Frequently Asked Questions

Products and Ingredients

Why do you emphasize your ingredients?    [back to top]

GratefulBody creates some of the cleanest, most pure skin care products available. We use organic, biodynamically grown and ethically wildcrafted ingredients. Our formulations are absolutely synthetic free - no petroleum by-products, no chemicals, no parabens. We are truly organic. Our ingredients are actually plants - vital, dynamic plants that still have their molecular integrity intact. These plants 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 essential definition of nurturing the skin.

There is good reason to bring attention to our ingredient lists. Most skin care and cosmetics are marketed via image or vanity manipulation and the actual ingredients they contain are, in fact, just standard commercial chemicals and other synthetics derived from petroleum. The main differences between these various skin care products are simply how they're packaged and who they're aimed at. But the sad irony is that most skin care products are detrimental to the health and well-being of the skin and body and ultimately harm the entire ecosystem.

Where do you get your ingredients?    [back to top]

Over the years we have intensively and meticulously gathered together an assembly of dedicated organic growers, farmers, ethical wildcrafters and oil distillers throughout the world. These people and companies are mainly independent and small-scale concerns that operate locally in a sustainable manner. GratefulBody has developed our Truly Organic Network to provide us with plant material that hasn't been damaged 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. The skin eats, digests and eliminates. Only substances that nurture and support the skin should be applied in any way to the body. Synthetics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals are problematic because they do not easily align or accord with the core biological requirements for the supporting the body. Ironically, these fragmented materials must be eliminated by the skin, thereby taxing and aggravating the skin. GratefulBody 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. For a complete list of prohibited ingredients click here. Here's a short synopsis of ingredients we don't use: No synthetic preservatives including the parabens, no GMOs, no chemical fragrances or colors, no petroleum, coal tar or formaldehyde based ingredients, no cosmeceuticals, no animal by-products and no synthetic botanical replications. Also no ingredients subjected to extreme heat, over-processing, solvents, or testing on animals.

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, GratefulBody 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 actually sourced from animals, with the exception of bee products - honey, beeswax and propolis - and we work only with suppliers dedicated to conscientious and respectful treatment of the bees. GratefulBody is certified by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, an internationally recognized association of companies committed against animal testing.

Are your products appropriate for vegetarians and vegans?    [back to top]

All GratefulBody products are appropriate for vegetarians. A handful of GratefulBody products are not vegan because they use bee products such as propolis, honey, pollen or beeswax. However our bee products are obtained from suppliers dedicated to conscientious and respectful treatment of the bees. Check the product label for a full list of ingredients, and you can also view a full ingredients list for all GratefulBody products on our website. Except for the aforementioned bee products, no animal products from any source - fish, fowl, mammal, vertebrates or invertebrates - are included in any GratefulBody product. We do NOT use collagen, elastin, gelatin and other highly marketed "miracle" skin care ingredients because these are sourced from meat industry waste through carcass rendering processes.

Are your products safe for children and pregnant women?    [back to top]

GratefulBody 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.

There are dozens of very powerful plant medicines in the form of essential oils that are absolutely and incredibly supportive to the child growing and bearing process. However, any of these must be pure, clean and trustworthy. Unless an essential oil is qualified as "organic or wildcrafted" then it is suspect. Do not trust words like "pure" or "natural" essential oils - they mean absolutely nothing; more info on essential oils. GratefulBody uses only organic and biodynamically grown or ethically wildcrafted plants, and our formulations, including our Rx/Series Botanical Medicinals, are appropriate and safe enough even for pregnant women.

As a general rule, GratefulBody products are considered safe and effective for children of all ages. But as with all powerful plant medicines the common-sense factor must be considered. If you have any hesitation, consult a healing professional. We have observed that some of the most synthetic and chemical-laden skin care products we have ever seen are marketed directly to mothers, babies and children, many by "alternative" and "natural" skin care companies. You don't have to be a mother to feel this is a crime.

