Frequently Asked Questions
Product Questions
Why are your products better than those of any other company?
The words Certified Organic backed up by the logos say it all. Our products are certified safe and completely free of all chemicals from the growing of the crops on Certified Organic farms to the production and the manufacturing facilities and the packaging used; all of which have to meet the highest possible Organic Certification. ONE Group is currently the only company in the world producing a full range of certified organic skin care, hair care, body care products in the world.
Why should I change to your products? The products I use now are sold to me as being safe and contain natural ingredients.
Ah yes but are the skin care products 100% FREE of all synthetic chemicals?. Our products are currently THE ONLY skin care and cosmetic product range in the world that not only compy with, but also exceed all certification standards worldwide, including IFOAM (International) and BFA (Australia).
The products easily surpass the compromised UK Soil Association requirements which allow various very questionable ingredients in organic skin "care" and cosmetics.
Are the products tested on animals?
Absolutely not. Infact they are tested on friends and family of Narelle Chenery who is the developer of all the products. She started producing them in her kitchen and is passionate about the quality and safety of the ingredients.
The company ABSOLUTELY do not condone, partake or support animal testing in any way.
It is Narelle's belief that animal testing is a crock, and a false science.
Unfortunately,n the products you will find on your supermarket shelves every cosmetic ingredient has at some time been tested on animals at some stage in it's development. The use of the bunny logo is merely a marketing ploy.
Very few cosmetic manufacturers test their ingredients on animals but the suppliers of the raw materials do.
ANY cosmetic manufacturer can proudly display the "not tested on animals" logo as long as THEY haven't tested the ingredients within a short time frame. However, make no mistake ALL chemicals have been tested on animals at some time in the past as it is the law that
Any ingredient used in cosmetics must be tested on animals . This makes the bunny logo really misleading and why ONE group do not use it on their packaging.
ONE group ingredients are all food-based ingredients, which is why the animal testing issue is not relevant.
Do you buy ingredients from other companies that test on animals?
No. Most of our suppliers are organic farmers, or intermediaries.
Where are your suppliers based? In Australia or Overseas as well?
Our raw materials are sourced from organic farmers all over the planet.
Where are the products manufactured?
The products are manufactured at Nerang on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia using Certified Organic ingredients from specially selected Certified Organic suppliers.
Are your products certified as organic or just the ingredients?
Miessence� is currently the only skin care product on the planet that has submitted to, and complies with, the rigorous processing and labelling requirements for certified organic food products. There are two levels of certification for organic food products that Miessence skin care products comply with:
1. Products branded �Miessence certified organics� are certified organic:
These products contain (excluding water and salt) at least 95% organically produced agricultural ingredients. The remaining ingredients (up to 5%) can be non-agricultural substances or non-organically produced agricultural ingredients, with strict processing criteria (eg. absolutely no GMOs or synthetics chemicals).
These products bear the Australian Certified Organic logo.
2. Products branded �Miessence organics" are either �made with organic ingredients� or are �mineral-based� products:
a) Made with organic ingredients products contain (excluding water and salt) at least 70% organically produced agricultural ingredients. Any remaining can be non-agricultural substances (eg, clay, bicarb soda, minerals) or non-organically produced agricultural ingredients, with strict processing criteria (eg. absolutely no GMOs or synthetics chemicals).
b) Mineral-based products contain non-agricultural substances (eg, clay, bicarb soda, minerals), with strict processing criteria (eg. absolutely no GMOs or synthetics chemicals).
These products bear the BFA Registered Product logo.
3. Products that bear no logo, I.e. the two shampoos, the body wash and the hair conditioner contain one single ingredient that is not allowed in organic foods, and therefore prevents the products from being certified. The foaming products contain coco polyglucose and the hair conditioner contains sorbitan olivate. Please see Miessence Ingredient Glossary under resources for more information on these ingredients.
What are the properties of the products?
The base of all the products is a unique blend of aqueous extracts obtained from native Australian certified organic flora. It's properties are soothing, healing, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immuno-stimulant. It is entirely safe, non-toxic and non-irritant.
The organic, fresh herbal smells of our products often stand in contrast to the perfumed and artificially scented products that line store shelves today. Occasionally, a customer will react to this natural herbal smell when switching to the Miessence line of products. This is usually a temporary condition.
