Q: What does “natural” mean in skincare?

“Natural” is a common term in skincare, but it’s not actually regulated—so it can mean different things to different brands. Generally, it refers to ingredients that come from nature, like plants or minerals, with minimal processing. But in reality, effective skincare often needs a little more than just what you can pick from the garden.

At AliBee, we describe our products as natural’ish—rooted in plant-based, non-toxic ingredients and made without harmful additives like parabens or phthalates. We’re all about clean, skin-loving formulations that are safe, gentle, and effective. That means we also embrace carefully chosen ingredients like emulsifiers and preservatives that ensure your products stay fresh, stable, and safe to use.

We use natural and naturally derived ingredients whenever possible, prioritize sustainability and small-batch production, and package thoughtfully using glass or recyclable and reusable materials. For example, we often use Leucidal Liquid, a mild preservative made from fermented radish root, to help maintain product safety without compromising our eco-conscious values.

Our promise? Honest, effective skincare that balances nature and science—because your skin (and the planet) deserves both.

Q: What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing is a marketing tactic where companies use misleading or exaggerated claims to make their products seem more environmentally friendly than they truly are. This can include vague wording like "all-natural" without evidence, highlighting a single sustainable aspect while ignoring harmful practices, or using eco-friendly imagery without real commitment to sustainability.

At AliBee, we are committed to genuine sustainability and full transparency—never greenwashing. Our products are always free from harmful chemicals, made in small batches, and packaged with sustainability in mind. We prioritize biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable materials over single-use plastics and focus on ethically sourced, organic ingredients where possible. Our goal is to provide you with honest, high-quality skincare that supports both your well-being and the planet.

Q: Are all your products natural?

Almost all of our products are made with natural ingredients, and we’re proud of that. But we also believe in transparency, which means being real about what “natural” actually looks like in practice.

At AliBee, we create products that are rooted in nature and backed by thoughtful science. While we prioritize plant-based, non-toxic ingredients, we also include a few carefully chosen components that help with things like product stability, performance, and texture, especially when there’s no truly effective natural alternative.

Here’s what that means:

• Preservation & Safety: For anything water-based, safety is key. We use gentle preservatives like Leucidal Liquid (from fermented radish root) and Optiphen to prevent mold and bacteria, because clean beauty should also be safe beauty.

• Hydration & Performance: Our glycerin is plant-based and acts as a powerful humectant. Our hyaluronic acid is vegan and bio-fermented from plant sugars to deeply hydrate without relying on animal-derived or synthetic fillers.

We’re intentional about every ingredient; if it’s in the formula, it’s there for a reason. You won’t find parabens, phthalates, or toxic additives in our products. We also keep sustainability in mind with our packaging, avoiding single-use plastics and choosing recyclable or reusable materials whenever we can.

We even take a mindful approach to scent. Our fragrance oils are free from phthalates and parabens, and we aim to select blends that are gentle, migraine-friendly, and safe for sensitive noses (and pets!).

In short: we call our approach natural’ish - clean, plant-forward, and transparent. If you’re ever curious about what goes into a product, just ask. We love sharing the “why” behind every formula.

Q: Are all your products vegan?

Most of our products are vegan and carefully crafted using plant-based ingredients. However, a few formulations include animal-derived ingredients that are thoughtfully chosen for their exceptional benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

• Lanolin:
  Found in our lip butters, lanolin is derived from sheep's wool and is prized for its deeply hydrating and protective properties. No harm comes to the sheep in the process, and this ingredient is chosen for its ability to soothe and nourish dry or sensitive skin.

• Beeswax:
  Included in some of our solid lotions, candles, and lip products, beeswax is a natural ingredient that helps lock in moisture, provides a protective barrier for the skin, and adds structure to solid formulations. We source our beeswax responsibly, ensuring ethical practices are followed.

All of our soaps, serums, body butters, and mists are completely vegan, made with plant-based oils, butters, and botanicals to provide the same high-quality care.

If you’re specifically looking for vegan options, check product descriptions or reach out to us directly—we’re always happy to help you find the best products for your needs.

