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Frequently Asked Questions

Azurlis™ Natural Skin Care was developed with a holistic approach to skin, body and soul care by integrating knowledge gained through scientific research on ingredient properties with ancient principles that stood the test of time. The revitalizing benefits of botanical extracts in our products are enhanced with lapis lazuli and Reiki energy, creating a skin care that is inspired by Nature to enrich the skin and calm the soul.

Definitely! Our products do not contain: petrochemical derivatives, mineral oils, silicone, parabens, formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, polyethelene glycol (PEG), polypropelene glycol (PGG), phthalates, sodium lauryl sulphate, synthetic colours and fragrances or animal by-products.

Key ingredients in Azurlis™ Natural Skin Care include oils of borage, camellia, cocoa, coconut, evening primrose, flaxseed, jojoba, macadamia nut, peach kernel, rosehip and shea (Karite); extracts from aloe vera, bilberry, chamomile, cranberry, cucumber, liquorice, NZ lemon verbera, NZ tea-tree, rose and vanilla; essential oils of carrot seed, chamomile, geranium, lavender, lemon tea-tree, and rosa damascena. These ingredients are excellent sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, GLA), vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, folate, niacin and pantothenic acid, as well as trace minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

Reiki is a Japanese word that translates as “universal life energy”, from “Re” meaning universal and “Ki”, life force energy. According to this and similar ancient Eastern philosophies, Ki is the vital living force that flows through everything in the universe. This flow of energy can be negatively affected by stress and anxiety. This can result in restrictions or blockages of its flow, which in turn can manifest as physical or psychological imbalances. Reiki healing energy encourages the maintenance of an energy balance and flow in our lives and environment. As the universe is made up of energy, the intentional transfer of uplifting, loving energy has a positive impact on living and inanimate objects, and thus Reiki can be used on everything.

Reiki as a form of energy healing was re-discovered by the Japanese doctor and Zen Buddhist Dr. Mikao Usui, in the earlier part of the 20th century. The value of this energy to heal both physical and psychological conditions became particularly evident after the 1923 Kanto earthquake, and led to the opening of numerous Reiki healing centres in Japan. Reiki healing was, however, introduced to the Western world during the 1930’s, by Mrs Takata, a pupil of Dr Usui. Since then its teachings and practices have spread globally. Independent research in the last 25 years have shown that Reiki energy has a positive impact on the mood and physical conditions of patients*. Of interest were the positive changes in brainwave patterns of those patients being treated with Reiki**.

Lapis lazuli gem essence is produced in house by exposing spring water to the lapis lazuli rock, under controlled conditions, using the indirect gem essence manufacturing method. Lapis lazuli healing energy is known for its calming and soothing effects on the mind and soul.

Naturally produced ingredients work as well or better than synthetically produced equivalents. Large-scale production of synthetically manufactured ingredients generates cost savings and facilitates standardisation and efficiency of manufacturing pipelines. To synthetically reproduce a natural ingredient, chemists break down the components of individual ingredients so that each component can be manufactured separately. Then, they are combined again in ratios that closely approximate the original ingredient composition. In the process of synthetic manufacture of these components not all the properties of the original ingredient are retained. Furthermore, sometimes in the synthetic manufacturing process waste products are produced and stabilisers introduced. These sometimes have a negative impact on the ingredient properties resulting in harm for users and/or hazards for the environment, through the generation of undesirable waste bi-products. Although a bit more costly it makes more sense to use ingredients extracted in the natural way, whether for skin care or any other application.

The condition of your skin should improve from day one. You’ll feel great and your skin will have a lovely natural glow.

Although you might see some immediate benefits with Azurlis™ Natural Skin Care, normally improvements in skin texture are seen after 3-4 weeks of use. This is because it takes 28 days for skin cells to move from the germinal layer to the surface of the epidermis.

The products are tested for micro-organism contamination, as well as for shelf-life stability. However, no animal testing is performed. Instead all products are tested on willing volunteers before launching in the market.

Sensitive skin always has to be considered with great care. Just because a product is natural it may still be allergenic. Therefore, those with very sensitive and hyper allergenic skins must test the products prior to purchase. This can easily be done on the inner forearm. If you notice a sensitising reaction, wash the skin with cold water straight away until it dissipates. If you are already using a hypo-allergic range that works for you, then stick to it, but do contact us if you want to test our products, prior to purchase.

None of our products are tested on animals, but rather on human volunteers. Animal testing is not necessarily advantageous because there can be significant differences between human physiology and immune systems, and those of other mammals. Animal testing is a practice that we do not support. Consistent with our views, we do not use any animal by-products. Hence, our approval by the NZ Vegetarian Society for the Anti-Ageing Range. All ingredients have been carefully selected for their independently and scientifically researched properties, benefits and safety.

Ethical Skin Care is about knowing that all the ingredients in your products truly support Beauty without Cruelty and a sustainable environment.

Yes, otherwise the products would have an extremely limited shelf-life. We use only preservatives that are approved by BioGro, EcoCert, Natrue for personal care products. These preservatives include Geogard 221 and potassium sorbate that we use. These preservative families have been used in food and personal care for decades, with excellent safety profiles.

No, we do not use any synthetic scents (fragrances) or colours! The scents in our products are derived entirely from the natural scents of the essential oils, oils and extracts. Natural products are most definitely not scentless, otherwise it would be impossible to tell the difference between the scent of a strawberry and a banana. Those “natural products” that are scentless have been modified with “scent neutralizers” or “white scents” to mask any natural scent. It is always advisable to familiarise yourself with the ingredient list of any product, prior to purchase. Synthetic products can be scentless if the synthetic ingredients used do not have a scent. So, don't be fooled to think that if a product is scentless it is natural. In fact often synthetic scents are added as "white scents" to mask existing scents.

Bibliography:
*P. Miles and G. True, “Reiki—review of a biofield therapy history, theory, practice, and research,” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 62–72, 2003.
**D. Bowden, L. Goddard, and J. Gruzelier, “A randomized controlled single-blind trial of the effects of Reiki and positive imagery on well-being and salivary cortisol,” Brain Research Bulletin, vol. 81, no. 1, pp. 66–72, 2010.