Q: |
Why do your products have an expiration date? |
| A: |
Although not required by law for products with a shelf life longer than two and a half years, ONEgroup provides this information as a guideline for freshness. |
Q: |
Why are two of the products (Herbal Shampoo, and Body Wash) only 73% organic? |
| A: |
To be certified organic, 95% of the ingredients must be certified organic. Currently, the "foaming agent" is not and it makes up about 27% of the product.
The "foaming agent" we use is "polyglucose". Coco polyglucose is a "non-ionic surfactant" (foaming agent) synthesised from coconut and glucose from corn.
Polyglucose has excellent dermatological compatibility. It is very mild on the skin. Based on the Duhring Chamber Test it has the lowest irritation score of all common surfactants tested. It is free from ethylene oxide, which can cause nitrosamine contamination, and free from preservatives. It also has a very low environmental impact due to:
High bio-degradability - It breaks down readily.
High eco-toxicological compatibility - It doesn't harm the environment if released.
It is manufactured from completely renewable vegetable raw materials.
It is very good, however it is still not certified organic. ONEgroup will do better. They are working on replacing it with a certified organic "foaming agent" of similar functionality, but it takes time. Rest assured that as soon as they have a certified organic replacement that works, they will introduce it. |
Q: |
Isn't bicarb soda abrasive on the teeth? |
| A: |
Bicarb soda is an extremely low abrasive, contrary to popular myth; it will NOT abrade tooth enamel. The following information has been extracted from the Arm &Hammer website about the use of bicarb soda in toothpastes:
www.myoralcare.com/ArmAndHammerUniversity/
New research proves bicarb soda a more effective whitener.
Data from six clinical and laboratory studies presented at a recent peer-reviewed symposium shows that a toothpaste with a high concentration of bicarb soda cleaned away plaque and reduced deep tooth stain better than leading regular toothpastes. Other reported pluses for a high-content bicarb soda toothpaste: it deodorizes and freshens bad breath and is minimally abrasive.
But the research shows that it takes a high concentration of bicarb soda to get the full benefits. Bicarb soda removes plaque with low abrasion.
Studies show that when there are high concentrations of bicarb soda in a toothpaste, it will exist in two forms in the mouth: dissolved in liquid and as solid particles to provide two mechanisms for cleaning both tooth surfaces and deep stain. When research compared three different toothpastes, it was concluded that a high-content bicarb soda toothpaste was superior at daily plaque removal to the two leading regular toothpastes tested that contain hydrated silica and dicalcium phosphate: ingredients more abrasive than bicarb soda.
Whitens with Deep Cleaning
Research showed that use of the high-content bicarb soda toothpaste caused the stained plaque to appear to flake off the tooth like peeling paint. High-content bicarb soda toothpastes were also reported to be better at reducing deep stain and increasing tooth whiteness. A study compared how well toothpastes removed deep stain in 115 people who brushed twice daily for three months. The high-content bicarb soda toothpaste tested significantly increased tooth whiteness, while the leading regular toothpaste did not show any significant changes. It is postulated that bicarb soda's ability to remove deep stain from the crevices in enamel is a factor of concentration and particle size. There has to be enough bicarb soda in the toothpaste to ensure you're brushing with solid particles. Abrasives like hydrated silica and dicalcium phosphate do not break up as readily during brushing; thus, many of those particles can be too large to fit into stained enamel crevices.
References:
J Clin Dent 9:72°75, 1998
J Clin Dent 9:57°60, 1998 |
Q: |
What is zinc oxide, and is it safe? |
| A: |
Zinc oxide (zincite) is a naturally occurring mineral that provides a white colour base for our cosmetic products as well as providing superior sun protection with broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) absorption. It is a soft, heavy white mineral powder that creates a soothing, protective barrier for the skin, and it recognised by the TGA as a skin soothing and healing agent. It is eminently safe! |
Q: |
Which antioxidants do you use? |
| |
We use rosemary and olive juice and leaf extracts. They protect both your skin and the polyunsaturated oils in our products from free radical damage. They also reduce skin damage caused by pollution and UV radiation, therefore protecting the skin from photo aging. They also improve skin hydration and elasticity. |
Q: |
Do you use any dairy products or derivatives? |
| A: |
No, none of our ingredients are derived from dairy products. |
Q: |
Why do you use stevia in your toothpaste? |
| A: |
To sweeten it without contributing to dental caries! Our toothpastes require sweetening to counteract the saltiness of the bicarb soda. |
Q: |
What do you use to preserve your products if you do not use chemicals? |
| A: |
Miessence products are preserved using a natural and organic preservative system, which includes our proprietary blend of steam-distilled aromatic derivatives of natural herbs, leaves and twigs. The stability of our unique products is supported by long term, real-time stability testing, microbiological challenge testing, analysis of types of packaging in use, assessment of the potential for microbial contamination, reviewing analytical data from suppliers, quality control testing of raw materials and finished products, ensuring our manufacturing facilities minimise exposure to contaminants, understanding consumer habits and practices, and, importantly, our R&D director's extensive experience with her home-grown, unique formulations.
