is the world’s highest standard of integrated sustainability certification for companies. We have displayed the seal since 2012.

The seal is conferred by the Society of Applied Ethics in Business (GfaW). GfaW sets standards for product certification and is a pioneer in the field of sustainability certification for companies.

The certification and inspection offices authorized by the CSE standard work in accordance with ISO 17065. EcoControl GmbH, the globally active inspection and certification company, coordinates certification activities and issuance. Alongside CSE certification, EcoControl carries out certification for NATRUE, Demeter, and others.

At the same time, EcoControl itself is audited by an independent certification office, which confirms its integrity.

BÖRLIND GmbH has been a CSE-certified company since 2012.

Before that, BÖRLIND GmbH products were certified with the EcoControl seal. That certification applied primarily to the company’s products and values.

The CSE seal is not only for the company’s products. All company activities are monitored on an ongoing basis using the three sustainability criteria (ecology, economy and social responsibility). From the ingredients used and how wastewater and waste are handled, to working conditions and opportunities for continuing employee education, all of the company’s areas of activity are audited. The audit goes beyond the company’s own areas of activity and also examines its suppliers’ efforts with regard to sustainability. For this reason, BÖRLIND’s suppliers are regularly asked about their measures to support sustainability and encouraged to optimize them.

The conventional seals for natural cosmetics, such as BDIH, confirm that the cosmetic products have been developed based on natural ingredients. However, the seals have different criteria for which ingredients they permit. For example, some seals allow animal-based ingredients such as carmine or silk to be used, whereas BÖRLIND GmbH is against using them. Being classified in the “natural cosmetics” category does not take such differences into account. CSE also has specific criteria for the ingredients of natural cosmetics. For example, at least 75% of the manufactured mass must satisfy one of the conventional natural cosmetics standards. And products may not contain genetically modified substances or substances with petrochemical components. Preferably, substances from certified organic cultivation or collection in the wild must be used. They reflect the basic requirements for natural cosmetics.

The EcoControl inspection and certification office conducts an audit once a year. During the audit, inspectors verify whether or not the company complies with the specified sustainability standards and has developed further. The measures for improvement laid down in the previous year must have been implemented. Further, the company is obligated to set sustainability targets for the next year and document that it has met them.

The CSE seal shows that the company and its products are sustainable. Consumers see the CSE seal on all ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND products. This allows them to recognize that they were produced by a certified, sustainable company. CSE certification not only shows that the company embraces sustainability, but also that an independent institute has audited and confirmed that it does. This creates transparency for consumers.

CSE goes far beyond the typical presentation of natural cosmetics and sustainability. The CSE guidelines specify that not only the company’s products are audited on an annual basis. Each CSE requirement must be 100% satisfied. And to renew the seal, the company must show continuous further development with regard to sustainability in addition to satisfying the standards.

www.label-online.de of Verbraucher Initiative e.V. (German consumer protection association) has rated the CSE seal as “highly recommended.” Its criteria are: standards, independence, monitoring and transparency.

The CSE seal is not widely known. This is partly because only a few companies have the seal. After all, the guidelines for receiving the CSE seal are very strict.

Yes, the CSE seal is recognized internationally. BÖRLIND receives the certificate in English and other languages.

Only 10 European companies have received the CSE sustainability seal so far. They include Sonett, the washing and cleaning agent producer, and the Farfalla cosmetics brand. A landscape architect and consulting firm are also certified.

A number of ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND products conform to the neuform guidelines or are BDIH- or NCS-certified. This is also necessary to satisfy the CSE guidelines. They demand that at least 75% of the product mass produced conforms to an existing product standard in the industry (NATRUE, COSMOS, BDIH, Ecocert, Soil Association, Cosmébio, ICADA, demeter, naturland, Vivaness 2011, Ordinance on natural cosmetics in accordance with the Austrian Food Code, or NCS). However, BÖRLIND consciously chooses not to advertise its product certification since the CSE seal is of higher value.

The term “natural cosmetics” is not legally protected in Germany. For this reason, producers use natural cosmetics seals such as COSMOS, NATRUE, Ecocert, etc. The term “certified natural cosmetics” implies natural cosmetics standards that basically follow this guideline: The products do not contain mineral oil derivatives, PEGs, silicones, microplastics or parabens. Of course, this applies to the products from ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND. For ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND, the term “natural cosmetics” goes beyond a focus on the products, however. “Natural cosmetics” not only means paying attention to the ingredients. Instead, it includes the entire company and its socio-ecological principles. This is why ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND products are sustainably certified natural cosmetics in accordance with CSE.

