ABOUT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the frequently asked questions about our products, or the logistics surrounding their online purchase, and their delivery.
THE PRODUCTS
It is not easy to find your way around, especially since the use of the word “natural” is not governed by any regulations. As a result, some brands have put the natural aspect forward (at least on the packaging). But they do not specify the actual percentage of natural ingredients contained in the product, which also contains synthetic ingredients (some of which are sometimes controversial). On the contrary, cosmetics labeled organic are required to display their actual percentage of ingredients of natural origin and their actual percentage of organic ingredients. These products are checked before being certified by an independent body. It checks the composition of the product and its manufacturing process.
The Cosmébio label guarantees the nature of the ingredients and the traceability of the product throughout the manufacturing chain. It thus reflects the ethical commitment and compliance with the Cosmébio formulation charter: At least 95% of ingredients of natural origin At least 95% of plant ingredients from organic farming At least 20% of organic ingredients (and at least 10% for rinse-off or aqueous products that are not emulsified or with more than 80% of minerals or ingredients of mineral origin) Certain ingredients are prohibited, such as parabens, GMOs, silicone, paraffin, nanoparticles and other potentially harmful substances. Le Secret Naturel has chosen, when possible, to go beyond the requirements of this charter with % of organic ingredients higher than those of the Cosmébio standard. Furthermore, Le Secret Naturel is a member of this professional association which has been promoting the principles of natural and organic cosmetics since its creation in 2002.
We favor organic ingredients as much as possible. But you should know that only unprocessed agro-ingredients (floral waters, vegetable oils, etc.) can be certified organic, because they are the only ones that can come from Organic Farming. Cosmetics often contain water and minerals, which cannot be certified organic. The Organic label (in this case Cosmebio in our case) guarantees that the product is composed of at least 95% ingredients of natural origin and that among the ingredients of plant origin, at least 95% come from organic farming. The share of ingredients from organic farming must represent 20% to 100% of the entire product. We do not want to deprive ourselves of processed active ingredients of natural origin when they are of real benefit to the skin. Furthermore, if we only used unprocessed natural ingredients, our treatments would be less effective. Creams would be difficult to spread, mousses would not foam and fluids would not penetrate.
Choosing certified organic products already means protecting yourself against substances that are considered or suspected to be “questionable” for your health. However, some ingredients present in organic cosmetics – in particular essential oils used to preserve products or their fragrance – can nevertheless be allergenic. There are no other solutions yet to obtain products that smell good, without artificial fragrance and with a minimum of synthetic preservatives. Zero risk does not exist when it comes to allergies, but we minimise any potential risks. All Le Secret Naturel treatments have been tested under dermatological control and comply with European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
Organic beauty products generally contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than “conventional” cosmetic products due to the nature of the excipients used. Organic cosmetics contain 30 to 40% active ingredients, whereas conventional cosmetics often contain only 1 to 2%. In addition, the manufacturing processes of organic-labeled products aim to denature the active ingredients and plant extracts as little as possible. A study conducted by an independent laboratory showed that an organic cosmetic could be twice as moisturizing as the leading product in its category. At Le Secret Naturel, product effectiveness is our priority.
Because offering you treatments that are natural, truly effective, pleasant to use, multifunctional and stable over time, requires much more sophisticated formulas than “homemade creams”.
THE COSTS
The great advantage of synthetic ingredients used in traditional cosmetics (especially those from petrochemicals) is that they are very easy to use and, above all, less expensive. For example, paraffin oil (occlusive and which has no added value for the skin) is used as the main ingredient in many cosmetic products because it is very affordable. This is not the case for the organic virgin cold-pressed oils that we use, which have real moisturizing and regenerating properties for the skin.
The price depends on the quantity and quality of the ingredients used. You can very well make organic treatments with few ingredients and choose them by looking at their cost first. At Le Secret Naturel, we work differently. We do not hesitate to select High Quality active ingredients when we judge that they are worth it/the cost. Because they improve the effectiveness, quality and/or texture of the final product.
LABELS
The organic label (in this case Cosmebio) guarantees that the product is composed of at least 95% ingredients of natural origin and that among the plant ingredients, at least 95% are from organic farming. In total, for the entire product, the share of ingredients from organic farming must represent 20% to 100% (and 10% to 100% for rinse-off or aqueous products that are not emulsified or with more than 80% minerals or ingredients of mineral origin). An organic label also guarantees the non-use of all substances suspected or proven to be harmful to health and the environment. This does not only concern the best known ones, such as parabens or silicones.
