|
info center: faq's
Q Where did the name SOPHYTO come from?
SOPHYTO pronounced [SO-FY'-TO] is taken from the word ‘phyto’ as in the Company’s method of specializing in phytotherapy. When they asked their focus group of a word that best described their experience with the products, they voted for using ‘SO’ . . . SO healthy, SO effective, SO eco-conscious. So, the word ‘so’ was fused with ‘phyto’ and there you have SOPHYTO.
Q How is environmental science different to being called green?
Both share ideas to do with the environment, but unlike the green movement, environmental science has existed for centuries. It came alive in the 60’s as a substantive, active field of scientific investigation driven by the need for action in addressing environmental problems. It covers the physical, chemical and biological interactions of the environment, focusing on pollution and degradation related to human activities plus the impact on biodiversity and sustainability from local and global development. Physics, chemistry and biology are also fundamental in understanding environmental science and draws knowledge from other non-scientific academic disciplines. The Green Movement is a political movement which came about in the late 70’s and supports issues of all the green parties, including, environmentalism, peace movement, feminists, sustainability, and social justice concerns.
Q Why did SOPHYTO choose to make a skincare line to Soil Association Standards?
Besides the fact they have the most robust standards globally for organic health and beauty care, when you look back to Soil Association’s beginnings, its founders also had great vision, their work then and now is a true testament to Soil Associations commitment to the planet and the health of its inhabitants (animals and humans alike). It’s not just about organic food and farming, it really is much more than that.
Q Are all the products licensed by Soil Association?
SOPHYTO and its manufacturing facilities are all fully licensed and audited as well as the majority of it’s products. However, 4 products are not as we utilize active ingredients such as yeast fermented CoQ10, fermented non-genetically modified hyaluronic acid and beta glucan. Currently Soil Association does not license a product that contain actives of this nature, they do however review their standards on a regular basis for ingredients and permitted processes, so maybe in time these types of actives will be permitted under their standards. These 4 lines were still formulated to the same uncompromised quality in both healthy ingredient selection and eco-efficient practices to that of their licensed organic range and do not contain any petrochemicals or parabens.
Q Why was it so difficult and time consuming [7 years] to develop to Soil Association standards?
It would have been the easiest R&D project in the world for us to create a line of organic skincare using just oils and butters which only need melting together. However, we recognised this approach would not cater to all skin types and skin issues. This concept is suitable for oil-deficient skin conditions for a period of time, but for skin to function in a healthy manner, it really does require a balance of oil and water. As soon as you introduce water you need to include emulsifiers AND an effective preservative system. Here lieth the problem for a lot of Company’s when trying to formulate to stringent organic health and beauty care standards, where mainstream ingredients traditionally used for these purposes are not permitted.
Q What makes SOPHYTO different to other existing premium or professional use lines?
in many ways we are similar in that we all strive to develop products that achieve optimum results; however SOPHYTO went about it in a different manner which we believe is healthier for the body and the environment. Each and every ingredient is screened to ensure it offers no health, or environmental implications. If any ingredient does not meet these criteria, then Soil Association would not license our products and allow its use of their symbol on our packaging and/or approve those ingredients for use. Besides safe ingredient principles, other criteria involve processing methods;
Prohibited ingredients we do not use;
- petrochemicals
- triclosan
- hydrogenated fats
- mineral oils
- hexane and similar solvents
- non-organic or synthetic fragrances and colours
- polysorbates
- ethanolamides
- alkyl sulphates and alkyl ethyl sulphates
Prohibited processes we do not use;
- genetic modification
- ethoxylation
- hydrogenation
- sulphonation
- ionizing radiation
- solvent extraction except with water, ethanol, glycerine, CO2
- nanotechnology
Q What makes SOPHYTO different to other skincare lines approved by Soil Association?
There are a lot of excellent companies licensed by SA for health and beauty care. However, SOPHYTO is unique in that regard because we are the first to have achieved such high organic percentages in a premium range which is phenomenal given the rigorous standards we were working to. SOPHYTO are the first eco-premium company licensed by SA who have integrated good science to produce a professional, results driven range that underwent a 2 year trial in Californian spa’s and was also put to the test by a renowned LA make up artist on some very famous faces. So back to the original question of what makes SOPHYTO so different? upon reflection of our last 7 years; thinking outside of the box on every tiny detail, 100% dedication and never believing it could not be done.
Q Does your Environmentally Responsible Production Policies (ERP) have anything to do with Soil Association?