Do your products contain preservatives? What is their shelf life?    [back to top]

GratefulBody products are well preserved with grapefruit seed extract and vitamin E, along with organic plant preservatives that have antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities such as oregano, thyme, ginger and rosemary. Honey, lemon, propolis, apple cider vinegar, cranberries, sea salt, neem and organic grain alcohol may also be used. Our product shelf life is 18 months to two years. Our products do not need to be refrigerated, but they should be kept from extreme heat.

Organic plants, the source of natural preservatives, are expensive, sometimes in short supply and, depending on the growing area, subject to natural weather cycles and the availability of healthy soil. These factors alone make natural preservatives very undesirable to mainstream skin care companies. This is why you will see synthetic preservatives in most skin and body care products. The parabens - methyl, propyl and ethyl - are a perfect example. They are cheap, prevalent and not subject to any outside influences other than the price of petroleum. Many people are now aware that the parabens are carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupters, and some companies are switching to other chemical preservatives. It's a matter of time to find out which of these turn out to be the next known health hazard. But thanks to our Truly Organic Network, we maintain a steady supply of healthy, vital plant-based preservatives that give our products a healthy shelf life.

Do your products contain sunscreens or alcohol?    [back to top]

In general, sunscreens use synthetic and often toxic ingredients. Ironically, most of these chemical sunscreens are beginning to be implicated in the rise of certain skin cancers. GratefulBody products will not feature sunscreen until we know that we can produce a safe and natural one. However, our lotions (i.e., all Facial Therapies and Nourishments) have natural qualities of protection because of their excellent re-hydrating action of the surface skin tissues. The best protection, of course, is common sense. Wearing hats and protective clothing and moderating your exposure to the sun's rays is always helpful to prevent premature skin aging. The 30 in 30Plus indicates a chronological age rather than an SPF value. It is about age 30 that lifestyle factors and pollutants take a visible toll on the health of skin.

We do not use the alcohols derived from petroleum and mineral oil that are very prevalent in commercial skin care. They are toxic, drying and generally harmful to the skin. We do use very small amounts of organic grain alcohol (derived from certain organic grains and free from GMOs). The organic grain alcohol is non-drying and is a superb carrier for our nurturing herbal infusions and essential oils. A note of caution to those with gluten intolerance: grain alcohols are reported to contain trace amounts of gluten. But we feel that GratefulBody products are fine for those with gluten intolerance if they don't put the product in their mouth. It seems that the intolerance to the gluten protein mainly takes place in the digestive system.

How are your products scented?    [back to top]

GratefulBody uses only plant-sourced, truly natural "deep smells" derived from organic, biodynamic or wildcrafted plant ingredients, including essential oils. Since GratefulBody relies equally on the therapeutic action of essential oils 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; more info on essential oils.

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 and land, 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 GratefulBody 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.

Directions For Use

How much and how often should I use your products?    [back to top]

Every GratefulBody product is very rich and concentrated. We use no fillers, extenders, or other questionable substances. Virtually every ingredient is impeccably therapeutic. For this reason, we stress that only a small amount is needed. For many people, new to GratefulBody and perhaps accustomed to the ineffectiveness of industrial skin care, a common mistake is to use far too much.

When people first start to use GratefulBody products, they tend to pump out far more than is needed. But in the age of industrial skin care, this habit is understandable because standard commercial skin care products are chemical soups that have no core grouping of essential and beneficial ingredients. There is nothing that truly moisturizes your skin or truly gives your skin a healthy texture. Instead, there are synthesized chemicals that have been created in the laboratory to give you the feeling of being moisturized or to give you the sensation of a silky texture. The real is exchanged for the artificial. Because of this, you must use a lot. Unfortunately this causes people to dose themselves with dangerous chemicals at an accelerated rate. And it's not very economical.

For all GratefulBody products, a small amount goes a long way. We suggest starting with a dose about the size of a pearl. As you continue to use the products you'll discover what works best for your skin. This concentrated richness delivers superior skin care results and is also extremely economical. With regular use, each GratefulBody product should last several months.

How should I use the 30Plus products?    [back to top]

Our 30Plus products are rejuvenating concentrates of complete purity designed to support mature skin. 30Plus products are spot treatments that are designed to supplement the Daily Facial Line but can also be used on their own. Nourishing your skin to optimal health is the most effective way to minimize wrinkle formation and damage from stress, time and exposure. Remember, about 60% of our wrinkles are merit badges of experience and life knowledge. But the other 40% are stress-caused and this is where all 30Plus products really support and rejuvenate.

