Products

Where can I buy Oriflame products?

Oriflame products are sold exclusively through a global network of independent Consultants. To find a Consultant close to you, visit your local Oriflame website or contact your local Oriflame office for more information.

View all local Oriflame sites
Contact information

What is the Oriflame policy on animal testing?

Oriflame has never tested, nor commissioned the testing of, cosmetic ingredients on animals.

What is Oriflame Cosmetics stance on the use of aerosols?

Oriflame Cosmetics has never, since inception in 1967, manufactured aerosols containing CFC propellants. 

A number of Oriflame products are developed as aerosols because of their superior delivery system (e.g. hairspray).  However, we are aware of the environmental and safety implications of aerosols, and are currently investigating alternative, environmentally friendly propellant systems.

What concentration of AHA’s in a product is safe?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (commonly termed fruit acids) have become popular in skincare products imparting a keratolytic effect to help smoothen the skin. 

In line with Oriflame Cosmetic’s strict safety guidelines, AHA’s are only used at concentrations that are effective but mild and gentle, and lower than those recommended by industry and in line with latest scientific reports and industry best practice.

Do any Oriflame products contain alcohol?

Any product that contains alcohol denatured (Alcohol denat.) has the % volume clearly labelled on the outer packaging.

Alcohol is denatured by adding a substance such as butyl alcohol to pure ethanol, and is rendered undrinkable by adding bitrex to alter its taste.

Most Oriflame Cosmetics skincare formulations are alcohol-free.  However, some products (such as facial toners) contain denatured alcohol which, if incorporated into formulations for oily/problem skin, can have a positive drying, antibacterial effect. 

Baby and children’s products are formulated without alcohol.
All EDT’s and EDP’s contain high grade natural fermented alcohol.
 
Note:  A number of formulations include cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, which  are fatty acids with no physical or chemical similarity to ethanol/methanol.

Does Oriflame Cosmetics make any “aluminum-free” antiperspirants or deodorants?

Media reports have linked the use of antiperspirants containing aluminium salts and actives to Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer.  These reports have been scientifically proven to have no factual basis and the safety of these materials is not currently being questioned by any major regulatory body. 

They are universally approved for use in antiperspirants.  Indeed, aluminium chlorohydrate - the most common active in antiperspirants – is classed “Category 1 Ingredient: Safe and Effective” by the USA FDA.

Oriflame Cosmetics develops a number of “aluminium-free” deodorant body sprays and deodorant sticks, which contain antimicrobial agents such as triethyl citrate.

Do any Oriflame Cosmetics formulations contain animal ingredients?

Oriflame incorporates the concept of ‘Natural Swedish’ and wisdom of nature into the formulation of our products.  To this effect, it is the policy of Oriflame not to use any ingredients derived from dead animals or sourced while causing harm to animals in our cosmetic formulations.

Ingredients such as beeswax and honey, lanolin derivatives, and dairy products, which are sourced without causing death or injury to animals, will continue to be used because of the unique properties these materials confer to cosmetic formulations.

Furthermore, accessory (non-cosmetic) products do not contain animal materials sourced while causing harm to the animal, such as skin, fur or feathers of animals bred uniquely for that purpose (e.g mink, rabbit, snake).  In addition, animal hair used is sourced from a live animal without causing injury.

Where do I find the batch code of a product?

All global Oriflame Cosmetic products manufactured from 2000 have the batch code and expiry date printed on the base label of the product, or on the product packaging.

 

I am concerned about BSE

Oriflame products do not contain ingredients from dead animal sources, nor tissues or extracts from bovine, ovine, caprine origins. 

Some products contain lanolin derivatives, which are derived from sheep wool.  They are regarded as Category IV (no detectable infectivity) by the WHO guidelines, and therefore risk-free in relation to Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE).

All Oriflame products are formulated in accordance to the latest amendments of European Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC), the Commission Directive 98/16/EC of which excludes the use of Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) of bovine, ovine and caprine origin in cosmetic products.

What type of collagen is used in Oriflame products?

It is Oriflame Cosmetics policy not to incorporate ingredients derived from dead animal sources in our formulations.

Pseudocollagen, which is a non-animal collagen derived from yeast cells, is used in some formulations.

What is a cosmetic product?

The official definition of a cosmetic product as dictated by the EU Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC is as follows:

‘A cosmetic product is any substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips, and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odours and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition’.

 

Does Oriflame use any dangerous ingredients?

Oriflame is proud of its Natural Swedish origins.  To this effect, for safety, environmental and ethical reasons, a number of legally accepted ingredients are not included in Oriflame formulations. 

