The oils are the prana, Qi or the life force of the plant (e.g. flower, root, seed etc). When using essential oils the prana of the oil is synergised with our own prana, therefore bringing positive results to the skin, body and senses.
Ayurveda Aromatherapy essential oils are the active ingredients of the Subtle Energies’ skin care line.
Essential oils are 70 – 100 times more concentrated than the plant itself. Not all plants produce essential oils and sometimes aromas are confused with fragrances that are synthetic, therefore the highest standards of quality and purity must be maintained in the production and distillation of these oils.
In India, for centuries, the extractors of oil have mastered the art of steam and hydro distillation. The art of manufacturing Attars is a unique and ancient technique where by volatile oils such as Saffron, Kewda and Gul Heena are fixated to another oil, usually Sandalwood, Rhukhus or Sesame, thereby also enhancing the properties of the fixative to the oil.
The quality of these extraction processes are combined with the unique climates and environmental conditions found throughout India, forming a comprehensive and unique floral pharmacy from which we have created our products.
We do not add any parabens, use any mineral oils, silicones and
artificial fragrances or colours in our products.
None of our oil blends contain any preservative as the essential oils act as preserving agents themselves.
Most of our skincare uses Honeysuckle Extract as a preservative. Honeysuckle extract has anti-microbial properties and has been approved for use in Europe by all the certified natural bodies, such as BDIH, Ecocert and Natrue. There has been some argument in relation to honeysuckle extract on the internet as to whether it is considered a paraben or natural paraben. It has been incorrectly stated in some articles that it contains parahydroxybenozoic acid, also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic, which they state acts as a natural paraben. Honeysuckle extract actually contains 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, which is salicylic acid. This is not a natural paraben, but rather is a natural defense system found in many plants to protect them from disease.
In a few instances some of our preservatives used in the skin care ranges are nature identical, ie they exist in nature but these are replicated in a lab as the natural ingredient cannot be used sustainably. The European standards and all the certified natural bodies such as BDIH, Ecocert and Natrue allow the use of these ingredients and they have no therapeutic purpose and are purely used for their safe preserving qualities. The highest percentage of any one of these preservatives used is 0.15 - 0.4%
No! An essential oil is used in our products as an active and therapeutic ingredient. They have therapeutic values and are the life force, the prana of the plant. When you start using synthetic essential oils in skin care, sure the aroma profile might be similar to the untrained nose and they may replicate some of the major chemical constituents but no lab can ever replicate the minor chemical constituents and the trace elements which are the blue print of the oil.
Unfortunately there is no indication on the ingredient label wether an essential oil is nature identical or a pure natural and some synthetic fragrances or nature identical essential oils can cause an adverse reaction to the skin. Subtle Energies reputation stems from being able to source some of the finest and purest oils that work not only on physical but mental, emotional and spiritual equilibrium.
Our products, oils and ingredients have never been tested on animals but have most definitely gone through extensive human and safety testing.
By the end of 2020 Subtle Energies will enter the Chinese market, long known for compulsory animal testing, however we are entering as part of 1 of only 3 initial brands to have been accepted in a pilot project by Cruelty Free International in collaboration with regulatory officials in China to be one of the first brands to be certified Cruelty Free in China. Cruelty Free International has done phenomenal work in developing this landmark pilot project. This pilot project not only provides a genuine pathway for us to offer our family’s work in luxury natural skincare and wellness to China without any animal testing, but it also comes with the crucial assurance that the brand is not exposed to any post-market animal testing once the brand hits the market. Together with Cruelty Free International we look forward to raising awareness and showcasing results-driven Cruelty Free skincare in China. The project has already made an impact and broader changes are being considered in China.
All of our own brand cosmetic and personal care products are approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme, the internationally recognizable gold standard for cruelty free products. We adhere to a fixed cut-off date policy and proactively monitor our suppliers to ensure that our products continue to adhere to the Leaping Bunny criteria. Our supplier monitoring system is also independently audited.