BÖRLIND GmbH’s sustainable activities exceed the CSE guidelines. For example, the company calculates its annual carbon footprint. It compensates for its carbon emissions by investing in a ClimatePartner project for drinking water treatment in Cambodia. With the help of the project, Cambodians can use water filters that eliminate the need to cut firewood for boiling water. It makes BÖRLIND climate-neutral. For more information on our ecological contribution, click here.

The company is also committed to a number of other socio-ecological projects. The focus is on projects related to the company’s cosmetics products. This has results in commitments to jojoba oil from Namibia, aloe vera from Guatemala and Himalayan cherry oil from Nepal. BÖRLIND is also a member of The Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP). The Forum’s mission is to establish the use of 100% sustainable palm (kernel) oil in all industries.

The goal of the project that we support in cooperation with ClimatePartner is climate protection with regard to the supply of drinking water. Due to the poor quality of the water in Cambodia, almost a quarter of the people there have to boil it over an open fire fueled by wood or charcoal before drinking. They cut down forests for the wood, and the boiling process also creates smoke that endangers people’s health. The project gives the people in Cambodia ceramic water filters that are used to disinfect the water with much less damage to the climate and people’s health.

Whenever possible, we reduce our carbon footprint using our own means. Examples of this are the way our field sales force plans its routes and conservation measures with regard to wastewater, packaging, and trash. We replace many business trips with video conferences and have supplemented our travel guidelines to reflect that trains are our preferred method of transportation.

Due to the rising demand for our products and the increase in production quantities this necessitates, our carbon footprint is also growing. We are currently spending a five-digit amount for carbon compensation each year. We use it to support the climate protection project in Cambodia and make a contribution to reducing global CO2 emissions. Our goal is to continue to reduce our carbon emissions.

We package our products based on their consistency and intended use, for example as a spray, gel or pencil.

Depending on the type of packaging and material, customers may not be able to completely empty some containers. While it is possible to empty open packaging such as jars, it is impossible to avoid residual amounts in closed packaging (tubes, dispensers).

This also applies to the anti-aging make-up from ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND. In tests, we have determined that up to 7% of the contents many remain in the bottle. To balance this out, we overfill the products by 10%. The make-up bottles contain 33 ml and not 30 ml as indicated.

As early as the concept development phase, we think about what will happen to our products at the end of the product life cycle. Products and their packaging must also be sustainable after they have been consumed. On the one hand, components such as microplastic and plastic must not end up in the ocean. On the other hand, plastics must remain in the recycling loop and be reused as substances of value.

The container we choose mainly depends on the content. Face and body oils, for example, can only be packaged in certain plastic materials. The barrier properties of some plastics are not optimal for oils, which may lead to the oil seeping through the packaging and giving it a greasy feel. The poor barrier properties can also lead to contamination of the oil, which in turn has a negative effect on the product’s shelf life and quality. But wherever possible, we use packaging made from renewable raw materials or recycled material.

Sustainability is as important for our packaging materials as it is for our ingredients. This is why all of our packaging meets the requirements of The Green Dot – Duales System Deutschland GmbH (DSD). As a result, it can be disposed of or recycled in line with local regulations using services such as the yellow bag, yellow bin, glass collection, and waste-paper bin.

Click here for an overview of how our empty products can be disposed of or recycled.

No, right now it is not possible to refill ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND products.
The reason is that suitable refill options cannot be produced for our highly sensitive natural cosmetic products at this time.

We always make sure that the overall carbon footprint of our products is acceptable and carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the materials. Glass, for example, is easy to recycle but because of its high melting point, it requires more energy to produce than plastic. Its greater weight is a disadvantage for transport, which has a negative effect on our carbon footprint – particularly for international shipping. However, glass can also be re-used (e.g., refills), which in turn has a positive effect on our carbon footprint.

We only use glass where it makes sense for the application, as in the case of deodorants. As a means of minimizing delivery transport routes with large carbon footprints, we rely on national partners whenever possible. And aside from the climate protection aspects, we always avoid using glass where shattering can result in injury, as is the case with shower products.

