FAQ

About Witlof Skincare

WHY IS YOUR COMPANY CALLED WITLOF SKINCARE?

We chose the name Witlof because it is a fresh, nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, much like our products are nourishment for the skin. And, of course, because it alludes to 'With love' in English ;).

WHY SHOULD I SWITCH TO WITLOF SKINCARE?

We'll keep it as short as possible why you might consider switching from a regular brand to Witlof Skincare:

a) Witlof Skincare is formulated with exclusively natural ingredients, partially organic (such as plant oils). By taking care of your skin with Witlof Skincare, it will be nourished, resulting in a healthy and balanced skin. Your skin will appear calm and radiant, with a natural glow.

b) Most regular brands are primarily made up of synthetic ingredients. These ingredients are not of natural origin, and you can see the difference in price. Natural ingredients are more expensive, but they also provide that extra power and dimension to our products (think of it as food: fresh vegetables from the garden that nourish your body versus synthetic vitamin juice with artificial vitamins from the supermarket). Additionally, synthetically recreated vitamins are less easily absorbed by your body, so you actually need more of them to achieve the same effect.

c) Most regular brands still contain substances that can irritate your skin immediately or in the long term, such as phenoxyethanol or sulfates. They may also contain PEG, which is a drying agent that, in 65% of tested cases, still contains residual traces of dioxane (a carcinogenic substance). They may also contain mineral oils or silicones. The latter are not beneficial for your skin, especially on a daily basis, as they act as a kind of "light" mineral oil. Moreover, they are also harmful to the environment.

d) Sustainability is more strongly represented in Witlof Skincare compared to regular brands. We use recyclable packaging, some of which are made from bioplastic. We have a recycling program (5% discount on your new purchase when you dispose of your empty packaging in the separate waste). And that's just the beginning!

e) For the quality of a natural product, we have kept the price as low as possible. So, considering what you get, Witlof Skincare is not expensive.

f) Our products are effective but not too harsh. For example, our peel is gentle enough to be used weekly.

g) All our products are vegan.

h) Our products are conceived, developed, and produced in the Netherlands, aiming to be as local as possible!

WHERE ARE WITLOF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE, OR WHERE CAN I TRY THE PRODUCTS?

Witlof products are available online through the Witlof Skincare webshop and at a number of beauty salons, skin therapists, and retail locations. For a sales point near you, please check this page Sales Locations.

NO CREAM COMES OUT OF MY BOTTLE. WHAT DO I DO?

Unfortunately, there are a number of bottles where the pump is not working properly. It seems that the pump could be broken or the bottle is empty, but this is usually not the case.

The bottles are made of recycled plastic and do not contain a tube. We have chosen this packaging to create the most sustainable product possible, which is better for the environment.

However, sometimes air remains in the bottle. The system pumps the cream up (without a tube). What is probably going on, is that a little air has got into the pump before the cream. You can solve this by hitting the bottle upright several times hard on a table top (we recommend to put a towel underneath, so that the table is not damaged). We also recommend to leave the bottle upside down overnight.

The air bubbles will then be able to be pumped out, and if you pump about 10/15 the cream should appear.

I hope this works! Should this not work, please send us an email to hello@witlofskincare.com with a photo of the bottom of the bottle (so that we can see the batch number) and then of course we can look at another solution.

HOW DO I DO THE SKIN DETOX?

To perform the skin detox, follow these steps:

1. Stop using all products such as makeup, foundations, and sunscreen that contain any of the following ingredients: (mineral oil, paraffin/paraffinum/paraffinum liquidum, microcrystalline wax/cera microcristallina, petrolatum, vaseline, ozokerit/ceresin, dimethicone/cyclomethicone)

2. Cleanse your skin thoroughly twice a day using the Witlof Cleansing Mousse and Witlof Balancing Toner to restore the pH balance of your skin. As an additional cleansing step, it's beneficial to use the Witlof Smoothing Peel once a week.

3. Maintain this cleansing routine for a minimum of two, preferably four weeks, without using any creams or oils. On average, all the skin cells on your face will have renewed themselves within 28 days, during which your skin will have eliminated most residues of synthetic substances, perfumes, and mineral oils that were previously stored in your skin.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SKIN WHEN I DO THE SKIN DETOX?

When transitioning from regular products to natural cosmetics, your skin may sometimes react. This is because your skin is recovering from the use of mineral oils and/or synthetic ingredients like perfume. It's a kind of detoxification reaction and may manifest as drier skin, flakiness, a tight sensation, or pimples. Don't worry; it's temporary, and often you won't even notice anything (except that your skin is improving). If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to send an email for professional advice.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR MATURE OR DRY SKIN?

A dry, dehydrated skin is sometimes confused with a dry skin type. Both require different care. To perform a proper skin analysis, we recommend you to undergo a skin detox (see also: do the skin detox). Afterward, you can see what your skin truly needs. Our years of experience have shown that most people have much less dry skin and need less or no cream after the skin detox.

