Quality & Ingredients
Q. Why Weleda Body Care?
A. Since 1921, Weleda has pioneered the use of biodynamic® and organic ingredients in body care and medicines to promote natural harmony and health. Weleda’s purest ingredients—natural, organic, biodynamic® and wild crafted—come directly from nature and are cultivated with the loving hands of dedicated farmers throughout the world. We create premier, naturally therapeutic body care that captures the harmony of nature. When you pamper your skin with our soothing preparations, you will experience a vitality that only nature can bring.
Q. How does Weleda preserve its formulations?
A. All of our premier formulations are preserved with natural ingredients. We use organic grain alcohol, natural essential oils and pure plant extracts to maintain the life of our products. Furthermore, our unique and recyclable packaging protects each formulation and helps to prevent against oxidation. As a result of these naturally effective preservation techniques, it is not necessary to refrigerate our products. All product life information can be found on the inner and outer packaging.
Q. How does Weleda color and fragrance its products?
A. Weleda’s products are naturally colored with the essential plant extracts that make-up each pure formula. All formulas are naturally fragranced with essential oils and plant extracts. Weleda does not use any synthetic colors or fragrances.
Q. Does Weleda use any synthetic ingredients?
A. Weleda uses only natural oils and plant extracts. All Weleda products are FREE of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants and raw materials derived from mineral oils, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMO's). Weleda products are instead FULL of the highest quality, pure and natural ingredients for your body.
Q. How does Weleda test the efficacy of its products?
A. Weleda does not test its ingredients or personal care products on animals. It is unnecessary for us to do so, as the plant materials that makeup our pure formulations have been used internally and externally for countless centuries. Long before animal-testing was introduced, all “testing” was done on humans, establishing a system of trial and error. Thus, many materials were established as safe and effective. As a result, Weleda's use of raw materials has a long history of safe usage. We ensure that our biodynamically grown ingredients and those provided by our partners have not been tested on animals.
Q. What is biodynamic® cultivation?
A. Biodynamic® and organic farming methods are similar to one another in that they both work to enhance the soil and cultivate plants that are free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Biodynamic® cultivation, however, goes a step further—beyond organic. Homeopathic preparations are used to enhance the vitality of the plants. Each plant is harvested by hand at its peak, according to the season, time of day, and position of the planets in the universe. At Weleda, we view the earth as an interconnected living organism. Plants, animals and human beings have an inherent and beautiful relationship with one another and their surroundings. Our philosophy, “In harmony with nature and the human being,” lies deep within the principle of biodynamics®.
Q. Why do some Weleda products contain alcohol?
A. In homeopathic remedies and tinctures, alcohol is traditionally used to draw out the vital life forces of a plant to create a botanical extract in a specific concentration. Alcohol is also used as a natural preservative in our formulations. Weleda uses organic grain alcohol, which is naturally derived from fermented plant sugars. We do not use Methyl or Propyl alcohol—also known as rubbing alcohol.
Q. What is the INCI?
A. The International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is the system adopted by Weleda for labeling and declaring our ingredients. The multilingual and multinational labeling requirements implemented by the European Union require a full declaration of ingredients on personal care packaging. This labeling standard denotes all ingredients according to their Latin (Chemical / Scientific) designation. Those manufacturers following the INCI are therefore required to label their ingredients as specified by the regulatory board. All companies selling personal care products in Europe, and most recently in Canada, are required by law to list their ingredients according to the INCI.
All ingredients are listed by their quantity of presence—greatest to least—in the product. Due to its full ingredient disclosure policy, the INCI standards strive to allow the consumer to make informed and healthy purchases, helping him/her avoid any ingredients to which he/she may be allergic.
Q. How are natural essential oils denoted on Weleda’s packaging?
A. According to the INCI labeling standards, all fragrances, which, for Weleda represent all natural essential oils are prefaced and denoted by* (From Natural Essential Oils).
According to the European Union Mediation Committee’s 2005 resolution, 26 fragrances—present in over 10ppm (parts per million)—found to cause allergies in sensitive individuals, must be declared on all personal care ingredient listings. These fragrances are listed by their individual components according to their chemical names. As a result, Rose Oil, for instance, which contains over 400 components, many of which have not even been discovered, is no longer listed as “Rose Oil” on the packaging, but by its individual parts, such as “Geraniol.”
While only 1-3% of the population has been found to have any allergy to a fragrance, this regulation has been implemented in order to inform those consumers will allergies of all ingredients that make up a product. Most often, a person is not allergic to the complete fragrance / essential oil, such as Rose Oil, but rather its components.
