FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  

Natural or organic?  Where do the raw materials originate?

Many of the ingredients in DU NORD SKIN CARE are derived from plants that have been grown organically or without pesticides and herbicides. The others are derived from wild-harvested or conventionally grown plants. Some of the innovative ingredients are derived from by-products of the food and forestry industries and subsequently “green processed.” I also use an extract derived from plant stem cells, which reduces the need for water, land, fertilizers, and pesticides and provides a highly concentrated source of polyphenols. Five of the raw materials used are produced within the context of a circular economy production model. I try to obtain the greenest materials possible for a micro-scale manufacturer. It is an ongoing process. The ingredients are mostly derived from plants, and therefore most are “natural”. The synthetic ingredients specifically added to a formulation are vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and allantoin. A few of the raw materials contain preservatives that are synthetically derived, namely potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, which are both ECOCERT approved. (See this link for a discussion of “natural.”)

The raw materials used in DU NORD SKIN CARE come from Canada Switzerland, France, the USA, Germany, Spain, the UK, Finland, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Bulgaria, and China.

This list may change if there are disruptions in the current supply-chain. There have been several occasions where ingredients have had to be replaced with other similar functioning ingredients. The ingredient list on the website is kept up to date.

Most of the raw materials are GMO free, according to the producers. In a few cases, the GMO status is unknown, but the plant from which the material is extracted is not expected to be GMO. 

DU NORD SKIN CARE products are vegan. They have not been tested on animals and are cruelty free.  

 

Is DU NORD SKIN CARE appropriate for sensitive skin? All skin types?

Plant-based skincare may be irritant to individuals with sensitive skin or who have allergies/sensitivities to certain plants. The original formulations of DU NORD SKIN CARE products were subject to HRIPT testing performed by an independent laboratory under supervision by a dermatologist and found to be both non-irritant and non-sensitizing. This test was conducted with 50 subjects who did not have sensitive skin. It was a small study. The revised DU NORD SKIN CARE line contains similar formulations, but includes a few new ingredients that are not expected to cause irritation or increased sensitivity.

Each person’s skin is unique. What may be a perfectly suitable product for one skin may not be for another. Therefore, patch testing before using any DU NORD SKIN CARE product is strongly recommended. (See Appropriate Use, below)   

Essential oils can be irritating to some people’s skin, especially those with sensitive skin. There are no artificial fragrances or perfumes in DU NORD SKIN CARE products. DU NORD SKIN CARE products have aromas derived from pure hydrosols (certified organic or derived from wild-harvested plants*), steam-distilled essential oils (derived from plants organically grown, wild-harvested, and conventionally grown), CO2-extracted oils (certified organic), and hexane-free absolute oils (derived from organically grown plants). The aromas are delicate and will fade away gently after product application.  

*Note: The hydrosols used in DU NORD SKIN CARE are not “flower waters,” which often refer to solutions made of essential oils diluted in water. The hydrosols I use are products of the distillation of the steam generated during essential oil extraction. They contain both dilute concentrations of aromatic compounds, including essential oils, and other water-soluble components.

DU NORD SKIN CARE products are formulated especially for mature skin, but that simply means there is an emphasis on hydration and moisturization; protection against solar radiation and oxidative damage from pollutants; encouraging renewal, healing, and strengthening of the skin barrier and rebalancing its pH; and providing general nourishing vitamins and minerals. 

DU NORD SKIN CARE products are not cosmeceuticals. They are not formulated to treat acne or other serious skin problems. They will not remove wrinkles! They may reduce the appearance of fine lines as a result of increased hydration and reduction of transepidermal water loss. Some customers who have been long-time users of DU NORD SKIN CARE have noticed diminished intensity of photoaging-induced regions of hyperpigmentation (aging spots).

Gluten Free?

Some DU NORD SKIN CARE products—PRAIRIE Serum, BOREAL Emulsion, ARCTIC Mask—contain a lactobacillus ferment of rye flour. According to the producer, the fermentation process destroys the gluten’s antibody bonds. Further, the results of the analytic study of the gluten content of the product yielded no measurable gluten content. However, I cannot claim the products to be gluten free. If you are gluten sensitive, you should seek advice from your primary healthcare provider to determine whether you should consider trying a DU NORD SKIN CARE product. If you do, patch testing is strongly recommended.

Best Before and Preservation

DU NORD SKIN CARE products are meant to be used soon after purchase and generally regularly. With regular use, the sizes offered yield 4 - 7 days for the travel/sample sizes, and 1 - 3 months for the full sizes, depending on the product. A little goes a long way.

