FAQs

 

Sustainability is one of our North Stars for every decision we make. We will always consider carefully all options to provide the best products, while not causing any unnecessary harm in the process. But there is still so much that can be improved. We’ve got a long journey ahead and we want to be clear about all the decisions we make, from production processes to materials and ingredients.
If you think that we can do better, please send us a note at contact@namsu.me and one of the founders will get back to you.
 
OUR FORMULATIONS

Where are your products made?
Currently, we manufacture all our products in the UK. Our production facility uses only green energy while minimising its consumption by cold mixing all ingredients.
 

What ingredients do you use?
We’ve spent more than a year developing and refining our formulas. We took our lead from nature, using plant-derived ingredients that cleanse and rejuvenate both body and mind.  Most of our ingredients are being sourced locally and we always choose responsible producers that follow the most stringent regulations.
All of our products are balanced to respect the natural pH of the skin, which sits at 5.5. This way, your skin will be better able to maintain a normal, healthy pH range and avoid acid mantle damage (the thin, protective layer on the surface of the skin).
For a full list of ingredients, please see the individual product pages. We have also created a glossary that explains each one of our ingredients. 
 

Why not make waterless products?
Using tap water for dilution is not recommended for cleaning products as it has many minerals and impurities that can reduce its effectiveness and contaminate with fungus or bacteria. Water used in our products is deionised, which means it has no minerals or impurities.
 

Are your products vegan?
Our products are fully vegan. 
 

Are your products tested on animals?
We never test on animals. Likewise, all raw materials used are sourced from suppliers who commit to the same high standards as we do. We do not sell our products in countries where the law requires animal testing to be carried out on cosmetic products.
 

Are your formulas biodegradable?
Yes. All of our ingredients are safe and biodegradable, which means that they do not impact on water recycling systems.  

 

Are you using preservatives in your formulas? 

Yes. Our formulas contain water and require preservatives to prevent mould, bacteria and microbial growth. Preservatives make products safe, effective and long lasting. 
We’ve carefully chosen preservatives that are highly effective and safe:
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate - A natural preservative sourced from radishes fermented with Leucnostoc kimchi, a lactic acid bacteria used in making kimchi.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate – A chelating agent which acts as a preservative booster by binding calcium and magnesium ions. This keeps the product microbe free for longer.  
Benzyl alcohol - A preservative derived from fruit used to prevent the growth of microorganisms. 
Sodium Chloride - Commonly known as salt, this natural compound is included as a thickener and preservative. 
Sodium Benzoate - The sodium salt of benzoic acid, this preservative prevents the growth of bacteria and mould

 

What are prebiotics and probiotics?

Our formulas are enriched with prebiotics and probiotics to stabilise the microbiome of your skin. A balanced microbiome is key for our skin’s ability to soothe and repair itself. 
Inulin (Prebiotic) is a naturally derived carbohydrate that helps give your skin a smooth, blemish-free complexion, whilst working to create a barrier against pollution and environmental damage. 
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate (Probiotic) is a lab created, non-living probiotic ingredient obtained by fermentation. It has soothing properties and can accelerate skin repair by promoting cell renewal and increase collagen production.  

 

OUR PACKAGING
 
What materials do you use for your packaging?
Our bottles are made in China using only 100% kerbside recyclable plastic (polyethylene) and never air freighting them to reduce carbon footprint. We are looking into ways to produce bottles locally.
All our card and paper are made in the UK using recycled and recyclable materials.
We never use labels or glue to make all components easier to recycle.
 

Why use plastic at all?
Plastic is in many ways a good solution for the environment. It is lighter than alternatives and reduces CO2 emissions versus its alternatives (glass, aluminium), in both production and transport. It is also very safe and malleable, and the industry has perfected energy efficient ways to produce containers.
However, plastic needs to be better managed, especially at the end of its life to avoid its polluting effects. Inspired by the Circular Economy movement, we want to implement the Reduce – Reuse – Recycle mantra. We have removed all single use plastic and have a refill system that reduces plastic by up to 60%. 
Our refill bottles and the outercase are 100% kerbside recyclable. Our screw-on pump top is fully, recyclable but cannot usually be recycled kerbside. Please return it directly to us, where we can ensure it is correctly recycled and won’t find its way to landfill.
But there is more to do. We aim to use more recycled plastic content and eventually, replace it with better alternatives.
  

Why not use refill pouches?
Flexible refill pouches are a good way to reduce plastic output but are notoriously hard to recycle as they glue together thin layers of different materials, such as plastic, aluminium and other resins. Majority of these packages are not recyclable in household collections, and only specialised companies can do it but at a very high cost and energy use.
Our unique solution uses a lightweight plastic refill bottle (LDPE – low density polyethylene) that reduces weight by up to 60% vs standard plastic container.
Also, pouches are harder to use, often requiring a funnel, and prone to contamination once opened.
 

Why not use glass bottles?
Glass is a much heavier material and can easily slip and break in a shower environment, being a hazard not only for people but also for tiles or ceramics. Also, manufacturing and transporting glass requires more energy and releases considerably more greenhouse gases.
 

Why not use aluminium bottles?
While aluminium could be an alternative as it is easily recycled, its recycling rates are very low in Europe. This means that virgin aluminium is required to create new cans. Virgin aluminium has higher environmental impact than other materials including plastic. Production and transportation push up the greenhouse gas emissions too, as aluminium is heavier and melts at higher temperatures than plastic.
 

CARBON EMISSIONS 
 
Do you measure your carbon footprint?
Yes, we measure our carbon emissions. We analyse production quantities and weights, specifications of ingredients, packaging and assembly, locations of activities, transport and distribution network. 
 

Do you offset your carbon emissions?
Yes, all of our products are carbon positive, which means that we offset more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than emit in the first place.
 
If you want to find out more, please drop us a note at contact@namsu.me