We also use as little aluminum as possible because its production process is highly resource-intensive and environmentally harmful. For example, rolling the aluminum so thin that it can be turned into a flexible tube is energy intensive. But the benefit of aluminum is that it is very easy to recycle and re-use. The aluminum material of our sample sachets is now made of up to 80% recycled material. We cannot use recycled aluminum for our tubes because it is brittle and therefore unsuitable for this application. Our goal is to continuously reduce the proportion of aluminum in our product range.

The sugar cane from Brazil that we use comes from certified sustainable cultivation sites. The sugar cane plantations are located more than 2,000 km away from any rainforests. The sugar cane suppliers must sign a code of conduct with strict specifications.

Boxes are necessary for many of our products because they must be protected. In boxes, they are also easier to transport and arrange on shop shelves. We are also legally obligated to inform consumers about our ingredients and how to use the products. This extensive information in many languages cannot fit on the labels of the inner containers, so in many cases a box is essential.

Since the packaging density, stability, and flexibility varies depending on the product, we use different types of plastics for our packaging. Due to chemical restrictions, they may have different maximum proportions of plastic based on renewable raw materials.

In addition to the “I’m green” tube, the BODY CARE tubes have the inscription that they are up to 82% organic-based. The reason is that the cap (18% of the total weight) cannot be produced on the basis of sugar cane.

Because of the pump cap (14% of the total weight), the BODY CARE Shower Foam “I’m green” bottle is only made from 86% renewable materials.

“I’m green plastic” is the claim on the BODY CARE Body Butter jar. This is the most challenging claim. It says that all three components of the jar (lid, sealing disk and jar) are produced based on sugar cane. The “<30%” results because the proportion of petroleum replaced by renewable raw materials is a maximum of 30 percent. This is due to the chemical properties of the material used. Currently, the proportion cannot be increased.

“Bio-based” only refers to the raw materials used. It doesn’t mean that the products are biodegradable. Like other plastics, they must be recycled using collection systems.

We procure the tubes, jars, and bottles from BODY CARE from Europe. Whenever possible, we work with suppliers from Germany: for example, for the labels from renewable raw materials. This enables us to reduce long transport values, which in turn has a positive effect on our carbon footprint.

Recycling specifications vary from state to state and country to country. Basically, different types of containers are sorted differently. Information such as “organic plastic” and “green plastic” only refers to the raw materials used. It doesn’t mean that the products are biodegradable. Like other plastics, they must be recycled using collection systems.

You can dispose of BODY CARE tubes and jars in the relevant plastics recycling containers (in line with local recycling services). As far as the pump bottles of Shower Foam, Shower Cream and Body Oil are concerned, the bottles go into the plastics recycling container and the pump into general trash. The glass bottles in which the deodorants are packaged go into the glass container and the caps into general trash. Click here for an overview.

Sustainable packaging is one of our top priorities. We have over 200 products in our range, so the switch will take a bit of time.

It will also happen over time because we have packaging inventory in storage that we want to use up first. It would not be sustainable to destroy the old packaging. For each new product and each relaunch, we find out whether or not it is possible to use sustainable packaging. We are in close contact with our suppliers on the issue. We are ready to bear extra costs for even more sustainability. After all, sustainability at BÖRLIND is not just talk – sustainability shapes our daily life.

All exfoliants that work with acids are called chemical exfoliants. Fruit acid exfoliants are thus included in this group, even if they consist of naturally extracted alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). The determining factor is the chemical process that the product supports in the skin.

AHA stands for “alpha hydroxy acids,” the organic acids that are naturally found in fruit and other plants. Simply put, they are fruit acids. Fruit acids are classified as glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or tartaric acid. Glycolic acid is most frequently used. Thanks to its small molecules, it can penetrate deep into the skin and has a refreshing effect on the complexion.

The exfoliating effect of fruit acid exfoliants sets in starting at a concentration of around 4%. People can safely use fruit acid exfoliants with concentrations of up to 15% at home. Up to a percentage of 10%, there are no special instructions for use. And because skin reacts sensitively to VU rays, people who use fruit acid exfoliants should also use sun cream. Fruit acid exfoliants with concentrations higher than 15% should only be used by experts such as cosmetologists or dermatologists. This is because solutions with highly concentrated fruit acids have a stripping effect on the skin that leads to redness, etc. Because skin reacts even more sensitively to UV rays, this type of fruit acid treatment should only be carried out in the fall or winter.