Once you have exposed and acclimated your senses to this "new" scent, and have experienced the cleansing and soothing feel of the products, you'll never be able to walk down the conventional skin care and cosmetic store aisles again. Most of our customers experience this amazing transformation in as little as one week.
Are the products delivered from Australia?
All shipments are sent directly from the manufacturer to the customer from either Australia or their depot in USA. There is no middleman. It is anticipated that warehouse facilities will be opening in UK and Japan in 2007 so shipping will be more on a local basis. Shipping remains FREE on all Customer orders over a certain value regardless of where you live.
How long does delivery take?
This depends on where you live. In Australia generally within 48 hours of the order being placed. USA and Canada is 3 to 5 working days, UK and Europe 5 to 7 working days and for Asia 4 working days is normal.All deliveries are tracked and you are advised when to expect receipt of your products.
Can I order direct from the company even if my country isn't listed on the home page?
Yes - simply click on the "other countries" flag and complete the instructions.
Why are the ingredients "Certified Organic" and not just "organic"?
Certified Organic products are your guarantee that the product is completely free from chemicals and synthetics. "Natural","Safe" and "Organic" products often have derivatives in them and anything that is derived from something else is never pure and may not necessarily be safe either. Just think of vodka which is derived from potatoes.Any product displaying the Certified Organic logos will be absolutely pure and free from toxic chemicals.
Why are two of the products (Herbal Shampoo, and Body Wash) only 73% organic?
To be certified organic, 95% of the ingredients must be certified organic. Currently, the "foaming agent" is not and it makes up about 27% of the product.
The "foaming agent" we use is "polyglucose". Coco polyglucose is a "non-ionic surfactant" (foaming agent) synthesised from coconut and glucose from corn.
Polyglucose has excellent dermatological compatibility. It is very mild on the skin. Based on the Duhring Chamber Test it has the lowest irritation score of all common surfactants tested. It is free from ethylene oxide, which can cause nitrosamine contamination, and free from preservatives. It also has a very low environmental impact due to:
1. High bio-degradability - It breaks down readily.
2. High eco-toxicological compatibility - It doesn't harm the environment if released.
3. It is manufactured from completely renewable vegetable raw materials.
Why aren't there regulations about harmful chemicals in the products we use everyday?
Most countries do have regulatory bodies but their main concern is for food and drink. Cosmetics and personal care products effectively self regulate because although theoretically they should be subject to regulation, lack of government funds means they cannot check on every item that comes on the market. It is a big and ever expanding business. Selective advertising has meant that the vast majority of the population are unaware of the dangers of the chemicals in products.
How long is the shelf life
Unopened the products have an excellent shelf life of two or more years. This is due to the cold pressed and essential oils used but in rare cases where extra keeping qualities are needed, certified organic natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract and tea tree oil is used in minimal quantities.Once opened the products should be kept out of direct sunlight and heat and should easily last six months. It is recommended that if you wish to keep them longer you should ensure they are kept in a cool place below 15 degrees Celsius.
Why do your products have an expiration date?
Although not required by law for products with a shelf life longer than two and a half years, ONE Group provides this information as a guideline to freshness.
Why do some of the products contain alcohol?
Herbs and flowers are the core of the Skin and Personal Care formulations and alcohol is used to extract plant materials. The alcohol used is of the highest food quality standard-primarily derived from fruits, potatoes and occasionally grain. The percentage of alcohol used does not approach a concentration that would be considered harmful in any way; it is not drying to the skin. Alcohol carries active plant extracts into the skin. A natural emulsifier and stabilizer; alcohol acts as a preservative.
Why do you use ethanol (sugar cane alcohol) in the products?
Organic alcohol is a solvent for our herbs; it is also used as part of our emulsification system.
Why do you use zinc oxide in your cosmetics, and is it safe?
Zinc oxide (zincite) is a naturally occurring mineral that provides a white colour base for our cosmetic products as well as providing superior sun protection with broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) absorption. It is a soft, heavy white mineral powder that creates a soothing, protective barrier for the skin, and it recognised by the TGA as a skin soothing and healing agent. It is eminently safe!
Why does it say '+/-' iron oxides for some of the miessence cosmetics?