The 30 in 30Plus does not stand for an SPF value. It is a chronological indicator, for it is about the age of 30 that the consequences of our diet, lifestyle choices, and stress factors start to catch up with us and begin to show on our skin. From our observations, due to pollution and food quality issues that are becoming more prevalent, we are starting to see that stress indicators for the skin are now starting to show up much earlier than age 30. Maybe in a few years we'll have to call it 24Plus!

Here is a quick summary of the 30Plus Line:

• 30Plus Nourishment for Normal Skin© The Nourishments are extremely concentrated superfoods for your skin. They provide powerful support for aging or stressed skin. The Normal Skin formula is also suitable for oily skin. Use daily, but only a very small amount is needed. Apply generally or to areas that need extra support.
• 30Plus Nourishment for Dry Skin© Same as above but it has been formulated for the Dry Skin type or those with exposure, climate or high-altitude stresses. This formula is perfect for those with a more outdoor or active lifestyle.
• 30Plus Eye Creme© It has become very clear from the constant feedback of our customers that this is the finest, most exquisite Eye Creme available in the United States today. It is truly supportive for the fine skin tissue that surrounds the eyes. Used regularly, it can really help reduce wrinkles and lines. Contains true organic blue chamomile and blue tansy.
• 30Plus Enzyme Mask© Actually, this is not what people think of as a mask at all, but we had to call it something! It is not an exfoliating agent, abrasive scrub or drawing clay. The Enzyme Mask provides a very deep cleansing and feeding of the skin through the use of natural food enzymes found in their whole state. Unprocessed organic papayas, green tea, nori, avocado, pineapple, parsley and raw honey are a few of the ingredients found in our Enzyme Mask. Use it once a week or once a day. Leave it on or wash it off. Find what works for you.
• 30Plus Spot Toner© Many mature women get blemishes - these are not the sole domain of teenagers. These are often caused by monthly influences or hormonal fluctuations. This formula efficiently supports your skin to re-balance its own ecology in the event of breakouts. Spot Toner is invisible and non-drying. Use as often as you wish. (For adult acne, see also ClearSkin/Rx.)
• 30Plus Hot Flash Splash© Created for those who seek safe and effective relief from powerful waves of sudden heat. This calming, cooling therapeutic mist refreshes your skin and helps balance your mood. Includes organic violet, waterlily, cucumber, rose and watercress.

Products For the Extremely Sensitive

I have sensitive skin, can I use your products? What about allergies and sensitive skin reactions?    [back to top]

GratefulBody products are, in general, very appropriate for those with sensitive skin and who demand high levels of purity. But because the pervasive presence of environmental toxins has taken a higher toll on many individuals, especially those with multiple chemical sensitivities, GratefulBody has formulated the scent-neutral E.I. Line. E.I. stands for "Environmental Impact" and is ideal for the scent-intolerant, those with allergies, the environmentally injured and the immune compromised. The E.I. Line can be very suitable for those who wish to keep their skin healthy in the face of severe physical challenges such as chemotherapy, radiation treatments, chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS, and other afflictions that are aggravated by the pervasive presence of toxic chemicals.

Which products are fragrance free?    [back to top]

All GratefulBody products are synthetic-fragrance free, but our E.I. Line is free of the scents that come from added essential oils and aromatic herbs. But remember that there is a big difference between artificial fragrances and real organic smells. All GratefulBody products, except the E.I. Line, contain only the deep smells derived from truly organic or biodynamic sources. This would matter, for example, if you think you may be allergic to lavender. It's possible that you are not allergic to lavender, but are highly allergic to or having reactions to the chemical residues left over from unnatural methods of cultivating and processing.

Most skin care products are synthetic and petroleum based. If any plant derivatives are found in these products, they are most often commercially mono-cropped with pesticides and chemical fertilizers. For example, a high percentage of commercial essential oils used to "naturally scent" products are solvent-extracted, using hexane and other petrochemicals. And most of the base oils used in these products are unstable, lifeless commodity oils, often from genetically modified crops. It's no wonder that so many people assume they are allergic to certain plants and oils. Because of the poor state of these herbs and oils, even "natural" skin care lines carry the possibility of extreme toxic overload to the body.

