Why do we use all natural ingredients?
From our research we have learned that many of the chemicals used in today's body care products are toxic and can cause harm to the body. We know that up to 60% of products put on the skin are absorbed into the body. "Why would anyone want to absorb these chemicals into their body," we asked ourselves? We don't believe that they would want to if they were aware of the potential problems chemical ingredients can cause. We believe that by offering consumers an all-natural choice, and by making them aware of the potential problems that synthetic chemicals can cause, we are allowing them to make an informed decision. We believe that the use of all-natural products is highly beneficial for the mind, body and spirit.
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How do we determine that our ingredients are all natural?
We thoroughly check out all our suppliers before we purchase any ingredients from them. They are required to submit a Certificate of Analysis with full details regarding the exact composition of their ingredient, and where it was sourced. This enables us to have full control over the ingredients we use in our products.
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Why do we use coconut surfactant rather than Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphate?
Firstly Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphate are synthetic products so we don't use them. They are used as industrial degreasers, so as you might imagine they are highly irritating to the skin. They strip the skin of moisture and are often used in combination with DEA in an attempt to reduce irritation, unfortunately they can then become contaminated with nitrosamines which are known carcinogens. We spent a long time searching for a safe, natural foaming agent to use in our products. Finally we found an ingredient that was created naturally using coconut oil, so it gently cleanses the skin without irritating it like Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphate or Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate can.
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How do we preserve our products without using chemicals?
There are several all-natural ingredients which act as preservatives. These include rosemary extract, benzoin and vitamin E. In addition to these ingredients we use our own all-natural paraben free preservative blend.
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What is the serum and why would I want to use it?
The serum is designed to be used after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing. Because of its light texture it absorbs quickly into the skin and is suitable for all skin types. Our serum has amazing anti-oxidant and anti-wrinkle properties. It contains carrot seed oil as well as vitamins A, B5, C and E, which are all excellent ingredients for fighting the signs of aging.
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Why should I use a natural room spray?
Commercial room fresheners are full of synthetic chemicals which are often used to “mask” odours rather than getting rid of them. Our room spray utilizes the deodorizing powers of essential oils and pure grain alcohol. This means our room sprays won't affect your normal sense of smell.
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Natural grain alcohol – how is it different from regular alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol acts as a carrying and antifoaming agent as well as a water and oil solvent. It dries quickly, and if synthetically produced is carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic, and can cause adverse reactions. It is extremely drying to the skin. Natural grain alcohol is naturally produced so it has a different chemical composition that is gentler on the skin.
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Are your products hypoallergenic?
All of our products are designed to be extremely gentle on the skin, and to have a low allergy risk. Because we don't use any synthetic chemicals, our products are particularly non-irritating and soothing to the skin.
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What do we use in our deodorants to make them effective?
We use baking soda, witch hazel and essential oils that fight odour-causing bacteria. This means that our deodorants will work effectively and naturally without containing any toxic ingredients such as Aluminium.
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Why don't we use fragrance in our products?
Fragrance can contain up to 4000 separate chemicals, most of them synthetic. There are no regulations that require companies to list the components of their fragrances. This means that toxic components can be included without the customers knowledge. Fragrance is also one of the most common skin irritants. It often causes dermatitis and allergies when it comes into contact with the skin. Because of our commitment to natural products we do not use any fragrance. We believe that essential oils are the best way to create beautiful scents without the risk of negative side effects.
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What gives our products their scent?
We rely mainly on essential oils to provide scent for our products. The amazing thing about essential oils is that (unlike synthetic fragrance) they not only smell good but they also provide therapeutic benefits to the mind, body and spirit. Essential oils are true reflections of nature, they vary slightly with each season, depending on the weather and conditions in which the plants were raised.
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What is so special about essential oils?
They are potent pure plant extracts that are easily absorbed by the skin and work with the skin to provide maximum benefits. They target problem areas efficiently and naturally. The essential oils used in our products are therapeutic grade, so not only do they smell great, but they have a multitude of other benefits.
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Why don't we use Mineral Oil?