We recommend that you use the products up within 6 months of opening to ensure you get the benefit of the cold-formulation and freshly extracted herbal, floral and fruit extracts. |
Q: |
Dermatologists usually recommend sorbolene cream, what's your opinion? |
| A: |
Sorbolene usually contains liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin, both petroleum by-products that coat the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. They interfere with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. They also slow down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use paraffin because it is very inexpensive.
From the National Toxicology Program Chemical Health and Safety Data on mineral oil:
"A human carcinogen by inhalation that produces gastrointestinal tumors."
"A human teratogen by inhalation that causes testicular tumors in the fetus. Inhalation of vapor or particulates can cause aspiration pneumonia."
Sorbolene creams usually do not contain any vitamins or essential fatty acids and disturb or even prohibit the skin from absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. They appear to hydrate and moisturise but in reality they can suppress the skins ability to function normally, and do very little to nourish and hydrate the dermis.
The skin then develops a dependency on constant applications of mineral oils which, in turn, results in a deterioration of the skin's character and overall health. Long-term usage of these products may block the pores resulting in acne and blackheads; they strip the skin of its natural oils and can create fluid retention, resulting in irritation, sensitivities and allergies.
Conversely, cold pressed fruit and seed oils are readily absorbed by the skin and are used to nourish and give energy. They are required to create new cells and for other important bodily processes. Most vegetable oils contain vitamins such as A, D & E, essential fatty acids and have a naturally occurring sun protection factor. They can stimulate the skin to function more efficiently and assist with improving circulation. They soften the skin making it more pliable thus helping it to retain moisture more effectively. |
| Q: |
Do you know of any hair colouring products that have the least amount of chemicals? |
| A: |
Henna is a great natural hair colouring agent. Everything else on the shelves I'm aware of contains chemicals to be avoided. |
Q: |
Will you be coming out with a RED lip créme? |
| A: |
Unfortunately there are no natural, organic pure red colourings available for something like this. The only options are using crushed bugs (cochineal) and toxic FD&C colours, which we won't do. |
Q: |
I have acne, which products should I use? |
| A: |
The Purifying Skin Essentials Pack: Cleanser, Skin Conditioner and Moisturiser, in combination with the Garnet Exfoliant, Purifying Mask and Purifying Blemish Gel. The daily regime should include:
Cleansing
Skin Conditioning
Treatment with Blemish Gel
Moisturising
For the first week, include daily exfoliating and masking. For the second week exfoliate and mask every second day, for the third week every third day and so forth until you are exfoliating and masking just once or twice a week to keep the skin clear.
Depending on your individual health - metabolism, eating habits, and medications - some people experience a detoxification once they start using organic products. You may see a worsening of symptoms before things clear up. This means that your body is simply eliminating the toxins stored in your body over time. Human skin cells are renewed every 4-5 weeks, which should give a good indication of the possible duration of your 'detox'. The products should not dry your skin out |
Q: |
I have psoriasis, which products should I use? |
| A: |
Either the Rejuvenating or Soothing Moisturiser would be suitable. If the skin is still dry, I suggest mixing the moisturiser in the palm of your hand with a few drops of either the Rejuvenessence or Ambrosia Essence, which will provide extra nourishment. Using the Rose Monsoon Hydrating Mist during the day will soothe and hydrate your skin. We also suggest In-Liven to recolonise your intestinal tract with healthy bacteria. |
Q: |
I have eczema on my body, which products should I use? |
| A: |
Eczema is an external symptom of an internal condition. A visit to a health practitioner to address the internal cause of the eczema would be advised. The Intensive Body Cream and Soothing Couperose Gel and Intensive Body Cream will help to soothe and soften eczema. We also suggest In-Liven to recolonise your intestinal tract with healthy bacteria. |
Q: |
I have rosacea, which products should I use? |
| A: |
I would recommend our Soothing Cleanser, Soothing Skin Conditioner, Soothing Couperose Gel to calm redness, and Soothing Moisturiser to soothe and protect. The Purifying Blemish Gel would be appropriate if it develops into inflamed acne, and the Soothing Mask would gently soothe and tone irritated skin. Miessence skin care is suitable for the most sensitive skin. We also suggest In-Liven to recolonise your intestinal tract with healthy bacteria. |
Q: |
What is the SPF of the foundations? |
| A: |
Although our foundations contain zinc oxides, which provide protection from UV radiation, we cannot claim an SPF on our products because they are not listed with the TGA. |
Q: |
What is the strong herbal aroma of Ambrosia Essence? |
| A: |
As you have noticed - the Ambrosia Essence is not a perfume. It is a very potent herbal concoction designed to impart the highest benefit for the skin. Organic unrefined tamanu oil has a strong aroma, but the benefits far outweigh any unpleasantness of the aroma. Tamanu oil is pressed from the dark chocolate-brown kernels of the Tamanu tree that grows profusely along the coastline of the Pacific Islands. Tamanu oil possesses the unique capacity to promote cicatrisation thereby improving the appearance of wounds and healthy skin alike. It is used widely in the Pacific islands as a folk medicine, and is applied liberally to cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, and eczema. Most people who have used it find it quite appealing in its raw naturalness. Ambrosia Essence is an extremely potent combination eight highly effective herbal and flower extracts to soothe, tone, and renew the skin. |
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Product Usage |
Q: |
Which products are the best for pregnant women's stretch marks? |
| A: |
The Intensive Body Cream is beautiful for a pregnant woman's expanding belly. The Ambrosia Essence would also be brilliant because of the nourishment and support it imparts to expanding skin |
Q: |
I've just started using Miessence hair care, but it is not lathering. Why? |
| A: |
The shampoo probably won't foam for you until you eliminate the plastic coating on your hair from past hair care products. This can be done by either:
1. time - using our products until it happens (slow)
2. detoxing your hair with a few baths of 1 cup sea salt, 1 cup apple cider vinegar 2 cups bicarb soda (hop in the bath and swish your hair around in it)
3. making a paste of bicarb soda and our shampoo and washing your hair with it a few times
4. making a paste of clay (one of our masks - or just clay from the health food store) with our shampoo and washing your hair with that a few times.