The list is too long to mention them all. In addition, it changes over time. These prohibited ingredients appear in the specifications of the certification bodies. In principle, organic labels prohibit all ingredients that are identified as harmful to the environment either directly (e.g. non-biodegradable substances such as silicones but also oils from petrochemicals, such as paraffin, etc.), or by their production method (e.g. PEG and PPG, obtained by dangerous chemical processes). Also ingredients suspected or proven to be harmful to health (e.g. endocrine disruptors such as parabens or phthalates for example.) The toxicity to health of all these substances is not always proven. But to the extent that a certain number of studies implicate them (in particular because of the accumulation effect) and as a precautionary principle, we prefer to ban them. Especially knowing that natural alternatives exist. In any case, this is our position.
THE INGREDIENTS
“Natural ingredients” are ingredients of plant origin (e.g. virgin oils), mineral (e.g. salts) or animal (e.g. honey or milk) that are used directly in their raw form. “Ingredients of natural origin” are natural ingredients that have undergone gentle processing (accepted in the Ecocert/Cosmos standard, such as condensation or hydrolysis) in order to meet the requirements inherent in the manufacture of a cosmetic in terms of effectiveness and sensoriality.
According to European regulations, all cosmetics must display the full list of ingredients on their packaging, in descending order of quantity and under their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name.
Only products from the brands Les baumes du Hibou and Ayurvenat contain essential oils as active ingredients.
Filtered water – the one most often used in cosmetics – does nothing for the skin. And since a standard cream contains around 65% water, it’s a shame! This is why we prefer to use floral waters, which are more expensive to buy but have specific properties (softening, astringent, lightening, soothing, etc.): to maximize the effectiveness of our treatments.
Just take a look at the INCI list (the list of mandatory ingredients on all cosmetic packs). If Aqua appears first, it means that the product is formulated with “filtered” water.
We want to guarantee a constant sensory and physicochemical quality to our products. We have therefore selected a Cosmos approved synthetic preservative which ensures the integrity of our cream emulsions (over time and after multiple uses).
We do our utmost to apply the 3R principle: reduce, reuse, renewable and recycle. 100% of Le Secret Naturel product packaging is recyclable (except the pump on the bottles). The vast majority of our products are not over-packaged and we are constantly studying new possibilities to reduce packaging as much as possible. Some are even reusable. In fact, we create tutorials and advice articles on this subject to encourage our consumers to reuse them. Finally, we favor packaging made from materials already derived from recycling.
Our shea butter is refined and then deodorized, which makes its odor neutral and its color white. This process, which consists of injecting steam under pressure, does not alter the quality of the shea and prevents it from deteriorating due to oxidation. No chemicals are used. This process is accepted and controlled by the organic cosmetics standard. Its quality is guaranteed by the analysis report that we receive with each batch. It includes a measurement of the oxidation stage of the raw material. For example, our latest batches show an oleic acidity of 0.06% and a peroxide index <0.05 meq/kg. The fatty acid composition is also controlled. We therefore have a quality and stable shea butter. Finally, the shea butter that we use is organic and fair trade.
The majority of our products are formulated without alcohol. Our solid perfumes, for example, do not contain alcohol. However, there are a few exceptions, particularly in products whose emulsions must be preserved against microbiological risk. In this case, the INCI names "cetearyl alcohol and/or benzyl alcohol" are indicated on the product label. Benzyl alcohol is one of the 26 allergens regulated by Europe. It is most often used as a preservative. It is found naturally in many plants and fruits such as jasmine, garlic and ylang-ylang, or apricot, almond, apple and blackcurrant. Benzyl alcohol is authorized in organic products. Cetearyl alcohol belongs to the family of fatty alcohols. It is used as an emollient. It thickens and stabilizes creams. It softens and protects the skin without a greasy effect. Cetearyl alcohol mainly contains cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is authorized in organic products. The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) in an annual report published in 2008, concluded that fatty alcohols are harmless.
