Question 1

What process do you use to make your body and facial soaps?

Accepted Answer

We make our soaps using only the cold process method. We soap at the lowest temperatures possible to retain the beneficial properties in each ingredient.

Question 2

Where do you source your ingredients?

Accepted Answer

We source from ethical and fair trade suppliers from around the world. We take care to make sure our ingredients are sustainably produced and manufactured. We choose to be transparent. Hop on over to our ingredient page to see where each element originates.
 
Click Here to see our ingredients page!

Question 3

Are all of your products handmade?

Accepted Answer

We handmake all of our products in small batches to ensure quality.

Question 4

Where are your products made?

Accepted Answer

All of our products are handmade and packaged in Florida, United States of America.

Question 5

Is your packaging recyclable and/or biodegradable?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both!
 
All of our labels are 100% recycled content. They are biodegradable and made of 100% post-consumer paper waste. FSC Certified Rainforest Alliance and Green-E certified to be sustainably manufactured.
 
Our boxes are made from recycled cardboard, sugarcane, bamboo, and wheat straw. The recycled carboard does not contain any glues or adhesives. They are 100% biodegradable and the perfect thing to use to start your seedlings.

Question 6

Seeded Paper Filler for Soap Boxes:

Accepted Answer

This plantable seeded filler paper is made from 100% biodegradable eco-paper consisting of post-consumer materials that is embedded with different seeds. When you plant the filler, the seeds will grow, and the paper will completely compost away. All that is left behind are herbs and flowers, no waste!

Question 7

Shea Butter Jars:

Accepted Answer

Made from 50% recycled glass. 100% reusable and recyclable.

Question 8

Shea Butter Lids:

Accepted Answer

Made from steel and electrolytic tin, both of which are completely recyclable and reusable.

Question 9

PE Liners:

Accepted Answer

When it comes to plastics, we are minimalists. But, no one wants to see their shea butter leaking down the side of their jar; this is the reason we chose to use PE liners. They line the top of the lid to make a secure closure to prevent leaking. Recyclable under plastics #4.

Question 10

Toothpowder Jars:

Accepted Answer

Made from 30% recycled glass. 100% reusable and recyclable. The cork lid is sustainably produced without the use of chemicals, approved to be used to cork organic wines. The spoon is uncoated sustainable wood. Both are biodegradable and recyclable.

Question 11

Bath Salt Brown Kraft Bags:

Accepted Answer

Made from 40% recycled natural kraft paper, 25% post-consumer. Lined with EarthFirst, a compostable polymer film which is made from annually renewable plants. Recyclable and 100% Compostable, remove tin before composting.

Question 12

Cotton Muslin Bags:

Accepted Answer

Made from 100% unbleached non-GMO cotton

Question 13

What do you mean when you say “fresh-made” and “small- batches”?

Accepted Answer

When we use the word “fresh-made,” the term ‘fresh is best’ comes to mind. Even in body care products, using something that is freshly made makes a world of difference. We hand-craft each of our products to ensure the quality and preservation of critical beneficial ingredients. Preparing our products in small batches goes hand in hand with being fresh-made. It allows us the ability to ensure each item retains the nutrients needed to nourish the skin.

Question 14

What ingredients do you use?

Accepted Answer

Oh, boy, a ton of earth-friendly, skin-loving, soul-nourishing ingredients. You can feel good scrubbing with Benevolence Naturals products. We consciously source all of our elements to ensure that they are ethically and sustainably produced. We will not use ingredients that do not meet our stringent criteria. We would instead substitute a comparable component rather than run the risk of someone or something being damaged along the way. Slide on over to our ingredient page to get the full details.

Question 15

What ingredients do you NOT use?

