The Palm Oil Issue

 It’s part of Halo Organics’ policy to be transparent with all aspects of business. None is more important than the ingredients we choose. It had deeply saddened and frustrated me to learn that one of the ingredients in our products uses palm oil as part of its production.

The ingredient in question is Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate – two ingredients mixed together to make one. This ingredient is a fabulous emulsifier which is made primarily from olives. It is hypoallergenic (clinically tested on humans) and has proven benefits to people with severe sensitivities. It contains Olive Squalane and helps feed oxygen to the cells. It is very similar to human sebum and highly moisturising while being easily absorbed. These are fabulous qualities for an ingredient to have for a nurturing skin care line.

For a long time I believed it was only made from olives as it was presented that way to me and also my supplier. When I asked my supplier about the possibility of it containing palm oil he was quick to respond with all the information and was ‘in total shock’ to find that part of this ingredient uses palm oil for its production.

The Cetearyl Olivate part is the reaction of palm based Cetearyl Alcohol with olive oil fatty acids. Technically there is no direct palm oil derived component in the final product; it is used in the production.  I have received a letter from the supplier stating that the palm oil comes from land which is legally gazetted for agricultural purpose and is Certified Sustainable Palm Oil. It also states that they only use palm oil suppliers who are active members of the RSPO (Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil).

As Halo Organics is dedicated to becoming completely Palm Oil Free we are now on a journey to find a replacement to this ingredient in the products that contain it. This will be a long and costly journey as all formulas will need to be tested for their consistency with the nurturing aspect of our products as well as delivering the same results for customers who already love and use the products.

Halo Organics products that contain Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate:

Bamboo Scrub

Light Moisturiser

Rich Moisturiser

Both Body Creams

Men’s Moisturiser

Shaving Cream

We ask for your patience as we rectify this issue, and for your continued support as we are one of the small people who genuinely care about the issues relating to the over use of palm oil in not just the beauty industry but also the food industry – leading to the devastation of many animals’ homes and endangering their species.

Rebecca Roberts.