Mechanical exfoliants mainly remove dead skin cells. They support the skin’s metabolism, unclog pores and improve sebum flow. Minor uneven areas and pores are smoothed and refined.

In addition to stimulating the skin’s metabolism, fruit acid exfoliants also have a positive effect on collagen formation in the skin’s middle layer. They thereby support the skin’s natural regeneration process and make complexions smoother, finer and fresher. The effect is more or less pronounced depending on the fruit acid concentration.

Enzymatic exfoliants have a weaker effect than fruit acid exfoliants, since they contain protein components instead of acids. This makes them much gentler on the skin. The fruit enzymes used, including papain from papaya and bromelain from pineapple, are protease enzymes that systematically break down proteins. They split the bonds between keratinocytes. Dead skin flakes end up floating on the epidermis and can be easily washed away, along with dirt particles and make-up residue.

Depending on the type, exfoliants can smooth the skin and soften wrinkles when used regularly. Brown spots and unevenness can be reduced, giving the skin a younger, fresher look. They may also support collagen production, which makes the skin firmer.

Blue light is the short high-energy wavelengths and visible light which is more dispersed in the atmosphere than other wavelengths within the spectrum of visible light. Sunlight contains this kind of light. Blue light is also in numerous artificial sources of light such as TVs, PCs, tablets, laptops, monitors, and mobile phones.

HEV is simply another name for blue light. It stands for “high energy visible” light and refers to light in the blue-violet band of the spectrum.

Blue light has a wavelength of between 400 and 500 nanometers. By way of comparison, infrared light has over 700 nanometers, whereas UVA and UVB rays less than 400 nm.

Light consists of different wavelengths: the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy it emits. Light is reflected at and into our eyes can be divided into visible light – between wavelengths of 380 and 780 nm – and invisible light, located on the ultra-violet (UV light) and infrared (IR light) ends of the spectrum.

Our eyes have two natural filters that protect against short-wave blue light: the lens and macular pigment. The vitamin C contained in the lens and pigments such as lutein and zeaxanthin protect against free radicals that can build up as a result of rays emitting short wavelengths. In our macula lutea (“yellow spot”), the area which gives the sharpest vision, lutein and zeaxanthin play prominent roles. The macula pigment is responsible for absorbing short wavelengths of light to prevent free radicals from forming in the retina. Free radicals can lead to oxidative stress and damage the photoreceptors in the retina. The converse also holds true, as a significant reduction in zeaxanthin and lutein has been identified in cases of macula degeneration.

Our life styles have changed. The use of mobile phones and computers has increased dramatically. We are exposed to more blue light as a result. Clear eyeglass lenses with blue-light filters and screen-protection films have already been specifically developed to protect our eyes from the increased strain caused by blue light.

In this case, the aim is to trigger a photochemical reaction. The free radicals generated by blue light cause damage to membranes, thus selectively destroying the bacteria responsible for acne.

Lutein, an ingredient that filters out blue light, is derived from marigolds. Lutein is a type of carotenoid. The chemical structure of lutein enables it to neutralize the harmful rays found in blue light. In-vitro tests demonstrate that lutein is highly effective in absorbing the blue, potentially harmful rays of visible light, reducing damage to keratinocytes and fibroblasts and ensuring the survival of skin cells. Products containing lutein also increase skin elasticity, hydrate the skin and fortify its natural barrier.

In addition to the in-vitro tests mentioned above, tests have also been carried out by independent scientific institutes. They confirm the absorbent, anti-oxidative properties of 3 IN 1 Face Oil compared to products that do not contain the ingredient lutein.

Carotenoids are plant precursors to vitamin A. All carotenoids are highly anti-oxidative and can absorb blue light to some degree. However, absorption does not automatically result in 100% protection. After all, each carotenoid exhibits different properties. Zeaxanthin and lutein have similar chemical structures. They are the only carotenoids found in the eye’s macula, functioning as blue light filters and anti-oxidants there.

It behaves similarly to sun protection. On the one hand, sunscreens contain a filter to reflect or absorb UVA and UVB rays. On the other hand, they contain anti-oxidants to reduce the harmful effects of oxidation and DNA damage.

Just like UV radiation, blue light generates free radicals on the skin, leading to premature aging, an uneven skin tone and age spots. Blue light penetrates through the epidermis and the dermis, causing damage. We call this photoaging or light aging.