No it doesn’t. ERP is exclusive to SOPHYTO and exemplifies what we require in standards relating to our own production policies. For example, Soil Association does not impose upon its licensee’s to compost all their waste. But Soil Association are thrilled SOPHYTO are working to these extraordinary eco-efficient policies and like their standards, Soil Associations are constantly evolving too. Simply put, SOPHYTO’s ERP policies consist of practical solutions to lessen ecological impact from their production. Eco-efficient systems are implemented by simply utilizing fewer resources that create less waste and pollution. For example, waste generated at our UK facilities consist mainly of biodegradable materials, therefore it can be taken to our recycling facility where composting takes place within enclosed ‘clamps’ and oxygen levels and temperature can be monitored and managed to ensure wastes are sanitized and odors contained. All material is composted to meet BSI PAS 100 specification.
Q What does the ‘contains organic ingredients’ symbol mean?
SOPHYTO products contain impressive statistics when it comes to the overall organic percentages in our products. Each product carries a number in a symbol which is endorsed by Soil Association. The ‘contains organic ingredients’ symbol is bespoke to SOPHYTO and is visual confirmation for customers as to the true overall organic content of each product. For example; if a SOPHYTO product is rated at 95% organic, this means it contains 95% organic bioactive ingredients with the remaining 5% as non-organic ingredients. Non-organic ingredients are permitted as long as a licensee can demonstrate they are not available organically; that requires a licensee making every effort to contact suppliers of that ingredient to see if an organic version is available and collecting statements to that effect. Soil Association then reviews this information before final approval is granted. If that ingredient however should become available as organic in the future, the licensee then has to revert to organic – no ifs, buts or maybes.
Q Does SOPHYTO contain any petrochemicals or parabens?
SOPHYTO does not contain any petrochemicals or parabens. Soil Association standards simply would not license any product that contained these types of ingredients. For consumer safety all products have to fulfill the 2005 requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia for the adequate preservation of topical substances. In the absence of petrochemicals and parabens, SOPHYTO utilizes multifunctional ingredients to control bacteria and fungus, which are approved and licensed by Soil Association for use in organic cosmetic products and offer a 3 year shelf life unopened.
Q What kind of scent does SOPHYTO have?
Most products possess some natural aromas like apple, pineapple or cucumber for instance. SOPHYTO does not purposely add fragrance in the form of essential oils unless there is a specific requirement for their inclusion other than fragrance.
Q How long will SOPHYTO products last?
All SOPHYTO products have a tested durability shelf life of 36 months (starting from the day of manufacture), like all other cosmetic products. Regarding their after-opening period, we suggest 3 months because we want our customers to enjoy the naturally high bioactivity which can decrease over time once opened.
Q Who can use the line?
SOPHYTO products are suitable for women [and men] of caucasian, asian, latin, black and african skin types. Its multi-tasking formulas can address a variety of skin issues in both young and mature skin because each formula contains potent antioxidant ingredients along with literally hundreds of complex vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals.
Q Does SOPHYTO offer anti-aging products?
All the formulas contain anti aging ingredients, not just a few. Our method of working with complete, whole nutrients from organic foods and botanicals have proved to offer beneficial results in efficacy for a multitude of issues, including aging. These formulas literally contain hundreds of complex vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals that have been scientifically proven to be more potent than just one element, based upon the fact that nutrients can and do influence each other and therefore should not be separated, or isolated. A product is only as good as the quality of its ingredients, with the high level of bioactivity we incorporate in SOPHYTO formulas; we feel we are offering maximum nutrition for delivering essential key nutrients in maintaining the health of the skin. The fact we are also offering an organic delivery system ensures these ingredients are utilized effectively by the body.
Q Why is ‘organic’ not included your product names?
That’s an interesting question and one that has been asked many times over. By virtue of having an average of 95% active organic ingredients in our formulas, we are quite entitled to use the word organic in many of our products’ names, however, this range is not just about organic, organic is just part of what we offer. Our marketing is going to educate consumers to not just accept a company’s word their range is organic or natural; instead we want to encourage people to look for certifying symbols and license numbers on packaging and understand what types of ingredients are being used.
For example; SOPHYTO packaging carries the Soil Association symbol which means we are licensed by them for that particular product, our SA license number allows a customer to verify with Soil Association that we are indeed licensed by them. Then we display our ERP symbol and organic manufacturing license number. What does all of this add up to? Claims that have been audited and endorsed that are far more trustworthy than just using the word ‘organic’ or ‘natural’. Our standards simply don’t allow us just to talk a good game; we want to offer our customers a brand they can trust where every stage of production, processing and distribution right through to the consumer is licensed. These principles form the foundation of a brand to trust both in safe ingredients and ethical and environmental business practices.
Q Are these products hypo-allergenic?
