Frequently Asked Questions
Check most frequently asked questions here, if you still need help then please contact us.
Yes – the level of niacinamide used will help to rebalance uneven skin tone.
In Canada we donate to the Canadian Women's Foundation to help women who have been trafficked or victims of domestic abuse rebuild their lives. In the US we donate to similar non-religious and non-politically driven charities aligning with this purpose.
Yes. There are no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in any Koope products.
The short answer:
The short answer is, the concern is in ingestion and inhalation – not applied topically. Further, the amounts of both ingredients permitted in products both in Europe and even USA are far below threshold to cause harm.
The detailed answer:
Benzene’s primary health risk is associated with systemic toxicity and carcinogenicity, which have been extensively studied via oral and inhalation exposure, not topical application! - Benzene is volatile and evaporates quickly from the skin, limiting systemic absorption.
The formation of benzene from sodium benzoate and citric acid is highly dependent on specific conditions—it does not simply occur from their presence in a formula. Based on the research, here are the key points:
- Benzene formation requires a combination of factors, such as heat, UV exposure, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and certain metal ions. In the absence of these conditions, the reaction is extremely unlikely to occur at meaningful levels.
- The concentrations used in topical formulations are well below any levels that would pose a health concern.
- Most safety concerns about benzene formation come from food and beverage studies, where factors like heat, UV exposure, and Vitamin C content are present in storage conditions that may promote benzene formation. In contrast, cosmetic formulations are not at risk for this under typical usage, and regulatory reviews have not found significant concerns at permitted levels.
Regarding Regulatory Assurance:
Based on research, regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EFSA have thoroughly assessed sodium benzoate and citric acid, continually approving them for use in both food and cosmetics at safe concentrations. Again, the levels permitted for topical formulations are far below any threshold that could cause harm. The safety limits for these ingredients in cosmetics are based on topical exposure, and benzene formation in skincare products has not been found to present a meaningful risk.
The short answer:
Koope follows European standards and therefore includes <1% of Phenoxyethanol, a safe amount for topical use. Preservatives are important, it is very dangerous to have no preservatives in products otherwise they will go rancid rapidly and result in dangerous bacteria being applied to the skin.
The detailed answer:
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative, so it does not directly affect skin health. It does, however, contain antibacterial properties, which is why it’s often used as a preservative in the first place. These properties will help ensure that the skin is free from unwanted bacteria and pathogens, encouraging the skin’s health to flourish.
In rare cases and if used at a high volume (like any ingredient), it can cause irritation. The products we have in Koope with Pheno is <1%, which is safe for use in adults. IN fact, Phenoxyethanol occurs naturally in small amounts in green tea and chicory, but the version in cosmetics are made in a lab (similar to hyaluronic acid).
The US and Canada do not have a law about % in products, but Japan and EU do (<1%). Koope follows this restriction.
Phenoxyethanol offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection, which means it works against a wide range of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Here’s a breakdown of what it typically protects your skincare products from:
🦠 Bacteria
Phenoxyethanol is effective against both:
- Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus)
- Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa)
These bacteria are common contaminants in cosmetics and can spoil products or cause skin infections, especially in water-based formulas.
🍄 Yeasts and Molds
It also helps prevent the growth of:
- Candida albicans (a type of yeast)
- Aspergillus niger (a common mold)
- Other airborne mold spores that might land in open product containers
💡 Why That Matters
Without a preservative like phenoxyethanol:
- Products can spoil quickly, especially in humid environments.
- Contaminated products can cause skin irritation, infections, or worse.
- Natural formulations (with water, aloe, botanicals) are especially prone to microbial growth, so they need something to keep them safe.
Phenoxyethanol is often paired with other preservatives (like ethylhexylglycerin) to enhance its effectiveness, especially in "clean beauty" formulas that skip parabens.
✅ Why It's Safe Under 1%
- Scientific Regulation & Testing
Regulatory bodies like the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) have thoroughly evaluated phenoxyethanol. Their findings show that:- At concentrations up to 1%, it does not pose health risks to consumers.
- It’s non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, and not associated with reproductive toxicity at that level.
- Low Absorption Through the Skin
Phenoxyethanol is minimally absorbed through intact skin. At low levels, it’s highly unlikely to reach systemic circulation in harmful amounts. - Rare Allergen
Compared to some other preservatives, it has a low potential for sensitization or allergic reactions—though, like with any ingredient, individuals with very sensitive skin should patch test.
🌿 Why it's Beneficial in Skincare
- Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Protection
It protects products from contamination by bacteria, yeast, and mold, which:- Extends the product’s shelf life.
- Keeps formulas safe to use over time.
- Paraben Alternative
As consumers look for paraben-free products, phenoxyethanol has become a go-to gentler preservative that still offers reliable protection. - Formula Stability
It’s chemically stable and compatible with many different ingredients, making it easy to formulate with and preserve product efficacy.
🔍 Why the 1% Limit?
-
The 1% cap is a safe limit that allows manufacturers to benefit from its preservative powers without risk to the consumer.
Vitamin F forte (INCI: Linoleic Acid/Linolenic Acid) contains polyunsaturated essential free fatty acids with a particularly high content of linoleic acid in its natural form. Vitamin F forte is stabilized by a tocopherol concentrate.
There are a number of ingredients in our Middleweight product that provide anti-pollution benefits. The core ingredients are Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, tocopheryl Acetate, Beta-Carotene. The addition of Reddish Root and Hydrolyzed align also boost the anti-pollution effects. Essential fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, are extremely important for maintaining an intact lipid barrier and its physiological function.
The product contains 2% niacinamide.
The short answer:
The producer is ProTec Botanica, the non-product is called the Eco Products Foundation.
They most often do still need preservatives, and some formulas will not be stable in oil. 100% oil-based products don’t need preservatives for microbial growth, but they’re still at risk of contamination from handling, air, and manufacturing. Antioxidants prevent rancidity, not microbes, and essential oils aren’t a safe substitute. Further, many ingredients do not dissolve in oil, so they require water to dissolve (like any of the actives in emulsions such as oil and water (creams, lotions etc), and serums (water based with polymer).
European-developed skincare has stricter regulations than anywhere else in the world, high-quality ingredients, and a science-meets-nature approach. The EU bans over 1,600 harmful ingredients (vs. 600 in Canada and 30 in the US), ensuring safer, more skin-compatible formulations. Generally speaking, European skincare is of a much higher standard anywhere in the world.
We want our customers to be happy with their products, so if a customer is unhappy they may return to the store for a full refund.