Furthermore, we do not use any ingredients that are classified as CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Dangerous to Reproduction). 

Oriflame takes a proactive approach regarding the use of ingredients and continuously monitors scientific reports and consumer concerns.  We discontinue the use of any ingredient that may cause concern or risk to our consumers.

Oriflame customers can be assured that all ingredients used in our products are fully compliant with the relevant European and international cosmetic regulations.  Our products are formulated are in line with the strictest safety guidelines, and therefore pose no risk to human health.

What does the e mark mean?

The e mark is the symbol representing the Average Fill Regulations. Products with contents of 5 grams or greater must state the weight preceded by the e mark on the packaging. 

Products with contents less than 5 grams do not require the e mark.

What does emollient mean?

An emollient is a raw material used in formulations to soften and smoothen the skin.

What is an emulsion?

An emulsion is a mixture of two non-miscible phases, such as oil and aqueous. 
Emulsifiers and stabilisers are added to the formulation to assist in the formation,
stability and shelf-life of the emulsion.

What does exfoliant mean?

An exfoliant acts to slough away dead epidermal skin cells and encourage accelerated cell renewal, thus promoting radiant, soft, and smooth skin. 

All Oriflame Cosmetics exfoliating products impart a gentle yet effective action due to the special particle size and composition of the vegetable/mineral wax beads.

How do I know if the product contains a fragrance?

All cosmetic products display an ingredient list on its packaging (with the exception of some small items – see “where do I find the ingredient list of a small product?”). 

The names listed must be those assigned by the European Commission: International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).  A product that contains a fragrance will have the word “Parfum” included in the ingredient list. 

 

What are fragrance allergens?

A small percentage of the population suffers from fragrance allergies. There are 26 fragrance ingredients, agreed by dermatologists to cause allergic skin reactions, common in cosmetic products due to their widespread natural occurrence in plant extracts. 

In line with the 7th amendment of the EU Cosmetic Directive, product ingredient lists must declare the presence of any of these 26 fragrance allergens.

The concentration of most of the individual fragrance allergens in a final cosmetic product is extremely low, and unlikely to lead to allergic skin reactions.  However, the labelling of them provides the consumer information and allows choice of product.

Oriflame Cosmetics has strict policies that ensure minimal allergens in skincare and toiletry products. Eye products are fragrance free and baby, sensitive, and intimate products are formulated using fragrances that are allergen free.

What does the Green Dot on the packaging stand for?

The Green dot symbol on product’s outer packaging identifies a company’s support to packaging recovery / recycling schemes.

For legibility, the symbol may be a different colour on some packaging.  Products ≤ 5 grams/ml need not display the symbol.

What does the Hand in Booklet symbol stand for?

The carton of a product may not be large enough to include the ingredient list or other required text.  Therefore, a leaflet may be enclosed and the “Hand in Booklet” symbol displayed on the packaging to indicate this.

Do Oriflame Cosmetics products contain lead?

In Oriflame we follow the very stringent cosmetic regulations of the European Union and also those of the USA.

All ingredients, including colour pigments, used in our cosmetics comply fully with the EU purity specifications and also with the USA FDA monographs for cosmetic colours, which set very strict limits for trace impurities including heavy metals such as lead.

Oriflame customers can be assured that all our products are formulated in line with the strictest safety guidelines and international regulatory requirements.

Does Oriflame use natural herbs/oils?

At Oriflame Cosmetics our high quality products are formulated with “Wisdom of Nature with the Best of Science” in mind, and to this effect many ingredients used are derived from natural plant sources.

We have strict standards for acceptance of herbal extracts, which take purity, extraction, and activity into account.

We interpret “derived from natural plant sources” at four levels of processing:

  • Physical Process e.g. pressing: sunflower oil, avocado oil.
  • Extraction from herbs/flowers/trees using water/propylene glycol : lavender, birch extract.
  • Biotechnology Process e.g. fermentation: hyaluronic acid from cereals.
  • Chemical reaction from natural oils : triglycerides from coconut oils.
Are there hormones in Oriflame products?

Hormones are not included in any Oriflame formulations, since such ingredients are prohibited by the European Cosmetics Directive.

Consumer reports about hormones in cosmetics refer to specific preservatives and UV filters which may have hormone type effects. Their use in cosmetics is currently accepted, however, we monitor the scientific reports on an ongoing basis and if necessary we will take action to discontinue using these ingredients.

Our customers can be assured that all our products are formulated in line with the strictest safety guidelines and international regulatory requirements.

What does humectant mean?

A humectant is an ingredient, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, which acts to retard moisture loss and promote increased water content in the top layers of the skin.

How do I understand the ingredient listing?