Weleda uses all natural essential oils. By EU law, these natural ingredients are listed under the same name and designations as their synthetic counterparts, regardless of their origin. Natural essential oils—particularly when blended with other essential oils, rather than in isolated form—are generally well-tolerated by the skin and provide numerous physical and psychological benefits.
Q. What is Glycerin and why does Weleda use it?
A. Glycerin is a threefold alcohol found in every fat. Weleda uses Glycerin derived from Rape. Glycerin is produced through the saponification process of vegetable oil and soap. It regulates the absorption and release of water, softening and smoothing the skin.
Q. What is Lanolin and why does Weleda use it?
A. Lanolin is a wax derived from the wool of sheep. The process of extracting this wool does not harm the sheep in any way, as the shearing of wool is a natural and necessary process. Weleda uses the highest-quality Lanolin from sheep in Australia and New Zealand. The Lanolin is cleaned to remove any pesticide residues. We use Lanolin to nourish and protect the skin. Lanolin contains natural fats that give it an affinity to the skin, making it an ideal moisturizer.
Q. What is Magnesium Aluminum Silicate and why does Weleda use it?
A. Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (Fuller’s Earth) is a naturally occurring mineral. Its name is the standard label applied to natural earth of various origins. Other commonly known names for this ingredient are Hectorite, Kaolin and White Clay. This clay serves as a natural thickener commonly used to hold ingredients together, providing a moisture-binding effect. The molecules of Magnesium Aluminum Silicate are too large to be absorbed through the skin, and it is a dermatologically well-tolerated material. This clay helps to remove impurities from the skin in Weleda’s body care formulations and works as a gentle polisher in Weleda’s toothpastes.
Q. Does Weleda use allergy-tolerated Wheat Starch or Gluten in its products?
A. Weleda's personal care products, including all oral care products, are free of gluten. Some products are made with Wheat Germ Oil, which does not pose as an allergy concern, as the wheat protein, known as gluten, has been removed. Weleda does use Wheat Starch/Gluten in the production of many medicine tablets. Many Weleda tablets contain Wheat Starch in a presence of up to 25 mg per tablet. In regards to associated allergy-concerns for those suffering from Celiac Disease, according to the German Celiac Disease Society, after washing out the albumen fraction from the wheat flour, the resulting pure wheat starch—containing less than .05% residual nitrogen (the so-called primary wheat starch)—may be declared as being gluten-free.
Packaging
Q. What type of packaging does Weleda use?
A. Weleda employs only the safest materials for its packaging to protect and preserve both the product formulation and the environment. In addition, Weleda designs its unique packaging for easy use and durability. Weleda utilizes three types of materials: Glass, PET and PE/PP (plastic) and Aluminum tubes with a protective coating. All packaging is recyclable.
Q. Why does Weleda use Glass and Aluminum tubes to package some of its products?
A. Glass and Aluminum tubes are used to package some of Weleda’s premier formulations due to the pure ingredient composition of the products. Natural substances, such as essential oils, are “living,” making them extremely volatile. Both Glass and Aluminum do not react with the formulations within, eliminating oxygenation of the products. All Aluminum tubes are free of nickel and are lined with a protective resin to avoid any interaction between the product and the Aluminum material.
Q. Why does Weleda use Plastic bottles to package some of its products?
A. Weleda uses recyclable PET and PE/PP Plastic to package some of it products, such as baby products, body lotions and body washes to ensure safe and easy use of these products. The plastic materials are shatterproof, making them especially ideal for use in the shower and by parents for their babies.
Q. What is the best way to store Weleda products?
A. The best way to store Weleda’s products is away from direct sunlight in a tepid environment that is neither extremely cold or hot. It is also important that all products be firmly sealed after each use. We recommend that you store the products under these conditions to protect the pure nature of the formulations.
Baby Care
Q. What is Calendula, and why does Weleda use it in its Baby Care formulations?
A. Calendula, also known as Marigold, is renowned for its comforting and soothing properties. Weleda’s Calendula is biodynamically grown and harvested in the Weleda Medicinal Plant Gardens in Europe. As a result of the gently nourishing and warming properties of this flower, it is ideal for use on babies, children and all other delicate and sensitive skin types.
Q. What should I use on my baby as a body moisturizer?
A. Use recommend using Weleda Calendula Oil for daily care, warmth and protection. Massage over your baby’s skin after bathing and as needed. This oil is also ideal for use with a therapeutic infant massage. Calendula Lotion can also be used as a convenient daily care moisturizer. It will help keep the skin soft, supple and protected, and it is easily absorbed by the skin. Both are featured in flip-top, ergonomic and recyclable packaging for safe, single-handed use. Calendula Baby Cream may also be used on very dry and chapped skin such as the hands and elbows.