Mineral oil is extremely cheap so it is certainly tempting to use it in products when you want to keep the cost down. It is derived from petroleum and has a number of adverse effects on the skin. It coats the skin and sits on the surface. This will give you the feeling that your skin is being moisturized. In actual fact the mineral oil layer on your skin prevents your skin from breathing or absorbing moisture, which means instead of hydrating your skin it is actually dehydrating it. Because we put the health of your body ahead of our economic gain we choose not to use mineral oil.
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What do we use instead of mineral oil?
We use all natural oils such as vegetable and fruit oils e.g. jojoba, apricot kernel and olive. These oils actually penetrate the skin and provide a myriad of benefits to the skin, particularly hydration, moisturization and protection.
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What do we use to create sunscreens in our products?
We use titanium dioxide which sits on the surface of the skin and does not penetrate. Much of the titanium dioxide used in cosmetics has been so finely milled that it does actually penetrate the skin. It is also slightly coated with silicone. We use titanium dioxide with larger particles (not coated with silicone) so that it does not penetrate the skin and won't clog the pores. This provides a physical barrier against sun damage rather than a chemical one. From our research we have learned that chemical sunscreens such as Octyl methoxycinnamate can be damaging to the skin. As a result our sunscreens have a slightly different texture and opacity than commercial brands, but they are gentler on your skin and an effective barrier against sun damage.
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What do we use to colour our products?
Our colours are all derived from natural or mineral sources. We have learned that colours derived from coal tar have significant adverse effects. These colours are used by most commercial cosmetics manufacturers. We use various oxides, herbs and spices. Because our colours are natural you may notice that they are softer than commercially produced products.
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What do we use instead of Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is a possible carcinogen, and inhaling it may cause respiratory distress. It contains similar molecules to those found in asbestos. We believe that talc is best avoided, particularly by babies and young children. We use organic cornstarch, rice flour, calcium carbonate and baking soda instead of talc.TOP
Does Cranberry Lane test on animals?
No, we don't. We test all of our products extensively on volunteers, including staff, friends and family. We only use suppliers that do not test on animals to obtain our raw ingredients.
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Are Cranberry Lane products safe to use during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant we recommend that you avoid products containing synthetic chemicals. We also advise caution concerning the use of essential oils. The safest option would be to use our gentle skin care line for the face and our baby products or gentle body lotion for the body.
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Are your products safe for use by children and teenagers?
Yes, they are. For children under the age of two we recommend the baby products since they were especially formulated for a baby's delicate skin.
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Where should I keep my Cranberry Lane products?
You should try to keep your products away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight. Where possible avoid any extremes in temperature. The warm, damp area of the bathroom, where people use and store many cosmetic products, can be an ideal environment for microorganisms to grow in cosmetics. Microorganisms can also find their way into cosmetics through cross-contamination when a cosmetic or its applicator touches your skin or hair and then touches the cosmetic again. That is why we use all-natural preservatives such as vitamin E, benzoin and rosemary extract in our products.
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How long will my Cranberry Lane products last?
We recommend that you use your products within one year of the date of purchase.
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Can I use my regular makeup over the Cranberry Lane products?
Yes, you can. We also recommend using the hydrating face mist over makeup to set it, and to refresh your face throughout the day.
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Is it okay to use your products at the same time as I'm using products from another line?
Our products are designed to work synergistically together, so to see the best results in your skin we do recommend using the full Cranberry Lane skincare regime. It is particularly important that you try not to mix your natural and synthetic skin care together. To reap the full benefits of all-natural products the skin is best kept clear of synthetic chemicals.
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Are Cranberry Lane products suitable for vegans?
All of our products are suitable for vegans with the exception of the lip sheers, lip balm, deodorant and the soap bars. These products contain small amounts of beeswax.
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Are your products non-comedogenic?
Our products do not promote the formation of acne. If you do suffer from acne we have formulated some products to help minimize the symptoms, click here.
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How can I test to see if I'm allergic?