While your hair is detoxing, it may feel dry and knotty. This is normal, as the hair is eliminating the silicone derivatives (dimethicone, cylcomethicone, any chemical with ...'cone' in it) from your hair. Once they have been dissolved, you will find our shampoo foams and you hair is silky and soft. |
Q: |
Do your shampoos strip synthetic hair colours and dyes? |
| A: |
Some people have reported hair dye being stripped from using the Lemon Myrtle Shampoo. But others have claimed that they use both our shampoos on dyed hair without any stripping of colour. We, therefore, cannot say categorically whether it will strip colour from the hair. We believe it is dependant on the hair dye used. |
Q: |
I just started using Miessence skin care, why am I breaking out? |
| A: |
It is not unusual to experience a period of detoxification when you first start using Miessence. Because Miessence skin care supports the natural eliminatory functions of your skin, without subjecting it to further toxic overload, your skin will breathe a sigh of relief, and will naturally begin to eliminate accumulated toxins from past products. Skin cells are renewed every 4-5 weeks, depending on your individual health, metabolism, and eating habits, so in a month or two, you should have glowing "Miessence" skin. |
Q: |
Which products you recommend for severe acne? |
| A: |
The Purifying Skin Essentials Pack: Cleanser, Skin Conditioner and Moisturiser, in combination with the Garnet Exfoliant, Purifying Mask and Purifying Blemish Gel.
The daily regime should include:
1. Cleansing
2. Skin Conditioning
3. Treating with the Blemish Gel
4. Moisturising
For the first week, also include daily exfoliating and masking. For the second week exfoliate and mask every second day, for the third week every third day and so forth until you are exfoliating and masking just once or twice a week to keep the skin clear. |
Q: |
Do you have any products which will assist with childhood eczema? |
| A: |
In-Liven has been shown to improve skin conditions such as eczema.
Intensive Body Cream will help to sooth the skin while adding plenty of moisture.
I just started using the Aroma Free deodorant and now I smell very strong of body odour. Why is this?
Most likely you are detoxing - especially if you've ever used antiperspirants. I would suggest you allow your body a couple more weeks to eliminate toxins, and your body odour will improve! In the mean time, you might like to carry it with you to reapply during the day. It should only last a few weeks. Chlorophyll containing products are great to clean out you body and lessen body odour (spirulina, barley grass, chlorella etc). If you don't wish to persevere, you will need to take the product back to where you bought it. It's not a specific ingredient that causes detoxing; it's the absence of aluminum compounds in the products! Aluminum compounds block your pores, preventing healthy elimination of toxins via perspiration. This is what you body WANTS to do. Normal deodorants prevent this from happening, and you get a backlog of toxins. When you start using our product, your body can then begin eliminating. |
Q: |
The deodorants don't stop me from perspiring, why? |
| A: |
They are not antiperspirants, they are deodorants. They are designed to allow your body to eliminate toxins via perspiration, naturally. Although you sometimes have to put up with perspiration marks on your clothing, I think it is a small price to pay for the long-term health of your body.
Which product would you recommend to slow wrinkles or crow feet around the eyes?
The Uplift Eye and Neck Serum |
Q: |
If I have a nut allergy can I still use your products? |
| A: |
We tend not use nut ingredients, as a rule, except the tamanu nut oil in the Ambrosia Essence. If someone is highly allergic to nuts, we recommend they read our ingredients to ascertain what exactly is in our products. We don't use nut oils like hazelnut, almond or peanut. |
Q: |
Should the products be refrigerated? |
| A: |
No, refrigeration is not necessary, although the products do need to be kept out of direct sunlight and in cool conditions. The ideal conditions for the products are normal ambient temperature (around 15-20°C or 60-70°F). Our freight providers do not courier in climate-controlled vehicles, so the products have been tested to withstand short periods of extreme temperatures (between 0°C-50°C or 32°F-122°F), which emulate year-round international shipping conditions, and will remain stable and continue to fulfil their intended function. |