Accepted Answer

We have a strict code of ethics that we firmly adhere to at Benevolence Naturals. One being, “We will never use any ingredient that has the potential to harm our clients' health.” Our products will never-ever contain Parabens, Phthalates, Triclosan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Polysorbate 80, Artificial Preservatives, Titanium Dioxide, Micas, Artificial Colors, FD&C Colorants, Artificial Fragrances/Fragrance Oils, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Propylene Glycol, Benzophenone....ugh chemicals! Just no Chemicals!!!

Question 16

Are all of your products vegan?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our products are made with only the finest organic, vegan ingredients. We use no animal fats or animal derivatives in the production of our products.

Question 17

Do you use palm oil or its derivatives in your products?

Accepted Answer

No way! We cherish our oxygen, giving rainforest and love all the critters that live there, big and small. The palm oil industry has made its infamous mark. It is destroying the rain forest all over the world at alarming rates, decimating animal populations in its path. The lack of traceability and accountability makes this oil land on our no-no list. Oh, what did I hear you say, sustainable palm oil? Bleh, there is no such thing! Studies have shown that “sustainable palm tree farms” are destroying the rainforest at a faster rate than nonsustainable farms. These companies are manipulating the word “sustainable” to allow for even more significant expansions of those plantations. Our code of ethics will not allow us to use any form of this oil.

Question 18

Do you use soy, corn, canola, or cottonseed oil or their derivatives?"

Accepted Answer

Nope, we stay away from that foolishness too! Let us school you. 94% of soy is genetically modified, along with 92% of corn, 93% of canola, and 94% of cottonseed. Even the limited amount of organic soy, corn, canola, and cottonseed could be contaminated with glyphosate. We see it as , why take the chance? Our Citric Acid is made from Non- GMO sugarcane, and our Vitamin E oil is obtained from sunflowers.

Question 19

Do you use micas, pigments, or artificial dyes?"

Accepted Answer

Absolutely NOT! Mica, pigments, and artificial colorants have no business being in body care products. We are tired of people and companies manipulating words to make them seem as if these ingredients are safe. So, let us stop sugar-coating it and dive right in.

Question 20

Mica:

Accepted Answer

This one is the mega monster due to its unethical mining and violations of human rights, fair trade, and child labor laws. Mica is a vast mining industry, raking in over half a billion dollars per year. With all that money flowing through, it allows criminals and cartels to capitalize on poverty-stricken families. 70% of the world’s mica comes from India, with 25% of it coming from illegal mines in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
Every morning these families rise early and head out, down a long spiraling dirt road leading towards a dilapidated underground mine — children as young as five years old work here, trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty. They fear for their lives every day. These poor kids have seen their siblings and family members swallowed by the earth when tunnels cave in. Some have escaped, with just mere seconds to spare, only to be plagued with constant, life long, pain sustained from injuries that occurred while working in these mines. Children, and adults alike, risk their lives EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. to obtain this shiny group of silicate minerals, that pays them only cents per day. I am talking about less than what we pay for a pear fruit, kind of daily wage. In no way could we support the unethical nature of this trade.
Not only is mica mined unethically, but it also contains heavy metals and is manufactured with a load of chemicals. Common names for this mineral include Potassium Aluminum Silicate, CI77019, Kaliglimmer, Glimmer, and Muscovite. Mica, in its natural state, is not bright in color. A host of additives are introduced to obtain those vivid blues and neon pinks. These additives include, but are not limited to, Titanium Dioxide, Pigments, FD&C Colorants, Artificial Dyes, Petroleum, Coal-tar, Petrochemicals. Does that sound like something you would want on your skin? We think not; no one wants to wash their butt with those dirty endocrine disrupters! I mean, come on. This stuff is used in
cement, asphalt, shingles, paint, wallpaper, insulation, etc. And, if you think Synthetic Mica- i.e., Artificial Mica, Synthetic Mica Crystal, and Fluorphlogopite-is any better, think again. They are produced the same way as natural mica, minus the mining. Some synthetic micas may still contain traces of natural mica. That makes it hard to determine if the product was produced ethically. Even if we could prove it, our company again wouldn’t use synthetic mica based on our code of ethics regarding the well being of our clients' minds, bodies, and souls. “We will never use any ingredient that has the potential to harm our clients’ health.” That is why you will never find any form of mica in our products.