The standard test for allergies is known as the “patch test”. Place a small amount of the product to be tested on the inner forearm. After 12-24 hours examine the area for signs of irritation. If no irritation is present then the product should be fine for use on your face or body.
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Can I use Cranberry Lane products while I'm taking medications?
Yes, our products should not interact with any medications taken internally. If you are particularly concerned we recommend using our gentle skincare line on the face and the baby products or gentle body lotion on the body.
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Is there a cure for acne?
Acne is a condition that affects many people. Always common among teenagers, it is now recognized that acne affects people in their 20s, 30s and beyond. No one is certain what exactly causes acne. But a number of factors, most importantly heredity, play a role.
There are two main types of acne: non-inflammatory and inflammatory. In non-inflammatory acne, there are usually just a few whiteheads and blackheads on the face. Most people with acne have this type of acne. With inflammatory acne, the whiteheads become inflamed, and pimples and pustules develop. In its most severe form, inflammatory acne can cause disfiguring cysts and deep, pitting scars of the face, neck, back, chest and groin. While there is no cure for acne there are many things you can do to help manage your symptoms. We recommend using the following products as well as our Blemish Be Gone to help you to control any symptoms of acne that you may be experiencing, click here.
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Do you have any products designed for people with psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that manifests itself in different forms and to varying degrees of severity. Psoriasis is a genetic disease, and it is not contagious. A family association exists in one out of three cases. It often appears between ages 15 and 35, but it can develop at any age. Most researchers now conclude that it is related to the immune system. It generally appears as patches of raised red skin covered by a flaky white buildup, and may also have a pimple-like or burned appearance. Psoriasis can cause intense itching and burning. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, we recommend keeping your skin and body care as simple and gentle as possible… click here.
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Why aren't your products organic?
We always try to use organic ingredients wherever possible in our products. However, due to the nature of some of the ingredients we use, they are unable to be certified organic. Some of our ingredients are sourced from Third World countries, where the producers cannot afford to pay for organic certification. Some other ingredients are gathered in the wild, and therefore cannot be certified as organic. While we always make the utmost effort to ensure that these ingredients are farmed or grown in an organic manner we cannot legally call them organic.
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What does "FRAGRANCE-FREE/UNSCENTED" mean?
This means that there have been no fragrances added to the cosmetic product, or that a masking agent has been added in order to camouflage the scents from other ingredients in the cosmetic.
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What does "Ophthalmologist Tested/Dermatologist Tested" mean?
These terms usually mean that a test on the product was conducted to ensure that the product is not (or less) irritating to eyes or skin, and that this test involved a skin or eye doctor at some point during the study. They test to gauge the safety of the product, rather than to assess the quality or performance of the product. There are no regulations that standardize the type or number of tests needed to use this claim on labels.
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What does "hypoallergenic" mean?
Hypoallergenic is neither a legal nor a scientific term. It simply means that the manufacturer has selected ingredients with the objective of producing a finished product with minimum potential for causing allergy. This does not guarantee that the product will not cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, as people are allergic to a wide array of substances. There are no non-allergenic cosmetics.
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What does "not tested on animals" mean?
The cosmetic product was not tested on animals. This does not guarantee that the individual ingredients were not tested on animals. The scientific community is moving toward using fewer animals and is gradually producing valid tests that do not use live animals but use cell cultures instead called "in vitro testing" as well as predictive computer models.
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What can I do to get rid of my eczema?
Eczema is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. The disease can vary greatly in its severity. In its milder forms the skin may be itchy, hot and dry. In the more severe forms the skin may be broken, raw and bleeding. Eczema is not contagious. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. Treatment can reduce the inflammation of eczema, but the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care. We recommend taking steps to avoid contact with potential allergens such as fragrance, harsh detergents and chemicals. With this in mind we recommend the following products…click here.
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Is there a cure for rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic and potentially life-disruptive disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It has been observed that it typically begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. It may also occur on the scalp, neck, chest or ears. As time passes, the redness becomes ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Without treatment, bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. In many rosacea patients, the eyes are also affected, feeling irritated and appearing watery or bloodshot. Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, it is believed that individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are at greatest risk. There is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, but treatment is available to control or reverse symptoms. We recommend only using the gentlest and simplest products on your face
and body…click here.
