Ethical Policies

Many consumers today prefer to buy their products from companies who can be seen to produce goods without harm or exploitation of humans, animals or the environment. This is usually referred to as ethical purchasing and is slowly gaining in popularity. And quite rightly so.

Animal rights, the environment and the exploitation of third world resources are all issues that are of great concern to Quinessence. We have very strong views about these matters, and work hard to ensure that all of the above issues are addressed and maintained in an ethical manner.

Animal Testing

Since our company began in 1986 we have maintained that it is morally wrong to test cosmetics on animals, and we will never change our stance on this is matter. Our membership to the 'British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection' (BUAV) is evidence of our commitment to this important ethical issue.

Perfumes, shampoos, tooth-pastes, hair dyes, skin creams, make-up, deodorants: all of these and more are tested on animals. It has been known for a long time now that the results of product tests on animal skin do not necessarily give an accurate indication of a possible outcome on human skin, and it is time this barbaric practice was stamped out.

We will continue to argue that cosmetics testing on animals is abhorrent, unethical and unnecessary until we reach such time as is it is banned.

Ecology

Over the years we have formed allegiances with a network of farmers who are all dedicated to growing high quality, organic medicinal plants for the production of essential oils. We will continually strive to develop close working relationships with growers everywhere who use traditional farming practices, in order to promote a more sustainable ecological environment for the future.

Biodiversity is the living element of the natural world, and it is vital that we work in harmony with Nature to maintain its delicate balance. A great deal of agricultural land has already been lost due to soil erosion, and in many places the overuse of aggressive agrochemicals has destroyed the delicate balance between wildlife and its natural habitat.

In addition, supporting farmers who employ traditional and sustainable practices helps to increase demand, thereby encouraging more conventional farmers to convert to organic agricultural methods. This is why we choose to buy from farmers and co-operatives who are dedicated to growing high quality, organic medicinal plants that were produced in an ecologically sustainable manner.

Conservation

Our raw materials are obtained from sustainable sources, and we support organisations that are working towards replenishing species that are endangered. It is our belief that supporting these organisations together with small agricultural cooperatives is crucial in helping to replenish those areas where resources are dwindling.

Recently, we stopped supplying Rosewood essential oil because despite the fact that we purchased it from a sustainable source, we have fears that supply is likely to outstrip the ability to supply. Although new saplings are being planted regularly, it will be many years before these rosewood trees will be mature enough to yield any oil.

Those of you who have been our customers for many years will recall that we did this once before in 1990, as part of an effort to relieve pressure on supplies. Only when a sustainable source became available many years later did we re-introduce it into our range. We are once again withdrawing it until such time that we are convinced that the oil can be produced in a sustainable manner.

Replanting scheme

Quinessence has paid for sapling rosewood trees to be planted in the rainforests of Brazil under the recent scheme launched by the Forest Association for the Conservation of the Amazon Ecosystem (UFAM). This tree planting programme is working in an agroforesty system to provide the necessary care for the seedlings during the first critical years of development.

To contribute towards easing the pressure on Rosewood oil, we are encouraging everyone to switch to Linaloe wood which is remarkably similar in chemistry to Rosewood oil, and almost identical in aroma. After evaluating the therapeutic qualities of this oil on her clients for over 5 years, our senior clinical aromatherapist is convinced that it is indistinguishable in use to rosewood.

If aromatherapists and home enthusiasts switched now to using Linaloe wood oil, it would be one more small but positive step in taking the pressure off the 'supply and demand' loop that the aromatherapy industry is currently stuck in.

Recycling

Wherever possible at Quinessence, all reusable materials are recycled; newspapers, junk mail and processed documentation are all shredded and used as packaging material for our customers orders.

We also recycle the packaging that we receive in the deliveries from our suppliers since this material would be wasted otherwise.

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Did you know?

Recent research has shown that organic agricultural methods supports and nurtures the diversity of animals and plants in the countryside, providing them with food, refuge and a space to live and breed.

No animal testing

Quinessence are strongly apposed to testing cosmetics on animals. Learn why...

Testimonials

"I have just received my first order from you, and your high standards and beliefs truly reflect in the quality of your products.I have used several suppliers in the past and none can compare. You can be sure that I will be using you as my regular supplier from now on."Amanda Laffoley - Sussex - Qualified Aromatherapist

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Above: Musk Rose (Rosa moschata) after harvesting

Origin: Zambia

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