The +/- mean "more of / less than" iron oxides. Eg. the foundations are all basically the same formula but as the product gets darker (from porcelain through to almond) there is 'more of' the iron oxides that give the product it's colour .
Why do you use zinc oxide in your cosmetics, and is it safe?
Zinc oxide (zincite) is a naturally occurring mineral that provides a white colour base for our cosmetic products as well as providing superior sun protection with broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) absorption. It is a soft, heavy white mineral powder that creates a soothing, protective barrier for the skin, and it recognised by the TGA as a skin soothing and healing agent. It is eminently safe!
Why does it say '+/-' iron oxides for some of the miessence cosmetics?
The +/- mean "more of / less than" iron oxides. Eg. the foundations are all basically the same formula but as the product gets darker (from porcelain through to almond) there is 'more of' the iron oxides that give the product it's colour.
MIVITALITY AND INLIVEN: What is the reason for the marked colour differences in different batches of Inliven?
The colour will change due to time of year of harvesting as well as fermentation time. Sometimes when InLiven is fermented longer to increase the bacteria count this can change the color to more brown tones. This is a natural process because of the organic nature of the ingredients. As summer rolls in and the sunshine is more intense the green tones will come back just like in nature.
The color change does not effect the potency of the product. The green nature of the product is because of the intense green of Spirulina. During winter months some foods take on a more brown hue in color and when that blends with the spirulina it has a tendency to give you the brown tones you are seeing. Please be assured that there is nothing to be concerned with and the formula is the same.
Why doesn't Inliven come in capsule form?
InLiven is delivered to the body in food state. Foods do not come in capsules or pills. In making of pills usually high heat is used which kills nutrients and then binders and additives are added to create adhesion which is detrimental to the body. Most capsules are gel caps which are made from animal hoofs. Vegi caps are very expensive and effectively would double the price of InLiven.
Finally the transit time in the gut is 11- 12 hours in which the body has to effectively absorb nutrients from the foods you ingest. In the case of pills and capsules it can take most of that time to break down the capsule or pill. That is why they estimate that only 2-5% of the goodness in a pill is able to be utilized within this time frame.
We supply InLiven in a food state that has been predigested through our unique fermentation method. When InLiven arrives in the gut it is ready to be utilized instantly. This is also why we recommends that InLiven be eaten 30 mins before a meal.
I am concerned about nanotechnology. What is the particle size of the minerals you are using?
The average particle size of our iron oxides is 1.3 microns, which is much too large to be considered a nanoparticle. Nanoparticles are less than 100 nanometres.... very very small! We use minerals to colour all of our cosmetic products.
Our zinc Oxide is tested on a BS sieve 300 and typically the particle size is between 3-8 microns.
Why do you use zinc oxide, iron oxide and mica in your products and what are the health concerns and side effects of these products if any?
We use minerals to provide coverage and colour in our cosmetics. There are no relevant health concerns if the products are used for their intended purpose.
Zinc oxide, iron oxides and mica are claimed to be harmful to the immune system, respiratory system and reproductive system if they are ingested. But if we use some common sense.... they are similar to crushed rocks. If you eat them, they will cause damage and pain. As would eating any rock particles! Respiratory damage can occur in industrial situations where workers are exposed to massive amounts of particulate matter in the air they breathe. This is taken care of in our factory by vacuum extractors. It is not relevant for consumer application. They are certainly not the hazards they are purported to be under normal conditions of use. Having said that, they are not foods, and aren’t metabolised, they are earth minerals, and shouldn't be ingested.
Are your zinc oxide and iron oxides in your makeup line naturally mined or synthetically produced?
Naturally mined iron oxides are not allowed in cosmetics, due to their high level of contaminants. Ours are highly purified, refined oxides that are man-made.
What is the origin of the Pro vitamin B5 in the Body wash and shampoo?
D-Panthenol. Panthenol is the precursor to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It is manufactured from a component found in honey, d-pantolactone. It improves the moisture-retention capacity of the skin and stimulates skin regeneration. Dry skin stays supple and elastic for longer. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effect. It makes hair easier to comb, reduces hair splitting, improves the condition of damaged hair, thickens the hair and provides sheen.
What products combination is best for dandruff?
The hair rinse between the shampoo and conditioner - and In Liven!
