Frequently Asked Questions

We are pleased to inform you that we do not use nanoparticle
or micronized particle ingredients. Industry definition of nanoparticles is a
material measuring less than 100 nanometers, and the definition of micronized
is a material measuring between 100 and 200 nanometers.

100% of our products are vegetarian. We believe in using ingredients that are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten free verified, certified organic, nature derived, vegetarian, vegan, sustainably sourced, fair trade, and always cruelty free, so that our health-minded consumers can rely on our products to always be as efficacious as they are good for you.

While the majority of our products are vegan, some of our products contain the amazing benefits of Manuka Honey, currently the only non-vegan ingredient we use. You'll find Manuka Honey in the following products:

• Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask, which is also included in the Brightening Get Started Kit and Instant Brighten & Tighten Hydro Serum Facial Sheet Mask
• Lemon Sugar Facial Scrub
• Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser

As a proud partner of the Leaping Bunny Organization, rest assured that all of our products are certified cruelty free.

We share your concern that cosmetics and personal care products should not be tested on animals. Our company policy clearly states that we do not and will not test our products or ingredients on animals, nor have we asked or allowed others to do so on our behalf. Andalou Naturals is a proud partner of The Leaping Bunny Program.

Andalou Naturals products are formulated to be non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) and hypoallergenic (not likely to cause allergenic reaction). All products are thoughtfully created with nature derived, organic, and biologically active ingredients to ensure effective results when used as directed.

We take our responsibility to consumers very seriously, especially those with gluten sensitivity. To guarantee that our products are gluten free, we send everything to be third-party tested by the Food Allergy and Resource Program.

All Andalou cartons, bottles, jars, and tubes are widely recyclable and 100% BPA-free. Packaging is designed to be beautiful, but also to minimize the shipping materials necessary to protect our products during processing and handling. We decided to utilize widely recyclable PET plastic jars and the resin we use does not contain BPA, phthalates, dioxins, lead, cadmium or endocrine disruptors. We encourage our customers to follow local recycling guidelines and packaging when empty.

At Andalou, our commitment to creating true beauty through pure ingredients, innovative formulas, eco-friendly practices, and cruelty free standards guides us in all we do. Every aspect of our brand, our business, and our daily operations is dedicated to environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices and partnerships, taking a stand on issues that matter, and influencing positive change in the natural industry and beyond.

We were the first beauty brand to achieve Non-GMO Project Verified status because we believe that GMO crops and the dependency on pesticides that they create are in conflict with the wellbeing of the planet and of every single person. We believe in a farm-to-bottle connection and value knowing the origin of the ingredients we use. In addition to gathering domestic ingredients, we are proud to promote global sustainability through ethically sourcing fair-trade ingredients from all over the world.

Our products are formulated to be gentle and safe for personal use. However, should there be any question or concern for a specific ingredient or allergic condition during pregnancy or while nursing, we recommend consulting with your physician for a thorough evaluation prior to use.

Our products do NOT contain sulfates, which is the primary cause of damage to colored hair. Sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, which are common ingredients in other hair care lines, can strip dyed hair of coloring, fading your hair every time you wash.

Primary packaging methods protect the formulas from sunlight and oxidation prior to purchase. Products are tightly secured and protected within tinted or opaque packaging. Additionally, skincare products are further protected within unit cartons. Normal use and storage will retain product freshness and integrity.

Here's a guide for determining the manufactured date, shelf life, and expiration date of our products.

First, determine if the product is OTC (over-the-counter) or non-OTC:

• OTC: All products containing sunscreen and our Blemish Vanishing Gel
• Non-OTC: All serums, cleansers, toners, masks, scrubs, non-SPF moisturizers, eye creams, body and hair care products

OTC products have an expiration date of 2 years. The expiration date is printed on the primary package (tube crimp) and on the unit carton (outer package).

Non-OTC products don't have an expiration date, rather an alpha-numeric lot code denoting a manufactured date that determines the shelf life. Non-OTC products have a shelf life (unopened) of 5 years from the manufactured date. Once opened, products should be used within a certain timeframe for optimum freshness and efficacy. There is a jar icon on each package which communicates the “best used after opening” timeframe. For example, 12M suggests using the product within 12 months after opening.

Lot codes are found on the primary packaging (tube crimp, jar bottom, on wrap label, etc.). While it may depend on the product, here's how you would translate the manufacturing lot code 7L17:

• 7 = Numeric representation of the year (2017)
• L = Alpha representing month of manufacture (see below)
• 17 = Numeric representing batch number ever made of the
  product
• 7L17 = Manufactured in 2017, November, 17th batch

Alpha codes translate as follows:

• A = January
• B = February
• C = March
• D = April
• E = May
• F = June
• G = July
• H = August
• J = September
• K = October
• L = November
• M = December

So, for example, if Andalou Naturals Coconut Water Eye Lift Cream has a lot code we know it was manufactured in November 2017. Because it's a non-OTC product, it has a shelf life unopened of 5 years from that date. Once opened, product should be used up within 12 months for maximum efficacy and freshness.

As the first beauty brand to achieve Non-GMO Project Verified status, we believe that GMO crops and the dependency on pesticides that they create are in conflict with the wellbeing of the planet and of every single person. In order to achieve this verification, our team worked closely with our manufacturers and suppliers to rigorously confirm that over 200 source ingredients, as well as the manufacturing process for each ingredient, did not include GMOs of any kind.

The Non-GMO Project Verified seal recently received the highest ranking of meaningfulness from Consumer Reports. This is important because the verification process not only confirms that our brand exclusively uses non-GMO ingredients, it also guarantees that everything we print on our packaging is exactly as we say it is. We value knowing where our ingredients come from and are committed to sharing that with you.