In line with the EU Cosmetic Directive all cosmetic products must display an ingredient list. 

Ingredients present at a level of 1% or greater are listed in descending order, while ingredients of less than 1% can be listed in any order at the end of the list. 

The names listed must be those assigned by the European Commission: International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).  For some common ingredients this may be the Latin translation (e.g. aqua for water and cera alba for beeswax) or the internationally accepted abbreviated chemical name (e.g. sodium laureth sulfate for sodium lauryl ether sulphate).

What does keratolytic mean?

A keratolytic agent, such as mild salicylic acid, encourages removal of dead skin cells from the stratum corneum.

Do Oriflame Cosmetics products contain lanolin (wool wax)?

Oriflame formulations may contain lanolin derivatives, such as acetylated lanolin and lanolin alcohols. 

Lanolin derivatives are sourced without causing death or injury to animals, of the highest purity with no traces of pesticide, not considered risky in relation to BSE, and have lower allergenic potential than pure wool wax.

Do any products contain mineral oil?

Oriflame Cosmetics incorporates mineral oils into formulations because of their unique properties, when there is no suitable plant based oil available. 

Only the highest purity pharma-grade mineral oils (INCI: PARAFFINIUM LIQUIDUM) are used, and are fully compliant with the latest purity criteria of the 7th amendment of the EU Cosmetics Directive.  They are fully globally approved for use in cosmetic products, and have a long history of safe use.

 

Do Oriflame Cosmetics products contain musk?

Oriflame products do not contain natural musk. Nor do they contain nitromusk.
Synthetic musk, such as polycyclic musk, may be present in a formulation. 

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology in cosmetics covers many different ingredient and formulation technologies. Nano-emulsions have a very small droplet size and similar properties to emulsions or solutions. Liposomes, or other encapsulation systems, break down to the constituent ingredients and studies have shown that such materials do not penetrate beyond the top layers of the epidermis.

Sunscreen products may contain insoluble nano-sized mineral pigments (e.g. titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) which are transparent.  These UV filters have advantages over the micro-sized particles, they are more efficient and have a more acceptable colour. Many studies have concluded that such nano-sized mineral filters pose no health risk since their safety profiles are similar to the micro-sized particles.

In Oriflame Cosmetics we evaluate the safety of every ingredient including nanotechnology ingredients on a case by case basis taking into account the latest scientific data and.

I have a nickel allergy, can I use Oriflame Cosmetics products?

All Oriflame accessory and packaging items designed to be in contact with the skin (including all jewellery items) are tested during development to ensure compliance with EN1811 - prolonged contact with the skin will not exceed 0.5 mg/cm2/week, and are classed as “Nickel free”.

One cosmetic ingredient used in our mascara, eye pencil, eye liner, some eyeshadow and foundation formulations (black iron oxide - CI 77499) contains low levels of nickel).  The material we source contains the lowest nickel content possible, less than 10 parts per million which is significantly lower than industry guidelines, and is of the highest grade.

What does “oil-free” mean?
A product that claims to be “oil free” must not contain any oil (vegetable or mineral) or liquid oil derivative (e.g. esters, triglycerides, hydrocarbons such as squalane) in its formulation.

Ingredients accepted include silicone, lanolin, solid ester, solid vegetable fat (cocoa butter) and water soluble emollients.
Does Oriflame Cosmetics use Organic Extracts?

We use extracts from organic plants / fruits in our Nature ranges - Aloe Vera, Milk & Honey, Tea Tree, Cranberry, Grape and Rose. The extracts used are all certified organic according to the regulations in the country of origin.

Which Oriflame Cosmetic products contain parabens?

Parabens are widely used in cosmetic formulations as preservatives (particularly creams, lotions and toners) since they are globally approved for use in cosmetics in all international markets.  These preservatives have a long history of safe use, and scientific safety studies have demonstrated that they are safe both for human health and the environment.

In 2005 the SCCP (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products) reassessed the data on methylparaben and ethylparaben and confirmed their safety at current maximum usage levels.

Due to the negative consumer image of butyl and isobutyl paraben, and in line with Oriflame Cosmetics policy of using only the safest ingredients, we have phased out the use of these preservatives from cosmetic formulations.

Does Oriflame Cosmetics use phthalates?

For safety and environmental reasons Oriflame Cosmetics formulations do not contain phthalates.

Due the reported negative effect on both health and the environment of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), commonly used in nail polish formulations, Oriflame Cosmetics initiated a phase out of its use in 2002.  DBP was then officially banned for use in cosmetics in the EU in 2005.  

