frequently asked questions
are montamonta products organic or natural?
the 'organic'/'natural' cosmetics debate is complicated. unlike in the food world, there is no legal definition of what it means to be 'natural' or 'organic' for cosmetics. there are external companies which will offer organic certification to a product (Soil Association, Cosmos) however these all have different criteria - what is acceptable to the Soil Association might not be acceptable to Cosmos and vice versa - and have significant costs attached.
there is also a growing trend for "chemical free" claims amongst skincare products however, everything is a chemical – water is a chemical – therefore, chemical-free products don’t exist.
we have chosen to move on from the natural vs synthetic debate as it can be confusing to consumers and prefer to explain our ethos as plants + science.
our primary objective is to ensure MONTAMONTA products are made from premium quality ingredients. We like to formulate with botanically based ingredients but don't shy away from well-chosen laboratory made raw materials.
what is your position on sustainable packaging?
A commitment to sustainable practice is at the heart of everything that we do. all of our products are packaged in recyclable containers that we encourage you to either re-use or place into your recycling bin when empty.
online orders are shipped with either flexi-hex 100% paper protective packaging or packing peanuts that are made from potato starch and naturally dissolve in water.
the majority of wholesale orders are packed using packaging materials that have been re-used from inbound deliveries and local wholesale orders are delivered package-free by our in-house bike courier.
our signature wash and balm products have been housed in recyclable amber glass since day one. glass lasts forever, has the ability to be refilled indefinitely and in recycling streams, reduces the amount of energy needed to produce more glass.
glass is also far heavier than plastic alternatives. if we were shipping large quantity of products across the globe would increased CO2 emissions still make this the most sustainable choice? that’s a hard one to answer (probably not, is our standpoint btw) but goes to show that ‘sustainability’ is a constantly evolving conversation, not a set of rigid rules.
a number of bars and restaurants stock our hand wash in their bathrooms. we supply big, litre refill bottles to our amenity accounts which we then collect, clean, refill and re-deliver once empty. saving thousands of bottles from the bin each year. we’re in the process of mirroring this service to local customers. please sign up to our newsletter to be kept in the loop.
are montamonta products tested on animals?
no. never.
but then again, animal testing for all cosmetic products has been banned in the UK since 1998 + in the EU since 2009. In 2013 it also became illegal in the EU to sell cosmetics that had been tested on animals anywhere in the world, so it’s hard to find any brand on the market in the UK or eu that tests on animals.
of course, there are a few global markets that do still require animal testing to prove product safety however we do not trade in these regions.
it’s rarely pointed out that almost all raw materials used in cosmetics were probably tested on animals years ago when they were first introduced, most likely in the 70's and 80's + from a cosmetic science perspective, we would be extremely surprised if any brand was able to find data to support a claim that absolutely no raw material used in a formulation has never been tested on animals anywhere in the world at any point in time.
When you look at a subject as divisive as animal testing, it's interesting to see how brands often choose to define themselves based on "fighting animal testing" etc. Only three or so markets globally require animal testing of cosmetic products, are these brands lobbying foreign governments? Refusing to trade in their territories (including sister brands owned by the same conglomerates)? Investing resources into animal testing alternatives eg EpiSkin? If not, then using the subject of animal testing as a marketing tool is really just lip service.
I live locally. can I collect my order in person?
of course! please select ‘collect from laboratory’ as shipping option + reply to your order confirmation email to arrange a collection day/time.
our working hours are 10:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday but we can often arrange a solution for collection on weekends too. please do arrange a collection in advance though as we’re a tiny team + often have to pop out to make deliveries.
I’m trying to place an order online but it’s not working - what’s going on?
Stripe, our payment processor, is very sensitive with regards to billing addresses matching what’s on file with your bank. please double check the billing address entered - if you’re still having issues, we’d be happy to help at hello@montamonta.com
Can you manufacture a product for me?