Q: Do you use anything toxic?

No, we don’t use anything considered toxic in our products. All of our ingredients are carefully chosen for their safety, effectiveness, and quality. AliBee family and volunteer friends with differing skin types and needs graciously help us test our products, and we never source ingredients tested on animals. We avoid harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial additives that could irritate your skin or harm your health.

Q: What does toxic mean, anyway?

“Toxic” refers to substances that can cause harm to your body or the environment. In the skincare world, toxic ingredients are those that are potentially harmful when applied to the skin, inhaled, or absorbed into the body over time. Common examples include:

• Parabens: Preservatives linked to hormone disruption.

• Phthalates: Chemicals often found in fragrances that can affect hormone balance.

• Sulfates: Harsh detergents that can strip your skin’s natural moisture and cause irritation.

At our core, we believe in clean, conscious skincare. This means avoiding potentially harmful substances and prioritizing ingredients that are safe, gentle, and effective. If you ever have questions about an ingredient, feel free to ask—we’re here to ensure you feel confident in what you’re using, whether you use AliBee products or others!

Q: What is regulated by the FDA, and are your products FDA-approved?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does regulate cosmetics, including skincare, in the United States. However, the oversight is relatively limited compared to drugs or medical treatments. Cosmetic products and ingredients (with the exception of color additives) do not require FDA approval before being sold. Instead, it's up to each brand to ensure their products are safe, properly labeled, and compliant with regulations.

This is exactly why trust and transparency matter so much.

At AliBee, we take that responsibility seriously. We formulate with your health and well-being in mind, choosing high-quality, non-toxic ingredients that are safe, effective, and aligned with our clean beauty values. We avoid harmful additives like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and we’re always happy to share what’s in our products and why.

While our products are not FDA-approved (because approval isn’t required for cosmetics), they are made with care, integrity, and a commitment to ingredient safety and transparency. If you ever have questions, we’re here to chat—your trust means everything to us.

Q: I thought preservatives were bad. Why do you use them?

Preservatives are essential for keeping your skincare products safe and effective. In formulations that contain water or water-based ingredients (like aloe vera or hydrosols), preservatives prevent harmful bacteria, mold, or yeast from growing. This ensures your products stay fresh and safe to use over time.

We use Optiphen, a paraben-free, formaldehyde-free preservative that is safe, effective, and aligns with clean beauty principles. While Optiphen is processed, some of its components, such as caprylyl glycol, are derived from natural sources like coconut or palm oil. This blend ensures product safety without compromising your skin’s health.

Why Preservatives Are Important:

• Prevents Contamination: Protects your product from harmful microbes.

• Extends Shelf Life: Keeps your skincare fresh long enough for you to enjoy it.

• Keeps You Safe: Prevents irritation or infections caused by spoiled products.

For products that don’t contain water—like our oils, balms, and butters—we skip preservatives entirely because they’re not needed.

Q: Some of your ingredients, like cetyl alcohol or emulsifying wax, don’t sound natural. Why do you use them?

We understand that some ingredients might sound unfamiliar or "chemical," but many of them are plant-derived and play essential roles in creating safe, effective, and luxurious skincare. Here’s a breakdown:

• Cetyl Alcohol:

• Despite the name, cetyl alcohol isn’t the same as drying or irritating alcohols like rubbing alcohol. It’s a fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm oil, and it’s used as an emollient to soften and condition the skin. It also helps stabilize formulations, giving creams and lotions their silky, smooth texture.

• Emulsifying Wax:

• Emulsifying wax is made from plant-derived fats (often coconut or palm oil) that are processed to help blend oils and water in a stable, creamy formula. Without it, water-based and oil-based ingredients would separate, making lotions, creams, and mists impossible to create. It ensures a smooth, consistent texture in your products.

Why We Use These Ingredients:

1. Safety: Ingredients like cetyl alcohol and emulsifying wax are skin-safe, gentle, and widely used in clean skincare.

2. Functionality: They ensure that our products feel luxurious, stay stable, and work effectively.

3. Plant-Derived Origins: While they’re processed, they often start with plant-based sources, aligning with our commitment to clean, conscious beauty.