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Is there a way to get rid of stretch marks?
Stretch marks happen when the tissue under the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it's overstretched, the normal production of collagen is disrupted. As a result, scars called stretch marks may form. Stretch marks don't ever go away entirely, however it is possible to reduce their appearance. The earlier you begin treating stretch marks - when they are red or reddish brown - the more likely you are to diminish their appearance. Once these marks begin to flatten and fade they become less obvious and are more difficult to treat. We have a couple of products, Daily Dew Body Butter and Sweet Dreams Body Butter that will help prevent stretch marks by making skin more supple and elastic.
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I have a dandruff problem, what can I do?
There are a multitude of factors that could be causing your dandruff problem including the following: hormonal imbalance, poor health, emotional stress, improper nutrition, heredity, cold weather and dry indoor heating. Most medical authorities consider dandruff to be a type of scalp or skin related disease in which there is excessive sebum production of the scalp. Dandruff can manifest itself in a couple of ways: as a very dry scalp with itchy white flakes or as an oily greasy scalp with scales. Since dandruff is a natural process, it cannot be eliminated. However it can be managed and controlled. We suggest the following, click here.
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What's special about your baby products?
Using Cranberry Lane baby products will give your child the start to life that he or she really deserves. Most commercial baby products are based on petroleum derivatives and contain a lot of mineral oil, these just serve to suffocate your child's skin and increase the chances of irritation. Cranberry Lane uses all natural plant oils that your baby's delicate skin can truly absorb. We then enhance our products with two of the most healing and soothing essential oils, chamomile and lavender.
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Can your products fade dark spots or scars?
Scars change over time. Some fade on their own, though this may take months to years, while others gradually change color and/or shape. It's not possible to completely remove a scar, but treatment might help make your scars less noticeable, we recommend trying the following, click here. Dark spots or patches occur because the body produces too much melanin, a pigment that creates hair, skin, and eye color. Melanin protects the body by absorbing ultraviolet light. With treatment over time it is possible to help fade the appearance of these dark spots. Of course the best treatment is prevention, ideally by minimizing sun exposure and wearing an all-natural sunscreen when outdoors, click here to check our our Daily Sunscreen with SPF 15 and our Soothing Sunscreen with SPF 25.
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I spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun. Are your products safe for me to use?
Our products are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Natural extracts soothe and hydrate the skin while protecting it from damage. We do have a specific line of skincare products designed for people who spend a lot of time in the sun.
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My SPF face cream turned a yellowy colour. Has it gone bad?
No, this is simply the essential oils reacting to the titanium dioxide and you can still use your cream. Give the cream a stir and apply as usual. Make sure to store in a cool, dark place.
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How do I use your skin care products effectively?
First determine your skin type. After you know which of our products are right for you begin by cleaning your face with the appropriate cleanser (more towards oily skin) or cleansing milk (more towards dry skin). Pat dry and using a cotton ball apply the toner all over your face. If using our Radiance face serum apply now before you put on your lotion or cream. Our Hydrating SPF cream and our Balancing SPF cream can be used in the morning in place of the regular cream. Follow the above procedure both morning and night. Our exfoliators are gentle enough that they can be used every night, or if you prefer you can use them once or twice a week. Use after cleansing your face and before you apply the toner. Once or twice a week you can also use the appropriate mask for your skin type. Use after cleansing your face and before you apply the toner. Use either our gentle eye therapy cream or our regular eye therapy cream morning and night after applying your face cream. Simply dab around the eyes and blend in.
If you would like to use our Anti-Aging face system select the appropriate cleanser or cleansing milk and toner for your skin type and follow the above procedure. After you use the toner, apply the face serum and in the morning use the Face Drink and at night use the Face Rest. Use either our gentle eye therapy cream or our regular eye therapy cream morning and night after applying your face cream. Simply dab around the eyes and blend in. Once or twice a week use the Firming Face Hydrator Mask after clensing and before toning.
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