Natural products are made up of only, or almost only, natural ingredients and are manufactured with appropriate processes to maintain ingredient purity. Natural products use no animal testing in its development, use biodegradable ingredients and environmentally sensitive packaging. Natural products avoid any ingredients with a suspected human health risk and are devoid of harmful chemicals such as parabens, petroleum compounds and synthetic fragrances. The ethos of the natural product producer is to be transparent and to fully disclose ingredients accurately and truthfully.

We’re incredibly proud of our world-class formulations which are 98% to 99% natural. The rest are nature-identical ingredients; they are reproduced synthetically in a lab, but exist in nature. These ingredients are allowed when strictly necessary in order to ensure consumer safety (preservatives) or for purity (minerals/pigments) or for sustainability reasons.

One of the ways in which we help preserve our planet is through our plant-based formulations. Our products are formulated according to the strict standards set down by ECOCERT. ECOCERT was the very first certification organisation to develop standards for “natural and organic cosmetics”.

We use certified organic ingredients in all our products and we source locally-produced ingredients wherever possible. We also include African indigenous extracts in all our products. We like to support local as much as possible.

Natural and organic product certifications can be costly and we have chosen not to go through the expense. Instead, we have chosen to keep our products affordable. Our products are wholesome and high-performing, giving you great value for your money.

We do however adhere to the standards of natural and organic certification of ECOCERT and we empower our customers to make informed decisions by making as much information as possible available about our processes and products. We encourage our customers to contact us with questions and to give us feedback.

Note: The individual organic ingredients we use in our products are certified organic.

Our natural range is made with the whole family in mind – we have products suitable for babies of 3 months+ to the older generation with thinning skin. Our compact range is categorised into the following sub-ranges:

Wellness Care
Topical care to help alleviate the symptoms of a range of common ailments and abrasions.
Suitable for toddlers, grandparents and everyone in between.

Facial Skincare
Facial care to enhance skin health, protect it against damage and to help combat specific skin conditions.
Products suitable for the unique needs of men, women and teenagers with a variety of skin types and skin concerns.

Bodycare
Top-to-toe care for the whole family, formulated to nurture and nourish sensitive skin, hair and delicate scalp.
Suitable for baby 3 months+ and beyond.

Our range is intended to support the body’s natural maintenance and repair processes and consists of variety of products that work to enhance skin health, combat specific skin conditions, and to alleviate the symptoms of a range of common ailments.

Where our products are designed to, for example, relieve skin conditions like eczema or relieve the itching of a mosquito bite, the effect should be instant. However, for longer-term results, such as reducing dry skin conditions or acne, we would recommend using the suitable product or set of products daily for a period of 4 weeks or longer, in order to see results. 

Please also note that since individuals are different, experience and results can vary from person to person. 

Our products are free of synthetic perfumes and sulfates, and therefore suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.

We use best quality ingredients that have been professionally researched and have proven to work.  These ingredients are included at levels that are safe and not likely to irritate the skin.

We do however recommend patch testing, especially for toddlers and babies, on the inside of the arm or on a small piece of skin which is affected by the specific skin condition. 

Our products provide a soothing effect on the skin, leaving it feeling nurtured and nourished. However, since individuals are different, experience and results can vary from person to person. 

When using our products, a tingling sensation and slight redness is considered normal. This reaction is likely to lessen with each subsequent use, while the skin is getting used to the combination of ingredients. If the sensation continues after the third or fourth use, we would say that the product is not best suited to your skin type. 

If your skin is left with a burning sensation or if you experience an allergic reaction, we recommend that you stop using the product immediately.

Our products are developed with the input and expert assistance of Dr Elsabe Cloete (of Cape Aloe SA), who is our formulator, cosmetic consultant and safety assessor. Safety, sustainability and efficacy are our priorities.

To manufacture, we buy in locally-made packaging and locally-grown ingredients wherever possible to avoid the damaging effect that long distance transport can have on the environment. We are committed to protecting biodiversity and work with reputable ingredient suppliers who provide the necessary certifications and ingredient analysis. These documents are made available to our customers on request. We also support fair trade practices.

Our products are manufactured under clinical conditions following strict GMP procedures and are packed by specialists in natural and organic skincare. The end product is quality assured in a laboratory to be safe, effective and reliable.

We avoid using ingredients prohibited by ECOCERT (an organisation that was first to develop standards for “natural and organic cosmetics”).

We have listed some of the most common potentially harmful ingredients used in conventional skincare below, but this list is not exhaustive.

We encourage our customers to read product labels and to avoid buying products containing these ingredients. Some of these ingredients are known to be harmful to humans and many others are officially labelled as “probably” harmful. Another major cause for concern is that many of these ingredients are washed down drains in large quantities. It ends up in our waterways, damaging our environment and disrupting our ecosystems.

