FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take before I see an improvement in my skin?

Skin tends to regenerate naturally in 4-6 weeks and that is about the time it takes to notice improvements in your skin texture and tone. For best results, use Saaf products regularly and avoid using any other synthetic/harsh products at the same time.

Is a Face Serum better than a Cream/Lotion?

Creams contain up to 95% water and the rest is made up of oils and other actives. You are paying a premium price for tap water and not getting the full therapeutic benefit. With Face Oils/Serum you are getting 100% oils and natural nutrients. So yes, Face Oils are not only better value for money but also more powerful than creams and lotions. At Saaf, we use skin compatible oils so that they are easily absorbed into the skin, without leaving an oily residue behind.

Why do you call your Moisturisers 'Serums'?

We call our moisturisers 'Serums' because unlike conventional moisturisers which are water based and may contain up to 95% water (5% oils), our 'Serums' contain 97-98 % oil, the rest is made up of high potency, natural Vitamin E. Both our serums are therefore highly concentrated, and by definition classed as Serums.
They are perfect to use on normal skin, however, Ultimate Moisture Face Serum is designed for dryer and more mature skin. Complexion Boosting Serum is formulated for combination to oily skin types.

Why don't you have Day and Night Moisturisers?

We believe in simplicity, in our experience there is not much difference between Day and Night creams in terms of formulation. Conventionally, day creams can contain sun protection chemicals, and night creams tend to be 'heavier'. You can use either of our serums, depending on your skin type. Use sparingly during the day to avoid shine, and use more at night to provide your skin with extra nourishment.

Can I use the Serums around my eyes?

By law we have to declare on our packaging that the serums should not be used around the eyes, but in practice, many of our customers have chosen to use the serums around their eyes – without any ill effects. However, we advice a patch test first to see whether your eyes are sensitive to the essential oils contained in our serums. If you get redness or puffiness around the eye area, then its best not to use the product around your eyes.

Why don't you have a toner?

Saaf believes toners and harsh exfoliators can damage the top layer of the skin, and therefore recommends washing your face with a mild cleanser, such as Saaf Organic Pure Face Cleanser, then rinsing off with a soft muslin cloth which will act as a gentle exfoliator. Follow this skincare routine with a splash of cold water (nature's toner) and your Saaf moisturiser.

I have oily skin, do I still need to moisturise?

Understandably, people often think that applying neat oil on greasy or acne prone skin will make matters worse. In fact the opposite is true which is why Saaf recommends its Organic Pure Face Cleanser for all skin types, including oily. Skin dried out by harsh detergent-based face washes and watery moisturisers compensates by producing more sebum and oil. All skin, however oily, needs nurturing with vitamins and natural oils to ensure that it's in the best possible condition. The best formulation for oilier skin types is Complexion Boosting Serum. This light and gentle moisturiser is easily absorbed into the skin, and you only need to use 1-2 drops.

I'm pregnant, should I be worried about using essential oils?

All our skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy, since we use the finest quality essential oils and very little of it. However, Complexion Boosting Serum contains the essential oil of Juniper Berry, which some aromatherapy experts believe to be contra-indicated in pregnancy. For pregnancy we would recommend using Eraser Body Oil for stretch marks and as a general body moisturizer.

How do I store Saaf skincare products?

Our products are made with natural ingredients and finest quality cold pressed organic oils. For best results, store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat.

What is the shelf life of Saaf products?

All of our products have a shelf life of three years if unopened. As with all skincare, when opened and used correctly (assuming lids are replaced properly) the shelf life is six months.

Do you use perfumes in your products?

Saaf only uses natural essential oils as 'perfume'. Our products are lightly fragranced with steam-distilled essential oils, chosen for their therapeutic effect, and not just for their aromas. Saaf follow the recommendations based on the findings in R. Tisserand and T. Balacs, Essential Oil Safety, A Guide for Health Care Professionals, 1995, and by the Research Institute of Fragrance Materials.

Why are 'cold pressed' oils better?

