The ugly truth is that sadly, a great many companies still test products on animals, or have it done for them. There is absolutely no reason for this to be continuing, with other accurate testing methods available. The good news is, that here at Black and White and Ayana Organics, we do not. Our entire product range is certified cruelty free by CCF Australia, something of which we are very proud. To learn more about this and to see all the other wonderful companies, doing the right thing, you can visit their website on www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au.

The bad news, is that many products on the market today require the use of strong, potentially harmful chemicals, often preservatives (parabens) to enable them to have a long shelf life and other chemicals includingsodium lauryl sulfate(SLS) mineral oil and propylene glycol, which is another petroleum derivative.There has been much research into the effects of putting chemicals on the skin, which are then absorbed into the system. Please have a look at our toxic dictionary for further information about the chemicals commonly found in skin care products and their harmful side effects. The good news is that here at Black and White and Ayana Organics, we have made the decision to refrain from such practices and have selected 2 natural preservatives to extend the shelf life of our natural products. So, what does this mean for you, the consumer? It means that your products have a use by date, like food. By choosing the path of natural preservatives, we run the risk of the odd product being returned to us, which of course, we would replace for you with a smile. You see, to us, the potential of a product ‘going off’ or not staying fresh, speaks volumes about the integrity of the raw ingredients. The products really are natural, and they are subject to the same laws as any other product of nature, just like food, in fact, we like to think of our products as food for your skin.

In further good news, Black and White and Ayana products are vegan friendly. There appears to be some confusion as to what constitutes a vegan friendly product. Black and White and Ayana products contain no animal products or animal by-products. We do not use honey or beeswax in our products. We have chosen to use soy wax in our Ayana baby bottom cream, as an eco friendly and vegan alternative to beeswax.

Black and White Organics also believe in offering you ethically and environmentally sound choices in packaging. Our bags and boxes are made in Nepal from 100% recycled waste material. We are proud to help support this fair trade project which involves primarily women, who are given a trade and a fair income. This fair trade co-operative also provides our recycled string and ribbon used in our gift packs. Our jars are all recyclable and we print only on 100% PCW recycled paper.