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Frequently Asked Questions
Ingredient Information
Why do you emphasize your ingredients?
[back to top] Grateful Body creates completely safe, pure and ethical skin care products. This makes them highly effective and beneficial. We use organic, biodynamically grown and ethically wildcrafted ingredients - using no petroleum by-products, no synthetic chemicals, no isolates, no cosmeceuticals. Our ingredients are vital, powerful herbals in various forms - extractions, infusions, tinctures and oils. Because these plants are in their whole state and not chemically processed, they still have their molecular integrity intact. Botanicals of this quality are nurturing food for the skin and body, and are firmly recognized by the body's healing and repairing mechanisms for therapeutic use. This is the real definition of skin care. Grateful Body ingredient lists are a joy to read as they are full of nothing but deliciously pure foods for the skin.
Where do you get your ingredients?
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Over the years we have intensively and meticulously gathered together a collection of dedicated organic growers, farmers, ethical wildcrafters and oil distillers from which we source our diverse plant ingredients. These people and companies are mainly independent and small-scale concerns that operate locally in a sustainable manner. Grateful Body has developed this network to provide us with plant ingredients that haven't been damaged or compromised by methods common to modern agricultural practices. This practice also harmonizes with our Green Business Principle of supporting local and grassroots economies.
What ingredients don't you use? [back to top]
If it's not food, if you can't eat it, then we don't use it. In its own way, the skin eats, digests and eliminates. Only substances that nurture and support the skin should be applied in any way to the body. Synthetic chemicals, isolates, cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals are problematic because they do not easily align or accord with the core biological requirements for supporting the body. Ironically, these fragmented materials must be eliminated by the skin, thereby taxing and aggravating the skin. Grateful Body only uses plant material that the body can fully and efficiently use. This removes the burden of having to deal with substances de-vitalized by corporate farming, high-tech meddling or pollution. Here's a short synopsis of ingredients we don't use: no synthetic preservatives, no GMOs, no chemical fragrances or colors, no petroleum, coal tar or formaldehyde based ingredients, no oleo-chemicals, no cosmeceuticals, no bioceuticals, no hydroxy acids, no animal by-products and no synthetic botanical isolates. Also no ingredients subjected to extreme heat, over-processing, solvents, or testing on animals.
How do you preserve your product? What is their shelf life?
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Grateful Body products are well-preserved with an intricate blend of powerful botanicals which have the extra benefit of being inherently antimicrobial. Our organic whole-plant preservative system is chemical and synthetic-free. We do not use parabens, phenoxyethanol, grapefruit/citrus seed extracts, synthetic alcohols, formaldehyde donors, ureas, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or any other chemical preservative. We do use organic versions of olive leaf, turmeric, marigold, amalaki berry, camu camu berry, honeysuckle flower extract, acerola berry, salt, wasabi and various organic essential oils. Our product shelf life is 8 to 12 months.. Our products do not need to be refrigerated, but they should be kept from extreme heat. It should be noted that our New Preservative System gives all our emulsions a golden, amber color. This golden color comes from marigold flowers and turmeric. It indicates uncompromising purity and the auspicious absence of synthetic/chemical preservatives.
Are your products appropriate for vegetarians
and vegans? [back to top]
ALL GratefulBody products are appropriate (and certified) for vegans and vegetarians. We know that the plant world offers everything needed to create our incredible artisan skin care. Our products do NOT contain animal ingredients or by-products of any kind. We do not use any bee products such as honey, beeswax or propolis. We do not use collagen, elastin, gelatin and other highly marketed skin care ingredients because these are sourced from meat industry waste through carcass rendering processes. One easy way to do something positive for the environment is to insist on using vegan personal care products.
What is your company philosophy on animal testing? [back to top]
We are very, very strict on this issue. We categorically do NOT test on animals nor do we work with any companies or suppliers who do. In skin care marketing today, this is a tricky area. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that unrestricted and unverified use of these phrases by cosmetic and skin care companies is possible due to the lack of legal definition of these terms. Often a company will say "cruelty-free" because they don't privately test on animals, but they still use bulk ingredients from companies who do. By following principles based on the awareness of the inter-connectivity of all living things, Grateful Body follows an ethical standard that doesn't allow any activity or procedure that harms or brings suffering to animals. We use no ingredients that are sourced from animals. Grateful Body is certified by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, an internationally recognized association of companies committed against animal testing.
Do your products contain sunscreens? [back to top]
We don’t make a sunscreen at this time because there aren’t any FDA approved sunscreen ingredients that are entirely healthy for the body and planet.
Humankind has always had to contend with the dual effects of the sun (both positive and negative); and our health requires some amount of sunlight shining directly on our skin. For thousands of years, humans have had a natural, sensible and instinctual relationship with the sun based on common-sense. Various practices like wearing hats and protective clothing, moderating your exposure to the sun's rays (especially during peak hours from 10AM-4PM), drinking plenty of water, and eating a diet rich in antioxidant-filled fruits and vegetables come to mind. This is the approach we recommend.