Cold pressed means that heat was not used when mechanically processing the oil. Cold pressing not only preserves the natural anti-oxidant properties of the oil, but ensures that it does not spoil and become rancid, which will have a negative effect on its skin healing properties.

Are baby products better for your skin?

Babies have not yet developed an immune system, and instead they rely on physical barriers such as skin and mucous membranes. Harmful microbes can breed in cosmetics and toiletries, and these microbes pose a much greater risk to young children than to older children or adults. Cosmetic safety regulations require that, during manufacture and normal use, toiletries for children under the age of three must contain at least fifty times fewer microbes than regular cosmetics and toiletries. This results in baby products containing much higher levels of artificial preservatives than adult products. Some baby products are free from artificial colours and perfumes and are theoretically more 'natural'. You may, however, be wasting your money if you are buying baby products for yourself, since these often only contain the same ingredients as their regular counterparts, but with fewer artificial colourants and fragrances.

Are Natural and Organic products better for you?

In the UK, the word 'natural' can be applied to any product as long as it contains at least 1% of ingredients from nature. Similarly, a product claiming to be 'organic' need only contain small amounts of one organic ingredient. To claim that 'natural' products are safer than synthetic alternatives is misleading, because you cannot get more 'natural' than pollen and nuts - the most common allergens known. Saaf advises routinely performing a patch test on any new product intended for use on the skin.

Why aren't your products 100% organic?

Safe science is important to Saaf and our organic levels are governed by European Cosmetic Safety Regulations as well as a need for long shelf life and product efficacy. We use very high levels of Natural Vitamin E as anti-oxidants in the products for this reason. Natural Vitamin E is not organic certifiable and because of this, our typical organic content is between 95% and 97% organic.

Is preservative free skincare safer?

Preservatives are essential ingredients in skincare products, which contain water. If a manufacturer claims to have an 'all natural, preservative free' lotion, cream, or any cosmetic product that introduces a combination of oil and water - either they are lying, or they don't know their basic microbiology! Even when visible mould is not present in a cosmetic, there will be harmful bacteria and organisms that cannot be seen by the naked eye. This is very serious since there have been cases of people who have faced grave health problems due to products that have not been safely preserved. Even if the product is manufactured using GMP Guidelines (Good Manufacturing Practice), as soon as it is opened for the first time and touched by your finger, it will start to get contaminated by bacteria and fungi. Skincare products (including Saaf products) usually have a shelf life of three years, however, once opened, it is a good idea to discard the product after 6 months of continuous use.

There are companies working on developing effective "All Natural" preservatives. These include grapeseed extract, certain essential oils and herbal extracts. However, currently there is little or no scientific evidence for their efficacy, and high levels of essential oils can cause allergies in people. At Saaf we believe in 'All Natural' but also believe in safe science. We meticulously list every ingredient on all of our labels because we believe consumers have a right to know. Moreover, it's important for consumers to become as educated as possible about the products they use.

Do anti-wrinkle creams really work?

Dehydration from central heating, cold winds and the sun can make skin look dry, dull and aged. Moisturisers with natural oils can protect against this to a degree. However, a claim about moisturising ingredients getting to deeper layers of skin is a myth. Cosmetic moisturisers cannot permanently remove fine lines and wrinkles. The best they can do is cover them up or moisten the skin to make it look younger, which is why Saaf products place so much emphasis on the optimum rehydration of skin.

Your products claim to be alcohol free but some contain Benzyl Alcohol?

Benzyl alcohol is a natural part of essential oil of Ylang Ylang and according to cosmetics Safety Regulations, has to be declared on all packaging. It is not alcohol as in ‘beers as spirits’ but its scientific name ends in ‘alcohol’. It is permissible for use in Halal certified products, as it is a natural essential oil such as Rose or Jasmine.

I have heard essential oils can irritate the skin, is this true of your products?

Although Saaf Pure Skincare has been carefully formulated for use on people with sensitive skin, the range still contains less than 1% of natural essential oils. Some people with very sensitive skins may find even such low levels irritating. In such individuals, it is advisable to carry out a patch test before use (apply product on the crook of elbow or behind the ears and leave for 24 hours, check for signs of redness).