Phenoxyethanol wards off bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is a preservative and is used as a disinfecting additive in drugs and cosmetics.

All cosmetic products must be microbiologically stable. In other words, even after it has been opened, the product’s contents must remain resistant to microorganisms such as bacteria or yeasts, which can find their way in through the air or via fingers. Water, which is present in most cosmetic products, is a fertile breeding ground for such microorganisms. For the majority of the products, preservation is therefore essential.

In accordance with EU law concerning cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol may be used up to a concentration of 1% in cosmetics. In this concentration, it is considered a harmless substance. Depending on the formulation and combination with other preservatives, in our products the average proportion is 0.5%.

2-Phenoxyethanol is an organic compound: a phenol ether combined with ethylene glycol. Phenoxyethanol occurs as a natural substance in some plants, such as green tea and chicory.

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative and wards off bacteria, fungi and viruses.

It is used before diagnostic procedures such as operations, in wounds – both to prevent infections and to prevent infected wounds from getting worse – and as a disinfecting additive in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

It is important for cosmetic products to be microbiologically stable; that is, even after opening, the contents of the product must remain resistant to microorganisms such as bacteria or yeasts, which can find their way in through the air or via fingers. Water, which is present in most cosmetic products, is a fertile breeding ground for such microorganisms. This means that most products require a preservative.

Because it is a nature-identical product that, based on the way it is obtained, does not occur naturally in nature.

In accordance with EU law concerning cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol may be used up to a concentration of 1% in cosmetics. In this concentration, it is considered a harmless substance.

Around 50 substances are currently approved in the EU as preservatives for cosmetic products. These substances are tested extensively demonstrate their safety. The results of these studies are evaluated by an independent scientific committee. Only substances that have been judged to be safe by the experts will be approved as preservatives in cosmetics. The safety of the preservatives is regularly rechecked by experts as knowledge develops.

A risk assessment by the French pharmaceutical authority ANSM criticized the product in 2012. It recommended that phenoxyethanol be prohibited in products intended for the diaper region of children under the age of three or be limited to a maximum proportion of 0.4%. This was not based on a suspected carcinogenic effect, but rather on other possible toxic effects. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has found the preservative to be safe in a concentration of up to 1%, including for infants.

By way of comparison, in over-the-counter disinfectants from the pharmacy, phenoxyethanol is present in a 2% concentration. In addition, phenoxyethanol – which the skin tolerates well – has acquired a reputation of causing allergic reactions because it has often been used in a combined form in cosmetics: MDBGN/PE. In combination with this other preservative, it qualifies as a contact allergen. MDBGN/PE is a very common allergen and is of course not used at Börlind.

Depending on the formulation and combination with other preservatives, the average volume is 0.5%.

Phenoxyethanol is used in approximately 30% of the products.

Product requirements permitting, we use other preservatives. Other products will also continue to be developed that, thanks to the way they are packaged, can be used entirely without preservatives.

There are no plans for replacing it in existing, tried-and-tested formulations, as this would also have an impact on the product’s consistency, tolerability, safety and fragrance.

The choice of preservative is always dependent upon the formulation/product formula and the packaging used.

Thanks to its good tolerability, the combination of phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol has been successfully tried and tested in emulsion products (creams), particularly those in jars. In addition, it is more effective over a wider pH range in comparison to other preservative systems, and effectively protects the cosmetic against contamination even when touched by a finger several times per day.

This depends on the formulation and the packaging used. Since these factors influence the preservatives used, many manufacturers of natural cosmetics no longer – or very rarely – package products in jars. In addition, natural substances with an antimicrobial effect, such as alcohol, essential oils or certain botanical substances, can be used as an alternative preservative to the ones listed.

Phenoxyethanol is a tried-and-tested preservative that is well tolerated by the skin and has a low allergy risk. It can be used over a wide pH range. This means that other preservatives can lose their effectiveness if the product is not within the right pH range. It does not smell unpleasant or change the color of the product, which can be the case when using natural antimicrobial substances.

No, we do not add nickel to our products. Nevertheless, you should always be careful with decorative cosmetics, since nickel can be found naturally in rocks and mineral pigments. Depending on the type of measurement method, traces of nickel may be found.
We always advise testing new cosmetics in the crook of your elbow first.