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is not used as an ingredient by Oriflame Cosmetics.  However, it has been fully assessed as safe and approved for use in cosmetics in the EU by the SCCP (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products).  In addition, studies have shown that it is readily biodegradable and does not pose a significant risk to the environment.

The plastic PVC (poly vinyl chloride) contains phthalates including diisononyl phthalate.  Oriflame Cosmetics does not use PVC in any product packaging, children’s accessory products, or disposable / short life accessory products.

What is “period after opening” symbol?

One of the provisions of the 7th amendment of the EU Cosmetics Directive was the addition of the "Period After Opening" (PAO) symbol to product packaging.

The information provided by the symbol gives the consumer a guideline of how long (in months) the product will remain safe to use after its first opening.
A product with an expiry date of May 10 and a PAO of 12M must be opened, at the latest, in May 09.

Products which are hostile to microbial contamination e.g. nail polish, lipstick, EDT, and sealed products that are not opened during use e.g. aerosols do not require this information.

What is phytoplankton?

Plankton is an organism (or organisms), often microscopic in size, that floats freely in marine and fresh water.

Plankton can be either animal (zooplankton) such as some crustaceans,
or plant (phytoplankton) such as spirulina or blue green algae.

The use of phytoplankton is in line with Oriflame Cosmetics policy of not using animal ingredients.

Why are preservatives used in Oriflame Cosmetics products?

Preservatives are used in a cosmetic formulation to ensure the shelf life of a product.
Oriflame’s cosmetic products contain minimum amounts of preservative while ensuring optimal efficacy. 

For safety and environmental reasons, we have a restricted list of approved preservatives, and only use those with a long history of safe use in cosmetic products, including parabens (ethyl, methyl, propyl), phenoxyethanol and imidazolidinyl urea. 

What regulations does Oriflame Cosmetics adhere to?

It is Oriflame Cosmetics’ company policy that all ingredients and formulations are globally compliant with the latest amendments to the EU Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC and in line with US FDA safety requirements. 

International regulations apply to raw materials, safety assessments, good manufacturing practices, ingredient listings and labeling requirements, product claims and control of the Product Information File (PIF) which is stored in R&D, Dublin, Ireland.


 

What is Retinol?

Retinol is the most active form of Vitamin A which can penetrate the outer layers of the skin, and work to repair and stimulate collagen and elastin, creating firmer, smoother, softer skin with smaller pores. 

Retinol acts to increase cell turnover and exfoliation by stimulating cell production underneath the skin, slowing down the ageing process.  Increased cell turnover can be also beneficial for sufferers of acne, as the exfoliation unclogs pores and helps fade acne scars.

What safety procedures are carried out?

In view of Oriflame’s natural, mild, pure Swedish image the safety profiles of
all products are of utmost importance. 

Oriflame complies with all the latest amendments to the EU Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC and US FDA safety regulations. 

Oriflame formulations include only ingredients with low irritancy potential,
monitored by stringent ongoing reviews of safety reports - SCCP (the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Products) opinions, CTFA (US Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) cosmetic ingredient review, and COLIPA (EU trade association) reports.  Indeed, certain ingredients, with reported incidence of skin sensitisation or irritancy, are avoided or restricted to concentrations considered safe but effective.

Human patch testing is carried out by specialist independent laboratories. Other in-vitro (non-animal) safety tests are commissioned when necessary, such as skin and eye irritancy tests.
 
Oriflame products are manufactured in accordance with recognised international cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

What is the shelf life of Oriflame products?

Most Oriflame products have a shelf life of 36 months (3 years), with some exceptions including nail polishes with a shelf life of 30 months (2.5 years).  The expiry date of all Oriflame products is visible on the outer packaging, the date given is 36 months after the date of manufacture of that product.
 

Where do I find the ingredient list of a small product like lipstick?

Due to space restrictions on packaging, products of small size (such as nail polishes, mascaras, lipsticks) display their ingredient lists on a composite leaflet.  The leaflet is updated four times a year to include all current products. It is available to all sales companies via the Oriflame intranet, to ensure visibility of ingredients for all consumers.

What SPF level is sufficient for most skin types?

Skin that is exposed to the sun on a daily basis should use a day skincare product that contains SPF (Sun Protection Factor).  SPF 8 is adequate for low exposure, SPF 15 is sufficient for medium exposure. For higher exposure SPF 30 is recommended. All of our Skincare products contain UVA and UVB protection. 

For periods of longer term exposure (e.g. holidays, beach, outdoor sports), we recommend use of our sun care range of products which includes products up to SPF 40, and products specifically formulated for children.  For most skin types SPF 15 to 30 should be adequate, for children’s and adults with sensitive skin SPF of 30 or higher is recommended.

