Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store my products?
We recommend storing your Honey Girl Organics products in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, and not above room temperature, as high temperatures might age the product. We do not recommend refrigerating the creams. Since our products do not contain any added preservatives, they should be handled with clean fingers or a spatula to avoid contamination.
What are the products' shelf life?
Shopping from our site ensures that you receive the freshest products available. We recommend using our products within 6 months after opening.
Our products can sit unopened for 12-18 month. They have been tested for shelf life of 18 months unopened and another year opened providing usage of clean fingers and/or spatulas.
Are all your products USDA organic certified?
All our products are USDA Organic Certified (95% organic or more), except the following:
- After Sun Lotion and Foaming Facial Wash are 70% organic (Made with Organic Ingredients)
- Facial Scrub and Rejuvenating Mask are 100% natural
- Protect Stick contains 20% zink oxide and 80% organic and wild crafted ingredients
What does USDA organic certified mean?
There are different classifications of “organic” products. If you want something that is truly organic, that is, non GMO, all natural, no synthetic chemicals, no pesticides, then you need to make sure that your products are certified organic, and certified by the proper bodies.
USDA certified organic skin care is one of the highest grades of organic certification that you can get. You can learn more here.
Are your products vegan?
The majority of our products contain certified organic honey and beeswax and are therefore not considered vegan.
Are your products safe for pregnancy?
As far as we know, our products are safe to use during pregnancy. The biggest issue customers sometimes have is a sensitivity to a particular essential oil. Even though the quantities of EO are very small, some customers are sensitive to them. Depending on how your body is responding to being pregnant (i.e. nausea) our products should be fine. If you have any concerns you can try our Extra Sensitive line which does not include essential oils. The Mom & Baby Butter has been used by many pregnant and nursing moms. It helps to minimize stretch marks and is very mild.
Every person and every pregnancy is different, so we recommend discussing products with your physician if you have any specific concerns.
Are your products gluten free?
We do our best to source materials that are able to provide a certificate of being gluten free. However, for customers with gluten sensitivities we cannot guarantee that the raw materials and ingredients we use are 100% gluten free.
What is the pH in your products?
The products pH range between 4.25-6.5. The variation is due to the various harvests of beeswax and honey. Each harvest is slightly different depending on what the bees were primarily feeding on while they were making their honey and beeswax.
What preservatives are used in your products?
We do not add any artificial or chemical preservatives to our products. The only preservatives that we use are USDA organic honey and non-GMO vitamin E (derived from sunflower seeds) - both natural preservatives.
In addition, we manufacture our products in a clean climate controlled environment which ensures our creams are in pristine condition when poured into and sealed in their jars and bottles. In addition, the beeswax naturally contains propolis which has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties and we use packaging that prevents light from breaking down the ingredients of the products.
Since synthetic preservatives in creams can be harmful and irritating to your skin and to your body, we do everything possible to avoid using them.* This also allows us to be USDA certified organic which is the highest grade of organic certification you can get. If you want something that is truly organic, non GMO, all natural, with no synthetic chemicals or pesticides present, then you need to make sure your products are certified organic. You'll see the USDA emblem and a statement on the back of the product stating "Certified organic by ......(the certifying agency)." There is a lot of "Green washing" and mislabeling going on so it's important to be thorough in researching a new company.
*Like raw fruits and veggies are healthier than the canned ones, so are preservative-free skin care products. However, both are also more susceptible to environmental temperature changes and contamination. When using the creams, it is best to use clean fingers or a clean spatula to prevent any contamination from occurring. Keeping them clean, out of the sun and at room temperatures will prolong their stability and life once opened.
How are the products preserved?
Our creams are preserved by 1.) using packaging that prevents light from breaking down the ingredients. We use mostly glass with aluminum casing and dark glass that eliminates the light and chemical contamination 2.) by using raw unfiltered honey and beeswax in the creams (which naturally contain propolis, pollen and royal jelly) and have natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties., 3.) and in some cases the Vitamin E, which is a natural preservative is used 4.) Another big factor that adds to their longevity is that the creams are manufactured and packaged in a cool, dry and clean environment. Much like a laboratory. This helps to eliminate any outside contamination and seals a clean and dry environment into the packaged cream.
The ingredients we use that are also preservatives do a great job at helping to maintain an environment free of bacteria. Like raw fruits and veggies, our creams are better for you than the canned variety, but are also more susceptible to environmental temperature changes and contamination. When using the creams, it is best to use clean fingers or a clean spatula to prevent any contamination from occurring. Keeping them out of the sun and at room temperatures will also prolong their stability and life.
My cream looks like it's separating - what can I do?
Since we are not using any emulsifiers, separation of the oil can happen. If separation occurs in your cream jar, just stir the product with a clean spatula. If separation occurs in your lotion bottle, just shake the bottle. Some of our thicker products should not be stirred: These include Night Crème, Night Crème Extra Sensitive, Super Skin Food, Foot Balm, Cuticle & Nail Crème and Mom & Baby Butter.
The cream feels a bit heavy and leaves my skin greasy, is that normal?
Our creams are very concentrated and a little goes a long way! If you find that the product does not soak into your skin, you probably used too much. Start out with a tiny dab - you will be amazed at how little you actually need.
I've heard that Christmas Berry is toxic?
Although the Christmas Berry tree’s berry itself is toxic when consumed in large quantities, the honey is made by bees collecting nectar from the tree's blossoms, which are nontoxic. No negative side effects have ever been reported from the consumption of Christmas Berry honey.
Why is there water included in the creams?
The water helps in the emulsification of the organic beeswax and oil. Without it the product would be very stiff, not creamy, and difficult to apply.
What packaging do you use?
Most of our products come in the 'gold jars' which are aluminum lined with glass. The facial toner & hair serum are in dark glass bottles. All our plastic bottles are PET and the plastic jars are double walled polypropylene.
Is your packaging recyclable?
All our 'gold' jars, bottles & plastic jars are recyclable! The only items that cannot be recycled are the pumps on our Facial Cleanser & Makeup Remover and the mist sprayer on our Facial Toner. Please check with your local community's recycling program to ensure that you can recycle glass, aluminum & plastic.