Sunscreens are synthetic, often toxic, and beginning to be implicated in health problems such as the rise of certain cancers, including skin cancers. (Mineral sunscreens—titanium dioxide and zinc oxide—thus far appear to be a safer alternative to chemical sunscreens. But due to our concerns about the manufacturing processes behind the production of mineral sunscreens, Grateful Body does not use these ingredients.)
Spreading fear about the sun is very profitable - to the tune of billions of dollars a year. But Grateful Body products are formulated with gratitude in mind, not fear. Our lotions holistically support skin exposed to the sun by delivering powerful antioxidants and providing excellent re-hydrating action of the surface skin tissues. These benefits coupled with a common-sense approach to sun exposure help us regain a healthier relationship with the sun- the benevolent, life-supporting, source of light that maintains all material existence on our planet.
Do your products contain alcohol?
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We do not use any of the very common synthetic alcohols, which are derived from petroleum and mineral oil sources. They are very drying, toxic, and for the most part, harmful to the skin. We do use small amounts of organic grain alcohol derived from organic, non-GMO fruit and grains. This type of organic plant-based alcohol is gentle, non-drying and a superb carrier for our nurturing herbal infusions and essential oils.
Are your products safe for children and pregnant women?
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Grateful Body products are plant-based and synthetic/chemical free. The herbs and oils used in our formulations have been beneficially used for countless generations by midwives and pregnant women and are not generally contraindicated for pregnancy. Even so, during this beautiful experience, every woman should carefully consider in a receptive way all food and impressions she ingests through her body, mouth and skin. As a general rule, Grateful Body ingredients have been known to be safe and supportive for children and the child bearing process. But as with all powerful plant medicines the common-sense factor must be considered. If you have any hesitation, consult a healing professional.
How are your products scented? [back to top]
Grateful Body uses only plant-sourced, truly natural "deep smells" derived from organic, biodynamic or wildcrafted plant ingredients, including essential oils. Since we rely equally on the therapeutic action of the essential oil as for the aromatic property, we are very meticulous in our efforts to source oils that are grown, harvested and distilled by time-honored methods.
Biologically, scents can be understood in two different ways: surface scents and deep smells. Surface scents primarily strike the autonomic nervous system and elicit only desensitizing, distorted and shallow responses. The scents with this surface effect are all synthetic fragrances, commercial perfumes, botanical scents incorrectly processed with chemicals and all chemical flavoring and scenting agents. These scents have no therapeutic or useful function within the bodily organism and after a while their cumulative effects become toxic. They begin to trigger emergency bodily responses and can eventually lead to severe allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities and other immune malfunctions. Shallow scents are the product of the chemical industry.
On the other hand are the deep smells. These are the "olfactory" components of mother nature that serve an exact purpose. Deep smells reach into the depths of the psyche, into the limbic regions, influencing feelings and the higher emotions. They cause the whole body to vibrate with instinctive recognition and can trigger memories and open the heart. A small sampling of these "olfactory" components might include perceiving the onset of the seasons, sensing danger or the sudden awareness of beauty, engaging the world of flowers, rocks and trees, the loving exchange of pheromones, the instinctual recognition of your children, the awareness of changes in weather, the knowledge of wind and sea - all triggered by deep smells. These smells are not a simple "nose smelling" activity but a common language that reaches deep into the very subatomic particles that makeup all bodies. In truth, the smell itself is no different than the body; both are composed of the same basic materiality. A mutual exchange takes place that is primal, beneficial and restorative. These deep smells - which are what Grateful Body uses in our formulations - have true healing properties that affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies, and add a delicious and sensual quality to our products.
Extremely Sensitive Complexions
I have very sensitive skin, can I use your products?
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ALL Grateful Body products are appropriate for those with sensitive skin and who demand high levels of purity.
That said, it must be acknowledged that the pervasive presence of stress, chemicals and environmental pressures has taken a higher toll on certain individuals. Exactly for these people, GratefulBody has formulated the 'Extra Gentle' line of products. More than just scent-neutral, they are ideal for the scent-intolerant, those with allergies, the environmentally injured, the immune compromised and those with multiple chemical sensitivities. (note: the 'Extra Gentle' line has replaced the 'Environmental Impact' line)
Which products are fragrance free?
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Defining 'fragrance' and 'parfum', as synthetic scenting agents, (this list includes limonene, linalool, farnesol, eugenol, etc.) - ALL GratefulBody products are fragrance-free. We use only whole, unadulterated aromatic herbs, oils and essential oils to create the aroma of each product. Our 'Extra Gentle/Unscented' products are scent-neutral because they are made from a selection of non-aromatic ingredients (of course, we don't use a chemical scent-inhibitor, so some noses will pick up the subtle whiff of the therapeutic base materials).
Which products can I use?
