Europe bans cosmetic companies from using Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Phytonadione (Vitamin K)

The recent European Cosmetics Directive has finally outlawed Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Phytonadion (Vitamin K1). About time too!

Few cosmetic companies now use these ingredients... but some still do - even the odd organic one.

Diethylene Glycol is a type of Glycerine or Glycerol that is poisonous to humans. It is often used in anti-freeze. However, in recent years DEG has been found in toothpaste originating from China.

Glaxo Smithkline has said that the ingredient was found in counterfeit versions of its Sensodyne toothpaste. In Panama, contaminated products are estimated to have killed 70 people.

DEG isn't completely banned, as the directive allows for cosmetics to contain traces of the chemical found in Glycerol.

At Pai we use vegetable derived Glycerine (as opposed to Animal Fat derived). Because we are Soil Association certified, we can only use their approved suppliers of vegetable Glycerine in our products.

This ensures that not even trace amounts of DEG find themselves into Pai products.

Pai manufactures all products in-house, rather than outsourcing production to a factory.

This means we can guarantee that our ingredients are not contaminated or replaced with non-human grade glycerine (this has happened to other companies in the past).

Phytonadion is best know as Vitamin K1. In 2006 it was banned in France by the health regulator Afssaps (Agence Francaise de Securite des Produits Sante).

Afssaps reported twelve extreme allergic reactions, all eczema-related conditions of the face and body. Six of the sufferers had to be hospitalised.

"Cosmetics products that include K1 can represent a serious threat to human health," an official statement from Afssaps said at the time.

Vitamin K2 is thought to be generally safe - but if a product does not specify K1 or K2, then we would suggest you stop using it.

Many consumers are becoming aware that just because a product says it is organic on the front, the ingredients on the back often tell a different story.

If you want to be absolutely sure a cosmetics product is as natural as it claims, then look for the Soil Assocation logo on the box.

Pai Starter Kit - Save £10 and get Free UK Delivery

The Pai Starter Kit contains the essentials of your skin care regime.

Choose the Moisturiser to suit your skin type.

Also included is our Camellia & Rose Cleanser for all skin types.

It is formulated for even the most sensitive skin, so you can use it around the eyes.

Our organic muslin face cloth is perfect for cleansing and exfoliating - and much better for the environment than disposable cotton pads.

Best of all, you save 10.00 off the normal retail price and get FREE UK delivery!

Why muslin cloths should be an essential part of your skincare regime

I get a lot of questions about the benefits of using a muslin cloth in your cleansing routine.

Why are they so good?

1. they have a gentle exfoliating action that leaves skin super clean and smooth.

2. they help to remove any lasting residues of dirt or make-up without scratching the skin.

3. they are re-usable and are made from 100% unbleached organic cotton. This makes them far more environmentally friendly than cotton wool. Just stick them in the washing machine on a cold wash.

4. the cloths prevent bacteria growing - the open weave of the cloth allows them to dry quickly. Regular flannels hold water for longer and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

We recommend using Pai's organic muslin cloth alongside our Camellia & Rose Natural Cleanser.

After applying the cleansing cream, rinse the cloth in hot water and remove the cream using a gentle circular motion. 

Finish with a splash of cold water to close the pores.

Sarah Beeny uses Pai Organic Avocado & Jojoba Moisturiser

Sarah Beeny, the TV presenter, who made the shock documentary How Toxic Are you? has made an important announcement:

She is a Pai Customer!

I've included a scan from the Mail On Sunday piece below.

To say we're chuffed is an understatement. I watched the documentary not just with professional curiosity, but growing horror as I realised that even though I founded an organic skin care company, I still didn't know about all the chemicals I'm exposed to daily.

Sarah uses our Avocado & Jojoba Organic Moisturiser for Normal Skin.

Why? Because they work brilliantly and all our products are completely free from chemical preservatives such as Parabens.