It is true that the dosage of an ingredient makes it toxic, and that these ingredients are used in small quantities in products, so are probably not harmful. However, the number of products a person uses increases the dose for the individual – these products include personal care products, household products and even food. The number of people collectively using conventional products places a huge burden on the environment.

Here’s a list of ingredients to look out for:

• Petrochemicals such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), petrolatum, mineral oil, petroleum jelly and paraffin wax
• Ethanolamines such as diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA)
• Sulphated surfactants which include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
• Parabens which include methylparaben, proplyparaben and butylparaben
• Phthalathes (usually hidden in ingredients like “parfum” or “fragrance”)
• Artificial colours, dyes and fragrances
• Silicones such as dimethicone
• Micro beads

We don’t test our products on animals, nor are any of our raw ingredients tested on animals. We are proudly endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty.

Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) is an animal rights organisation. Their endorsement policies are of the strictest worldwide, ensuring true humane status. Products may not contain substances which have been obtained as a result of the suffering or death of an animal, and written assurances are obtained from ingredient suppliers.

Their mission is to bring about change in South Africa, regarding the ethical testing of cosmetics and personal care products. Their approved list of products is known as the Humane Guide.

Vegans adopt a lifestyle that avoids animal exploitation. This includes food, clothes, and products. Veganism is growing in popularity as many practises related to animals are cause for concern from a cruelty, sustainability and environmental aspect.

Down to Earth products are vegan-friendly. The one exception is the use of beeswax in our African Potato Cream. We are listed on the Vegan SA directory and comply with their strict listing criteria. 

We use recyclable material where possible and the recycle logo on our packaging encourages our customers to recycle. All of our product packaging complies with ECOCERT packaging material regulations.

ECOCERT was the very first certification organisation to develop standards for “natural and organic cosmetics”. Down to Earth adheres to their strict standards.

The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, is slightly acidic and ranges between a pH level of 5.4 and 6.5. When the pH of the skin is disrupted and becomes alkaline (often a side effect of common soaps) the skin becomes dehydrated, irritated, flaky, rough and prone to infection. All Down to Earth products are pH balanced for normal and healthy skin at a level of 5.5.

There are a wide variety of opinions on the use of essential oils while pregnant. The main concern is the risk of essential oil compounds crossing over into the placenta and the possibility of miscarriage. Currently there are no records of birth abnormalities as a result of the normal use of essential oils, either by inhalation or by topical application.

Down to Earth products are considered safe to use. The essential oils used in our products are diluted at below the normal 0.5% range. However, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor during this important time in your life, for additional peace of mind.

The colour of our products may occasionally vary from batch to batch due to the plant ingredients. Natural, plant-based ingredients can vary slightly in colour depending on the harvest and the seasons. And since very few plant ingredients are white in nature, likewise none of our products are pure white.

Our products carry a shelf-life of 24 to 30 months, however once opened, they should be used within 6 months.

Storage is recommended below 25° Celsius, away from direct sunlight.  

The African potato, also known as Hypoxis hemerocallidea (previously known as Hypoxis rooperi), is widespread in the summer rainfall regions of South Africa, especially in Kwazulu Natal. The plant is about 10 to 50cm tall, has bright yellow star-shaped flowers and strap-like leaves which are hairy all over. It is a geophytic herb and forms a compressed underground stem (like a ‘potato’) called a corm. The African potato extract comes from the corm of the plant.

African potato extract contains phytosterols, which are abundant in plants, but are highly concentrated in the African potato. Researchers have found that phytosterols greatly enhance the functioning of T-cells, which control and regulate the immune system, and possess potent anti-inflammatory properties similar to cortisone, but without the side-effects. African potato has been used for centuries in African traditional medicine as a herbal remedy.

Yes, they are.

A NAPPI (National Pharmaceutical Product Index) code is a unique identifier for pharmaceutical, surgical, and healthcare consumable products, which allows for a customer to claim a refund from their medical aid. This is however not a guarantee of reimbursement as medical aid schemes vary from provider to provider. Please confirm with you medical aid for rules.

Claims need to be submitted within 3 months of your purchase together with your invoice. If claims are accepted, the reimbursement will be deducted from your medical savings plan.

You will find our product NAPPI codes on the individual product pages on our website or you can simply contact us for the information. The NAPPI codes are:

African Potato Cream 250ml – 3001316001
African Potato Cream 125ml – 3001316002
Clear Skin Gel 100ml – 3001317003
Refresh Cleanser 200ml – 3001318001
Refresh Moisturiser 60ml – 3001319001
Revive Cleanser 200ml – 3001320001
Revive Moisturiser 60ml – 3001321001