It is important to apply SPF products regularly, and to use the recommended dosage for an average adult (5 - 6 teaspoons for a full body application).  Direct sun exposure should be avoided between 11am and 3pm as the sun’s rays are at their strongest at this time.

What does suitable for sensitive skin mean?

Products which claim to be suitable for sensitive skin have been specifically formulated and tested on sensitive skin.  These products contain minimum preservative level, and only specific raw materials with low irritancy potential, that have undergone intensive screening, are used in the formulations. 

Some products are fragrance free – such as all eye products - in light of the fact that fragrances are the most frequent cause of allergic reactions.

Should a consumer be concerned about skin sensitivity, Oriflame recommend that a patch test should be carried out before use of any cosmetic product irrespective of its irritancy claim.

Do any Oriflame products contain triclosan?

Due to consumer concerns, and negative environmental and health reports about this anti-microbial agent Oriflame Cosmetics initiated a phase out of its use in 2005.  It has not been used in any new product formulations.

Some products contain urea, is it an animal product?

The moisturizing / softening agent, urea (carbamide) is not of animal origin, it is synthesised from a reaction between carbon dioxide and ammonia.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB?

The rays of the sun that are damaging to both skin and eyes are the invisible UVA and UVB, both with wavelengths ≤ 400nm. 

UVB causes initial damage to the skin’s outer layer or epidermis, resulting in sunburn.  However, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the dermal layers of the skin and can destroy skin fibres, damaging the skin’s elasticity which can cause long-term effects such as premature ageing, wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation.

Oriflame Cosmetics has a comprehensive sun care range, formulated using a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection.  Our products comply with the latest EU recommendations regarding SPF and UV protection and consumer labeling requirements.

Oriflame Cosmetics sunglasses are been tested to ensure 100% UV protection in accordance to EN 1836 : 1997 (280nm – 780nm) and have full CE approval.

Are Oriflame Cosmetics products suitable for vegetarians/vegans?

It is the policy of Oriflame Cosmetics not to use any ingredients derived from dead animals. 

A limited number of ingredients - namely beeswax, lanolin derivatives and dairy products - which are derived from living animals without causing discomfort, injury or death, may be found in a number of formulations because of their unique cosmetic properties. 

All Oriflame products are suitable for vegetarians, and many are suitable for vegans.

How do I know that the correct volume is in the product?

All of Oriflame Cosmetics products comply with the latest amendments to the EC Council “solids” Directive 76/211/EEC (OJEC L46 21/2/76) which specifies mandatory labeling requirements regarding weight and/or volume of products. 

Stringent regulatory checks are carried out during the production process, the results of which are continuously reviewed and documented.

How can there be a warning on a package for an ingredient that is not in the ingredient list?

The ingredient list on a product’s packaging states the INCI names (official description assigned by the European Commission) of each ingredient in that product.  However, some ingredients are better known to the consumer by their chemical name.  For example, the UV filter Benzophenene-3 (its INCI name) is more commonly known as Oxybenzone (its chemical name). 

This ingredient can, in some cases, cause a photo allergy and all products containing it require a warning.

Since the consumer is more familiar with its chemical name, Oxybenzone, the warning refers to Oxybenzone and not Benzopheneone-3.

How is Oriflame “natural”?

Oriflame Cosmetics is proud of its “Natural Swedish” heritage, and in line with “Wisdom of Nature, Best of Science”, we strive to use ingredients that are conceived as natural and not harmful to our environment.

We take inspiration from nature when formulating products and incorporate plant ingredients and actives when possible. All of our EDT & EDP products contain natural fermented alcohol.

Certain ingredients used are synthetic in origin, such as UV filters and preservatives, because no suitable plant based alternative is available for use.  Only synthetic ingredients that are safe and mild yet effective are incorporated into our formulations.

Does Oriflame Cosmetics have any environmentally friendly Accessories?

A new global Oriflame Accessories policy was developed, in line with our ‘Natural Swedish’ concept and belief in ‘respecting the environment’.

Materials that have a negligible effect on the environment, including PVC, are being replaced (where possible) with more environmentally friendly materials including non-PVC plastics, glass, natural fibres such as cellulose and cotton, and paper (both wood and wood-free). 

All wood-derived paper used in products and packaging is non chlorine bleached and sourced from sustainable forests.

Accessories containing animal hair are certified as “only sourced from live animals without causing death or harm ", and all jewellery is certified nickel-free.

Do any Oriflame products contain animal ingredients?

We only use ingredients which can be sourced without causing any injuries to animals, such as beeswax, lanolin derivatives and dairy products.