Q.  How did Maggie's Irish Crème begin?

A.  For many years I struggled trying to find skin care products that didn't cause my skin to swell or create other health problems for me. I learned that many others were in the same predicament due to sensitivities and allergies, often not realizing that some of the very products they were using seemed to be causing more harm than good. Research alerted me to the fact that many of the ingredients used, though initially seeming to soften and moisturize skin, can actually have drying effects in the long-term. After failing to find products I was happy with, even in the most beautifully-packaged, nationally-advertised, high-end skin care lines, I began making skin care products for my own personal use. I was encouraged by my daughter and friends to offer Maggie's Irish Crème to the growing number of people who prefer to use skin care products made from natural ingredients.

Q.  So is everything "natural", safe?

A.  It all depends how you look at it. Rattlesnake venom, from the perspective of the rattlesnake, serves a very useful purpose. Even though it is natural, it is not safe for those who are bitten, the same is true with poison ivy, or even luscious red-ripe strawberries if a person is allergic to them. Some synthetic chemicals are toxic and are not safe for anyone in large or even in small doses over time. It is imperative that we all know our own bodies and should be acutely aware of what is put on or in them. Knowledge is power, as they say, and much information is available today to gain that knowledge. Diversity is delightful and we must remember that we are all are very different. What is safe for you, may not be safe for your best friend, so do plenty of sleuthing and always do a small test spot of any product before slathering it on. We believe in and support the use of renewable natural resources Mother Nature knows best! We use organic ingredients wherever available. Please check OUR INGREDIENTS page.

Q.  Are your products organic?

A.  Our first choice is always to use organically grown ingredients. However, not all ingredients are available at all times organically grown. We have chosen not to use the term "organic" on any of our products unless every ingredient in that particular product is actually organically grown. Check our labels and OUR PRODUCTS page to learn which ingredients in each product are from organically grown plants.

Q.  Your products contain fewer ingredients than many products on the market. Is that good or bad?

A.  Again, it depends. Many products have a long list of ingredients and are really great products, but many great products have few ingredients. More is not always better. For example, take a look at the long list of ingredients in a loaf of commercial bread and then look at the ingredients in a loaf of homemade bread---the taste will tell you which is better. YUM! What is important is not the number of ingredients, but the quality of each ingredient and whether or not some of those ingredients are merely fillers to keep costs low. Only you can determine what is best for you.

Q.  Will Maggie's Irish Crème products be good for my skin? What is the right amount to use? Are the ingredients comedogenic?

A.  Whether or not any product works for any of us is determined by many factors: is our skin oily, dry or normal?; has our skin become dry, cracked, thick or scaly?; where do we live, high or low altitude, high or low humidity, hot or cold climate, amount of daily sun/wind/rain/snow exposure?; what kind of water do we use for bathing?; are we exposed to drying chemicals throughout the day?; how polluted is our indoor/outdoor environment?; what is our general health condition?; what medications are we taking?; have we just gone through chemotherapy?; what are our nutritional levels?; how much sleep do we get? All of these factors (and many more) may change daily or throughout our lives, so we must keep re-evaluating our choices. Maggie's Irish Crème Skin Care products are highly concentrated, with no fillers--we suggest you begin by using very small amounts and massage in thoroughly. Then, determine from there if you need more or less. We have chosen the least comedogenic ingredients, but again your own skin will be the determining factor. If you have oily skin, prone to clogged pores, we suggest you first spritz your skin with water and then apply our skin care products. A small dab on your fingertip truly goes a very long way, honest!

Q.  How often must I apply skin care products? Are your products for everyone?

A.  We believe in preventative maintenance, sort of like being sure to keep oil in your vehicle. Running out of oil has dire and very expensive consequences, or keeping wood furniture or leather goods in good repair. If your skin is very damaged, it may take quite a lot of work to bring it back to normal. Remember, the damage didn't happen overnight and it won't heal overnight. Once brought back to homeostasis, regular use of your favorite skin care product will keep your skin healthy and "happy." Skin care should be a daily, on-going event. Maggie's Irish Crème was formulated without gender or age in mind. Always be sure to do a small test-patch first.

Q.  What is the shelf life of natural products?

A.  Mass produced skin care products, which are stored for long periods of time in warehouses, require the use of chemical preservatives. Maggie's Irish Crème products are handmade in small batches and not stored. But keeping your skin care products on the shelf does little for your skin, so we suggest they be used quickly. You may choose to refrigerate them, if you intend to keep them for more than 3 months or if you live in a hot, humid climate. Extending the shelf life of foods or other products with preservative does not necessarily mean they remain effective. All things decay and deteriorate over time. It is best to buy in quantities that can be used quickly. Fresh is always better.

Q.  What makes a safe lip balm?

A.  Anything that is put on the lips will end up being licked off and ingested. All of our products are non-toxic. Try our Lip Lock.

Q.  Your products are unscented, why is that?

A.  With the exception of the natural scents of the ingredients, we have chosen to not add scent to our products at this time for a number of reasons. Think of how many people begin their day: they roll out of bedding scented with fabric softener, they use products with various flavors or scents; soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, gel, hair spray, shave cream, after shave lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, feminine or masculine personal hygiene products, foot spray, cosmetics, nail polish/remover, perfume/cologne and climb into clothing treated with fabric softener. WOW! Truly our senses are assaulted with a vast array of various and conflicting scents. We certainly would not be "scent-starved" by using skin care products that contain no scents! But, more importantly, there is a growing population of people with sensitivities/allergies/asthma who are suffering because of exposures to synthetically scented products and we would not want to contribute to their health issues. We have also chosen not to use essential oils as some are contraindicated for pregnant women, those with high blood pressure or seizure disorders and some can cause sun sensitivity.

Q.  Tell us about your packaging.

A.  We have chosen to put our resources into the best ingredients possible. We have kept our packaging as inexpensive as possible to keep our prices as low as possible. We also offer various types of wrap for Sidekick Skin Care Bars to accommodate the needs of our chemically intolerant or allergic customers.

It is our hope that you will find Maggie's Irish Crème Natural Skin Care products a welcome addition to your daily health and beauty regime.

Love,                                           
Maggie