Our brand philosophy is based on respect for our customers, their skin, the environment and also animals. The commitment not to test products on animals is enshrined in European law and the Cosmebio charter to which we adhere 100%. We are not a “vegan” brand because we use beehive products or even dairy products in the composition of some of our products. All ingredients are listed and it is thus possible to check the composition of each product.
Our products do not use cereal derivatives, the main source of gluten. Wheat floral water, which is sometimes used in the composition of certain products, is GLUTEN-FREE.
Squalene is a wax derived from olive oil, it cannot be transformed into soap (unsaponifiable). This ingredient is found in particular in Oléanat apricot and olive oil balms. Squalene restores the suppleness of the epidermis, its barrier function and brings a creamy texture to the formula.
The ingredient donkey milk is indicated in the INCI list under the name "Lactis Lipidia" or "Donkey Milk". "Lactis Lipidia" is a general term for lipids (fatty part of milk), the name "Donkey Milk" is the term that corresponds to donkey milk. It is freeze-dried milk that is used, for microbiological and practical reasons. We are checked each year and for each formula by Ecocert.
The solid soap contains 6% donkey milk (fresh equivalent), The liquid soap: 1%, The Balm: 10%, The body milk: 2.5%, The bath pebble: 5%, The lip care: 10%, The cleansing foam: 1.5%, The face beauty cream: 2.5%.
Perfumes or aromatic compositions are generally composed of fractions or isolates of essential oils (compounds obtained by fractional distillation of Essential Oil) or natural substances resulting from fermentation or hydrolysis (ecological process). The majority of products in the Donkey Milk range contain a hypoallergenic fragrance (soap, balm, liquid soap, body milk, cleansing foam, beauty cream).
No, our toothpaste does not contain titanium dioxide. We removed titanium dioxide from the formula of our Ayurvenat miswak toothpaste in 2017. Information on the composition of our products is available on all our product sheets (INCI list and in French). You will not see “titanium dioxide” or “CI77891” in the list of ingredients of our toothpaste, or any other Le Secret Naturel product. We strive to improve our formulas as scientific studies progress. There is some doubt about the danger of titanium dioxide in the form of nanoparticles. For the moment, no study has demonstrated this, but in the event of doubt, we have chosen to ban it. In addition, our toothpaste is Cosmebio certified. A certification that prohibits the use of titanium dioxide for the majority of cosmetic products such as toothpastes for example (anything that is not sun protection or coloring makeup). All our products, our production system, our company is regularly audited by Ecocert, an external certification body. Ecocert verifies the conformity of all our products and all our claims. If you want to know more about titanium dioxide, you can read this article proposed by the Cosmebio website: an organization that fights (just like us for more than 21 years) to promote natural and organic products, healthy for the planet and health –> https://www.cosmebio.org/fr/nos-dossiers/dioxyde-titane-cosmetiques-bio/
THE PROCESSES
This is the process of making soaps. This traditional technique allows the combination of ingredients at very low temperatures to preserve all the benefits and virtues of the oils and plants. It is also the promise of a natural moisturizing power: some of the vegetable oils are not transformed into soap, which gives emollient properties to the soap base. A real treat for the skin! In addition, all of the precious glycerin, from the vegetable oils, is preserved.
We use milk freeze-dried at low temperature for health and quality reasons and to preserve the virtues of donkey milk.
All our fragrances are natural and comply with the Cosmos charter for organic cosmetics. Ayurvenat toothpaste contains a natural Licorice aroma.
Palm oil, derived from the palm fruit, is mainly used in food products but also in cosmetics. In particular for its good saponification index and its high concentration of lauric acid which gives soap its hardness, and its cleaning and foaming properties. Cultivated intensively, palm oil can have serious consequences on the environment and biodiversity. The volumes generated by our activity are very low compared to global consumption in all segments.
In addition, the Cosmebio label requires the use of palm oil, palm kernel oil or its derivatives certified organic or sustainable (according to the RSPO, SAN, RSB or UEBT standards).
Of course, we have always strived to work in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. Our procurement practices are no exception to the rule. We are committed to the quality, traceability and sustainability of our supply chains. RSPO Certification -> the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil is an associative structure whose objective is to promote the use of sustainable palm oil.
The RSPO Supply Chain standard (or chain of custody) applies to all stages of production: from processing to the finished product. The objective is to guarantee the traceability of sustainable palm oil, up to its final consumption.