I love the smell of the Desert Flower shampoo but it is not lathering. I do not wash my hair every day so am finding I need to use too much considering the cost. I have 5 members in the family!
The shampoo probably won�t foam for you until you eliminate the plastic coating on your hair from past hair care products. This can be done by either:
1. time - using our products until it happens (slow)
2. detoxing your hair with a few baths of 1 cup sea salt, 1 cup apple cider vinegar 2 cups bicarb soda (hop in the bath and swish your hair around in it)
3. making a paste of bicarb soda and our shampoo and washing your hair with it a few times
4. making a paste of clay (one of our masks - or just clay from the health food store) with our shampoo and washing your hair with that a few times.
While your hair is detoxing, it may feel dry and knotty. This is normal, as the hair is eliminating the silicone derivatives (dimethicone, cylcomethicone, any chemical with ...'cone' in it) from your hair. Once they have been dissolved, you will find our shampoo foams!
I'm a vegan. Do you have to use beeswax in the lip balm?
We use certified organic beeswax in our lip balm and moisturisers. Whilst there are vegetable waxes that could quite adequately do the job - none are available in certified organic form. So, unfortunately, we cannot do without it with our present requirements of being certified organic.
Some people claim that all honey/beeswax production is cruel. Yes, conventional beekeeping IS cruel. There is a vast difference between conventional "mass-production" beekeeping and organic beekeeping.
Conventional beekeeping involves:
� artificial feeding regimes
� feeding of artificial pollen substitutes and white sugar syrup
� drug and pesticide treatment
� genetic manipulation
� artificial insemination
� transportation (by air, rail and road) resulting in stress, suffocation, overheating or freezing of the bees
� wing clipping and use of artificial pheromones to prevent queen bee from flying off
� synthetic pesticides and antibiotics to combat pests
I spoke to our apiarist and he was quite upset that his loving and natural method of bee-keeping could in any way be regarded as cruel.
His (our supplier's) version of bee-keeping:
"Our bees gather honey form nearby organic eucalyptus forests. As honey is the bees food, we only take surplus honey. We leave as much as we can to keep our bees happy and healthy. The wax is the protective cap of the hives, which keeps the honey nice and fresh. When we harvest, we take the wax cap off the hive, pull out the comb, and drain off the excess. The bees are not hurt in any way. The comb is the put back in the hive."
As you can see, there is no cruelty or artificial manipulation involved. Organic agriculture is a better way of doing things, and we wish to support those farmers who are doing the right thing for our planet.
Would if be fair to say that the toxic build up in some can have anyone 'allergic' to just about anything and can you offer any advice or comments for such extreme cases?
Absolutely! That is often the case.They will probably be allergic to the essential oils in the products. Best thing is to just try them. There is a 15 day guarantee as a comforter for extremely allergic people.
As there are differing reports on how white some people's teeth are after using the toothpaste. Some are delighted and others find they still have yellowing, even after persevering, so can we assume it is effective for some people and not others?
It usually takes up to 12 weeks for extrinsic staining to come out after using bicarb soda toothpastes. It should be a lot quicker with straight bicarb.
Why do you use plastic bottles and not glass?
Our policy is to use glass wherever it is practical. In the other products that are used in the shower, or need to be squeezed, we use plastic.
We use PET food grade recyclable plastic, which leaches the least, as far as we are aware. WE are also working with a hemp plastic potential supplier to be the first to implement hemp plastic on a commercial scale in Australia, which will happen in 18-24 months.
If I join as a Preferred Customer do I have to buy products each month?
NO! It is entirely up to you whether you order products each month,or every second or third month but we are confident you will be so impressed with the products that ordering each month is likely.
What are the charges for shipping and handling?
For destinations within Australia we charge AU$4.95 shipping and handling for all orders under $100 (retail). For orders over A$100 shipping and handling is FREE! For other countries, we charge US$4.95 for non-commercial size orders.
What Countries do you ship to?
The products can be shipped to MOST countries. ONE Group are not responsible for customs charges and restrictions that vary from country to country and result from the importation of certain products. The purchaser remains responsible for all charges and fees incurred.
WE CANNOT SHIP TO P.O. BOXES.
Business Questions
How much does it cost to register?
AUD $80 - US $60 - UK £34 - CANADA $68 - NZ $90 - OTHER COUNTRIES US$60
Why do I have to pay to become a Representative?