Question 21

Pigments:

Accepted Answer

Pigments have been created in labs since the 1970s. They are what give mica those bright, vivid colors. Pigments are produced from various chemicals, including coal-tar and petrochemicals; they can contain lead, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, and other heavy metals. We find no risk is worth taking to obtain bright colors in our products. We say no to pigments!

Question 22

FD&C, D&C, and Artificial Colorants:"

Accepted Answer

Oh boy, this one is a doozy. These colors have been deemed safe by the FDA not only for cosmetic use but also for food...yes food! FD&C, D&C, and artificial colorants were put on the market before any clear clinical trials were performed; they have been in our food and personal care products for years, making us sick. These colors enter your bloodstream via your skin or digestive tract and cause a host of problems. They are endocrine disruptors, wreaking havoc on your reproductive and nervous systems. Children who consume these colorants daily are susceptible to being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, allergies, and asthma. Not only do FD&C dyes cause a slew of problems for your insides, but they also send your skin on a wild ride to acne island. It blocks your pores and interferes with your skin's
natural oil balance, which makes you prone to breakouts, blemishes, allergic reactions, and skin sensitivities. Yuck! We love nothing more than to have clear, healthy skin. Ditch the junk!
The next time you are thinking about putting one of those brightly colored body care items in your cart, do yourself a favor. Turn it around and read the ingredients. You have the power to change the industry just by where you spend your dollar. Make it count.

Question 23

Do you use fragrances or fragrance oils?

Accepted Answer

Nuh-uh! Fragrances are not regulated at all, and that is scary in itself. They fall under the trademark law, so no company has to list all of their ingredients. Fragrances contain 100’s of different chemical compounds. Many of their elements are known respiratory irritants and sensitizers, which can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate sinus conditions. They can also cause headaches, migraines, nausea, confusion, and sore eyes. Most companies add phthalates to their concoctions to make the scents last longer. Phthalate is a chemical that is made from petroleum and is a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor that causes birth defects, developmental toxicity, respiratory problems, and reproductive harm. Because of these facts, we choose to only use pure essential oils in every single one of our products.

Question 24

Are your products cruelty-free?

Accepted Answer

Of course! The only animals we test on are willing humans. WE USE ANIMALS FOR CUDDLING PURPOSES ONLY! Ok, we admit it, we have an obsession with showing every animal the love they deserve. You caught
us. Darn.

Question 25

Are your products 100% organic?

Accepted Answer

While we source our ingredients from organic, reputable suppliers, we are not 100% USDA Certified Organic as of yet.

Question 26

Are your products Gluten-Free?

Accepted Answer

We do not use products that contain gluten. With that being said, we are not a certified gluten-free facility.
*The wheat straw used in our packaging does not contain gluten. Wheat straw comes from the stalk of the wheat plant after harvesting the grain. The stalk itself does not contain, nor can it hold onto gluten.

Question 27

Do you use fair-trade ingredients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We always opt for fair-trade when available. Our shea butter, coconut oil, and coffee are forever purchased through ethical and fair- trade sources. We choose to bathe with a higher conscience here at Benevolence Naturals.

Question 28

How long does a bar of soap last?

Accepted Answer

A bar of adequately cared for body soap will last about 2-3 weeks. If only used for handwashing, about a month. You can easily cut the bar in half or in quarters to increase longevity. Facial soaps will last 3-4 weeks, with once a day use and proper drainage/storage.

Question 29

How long does your shea butter last?

Accepted Answer

We always like to say; a little goes a long way. It truly depends on how many times you use it per day. The norm is 3-4 weeks.

Question 30

How long does your Toothpowder last?