We only use ingredients that meet our high standards for safety, quality, and performance. If you ever have concerns about specific ingredients, feel free to ask! Transparency is at the heart of what we do.

Q: Is everything ethically sourced?

Yes, we prioritize ethical sourcing in all of our ingredients and packaging! While being a small-batch business means we sometimes rely on larger suppliers, we do our best to ensure everything we use aligns with our values of sustainability, fair treatment, and quality.

Whenever possible, we choose suppliers who share our commitment to ethical practices, including environmentally friendly harvesting methods and the fair treatment of employees at every level of production. As we grow, we look forward to working directly with more small, ethical producers, especially in our local community, giving us even greater control over how our ingredients are sourced.

Our Promise:

• We carefully research suppliers to ensure they uphold ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible practices.

• We prioritize cruelty-free, vegan (when applicable), and responsibly harvested ingredients.

• We value fair labor practices, ensuring that employees involved in the production process are treated with respect, paid fairly, and work under safe conditions.

• We are committed to ongoing improvement, continuously seeking ways to align with the highest ethical standards.

If you have any specific questions about the sourcing of an ingredient or our practices, we’re happy to provide transparency and details. Your trust means everything to us!

Q: How do I decide what’s best for me when it comes to skincare and wellness?

Choosing the right skincare and wellness products is a personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. At AliBee, we believe in balancing nature and science, recognizing that there’s no “perfect” answer - only what works best for you.

Skincare isn’t about strict rules or rigid commitments. Some days, you may want a completely plant-based routine, while other times, you might reach for a formula with a science-backed active ingredient that enhances performance. It’s all about balance, personal comfort, and what makes you feel your best.

One thing we firmly believe? Some self-care is always better than none. Whether that means using a single, nourishing product or curating a routine that feels good to you, what matters most is that you’re caring for yourself in a way that fits your lifestyle.

There are so many amazing indie brands out there, and ultimately, it comes down to trust and approachability—finding products (and brands) that align with your values and make you feel good about what you’re using. Whether you try one of our creations or explore others, we encourage you to choose what resonates with you, embrace flexibility, and enjoy the journey of discovering what works for your skin.

If you ever have questions, we’re here to help—no pressure, just honest guidance and thoughtful skincare.

Q: I know you sometimes do learning events and classes. How do I request that?

We love sharing our passion for natural skincare and hosting hands-on learning events! Whether you’re interested in a group class, a private session, or a special activity, we’d be delighted to work with you.

How to Request an Event:

1. Contact Us: Send us an email or message through our website with the details of your request, including the type of event (e.g., group class, private session), preferred dates, and any specific topics or products you’d like to learn about.

2. Event Options: We offer a variety of classes, from DIY skincare tutorials to ingredient deep dives and custom product-making sessions.

3. Collaborations Welcome: If you’re part of a community group, business, or organization looking for a unique team-building activity, let us know!

We’ll work with you to customize the experience to suit your needs and create something fun, engaging, and educational.

Note: Availability may vary based on scheduling, so reach out early to secure your spot.

If you have any questions or need inspiration for your event, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Q: I love your products and want to share! Do you make gift baskets?

Yes, we do! Our gift sets and baskets are a beautiful way to share the joy of natural skincare with loved ones. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, we can curate a selection of products that will delight and pamper your recipient.

How It Works:

1. Contact Us: Let us know what you’re looking for, including the occasion, budget, and any specific products or scents you’d like to include.

2. Customization: We’ll work with you to create a thoughtfully curated basket, tailored to your preferences. You can mix and match from our collection of soaps, serums, lotions, lip butters, and more.

3. Packaging: Your gift basket will be beautifully packaged with eco-friendly materials, making it ready to gift upon arrival.

Perfect for:

• Birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries.

• Bridal showers, baby showers, or thank-you gifts.

• Corporate gifting or special events.

Need Inspiration?
We can help design a basket based on themes like “Relaxation,” “Daily Essentials,” or “Ultimate Skincare.”

Reach out to us to get started on your custom gift basket today!