Hypo-allergenic does not mean non allergenic but rather it means the most common skin allergens have been removed from the product. We have taken all necessary steps to ensure we have not used ingredients that contain known allergens and deciding not to include a lot of essential oils in the majority of our formulas is because certain essential oils can contain allergens. All of our ingredients are listed on product packaging so one can easily avoid ingredients that may cause them irritation. We always recommend a patch test just under the chin or the inside of ones arm before trying any new product. Instructions on how to carry out a skin patch test is located on our product brochure inside each box.
Q Is SOPHYTO easy to use?
This range epitomizes effortless beauty; you can mix and match and layer to adapt to your skin’s needs at any time. Synergized whole food nutrients help support the function of each other, allowing for successful combination therapy. This really is a no fuss, no frills, skincare-on-the-go system. It won’t require you using lots of different products because each formula is packed to the brim with anti-aging, bioactive nutrients that reduce the need for a different product for each part of your face. This also ensures the care of your skin is kept to a simple and minimal routine.
Q Does SOPHYTO offer an eye product?
That’s an easy answer and one we know will open up some comments from people. Skin around the eyes is about 7 times thinner than the rest of your face, which means you need a lighter formulation that contains non-irritating ingredients. Our High Potency Concentrates and Polyphenol Skin Drops are oil free, lightweight and although used on the face, neck and décolleté, are absolutely perfect for using around the delicate eye area too. This essentially reduces the need for yet another product which allows us to keep our system simple yet effective.
Q Are water-less products better for your skin?
We recommend using Super Bioactive on a cleansing pad for removing cleansers and masks in place of water if you are in an area where water quality is not that great – for instance, hard water is high in calcium and will stiffen skin’s own oil and transform it to a waxy state. This leaves skin dry which can become inflamed and itchy.
Q Do you target discoloration with this line?
Treating discoloration is a specialized field. Deeply pigmented skin often requires a Dermatologist who can assess the health of the skin first then make necessary recommendations. So no we do not offer products that specifically target pigmentation issues. We focus more on luminosity than discoloration. Sometimes when skin appears dull and sallow looking it may be due to health issues, or a number of factors. We would suggest if you are looking ‘off color’ and do not feel completely well, instead of using a product to make your skin look brighter, contact your Doctor first. If however you feel perfectly fine then commence with using SOPHYTO products and give it at least 28-30 days to see results. A lot of people see results within the first couple of days, but everyone is different and therefore may see beneficial results at varying times.
Q Do the products contain an SPF?
We do not include a sun block in any of our formulas as UK Soil Association standards prohibit the use of chemical sun blocks. Instead we utilize specific high levels of antioxidant-rich ingredients to protect against the sun's UV induced oxidative stress. UVA rays are the aging rays and are best countered by topical applications of potent antioxidants. Sunscreens should no longer just contain ingredients to provide adequate broad-spectrum (meaning UVA and UVB) protection. A sunscreen must also contain sufficient amounts of antioxidants which help keep skin inflammation to a minimum.
Q How much product is in each monodose application?
There is 5ml of product in each monodose. If skin is deficient in either water or oil it will initially take in more product. However, over time as skin corrects itself it will use less. We also recommend using these products on the neck, décolleté, backs of hands and around the outer area of the ear. Yes we did say ear - because ears age too.
Q Why is pH important?
Besides looking for high quality, healthy ingredients, the pH value of any skincare product is important information to know, regardless of age, skin type and skin color. Normal human skin pH value is somewhere between 4.5 and 6 which means it is slightly acidic and this is the range we have ensured SOPHYTO stays within. Acidity for human skin is good because it kills the bad bacteria and allows the ‘friendly flora’ on the surface to function. However, as we age, the surface of our skin starts to climb from being acidic to more alkaline. In this range our skin is unable to protect itself and starts to weaken. Likewise, those who suffer from acne need to ensure their products have a pH of 5.5 or less, as bacteria that acne thrives upon is minimally present at this number. Skin that is alkaline does not function in a healthy state which is why it is imperative to look for the right pH in your products. It can influence whether your skin is going to function in a healthy manner or not, regardless of how great the ingredients are. Make sure a product is not higher than 5.5 to be on the safe side. If a manufacturer is not displaying their pH on the product, then you should try to check first before buying.
Q Do you offer an in-store re-fill program?
SOPHYTO does not offer in-store re-fill programs for originally purchased containers as the potential risk for cross contamination out-weighs the benefit of saving a bottle. Plus we use pharmaceutical grade single dose packaging for our specialty lines which can only be handled and filled in a sterile environment that has been inspected and licensed to operate an audited Organic Management System.
|
|