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Again, all Grateful Body products are appropriate for those with sensitive skin and who demand high levels of purity. It is suggested that extremely sensitive folks use the Extra Gentle Cleanser, the Extra Gentle Toner and the Extra Gentle Moisturizer. However, they will also find that many products in the Restorative and Treatment Lines are very supportive of their skin condition. It is a particularly beneficial aspect of nature that allows a natural, biological product to be powerful, gentle and effective all at the same time.
What happened to the E.I. Line?
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The Environmental Impact Line is now called the Extra Gentle Line. These skin care products still serve the same purpose - specially formulated for the extremely sensitive, the scent-intolerant, the immune compromised, and those with multiple chemical sensitivities. It is clear that people suffering from these types of complications are in dire need of biologically-appropriate body care products because the skin is often the first place that adverse symptoms show up. The products are scent-neutral, retaining the mild aromas of the core ingredients. These aromas are very benign and have proven not to irritate or trouble our EG customers. All of the products have been re-formulated. We have learned quite a bit over the years and have put our knowledge and experience into the new line. Please note that the Cleanser and Moisturizer have a golden, amber color. It is not white like the E.I. Line. This golden color comes from marigold flowers and turmeric. It indicates uncompromising purity and the auspicious absence of synthetic/chemical preservatives.
Shipping Information
What are your shipping costs? [back to top]
For all Domestic/Continental orders, shipping charges are fixed: $5 shipping charges for orders under $100 and $3 shipping charges for orders over $100.
For all International orders, shipping costs are automatically calculated and are determined by weight and destination. You can choose the shipping option you prefer during the checkout process. You will be able to see this shipping cost before you checkout. We do not charge a handling fee and the calculated shipping costs are actual - not padded.
Can I return an item? [back
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Yes. If you are dissatisfied with any of our products, or your product is broken or damaged, you may return it for a full refund or a product credit. Please contact us if you have questions. Simply click on the 'Contact Us' link at the bottom of any page.
How long does it take to receive a shipment?
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We ship domestic orders via UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail;
expect delivery in 2-6 business days. (remember, no P.O. boxes can be used for UPS shipping options) We ship international orders via International Priority Mail; expect delivery in 6-10 business days. Insurance is an option for international orders.
Purchasing Information
Is it safe to use my credit card? Is your site
secure? [back to top]
Yes. Our website is protected with the very latest protection/privacy
encryption features. These are updated regularly. We do not keep any credit card numbers in our database nor do we share any of your information. Your transactions
are safe and secure. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards.
Can I place an order over the phone? [back to top]
Yes, you are welcome to call direct, but orders made in this way do not qualify for internet specials. Our warehouse number is: (800) 600-6806. Our hours are 9:30AM-5:30PM Monday-Friday PST.
Can I get a catalog?
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We do not offer a print catalog for the purpose of saving paper. However our website features complete product information including usage and complete ingredient lists.
Product Information
Grateful Body products for young people? [back to top]
As far as safety is concerned, Grateful Body products are generally safe enough even for use on babies’ skin. That said, we hope that young people hold out as long as possible before delving into the world of personal care products. It is usually the case that in the “tween” and early teen years the skin becomes ready for a little extra care. At that point, we like to recommend just the very basics, such as our gentle cleansers, toners and moisturizers. It is normal to experience acne breakouts during these years and the best approach is to treat skin kindly and provide it with plenty of herbal nourishment (our Clear Skin Treatment is just the thing) rather than using harsh acne products. Healthy diet, sleep, and exercise habits are also essential during this time. Travel Trios are a great way for young people to try out Grateful Body skin care products.
Do you make any anti-aging products?
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Grateful Body products all have anti-aging benefits simply by virtue of the magnificently nutrient-rich organic ingredients we use. A complexion that is bountifully and consistently nourished becomes stronger; it will function better and therefore show its age more slowly. Our Aphrodite’s Feast Restorative is made specifically with mature skin in mind and is exceptionally rejuvenating. However, we want to emphasize that aging is an inevitable part of life and we prefer to avoid referring to this natural process as something negative that people should be self-conscious about. If we can cultivate increased self-acceptance and take good care of ourselves, we will age with grace and grow wiser, and therefore more beautiful, with each passing year.
Do you offer samples of your products?
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Yes, our Travel Trios are an excellent way to sample the core Grateful Body products and can be purchased for specific skin types. These sets feature three small glass bottles of Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer. These samples usually last about a week or two - our concentrated formulas go a long way, so you need only a small amount. We do not offer samples for Treatments, Restoratives or Body Oils.
What is the difference between Treatments and Restoratives?
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- Treatments deal with specific skin ailments. Currently, the Treatment series addresses rosacea, acne and blemishes and excessively oily or imbalanced skin. It is a particularly beneficial aspect of nature that allows a natural, biological product to be powerful, gentle and effective all at the same time. Treatments can be combined with your regular skin care routine.
- Restoratives impart directional nutrition directly to the skin to bring it back to a higher level of functioning. One may view the Restoratives as both preventative and protective. Think of the Restoratives as "power foods" for skin -- a little extra TLC to get the complexion looking its very best. Choose one Restorative that fits your specific need, or combine or rotate them as you please.
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