A Few More Notes On Quality:
We are proud of our ingredient list, but the list alone can't explain our dedication to quality. For example; our olive based emulsifiers are commonly and more cheaply made synthetically from palm oil. We purchase our Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate from a company in Italy that still makes them from olives. It costs us 3 times more than chemically identical ingredients made from “Sustainable Palm Oil.” In our experience all palm oil production is ecologically destructive and the plantations are usually staffed by fellow humans getting paid slave-wages. We don't know what “Sustainable Palm Oil” is supposed to be but we have seen no proof that such a thing exists. Those words ring of hollow marketing to us.
Our Tallow isn't simply beef tallow. It is American tallow from cows that are both grass-fed and grass-finished.
Our water isn't just water. It is purified with a reverse osmosis system to remove every contaminant (chlorine, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals) and then re-mineralized. Would anyone be able to tell the difference? No, but we haven't come this far to start cutting corners now.
Our fragrances are natural and we have poured an incredible amount of time and money into their development. We hope you like them but please write to us at customersupport@kotomak.com if you are not thrilled by at least one of our scents.
Both our witch hazel and aloe vera are organic. Our preservatives are both non-toxic and edible although our lawyer tells us we shouldn't say that and definitely don't eat it. Our president ate a bunch to prove a point and he says it doesn't taste very good.
We are proud of our ingredient list, but the list alone can't explain our dedication to quality. For example; our olive based emulsifiers are commonly and more cheaply made synthetically from palm oil. We purchase our Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate from a company in Italy that still makes them from olives. It costs us 3 times more than chemically identical ingredients made from “Sustainable Palm Oil.” In our experience all palm oil production is ecologically destructive and the plantations are usually staffed by fellow humans getting paid slave-wages. We don't know what “Sustainable Palm Oil” is supposed to be but we have seen no proof that such a thing exists. Those words ring of hollow marketing to us.
Our Tallow isn't simply beef tallow. It is American tallow from cows that are both grass-fed and grass-finished.
Our water isn't just water. It is purified with a reverse osmosis system to remove every contaminant (chlorine, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals) and then re-mineralized. Would anyone be able to tell the difference? No, but we haven't come this far to start cutting corners now.
Our fragrances are natural and we have poured an incredible amount of time and money into their development. We hope you like them but please write to us at customersupport@kotomak.com if you are not thrilled by at least one of our scents.
Both our witch hazel and aloe vera are organic. Our preservatives are both non-toxic and edible although our lawyer tells us we shouldn't say that and definitely don't eat it. Our president ate a bunch to prove a point and he says it doesn't taste very good.
Ingredient |
Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aqua (Water) | Hydration |
| Tallow | Softens and protects skin while creating a natural barrier that traps in moisture. Rich in vitamins A, D, E and K. |
| Aloe (Vera) Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Soothing moisturizer that improves healing and boosts natural collagen production. |
| Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract | Plant extract that tones, tightens pores and reduces inflammation. |
| Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | Natural liquid wax that mimics human skin oil (sebum). Anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamin E. |
| Coco-Caprylate | Emollient made from coconuts that softens the skin while improving texture and helping to retain moisture. It also helps the absorption of other ingredients and reduces greasiness. |
| Cetearyl Olivate | Olive derived emulsifier that blends oil and water as well as setting a smooth texture. |
| Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder | Fine natural starch that absorbs excess oil and sweat for a smooth skin texture. |
| Sorbitan Olivate | Olive derived emulsifier that helps temperature stability and retains water while remaining thin enough to not clog pores. |
| Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | Provitamin B5 – Retains moisture, strengthens skin barrier, and reduces inflammation. |
| Lactobacillus Ferment | Probiotic preservative that defends against harmful bacteria and supports a healthy skin microbiome. |
All of the following ingredients under 0.5% concentration: |
|
| Allantoin | Compound found in chamomile that improves healing and soothes irritation. |
| Glycerin | Natural moisturizer that traps water as well as thickening and improving overall texture. |
| Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | Powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that also protects against UV damage. |
| Potassium Sorbate | Edible preservative salt commonly used in food that blocks the growth of molds and yeasts. |
| Caprylyl Glycol | Diol synthesized from coconut oil. A tiny amount of it boosts the effectiveness of our other preservatives and also helps the skin retain moisture. |
| Gluconolactone | Naturally occurring and easily digestible acid found in foods like honey and wine. Primarily a preservative with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is also a gentle exfoliant and has a slight moisturizing effect. |
| Parfum (Fragrance) | All Kotomak scents are made of natural extracts and essential oils. |