When you register as a Representative, you are supplied with a replicated e-commerce website which allows customers to buy product online from any country in the world. The website also allows Networkers to recruit other Representatives from any country and will track all activity and records of customer ordering and the growth of your International business. All this information is found in the members area of the replicated site. As you can imagine buying or developing software capable of tracking customers and distributors alike, converting currencies from many different countries whilst at the same time calculating discounts and allocating bonuses and credits is a major set up cost. Effectively, as an Associate, you get this e-commerce and tracking software for an initial rental of just AUD $80,US$60,UK £34,CANADA $68,NZ $90, or OTHER COUNTRIES US$60 per year. After that annual membership is cheaper.
Do I have to be good at 'selling'?
Absolutely not. Skills in communication and willingness to educate are much more important than traditional sales skills and anything that could be construed as ‘hype’ should be avoided. There is no need to persuade or convince people to buy the products or become representatives because the products sell themselves.
Can I sponsor into other countries?
YES. The company has a seamless sponsoring policy which allows Reps to introduce Customers and other Reps worldwide. It is truly International and a tremendous business opportunity.
However,the following points need ro be understood:
1) All duties and taxes are the responsibility of the Representative and/or customer in any given country.
2) Certain countries have some restrictions for Network Marketing/direct sales companies and the new Representative/Customer may need to purchase for their own use only and not to on-sell to others. (eg. Malaysia).
Is it a seamless Compensation Plan?
Yes! The opportunity is completely seamless and you are paid on downline no matter what country the business branches into in the future. You only need to buy one qualifying order in the country you live in to be paid on overseas volume created in your Marketing Group.
How do I make money from the business opportunity?
Simply refer others to the Business Opportunity and the products regularly. Find three Reps and you will get your own regular products for FREE and also FREE delivery. It is really simple to teach this to all in your team and you will soon build up to a sizable residual income.
As you will be paid a percentage of the Business Volume on every order placed by someone who is personally sponsored, or is in the Marketing Organization this can build to a very substantial income over time.
What is Business Protection or BP?
If a Representative agrees to Business Protection (BP), they will receive an immediate 20% off the Retail Price of all products. By signing for Business Protection, a Representative is committing to receiving an order of at least 50 points on the 25th of every month if their monthly orders to that date do not exceed 50 Points. 50 Points is approximately A$80 Note: This is only a protection order in the event that you don't place an order of 50PV before the 25th of the month.
Can I determine what my Business Protection or BP order will be?
Yes. You can decide what you want each month (if necessary) by updating your order in the back office of the members area.
Can I retail the products?
Yes. The company started operations by marketing to conventional retailers. Retailers are entitled to discounts of up 50% and 30 day accounts in Australia. One Group is establishing the retail side of the business as demand grows. Retail was opened in the USA in 2005 and is planned to open up in the UK and Japan in 2006.
Can I display and sell the products in a retail environment?
Yes. There are no restrictions on retailers selling the Certified Organic products in their own shops. You must register as an Representative of the company to order products at the 50% discount rate.
What's the advantage of registering as a Networker?
The advantages are considerable. Not only can you buy products at up to 50% discount, but you can also build a seamless Network Marketing organization throughout the world. The organic market is expanding rapidly as people become more concerned for their health. This gives you the opportunity of establishing International downlines without ever leaving your home country, and as your marketing organisation grows you automatically receive daily bonuses into your account which is known as residual income. You can access this at any time through your own replicated website. This is perhaps one of the finest opportunities in the world to earn residual income from an ethical home based business. The world really is your oyster.
How are bonuses paid?
Fast Start bonuses are paid daily into an account accessed directly through your replicated website. Retirement and Leadership bonuses are paid monthly. The bonuses accrued in your account are in US dollars and can be withdrawn at any time simply by filling a form in the members area of the website.
Retirement bonuses and Leadership Bonuses are paid monthly into your account in the "back office" of your site. You may choose to leave them there until they build up or withdraw them monthly.
What do you mean by a Health Professional?
A Health Professional is any person who has qualified by doing a course or degree in any form of alternative or natural or orthodox medicine or health. As long as you have accreditation and you list the letters in the application form then you are entitled to HP discounts.
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