We don't have a specific anti-aging line, but all our products help combat skin aging by using healthy ingredients that support the skin. We avoid ingredients that accelerate skin aging, which many other brands use, such as drying agents like PEG or sulfates.

For dry skin, we recommend using the Smoothing Peel followed by the Balancing Toner, the Regenerating Oil Serum, and then the cream. This combination is highly effective for nourishing and retaining moisture in dry skin, leaving it soft and supple.

IS IT NORMAL FOR MY SKIN TO TURN RED AFTER THE SMOOTHING PEEL?

Indeed, it is normal if you become a bit redder after using the Smoothing Peel, but that should subside within 30-45 minutes. If it persists longer, the advice is to let the peel work for a shorter period, e.g., 1-2 minutes. Also, if you start to flake, which can happen, we advise you to reduce its use, thus at most once a week or every two weeks, and then let it work for 1-2 minutes. Once your skin is accustomed to its use, you can always increase the use to once or twice a week, or keep a longer reaction time. We recommend using it once a week, letting it work for approximately 5 minutes.

If you were using a regular skincare brand before Witlof Skincare, you might also experience flaking as your skin recovers from using those products with drying ingredients. Eventually, in most cases, this subsides, and your skin condition improves significantly, becoming less dry and flake-free. However, as a precaution, limit the use of the peel if you react strongly to it and don't hesitate to email us at hello@witlofskincare.com if you have questions or need personal advice.

DOES THE CLEANSING MOUSSE ALSO REMOVE MAKEUP OR SUNSCREEN?

The Cleansing Mousse (and also the Cleansing Milk) is highly suitable for removing makeup (including non-waterproof eye makeup) and sunscreen, for example. We recommend cleansing twice in such cases, once to remove makeup residues and a second time to thoroughly cleanse the skin itself.

You can also perform a double cleanse, in combination with Argan Oil. First, massage the Argan Oil to loosen makeup and cream residues, and then you can remove them with a warm, damp cloth, for example. This way, you cleanse your pores more effectively, as they open due to the warmth of the cloth (as is also done in beauty treatments). Afterward, cleanse again with the Cleansing Mousse, and your skin will be super clean! Don't forget to spray the Balancing Toner on your face to complete the cleansing process. Your skin will then be hydrated and protected, with the right pH balance.

DO WITLOF PRODUCTS CONTAIN PRESERVATIVES?

We use benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, and citric acid to preserve our products. The antioxidants in the products also have a preservative effect.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS CRUELTY-FREE AND VEGAN?

Witlof Skincare products are not tested on animals, making them cruelty-free. The skincare products are also vegan, meaning they are free from ingredients derived from dead or living animals. If you want to know precisely which substances the products contain and what they do for your skin, you can find a detailed overview of the ingredients used and their functions on each product page.

TO WHAT EXTENT ARE YOUR PRODUCTS ORGANIC OR NATURAL?

Our products are 100% natural, and a portion of those natural ingredients is also sourced from organic farming. So, our products are partially organic. Our packaging and ingredient lists indicate which ingredients are from organic farming.

DO YOU USE PALM OIL?

No, there is no palm oil used in our products. You can find the ingredient list / INCI of the products on our website, and it is also listed on the packaging.

WHY DO YOU USE BOXES FOR PACKAGING?

We are still considering whether to continue using boxes or not. However, for a new brand in this segment, there are several reasons to retain them. This is related to packaging, shipping, and visibility in stores. Additionally, a box provides us with the opportunity to provide more information about the product, its benefits, and how to use it, which many consumers appreciate. Our boxes are made of FSC-certified paper, which is a sustainable paper type.

DO YOU USE ALCOHOL IN YOUR PRODUCTS?

There are different types of alcohol. The alcohol used in Witlof Skincare products is a type that is used to dissolve certain plant extracts so that they can be used in the products (think of homeopathic drops, for example). It helps these extracts to be better absorbed by your skin, which is precisely our intention. The vitamins and antioxidants penetrate deeper into the skin, where they can work their magic.

Furthermore, the percentage of alcohol in the Nourishing Facial Cream, for example, is only 0.17% of the entire formula. This is very minimal and necessary to incorporate the extracts of ginger (for vitamin A) and rosa canina (for vitamin C). In a cream that is applied to the skin, this natural and safe ingredient is harmless and does not have any negative effects on the skin.

However, you should avoid harsh alcohols, such as 'alcohol denat.,' in cosmetics. This is listed on the product ingredient list and can be very drying, for example.

DOES THE CLEANSING MOUSSE ALSO REMOVE MAKEUP OR SUNSCREEN?

ABOUT YOUR ORDER

HOW CAN I PAY?

In our webshop, it's possible to pay with iDeal, Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, and Paypal.