Q. Can any of the products be used on my baby’s face?
A. Weleda Calendula Face Cream may be used on the face as a gently soothing and protective moisturizer. Apply only as much as the skin can fully absorb and massage gently into the skin.
Q. What skin care products are appropriate for use in the diaper area?
A. Use Weleda Calendula Baby Oil for cleansing the diaper area. Then, apply Calendula Baby Cream for daily care. This gentle, soothing cream helps create a protective barrier, while allowing the skin to breathe. If a rash or irritation is or has been present, use Weleda Calendula Diaper Care instead. It contains Zinc Oxide and is perfect for supporting the healing of a rash.
Q. What do you recommend to use for a pampering infant massage?
A. Weleda Calendula Oil is the best choice for a soothing and warming massage. This gentle oil contains pure Sweet Almond Oil and fine essential oils, and it is naturally free of mineral oils. The flip-top, ergonomic and recyclable packaging makes it ideal for safe, single-handed use.
Q. What should I use to wash my baby’s hair?
A. Weleda Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash is ideal to cleanse and nourish your baby’s / child’s fine hair and delicate scalp. Formulated with plant-based, sugar derived foaming and cleansing agents, it forms the softest lather for gentle cleansing and care.
Q. May Weleda Baby Calendula Care products also be used on adults?
A. Weleda’s Baby Calendula Care line has been specifically formulated for the delicate skin of babies. Therefore, it is also recommended for all sensitive skin types. Calendula Lotion and Calendula Oil, for instance, are both nourishing formulas ideal for daily, pampering care of all skin types.
For Mothers and Everyday Wellness
Q. What Weleda products are recommended for expecting Mothers and Mothers?
A. Nearly all of Weleda’s formulations are ideal for the pampering and nourishing care of Mothers. Weleda’s Pregnancy line—including Pregnancy Body Oil and Nursing Tea—is specifically formulated for mothers-to-be and mothers. Other key products—for both internal and external use—such as Calciodoron AM & PM, Calendula Ointment and Foot Balm—are particularly beneficial for use during this time. Pregnancy Body Oil smoothes the skin and helps to avoid the development of stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, bottom and breasts. Nursing Tea, a certified organic herbal tea, also supports healthy lactation and soothes the digestion. Calciodoron AM & PM work together in the morning and evening to promote calcium absorption and prevent inadequate lactation Calendula Ointment helps to treat minor skin irritation and rashes and is ideal for treating sensitive areas such as the nipples. Weleda understands that being a mother is a rewarding, yet demanding responsibility. Foot Balm and help to soothe the feet and alleviate feelings of heaviness and discomfort.
Q. What is Weleda’s Nursing Tea, and when do you recommend that I use it?
A. Weleda’s Nursing Tea supports healthy lactation* and soothes the digestion of both mother and child. This effective formula is 100% certified organic and caffeine free, and the tea bags are unbleached. It is recommended that you drink up to three cups per day, beginning after birth and throughout the duration of nursing.
*This statement has not been approved by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Body Oils
Q.When is the best time to use Weleda Body Oils?
A. The best time to use our body oils is when the skin is still moist — ideally
after a bath or shower. When the skin is damp, it is able to draw in more of the
Body Oils
Q.When is the best time to use Weleda Body Oils?
A. The best time to use our body oils is when the skin is still moist — ideally
after a bath or shower. When the skin is damp, it is able to draw in more of the
benefits of the skin-softening properties contained in the body oils. Body oils
may be used as regular, everyday body moisturizers, as well as specifically
during a massage.
Q. Will Weleda Body Oils clog my pores?
A.Weleda Body Oils will not clog your pores. We use only the purest
oils that are easily absorbed by the skin, such as organic Sesame Seed, organic
Olive, organic Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oil. No mineral or petroleum oils are
used. Weleda Body Oils leave the skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.
Q. Is body oil better than lotion for treating extremely dry skin?
A. Our body oils are the perfect choice for treating very dry skin. Weleda’s Wild
Rose Body Oil and Sea Buckthorn Body Oil are especially good choices due to
their nourishing properties. Body oil helps to maintain the skin’s health
between applications, whereas body lotions tends to evaporate faster because
they contain water. Thus, when the skin is extremely dry, we suggest using
one of our body oils. For optimal protection of dry skin on the hands and face,
we recommend Weleda Skin Food and Weleda Everon Face Balm.
Q.Which Weleda Body Oil do you recommend for a massage?
A. All of our oils may be used for any kind of massage: foot massage, hand
massage, neck massage, relaxing massage or sports massage. Arnica
Massage Oil is the preferred choice by thousands of massage therapists
throughout the world. We also suggest Lavender Body Oil for a calming
massage before bedtime. All of Weleda’s massage oils are rich in plant oils,
which support the elasticity of the skin. Also, because they are absorbed
into the skin over time, they are ideal for use during a pampering or
therapeutic massage.
