No one likes to be cross-examined.

As we begin to form partnerships with retailers around the country, I’ve noticed some simply look at the pretty package and, apparently liking what they see, become focused on the the terms.  When retailers arethat easy, we start to worry.  It clarifies how tainted, mislabeled, sometimes unsafe products end up on our shelves.

Others poke, prod, and question. Can you prove your ingredients are organic (of course). Why do you have stearic acid…our database says it’s a petroleum-derived ingredient (not always; in our case the stearic acid is completely plant-based). We appreciate it when people ask for more.

One wellness center recently took us to task for using a fragrance.  We provided documentation that it was a  completely natural green tea extract with other health benefits (including as an antioxidant).  We made clear that not only was it of natural origin, it was extracted through natural processes.  We noted that we chose it precisely because it had beneficial health effect and we included it at an extremely low level, in the event someone out there has a particular sensitivity to green tea.  We pointed to our perfect score on hypoallergenicity testing.

There is one time it is gratifying to be given a hard time – when talking to the very stores we trust to carry safe, honest products.