Sunflower oil serves as a carrier for vitamin E. It is an oil very rich in Tocopherol. Also, sunflower oil is chosen for its antioxidant properties.
USE
Our Oléanat South America range includes hair care products suitable for dry, frizzy and damaged hair. The shea butter balms in the Africa range can also be applied to the ends of the hair to soften and strengthen it (apply lightly and under a towel to keep the temperature warm and allow better penetration).
Recommendations for use are indicated on the packaging of our products. Concerning Les Baumes du Hibou and Ayurvenat products, it is advisable not to use them on children under 7 years old (because they contain essential oils). All other products are suitable for adults and children from 3 years old. Indeed, essential oils must be used with caution. They are very concentrated and powerful natural active ingredients which can, in the event of an overdose or improper use, have a harmful impact (allergy, poisoning, side effects, etc.). Concerning our Baumes du Hibou, the essential oils used and their concentration are of course authorized for cutaneous application on adults. However, we prefer not to recommend their use to children under 7 years old, who are more likely to be exposed to adverse effects, because their skin is more fragile and thinner.
Recommendations for use are mentioned on the packaging of our products. The donkey milk care range is suitable for the whole family, including pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, the Hibou balm range, based on essential oils, and the Ayurvenat range are not recommended. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek advice from your doctor.
We have formulated our products to minimize potential allergic reactions and are suitable for the most sensitive and reactive skin. However, they are not specifically designed for atopic skin. In addition, the donkey milk skincare range is particularly suitable for reactive skin, thanks in particular to its hypoallergenic fragrance. This range also has the advantage of helping to combat certain skin problems: irritation, dryness, redness.
On cosmetics, the most important date to look at is the PAO (Period of Use After Opening). This is the logo that appears on the bottles, which represents an open jar, with a number followed (or not) by an M. If it is written 6M, this means that it is not recommended to use the product beyond 6 months after opening. A DDM (date of minimum durability) can also be indicated. Not to be confused with a DLC (expiration date), rather used on food products. A DDM means "to be used preferably before ..." that is to say that until this date, if the product is stored in appropriate conditions, it will still fulfill its initial function. Be aware that it is still possible to use a product whose DDM has passed. Particularly if the product has been stored in good conditions and if its packaging is completely airtight.
Our products have not been specifically designed for this purpose and have therefore not been tested. In case of discomfort, it is advisable to stop using them. If the discomfort persists, it is advisable to speak to your doctor.
We recommend storing our products in a temperate place between 15 and 25°C, away from light and in a dry place.
Yes, our toothpaste is suitable for sensitive teeth and gums. We have chosen to use sodium carbonate, which is a mild abrasive. In fact, using abrasives that are too strong, such as baking soda, is not recommended for daily use. The degree of abrasiveness of a toothpaste is one of the criteria on which dentists base their judgment of its effectiveness. Ours is classified in the first category "low abrasive" with an RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) of 57.23. This means that it does not pose a danger to enamel, dentin and cementum.
We have not added fluoride to our toothpaste. Fluoride is already present in our daily environment, particularly in water. Also note that miswak (one of the ingredients in our toothpaste) naturally contains fluoride in small quantities, as do certain vegetables. The tests carried out showed a fluoride concentration of 147ppm for our toothpaste. It therefore did not seem necessary to us to add more.
Shea butter is an ingredient with a naturally firm texture (concrete oil), which hardens in the cold (<30°). We recommend warming a small amount of balm between your fingers to be able to apply it once its texture is smoother and more liquid.
Balms made from shea butter can sometimes have an unusual appearance due to temperature changes. This phenomenon is sometimes observed in shea butter-based treatments (raw or refined), whether organic or conventional. The appearance of these small grains is simply the result of the shea butter cooling too slowly. The same goes for cocoa butter. A butter subjected to heat sees its fatty acids separate. A suitable cooling technique makes them reassemble. But if it has been subjected to a high temperature before cooling (near a heat source, behind a window, in a car when it is hot), then the fatty acids remain separated and form lumps. It does not matter! This natural phenomenon does not degrade the quality and effectiveness of the product, which remains healthy. If you spread the balm in the palm of your hand, you will notice that when it comes into contact with body heat, these small beads will melt and then disappear completely. Le Secret Naturel products are handcrafted and contain few ingredients (natural ingredients as much as possible). We do not include texture-stabilizing ingredients (such as petrochemical derivatives) in order to remedy this natural phenomenon, since it does not alter the effectiveness of the treatment in any way.