WHAT ARE YOUR SHIPPING COSTS?

For orders above €45, we do not charge any shipping fees when shipped within the EU or the United Kingdom. For orders below €45, shipping costs are €4.99 for the Netherlands and Belgium, and €6.99 for all other EU countries and the United Kingdom. For shipments to the US, the shipping cost is €25, and for orders above €250, shipping to the US is free.

WHAT ARE YOUR DELIVERY TIMES?

When you place your order before 10 PM, it will be processed and shipped the same day. In addition to an order confirmation, you will receive an email with a track & trace link, allowing you to track your order.

PLEASE NOTE: During November and December, the busiest time of the year, your order may take a little longer to arrive. Thank you for your understanding.

WHAT ARE THE DELIVERY COSTS TO THE UK?

For the United Kingdom we do not charge shipping from £45.00. Under £45.00 we charge €5.99. PAY ATTENTION! From €150 you have to pay import duties yourself. You will receive a separate email about this.

DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS FOR AN ORDER THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY PLACED?

The fastest way to change the delivery address, is to change the address yourself, in DPD Shipper or DPD Insights through the t&t link you should have received.

In the unlikely event that this is not possible, we ask you to follow the following steps:

1. Compose an email and use 'Address' in the subject line of this email

2. Always include all the details of the recipient in the email: - the 'full address' - the 'email address' - the 'phone number'.

3. Send it to customerservice@dpd.nl.               

WHY ISN'T MY DISCOUNT COUPON WORKING?

Due to the significant discounts we offer on our products during events like Green Friday and the surrounding days, these prices cannot be combined with other discounts, such as the recycle discount or the welcome discount. Therefore, all other discounts are temporarily disabled. If you wish to apply these discounts, you can do so after the promotional period when prices return to their normal level.

I AM NOT COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH MY PURCHASED PRODUCT. WHAT CAN I DO?

You have the right to return your product unopened and undamaged within 7 days of delivery.

If you have already opened and used the product, please send us an email at hello@witlofskincare.com, and we will find a suitable solution.

DO YOU ALSO HAVE SAMPLES?

We offer a sample service where we can send you a selection of our products. The samples are €2 each. You can order them through the website or send an email to hello@witlofskincare.com, and we'll be happy to assist you!

ABOUT NATURAL SKINCARE

WHAT IS MINERAL OIL?

Mineral oil is a derivative of petroleum and is a fat or wax, such as paraffin, petrolatum, or Vaseline. Mineral oils (sometimes referred to as 'petroleum-derived ingredients') create a barrier on the skin's surface and disrupt the skin's natural lipid balance. Additionally, your skin can become accustomed to products containing mineral oil, and it may feel tight and dry when you stop using the product. In such cases, this is often referred to as 'paraffin addiction' of the skin. This phenomenon is well-known in lip balm usage, but facial skincare products containing mineral oil can have a similar effect.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL AND ORGANIC COSMETICS?

Manufacturers are allowed to label their products as "natural" even if only a small percentage of the ingredients in the product are of natural origin. We only sell products that are 100% natural, and a portion of them is organically grown. The organic ingredients are listed on the packaging. If you have any further questions about this, please feel free to send an email for more information.

OVER NATURAL SUNCARE

WHY DOES THE PRODUCT CONTAIN SPF 30 INSTEAD OF SPF 50?

SPF 50 provides you with 99.8% coverage, while SPF 30 offers 99.3% coverage. The difference is minimal, and increasing the SPF further would make the cream appear whiter. That's why we've chosen to stick with SPF 30. Same protection, better product!

WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A PRODUCT FOR DEEPER SKIN TONES?

With the launch of the Tinted Day Cream SPF30, you may have noticed that some skin tones are missing. We initially started with three shades: light to medium, medium to dark, and black. However, after several tests, we weren't satisfied with how the medium to dark and black shades looked, particularly on deeper skin tones. As a brand, we prioritize ensuring that our products are of the highest quality for everyone. Therefore, we have decided to continue working on the formulations for the other tinted variants to eventually make our products accessible to everyone.

We welcome all forms of advice on this matter and are open to collaboration to achieve the best quality. If you would like to help us or have any tips, please email us at hello@witlofskincare.com.

WHAT ARE UVA & UVB?

UVB radiation is responsible for sunburn and redness, while UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, causing skin aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. That's why it's important to protect against both types of radiation.

WHY IS NATURAL SPF IMPORTANT?

Where a standard sunscreen with chemical filters often contains drying mineral oils, perfumes that can react with sunlight, and sometimes even toxic filters, a natural sunscreen with zinc oxide forms a harmless barrier on the skin. Recent studies also indicate that chemical sunscreens can cause itching and eczema on the skin, whereas a natural filter in sunscreen does not (NCBI - WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic, 2003).

Natural sun protection does not contain chemical sun filters but is based on mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.