1. What is 'SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE' which can be found in our Herbal Linden Shampoo?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is a very mild surfactant, derived from natural Lauryl Alcohol made from palm kernel oil, by reaction with sulfoacetic acid. It is completely safe and biodegradable. It is even safe to be used in children's bath products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is very different from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. They possessed different structures and properties that make a big difference in skin compatibility. The latter two are commonly found in other shampoos and they are known irritant to skin and eyes.

2. What are the benefits of Annemarie Borlind hair care as compared to those sold in the supermarket or pharmacy shop?

Every bottle of the products is also subject to the stringent test by Neuform, an official body set up by German Reformhauses health food association to ensure that the products meet the strict quality guidelines before they are allowed to be sold in the Reformhauses.

Every Annemarie Borlind products is formulated with maximum benefits for the users in mind. They contain many extras which most other skin care and hair care companies do not have.

Take for example, the Annemarie Borlind Hair Care contains the following:

• Micro-fine active ingredients such as hydrolyzed wheat protein which will penetrate deep into the hair and ensure long-lasting, intensive care.
• The finest botanical oils and valuable herbal extracts which are 100% organically grown that guarantee optimal skin compatibility.
• Hair Vitamin H (biotin) and Pro-Vitamin B5 (panthenol) smoothen and protect the hair and balance the negative effects of UV rays.
• The natural repair complex strengthens and reinforces damaged hair. The hair becomes noticeably smoother and more resistant.
  Linden Blossom Herbal Shampoo: Mild shampoo for daily hair care. Also ideal for children. PEG-free and skin compatible. The combination of particularly mild, PEG-free cleansing substances with caring organically grown linden blossom extract for extremely gentle but thorough cleansing. Also contains Betaine, obtained from the sugar beet. This combination of active ingredients has calming and protective characteristics.

Ceramide Repair Shampoo: For damaged, colored and permed hair. Its effects:

• Ceramide 3: Ceramides are natural hair components. They ensure that the flakes on the surface of the hair are smooth and firmly joined.
• Wheat-lipo protein: Cares for, strengthens and firms the hair.
• Gingko: Protects against free radicals.

Ceramide Cream Rinse: An intensive treatment for damaged, colored and permed hair. Its effects:

• Ceramide 3 + 6: Intensively moisture-retaining, smoothen the hair.
• Vitamin H (biotin) and Pro-Vitamin B5 (panthenol): Regenerates and rebuilds the damaged hair structure.
• Jojoba-/macadamia nut oil: Give the hair shine and leave it easy to comb.
• Gingko extract and Wheat-lipo protein: Protective and restorative.
  

PEG (polyethylglycole), a chemically derived thickening agent for shampoos and bath products, has long been suspected of making the skin permeable, thus allowing the penetration of damaging substance. This can lead to skin irritation and itchiness or inflammation.

Through many years of research, Annemarie Borlind has been able to produce shampoos that are 100% PEG FREE. For shampoos, Annemarie Borlind uses thickening agents that are derived from glucose (ie. Corn sugar) and oleic acid (from olive oil). All Annemarie Borlind products are, therefore, particularly gentle and mild to both hair and scalp.

"I don't put anything on my skin that I can't eat", said Annemarie Lindner, the founder of Annemarie Borlind when she received the Natural Legacy Award, in New York on 20 September 2005. This award recognizes her life's work as a pioneer of natural cosmetics.

Annemarie Borlind products are safe for anyone to use for the following reasons:

First, Annemarie Borlind products are made from natural, active ingredients that are good for our skin - the majority of which are obtained from organic sources.

Second, Annemarie Borlind products use absolutely no substances or extracts whatsoever which originate either partially or totally from animals. For example,

• Collagen which helps improve the skin's elasticity, is derived from unborn embryos. On the other hand, Annemarie Borlind uses Aosain - an algae extract that improves the skin's elasticity even more effectively than the collagen.
• Hyaluronic Acid (one of the best ingredients for moisturizing) is commonly derived from the red combs of roosters. Annemarie Borlind obtains this acid through the fermentation process (like yoghurt).
• Squalene (helps to make smooth cream) is commonly derived from sharks. Annemarie Borlind derives it from olive oil.

Third, Annemarie Borlind uses only substances of natural origin to preserve products; no didromodicyanobutan and no chlorhexidin.

Fourth, all Annemarie Borlind products pass the strict testing by Neuform, which ensures that the products do not contain any harmful chemicals or artificial ingredients. Neuform is an independent testing program for natural and organic products, set up by German Reformhauses health food association to ensure that the products meet the strict quality guidelines before they are allowed to be sold in the Reformhauses.

Annemarie Borlind's commitment to quality earned it a certification from Germany's rigorous Neuform independent testing program for natural and organic products. Only Neuform-certified products are sold in Reformhauses, an association of natural foods retailers throughout Germany.

Annemarie Lindner, the founder of Annemarie Borlind, was presented with the Natural Legacy Award in New York on 20 September 2005. This award honours exemplary achievements in the areas of nutrition and body care. This tribute to Annemarie Lindner is to recognize her life's work as a 'pioneer of natural cosmetics'.