THE SOCIETY
Our company: Le Secret Naturel SAS is based in Bollène, in the north of Vaucluse. It was founded in 2002 by André Arnaud and Janine Blanchard. We specialize in the creation and manufacture of organic hygiene and cosmetic products for the whole family. Le Secret Naturel has a Research and Development/Quality laboratory, a manufacturing workshop and a storage warehouse. Le Secret Naturel markets organic and natural beauty products under its brands: Oléanat, Ayurvenat and Les Baumes du Hibou.
In physical stores, our products are available in certain organic stores, garden centers or independent boutiques.
DELIVERIES / RETURNS / PAYMENTS
We ship your orders to mainland France (including Corsica, Monaco and Andorra) and to certain European countries such as:
– Italy
– Germany
– Belgium
– Spain
For the moment, we do not ship to the French Overseas Territories.
Our carrier partners indicate the following delivery times depending on the shipping method:
Metropolitan France:
Colissimo (with, without signature or pickup relay): 2-3 working days.
Mondial Relay: 3-4 working days
For shipments to Corsica, allow 1 additional day compared to the delivery times announced above.
International (Italy, Germany, Belgium, Spain):
Colissimo (with or without signature): 3 working days.
Mondial Relay: 3-6 working days
These delivery times are from the moment you received the shipping email for your order. The maximum delivery time is 30 working days from the order confirmation. If you notice a delay after your order has been shipped, contact the carrier directly. Once your order has been shipped, we are not responsible for any potential delays due to the carrier.
If you wish to exercise your right of withdrawal, you must notify us within 14 days of receiving your order.
PLEASE NOTE, this right does not apply to goods that are opened and non-returnable for reasons of hygiene. All products must be returned in their original packaging and condition. LE SECRET NATUREL SAS will have a period of ten calendar days upon receipt of the return of the order to check the condition of the products and then refund the returned product(s). For cosmetic products that have been unsealed, given that, for reasons of hygiene and health protection, the right of withdrawal does not apply to these products, LE SECRET NATUREL SAS will not refund all payments (including the customer's transport costs) under any circumstances. The customer must return the entire order to the following address:
LE SECRET NATUREL SAS 665 Avenue Théodore AUBANEL 84500 BOLLENE
Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
You can pay for your order by credit card: Visa and Mastercard or by Paypal.
Since its creation, Le Secret Naturel has worked to promote natural products that respect the environment and people. Find out more about our values and commitments.
ARE YOU SELLING OR WISHING TO SELL OUR PRODUCTS?
Our products are sold in organic natural and dietetic product stores, drugstores, pharmacies, garden centers, etc.
We receive many requests to send samples to test our different products. However, our products are manufactured according to orders. We do not have excess stock in order to avoid waste and we work on a just-in-time basis. However, we can add testers or copies of our products to your orders to help you make them known to your customers and/or to highlight them.
Our catalog is printed in small quantities for ecological reasons. However, you can consult it in its digital version
The first order is to be paid by bank transfer or check. We ship the goods upon receipt of payment. Subsequent orders can be paid by non-accepted LCR draft, by check or by transfer within 30 days of the invoice date.
We work with the carriers Kuehne and Nagel or DPD depending on the weight of your package.
We offer free shipping from 290€ excluding VAT of order. We do not have a minimum order, however each reference is packaged in a box of several units. If you do not reach the threshold to benefit from free shipping, we calculate the transport costs according to the carrier grid and the weight of the order. For people who wish to collect their order directly from the headquarters, in Bollène, it is possible to come on site and thus be exempt from transport costs.
For the transport of goods, our customers located in the French overseas territories ask us for delivery to their freight forwarder and take care of the forwarding themselves to their geographical area. Several of these freight forwarders are located in Le Havre:
– Entrepot Gexpa, – SETCARGO-TRANS-INTER INTERNATIONAL, – CHALLENGE INTERNATIONAL Other customers prefer to ship by plane and we deliver them to SCHENKER ORLY in PARIS.
Since 2020, we have created a “custom work” division. We are therefore able to manufacture certain products on behalf of other companies, while respecting their specifications.