DU NORD SKIN CARE products should be used within 6 months after opening. The date of manufacture for a given lot is published on the website and ingredient inserts.

DU NORD SKIN CARE does not contain strong preservatives. Combinations of natural antimicrobial agents are used to preserve DU NORD SKIN CARE products. These combinations have been challenge tested and have satisfied USP regulations for preservation efficacy. However, DU NORD SKIN CARE products will not last as long as those preserved with stronger agents commonly used in skincare products and cosmetics, such as those containing phenoxyethanol, or diazolidinyl urea) and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, etc. (For a list of ingredients that DU NORD SKIN CARE does not contain, see below.)

Potencies of natural ingredients diminish with time. The volatile components of hydrosols and essential oils are especially vulnerable to dissipation with exposure to the air. To help with preservation and shelf life we contain our products in beautiful violet glass which protects against the harmful effects of light. 

The following ECOCERT-compliant synthetic additives, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and calcium gluconate, are present in DU NORD SKIN CARE products in low concentrations because they are included in some of the plant extracts. They are not added individually to DU NORD SKIN CARE products as preservative agents.    

DU NORD SKIN CARE does not contain any of the following: BHT, BHA, coal-tar dyes, DEA, MEA, TEA, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, parabens, PEG, PPG compounds, petrolatum, siloxanes, SLS/SLES, acrylates copolymer, phthalates, methylchlorisothiazolilone, phenoxyethanol, sodium metabisulfite, artificial fragrance.

Storage and Handling

DU NORD SKIN CARE products should be stored carefully. Keep them in a dark, cool dry place, away from direct heat and light—below 25℃ (75℉). Storage in a cool, dark area of a well-ventilated bathroom is fine, of course, especially if they are used regularly. They may be refrigerated at or above 4℃ (39℉), if used infrequently. Clean hands well before dispensing product. The bottled MARITIME Cleanser, and jarred ARCTIC Mask, and TAIGA Cream are more vulnerable to contamination because of the means of dispensing.  Before each use, shake liquid formulations—STREAM Mist, PRAIRIE Serum, MARITIME Cleanser, FOREST Oil, TUNDRA Oil. Close all containers securely and promptly after use. Re-store appropriately.  

Appropriate Use and Precautions

DU NORD SKIN CARE products are formulated for “generally considered normal” mature skin. That doesn’t mean very much. Every skin is unique, and sensitivity to any skincare product may possibly occur, even for those who have not generally had issues in the past. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that one do a patch test before applying any product to one’s face. This is especially important if you already know that you have sensitive skin.

DU NORD SKIN CARE products contain essential oils and pure plant hydrosols.  Do not use any DU NORD SKIN CARE product without prior consultation with your primary care provider if you have known sensitivity or allergies to components of essential oils. A list of known potential allergens associated with essential oils in aromas are listed in parentheses. 

It is generally recommended to avoid use of products containing essential oils during pregnancy and nursing. If you are pregnant or nursing, please consult and seek advice from your primary care provider before using any DU NORD SKIN CARE product.  

No information garnered from the website dunordskincare.com or any print materials from DU NORD SKIN CARE shall be interpreted as a substitute for medical advice received from a current licensed physician or primary care provider.  

Patch Testing

Apply a small amount on a discreet area on the side of your neck or the inside of your forearm. You may not feel or see any reaction immediately. It is often recommended to wait between 24 - 72 hours. Discontinue use if rash or itching occurs or if skin appears inflamed. Consult your primary care provider if irritation persists.  

Affiliations and Certifications

DU NORD SKIN CARE is a contributing member of 1% for the Planet. Principal donations are made to 1% for the Planet, Nova Scotia Nature Trust, and Nature United.

DU NORD SKIN CARE products are not certified by any organization. I choose ingredients and create formulations to comply with high standards of quality and safety, and do so with utmost consideration, respect and care for flora, fauna, and planet, and for the people involved in the production/manufacture of those ingredients.

DU NORD SKIN CARE is a small company. (“Tiny” is a more appropriate descriptor.) I am proud to work with a few small Canadian, American and European companies and laboratories, farmers, distillers, and distributors who are passionate about their creations and products, and passionate about sustainable practices, eco-stewardship and green innovation. I try to source ingredients directly from their producers/creators.  

 

Questions?

I would be delighted to address any questions you may have!  

Email: info@dunordskincare.com