Q & A Skincare
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Why is Enki Water-Free?
Enki is a water-free (not water-less) a small batch skincare company named after the Sumerian God of water. Also known as Anhydrous skincare. No water is used in any of our product formulations. Most large brand skincare products comprise up to 80 - 90% water/aqua.
Water is becoming increasingly scarce in some parts of the world and we believe natural ingredients such as active oils, butters and extracts are more beneficial to the skin and to the environment.
2. What do you use in the products to replace water? We prefer to use certified organic ingredients where affordable and the where the supply chain is transparent and the carrier and essential oils, butters and extractions are sustainable.
3. Where do you source your ingredients? We only buy our raw ingredients from reputable, British based, certified organic, Fair Trade and COSMOS/Soil Association suppliers.
4. Are all your products organic? No; not completely. We highlight the percentage of the product that is organic. Where organic ingredients are not available or unaffordable,3 we use 100% natural ingredients.
5. Are your products vegan? Yes. All our products are vegan. We do not use beeswax but the plant alternative, candelilla wax. This is derived from the leaves of the small candelilla shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States
6. Do you use active ingredients in products? Yes. We specifically formulated our own to include ingredients such as Lions Mane, Seaweed Extract, Bakuchiol (natural retinol alternative), Eidelweiss Extract, Sea Buckthorn, to name a few due to their beneficial effect on skin.
7. Do you use chemical preservatives, parabens or artificial fragrances in your products? No we don't. As we don't use water in any formulations, the requirement for preservatives is significantly reduced. We use rosemary and vitamin e as a precaution in case water gets into the product jars when being used. We do not use parabens, mineral oils, artificial or synthetic colours or fragrances. The essential oils we use will be organic and natural.
8. Do you use Genetically Modified ingredients? No. We use Non GM Soy Bean Oil.
9. Will I notice a difference compared to my current products using Enki? We hope so! They will look and feel different to products containing mostly water and/or, alcohol as the butters, oils and extracts are concentrated and rich. A little goes a long way. As with all new products being introduced to your skincare routine, we advise a gentle introduction to them whilst your skin adjusts to the change in product. We think the wait will be worth it!
10. What is the comedogenic scale of oils& butters. Carrier oils & butters have a rating from 0-5 based on how likely they will clog the pores. 0 is unlikely whilst 5 is likely. Our formulations take this into consideration based of the benefits of the oil/butter to skin type and skincare solution Enki provides. Whilst some, like wheatgerm, may have a high rating of 4/5, it needs to be seen in context with other oils its blended with, the functionality of the formulation and skin type. This is because the benefits of using the oils/butters may make this the best oil for a specific skin type / requirement.
11. Are your products manufactured in the UK? We are a small batch producer in Sussex, England. All our formulations were devised6 in house with external compliance testing by a qualified chemist ensuring conformity to IFRA standards. Although we are small, we pride ourselves in having full control over the full production including formulating, blending, packaging and posting to our discerning customers. In our eyes; small is beautiful and less is more....
12. Is your packaging fully recyclable? Mostly. Originally, we planned on all glass for jars and dropper bottles but durability, breakages and weight considerations meant we required an alternative jar some products. Therefore, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) jars are what we use as they are lightweight, durable, UV resistant, and shatterproof. Importantly, the jars can be recycled. We also use glass dropper bottles for our 30ml/15ml and below products requiring application with a pipette/rollerball. There are always compromises and we review new materials, processes and ingredients on a regular basis to make improvements where we can. Being a small batch producer, we can flex to reflect customer choice and availability of raw ingredients, packaging and marketing materials fairly swiftly. We don't use lots of packaging to minimise waste.
13. Why are your products more expensive than some well known, large brands? Ingredients. Pure & simple. We don't use water to increase volume of products or use harsh chemical preservatives. All the product comprises active oils, butters and extracts. Always 100% natural and a significant amount certified organic. You only need a small amount of product each time you use so application v application we believe we offer value for money. We don't have economies of scale like the big manufacturers but equally we can be more selective supporting smaller fair trade and organic producers paying their employees a fair, living, wage. We set our price in the medium range for organic and natural, small batch producers. We hope you agree, we're worth it!
14. Can I buy a sample of your product? We offer smaller sizes such as 20ml butters and 15ml oils for you to try. They are also perfect for travelling.
15. What are you delivery Costs: We use Royal Mail as our preferred partner. We want to keep our local posties....Orders include standard free delivery in the UK. At this point in time, we do not ship outside of the UK. So, when you order, no nasty surprise at checkout.
16. Do I have to set up an account to order? No. Never.
17. Do you sell me details to any third parties? No Never.
18. Refunds - its damaged Can I return it ? Obviously if the product is damaged in any way, the easiest and quickest thing to do is take a photo / video and immediately send it to us so we can investigate and ensure if the product damage has been done by Enki or the delivery company. You must do this within 24 hours of receipt so we can reach a solution as soon as possible.
19. I've changed my mind and want to return my order, can I? Yes. Under the Consumer Rights Act, as a consumer, have the right to cancel your purchase and receive a full refund so long as the items have not been opened, used, damaged, or tampered with. Obviously, due to health & safety, we can not resell an opened product. Upon return (postage is your responsibility), in the original packaging we will give a full refund within 14 days or, alternatively, offer you another product if you prefer for the same value.
20. Do you offer a loyalty programme/discount? Yes. Everyone wants exceptional products that offer value for money. We want you to become a loyal customer and will offer selective customer only incentives. As our products are only available via our website, you will be informed via us and not some random, third party marketeer.