FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ Kotanical
Q. Are Kotanical products free from allergy causing ingredients?
There are many substances that do not commonly cause allergic reactions. Our ingredients are chosen with this property in mind. However, there can occasionally be an ingredient that causes a reaction in a tiny minority of people. However, should this occur you should stop using the product immediately. This applies even to products which are organic or claim to be hypoallergenic. kotanical products do NOT contain parabens, SLS/SLES, synthetics, fragrances, phthalates, mineral oils, petroleum derivatives, animal derivatives, artificial colourants or any other nasties. Your skin absorbs 60% of whats applied to it so we want to make that 60% as safe and natural as possible.
Q. Do you use palm oil?
We do not use palm oil as a base oil in any of our products.
Q. Can I use Kotanical products while I am pregnant?
We would recommend that you consult your doctor or gynecologist before using any therapeutic product from us, or anyone else.
Q. Do you use preservatives?
Phenoxyethanol
Strictly speaking, the products are “ethanol-free”. The old term for ethanol was ethyl alcohol – hence the use of the word “alcohol”. These products are still “alcohol-free”.The reason for the apparent confusion is the difference between the terms used by scientists and those used by the general public. To the layman, beer, wines and spirits, etc. contain alcohol; to the scientist, they contain ethanol. To the layman, alcohol is a single substance, but scientifically speaking the term describes a whole group of substances with differing properties. Simple alcohols, like ethanol, are defined as having a general chemical formula of CnH2n+1OH, where n equals any number from 1 upwards. If n=1, the compound is CH3OH – methanol, or methyl alcohol. In the case of “alcohol” (ethanol), n=2 and the formula is C2H5OH. Methanol is not permitted in cosmetics, and most other alcohols used in personal care are more complex in structure than ethanol and do not conform to the same general formula.Although phenoxyethanol looks and sounds like an alcohol, it is actually a glycol ether, and has different properties to alcohols. In summary, the layman’s “alcohol” means “ethanol”, and products that are “alcohol-free” are actually “ethanol-free”. In cosmetics, ethanol must be listed on the label as “alcohol”, or “alcohol denat.” and any other “alcohols” are different and may be used in alcohol-free products. "
Q. How quickly are Kotanical orders dispatched?
We aim to post your purchases to you within 72 hours with our courier partner an post. If you do not receive your order in this time please email us to let us know.
Q. Are Kotanical skincare products tested on animals?
Ireland's first cruelty free certified single essential oil range.We are certified by Cruelty Free International and carry their Leaping Bunny logo.
Q. What's on your labels?
Labels by law list ingredients in order of decreasing volume (%) starting with the largest ingredient by volume and finishing with the smallest ingredient. Essential oils and preservatives are only permitted in small doses so you should expect to see them towards the bottom of the label. In addition ingredients should follow INCI or International Nomenclature by listing the ingredients in Latin. We want our customers to know whats in their skincare products so we have given them their common English names.
Q. Do your products contain Allergens or Sensitisers?
Most essential oils contain allergens or sensitisers that can irritate some peoples skin. It is important to remember that even natural/organic products can evoke a reaction so we recommend you conduct a simple skin test before general use of our products.
Q. How do I perform a Skin Test?
Put a small amount of product either behind your ear or in the crook of your arm, leave for 24 hours if possible and if no redness or irritation occurs than proceed to general use.
Q. Are your products suitable for Eczema & other skin complaints?
All our products are formulated to be gentle on the skin and are therefore suitable for most sensitive skin conditions. People with allergies and sensitive skin should carry out a simple skin test to ensure they dont react to the natural and organic ingredients in our products. Our products don't claim to cure any specific conditions and we encourage you to seek advice for underlying medical conditions.
Pregnant women and people suffering from epilepsy should exercise caution in using products with certain essential oils - seek advice accordingly.
Q. Are your products vegan friendly?
Yes they are. Fun fact ALL PLANTS ARE VEGAN FRIENDLY.
Q. Are Kotanical products Halal?
Kotanical contains no pig or any other animal derivatives as is often the case in high street skincare products.
FAQ Pets
Q. Can I use KOTANICAL essential oils on my pet? I heard that you can apply tea tree or lavender to pets to prevent ticks and fleas.
The ability to tolerate essential oils is dependent on many factors including plant species, product, dose and route of application. Essential oil use cases show the biggest risk of toxicity is from direct to skin application on your pet’s skin – these same cases also share that a large volume was applied directly, and neat (pure without a carrier) to the pet’s skin.
Knowing that there is a risk in applying these oils to your pets fur or skin and in order to protect their wellbeing,we strongly recommend consultation with your veterinarian or animal care specialist prior to the application or exposure of any of our products.
Q. I want to use essential oils around my pet and I’ve seen tea tree and eucalyptus reported as toxic. Is this true? Why are these ingredients unsafe?
Our research has shown it’s the application method (ie. direct to skin) and dosage (how much is being used) that are the primary factors in these reported cases – however, to be cautious, we recommend NOT using these two ingredients when you’re using diffusing or using KOTANICAL products around your pet.
Q. I’ve checked with my vet and am choosing to use essential oils around my pet, do you have any ESSENTIAL OIL recommendations?
I’ve checked with my vet and am choosing to use essential oils around my pet, do you have any KOTANICAL OIL recommendations?If you’ve chosen to use essential oils around your pet, we first recommend taking note of your pets behavior, contacting your vet with any concerns, and the below list of KOTANICAL OILS that we feel are the most pet-friendly:Single note essential oils:- Chamomile Roman- Frankincense- Clary Sage- Geranium- Rosemary
Q. Is it safe to use an ultrasonic diffuser with essential oils in a room with my pet in it?
Should you choose to use your ultrasonic diffuser in the presence of your pet, we recommend:- Using only small amounts of your favorite diffuser blend. 1-5 drops is our recommendation- Ensure the space is well ventilated with a window open slightly for fresh air- Always keep a door open so that the animal can enter and exit the room easily
- Take note of how your pet responds at all times and if you notice your pet resisting an aroma, discontinue use and move them to a well-ventilated space- Be particularly mindful of pets that are in cages or enclosed spaces (including birds and small rodents) as they do not have the ability to leave the room if they become uncomfortable
Q. How do I introduce an essential oil or blend to my pet to see if they like it?
Many animals have a higher sense and sensitivity to smell than we do; we do not recommend that you attempt to have your pet smell any essential oil products directly out of the bottles, and follow the guidelines above regarding diffusing.
Q. Can I leave essential oils in my diffuser running when I am not home for my pet?
When it comes to your pets, we recommend operating your diffuser with essential oils only when you are at home, so you can monitor your pet’s reaction at all times. We also recommend using an intermittent setting if your diffuser has the capability. Don’t forget that your diffuser can also operate just with water