Accepted Answer

Our toothpowder weighs in at 5.65 ounces. This big boy is bound to last you over two months, brushing twice per day.

Question 31

How do I properly care for my soap?

Accepted Answer

Lather it up, rinse it off, let it dry. After you have fully lathered up, rinse the remaining suds off the soap. Place this fabulous soap in a
draining soap dish, either ours or a regular wire rack. Let the bar rest and dry between each use. Keep soap dish clean to prevent build-up.

Question 32

Do you sell in stores?

Accepted Answer

Nope, we like to keep the quality of our products. We feel like an item sitting on a shelf is a wasted one. Fresh is best!

Question 33

What is the shelf life of your soaps?

Accepted Answer

Our soaps will lather and clean you for years to come, but they will start to lose their scent after a few months due to the natural breakdown of essential oil.

Question 34

How do I plant the seeded filler?

Accepted Answer

Plant seeded paper filler under 1/8” of soil, water thoroughly, and place in a sunny corner. Keep moist during germination. Don’t forget; you can use our soap boxes to start your seedlings.

Question 35

What are your returns and refund policies?

Accepted Answer

Because of the personal nature of our products, we are unable to accept exchanges or returns nor do we offer refunds or credits. We always will go above and beyond for our clients. If you have any discrepancies with your order, please contact us at TheForts@BenevolenceNaturals.com

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $60

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What process do you use to make your body and facial soaps?

Where do you source your ingredients?

Are all of your products handmade?

Where are your products made?

Is your packaging recyclable and/or biodegradable?

Seeded Paper Filler for Soap Boxes:

Shea Butter Jars:

Shea Butter Lids:

PE Liners:

Toothpowder Jars:

Bath Salt Brown Kraft Bags:

Cotton Muslin Bags:

What do you mean when you say “fresh-made” and “small- batches”?

What ingredients do you use?

What ingredients do you NOT use?

Are all of your products vegan?

Do you use palm oil or its derivatives in your products?

Do you use soy, corn, canola, or cottonseed oil or their derivatives?"

Do you use micas, pigments, or artificial dyes?"

Mica:

Pigments:

FD&C, D&C, and Artificial Colorants:"

Do you use fragrances or fragrance oils?

Are your products cruelty-free?

Are your products 100% organic?

Are your products Gluten-Free?

Do you use fair-trade ingredients?

How long does a bar of soap last?

How long does your shea butter last?

How long does your Toothpowder last?

How do I properly care for my soap?

Do you sell in stores?

What is the shelf life of your soaps?

How do I plant the seeded filler?

What are your returns and refund policies?

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $60

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What process do you use to make your body and facial soaps?

Where do you source your ingredients?

Are all of your products handmade?

Where are your products made?

Is your packaging recyclable and/or biodegradable?

Seeded Paper Filler for Soap Boxes:

Shea Butter Jars:

Shea Butter Lids:

PE Liners:

Toothpowder Jars:

Bath Salt Brown Kraft Bags:

Cotton Muslin Bags:

What do you mean when you say “fresh-made” and “small- batches”?

What ingredients do you use?

What ingredients do you NOT use?

Are all of your products vegan?

Do you use palm oil or its derivatives in your products?

Do you use soy, corn, canola, or cottonseed oil or their derivatives?"

Do you use micas, pigments, or artificial dyes?"

Mica:

Pigments:

FD&amp;C, D&amp;C, and Artificial Colorants:"

Do you use fragrances or fragrance oils?

Are your products cruelty-free?

Are your products 100% organic?

Are your products Gluten-Free?

Do you use fair-trade ingredients?

How long does a bar of soap last?

How long does your shea butter last?

How long does your Toothpowder last?

How do I properly care for my soap?

Do you sell in stores?

What is the shelf life of your soaps?

How do I plant the seeded filler?

What are your returns and refund policies?

FD&C, D&C, and Artificial Colorants:"