Do you use essential oils in your products?    [back to top]

GratefulBody uses organic, biodynamic or wildcrafted essential oils in our formulations. Essential oils, which are distilled from various plant parts, have many different components which give rise to the character of their therapeutic actions and powerful, healing scents. They represent the essence of the plant and are analogous to the higher vibration fluids within the human body such as plasma or cerebral spinal fluid. The distillation process, traditionally accomplished via steam or mechanical distillation, is a long and arduous process, requiring sometimes many thousand pounds of plant material to produce a small amount of pure essential oil. Because of these limitations, and also that essential oils are now a multi-billion dollar business, short cuts are inevitable.

A huge majority of commercial essential oils (EOs) are now inappropriately processed using hexane and other petrosolvents. Although this process will render usable essential oils with fragrant properties, their healing, biological modalities have been substantially diminished. Since there is no regulatory agency that oversees these processes, EOs processed in this way can be and are labeled either as natural, pure or whole essential oils. Since GratefulBody relies equally on the therapeutic action of the essential oil as for the aromatic property, we are very concerned with the vitality and integrity of these important oils. So we are very meticulous in our efforts to source organic, biodynamic or wildcrafted essential oils that are grown, harvested and distilled by time-honored methods that we can verify by third-party agencies. Be careful of qualifiers such as "pure" or "natural"; do look for oils that are "organic" or "wildcrafted."

Shipping and Returns

What are your shipping costs?    [back to top]

Shipping costs are determined by weight and destination. At checkout, shipping costs are automatically calculated and you can choose which option you prefer. We do not charge a handling fee and the calculated shipping costs are actual - not padded.

Can I return an item? What if my product is damaged?    [back to top]

Yes. If you are dissatisfied with any of our products you may return it for a full refund or a product credit. Simply return the unused portion to our warehouse. Please note, you are responsible for shipping costs. If your product is broken or damaged, please contact us with details and we will arrange for a replacement.

How long does it take to receive a shipment?    [back to top]

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 available for international orders.

Purchasing and Product Info

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.

What are your payment options?    [back to top]

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?    [back to top]

We do not offer a print catalog for the purpose of saving paper. However our website features complete product information including usage and a complete ingredients list. If you need specific information about a product or regimen please contact us.

Do you offer samples of your products?    [back to top]

Yes, you can purchase Skin Care Sampler Sets for all our Daily Facial Line products and our E.I. (Environmental Impact) Line which is scent neutral for extra-sensitive skin. These sets, which retail for $12.50, feature three 1/2 oz bottles of our facial cleanser, toner and moisturizer and are designed for all skin types: normal skin, dry skin, oily skin and extra-sensitive skin.

We also offer sample size bottles of our most popular 30Plus for Mature Skin products including Nourishment for Normal and Dry Skin, Eye Creme and Enzyme Mask. Each 30Plus Sample Set contains three 5 ml. bottles of our unique formulations - pure concentrates that help minimize wrinkles and damage from stress, time and exposure by nourishing the skin, not manipulating it with chemicals.

Sampler Sets are a perfect way to sample and experience GratefulBody's truly organic, plant-based skin care. Remember: with our concentrated formulas a little goes a long way, so you need only a small amount.

Do you have a newsletter? How do I get on your email list?    [back to top]

Our eNewsletter is designed to help you stay up-to-date on our latest news, current specials and promotions, and more. We respect your privacy and never share or sell your subscriber information. Our privacy policy is very strict. To sign up for GratefulBody eNews and/or alerts on our San Francisco Bay Area events, click here.

Are your products available in retail stores?    [back to top]

Our products are available at various stores in the United States. It is a possibility that there is no store in your area that carries GratefulBody products. If that is the case, you can use our website to purchase the product you need. Please remember that, given the concentration and amount of product needed for your daily regimen, GratefulBody works out to be one of the most reasonably priced completely natural and organic skin care lines available.