Facial Care
Q. What products do you recommend for sensitive skin?
A. Our Almond Facial Care line is specifically formulated for sensitive skin, including rosacea skin conditions. In addition, we recommend several other premier facial care products for sensitive skin conditions, depending upon the specific skin type and the season of the year. For a detailed look at this, please download our Facial Care pdf below.
Q. What Weleda products do you recommend for normal-oily skin?
A. Our Iris Facial Care line is ideal for all skin conditions, including oily skin types. In addition, we recommend several other premier facial care products for oily skin conditions, depending upon the specific skin type and the season of the year. For a detailed look at this, please download our Facial Care pdf below.
Q. What Weleda products do you recommend for prematurely aging and dry skin?
A. Our Wild Rose Facial Care line is ideal for the intensive nourishment of prematurely aging skin. In addition, we recommend several other premier facial care products for dry skin conditions, depending upon the level of dryness and season of the year. For a detailed look at this, please download our Facial Care pdf below.
Q. What does Weleda recommend for removing eye makeup and treating the eye area?
A. Weleda Almond Facial Oil gently, yet effectively, removes eye makeup. Apply to a slightly damp cotton pad and pat over the eye area. Almond Facial Oil also nourishes the eye area. Wild Rose Eye Cream is specifically formulated for use on the delicate eye area to strengthen the skin and tissues and reduce puffiness. This light, fragrance-free eye cream is suggested for use both day and night.
Q. What does Weleda recommend for treating blemishes?
A. Weleda’s Calendula Diaper Care works as an excellent spot-treatment due to its active ingredient of Zinc Oxide, which promotes healing. Extracts of biodynamically grown Calendula and organic Chamomile reduce redness and inflammation.
Facial care for your everyday
Discover Weleda skin care just for you with our simple everday guide.
For Intensive Nourishment
Oral Care
Q. Why are Weleda Toothpastes free of added fluoride?
A.Weleda does not include fluorides in its oral care products, as an excessive quantity of fluoride can cause health risks. Fluoride is naturally taken in through mineral water and other sources. Thus, additional quantities are often not needed. However, if extra fluoride is necessary to improve health, this should be determined and prescribed by a health practitioner.
Q. Does Weleda have a peppermint-free toothpaste?
A. Weleda’s Calendula Toothpaste is free of Peppermint Oil, making it a favorite among homeopathic practitioners. In lieu of Peppermint, this formula is flavored with organic Fennel Oil and Licorice.
Q. What is Weleda Ratanhia Mouthwash Concentrate, and how do I use it?
A. Weleda Ratanhia Mouthwash Concentrate is a refreshing pick-me-up perfect for anytime of the day and is ideal to clean and soothe your teeth and gums. To use this essential formula, shake a few drops into a glass of water and rinse or gargle. This mouthwash is highly concentrated, as one bottle makes up to one-half gallon. It is recommended that cold water be used for a refreshing mouthwash and warm water for a sore throat gargle.
Hair Care
Q. Does Weleda make shampoos and conditioners?
Weleda’s line of shampoos and conditioners is currently being reformulated.
The previous line of shampoos and conditioners was proven safe and effective, and these products were among the most natural of all gently-foaming hair care available. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a naturally-based ingredient was, until recently, among the safest alternatives available. Preferable BDIH* approved cleansing and foaming agents have, however, recently been developed. As a result, Weleda has chosen to reformulate its line of shampoos and conditioners, which includes Chamomile Shampoo, Chamomile Conditioner, Rosemary Shampoo and Rosemary Conditioner. These products are currently unavailable, and it has not yet been determined when they will be re-launched. Rosemary Hair Oil, a famed Weleda product, will continue to be available.
Weleda’s NEW Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash and Creamy Body Washes are the result of our reformulation efforts with these naturally-derived ingredients: a sugar-based tenside from the dried pulp of the coconut fruit, known as coco-glucoside and one of the mildest amino acid cleansers fermented from sugar and coconut oil known as disodium cocoyl glutamate. The combination of these gentle ingredients results in the most delicate foaming cleanser. Weleda’s line of body washes includes: Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash, Citrus Creamy Body Wash, Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash and Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash. These products are currently available through Weleda. Please contact us for more information.
Shopping
Q. Where can I find Weleda products?
A. Weleda’s natural body care products are available through our website, www.usa.weleda.com, as well through Walgreens, Whole Foods Market, other natural health stores, apothecaries, spas, boutiques and wellness centers throughout the world.
For Mothers & Everday Wellness