Cactus & Ivy is heading into a new direction with our products this year. We have decided to remove all animal by products from our ingredients used, which means, we will no longer use honey or beeswax. Candelilla Wax has replaced the use of beeswax in all our balms, and beside being “Cruelty Free”, Candelilla Wax protects against moisture. In addition, as our raw material supplies decrease, we will purchase organic where available. We want our products to be available to everyone. In 2007, we -began offering a natural fly repellent for horses. It seems the trend is true that consumers are also health conscious when it comes to their pets.

Cactus & Ivy has never tested its products on animals, nor will we ever. Our products are tested on willing family and friends, and by the way, they are all alive and kicking! In addition, we only purchase raw materials from companies that adhere to the same standard. Cactus & Ivy signed the standard with the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics and the statement of assurance with PETA’s Caring Consumer program and we are a signer of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. 

By the industry leader in natural products, Burt's Bees has set forth The Natural Standard as listed below, for which we received permission to use on our site.  Cactus & Ivy pledges to follow The Natural Standard and to create products that are healthy, beneficial and pure.

The Definition of "Natural"

All products that are labeled "Natural" must:

• Be made with at least 95 percent ingredients that come from a renewable or plentiful source found in nature.
• Contain no ingredients with any suspected potential human health risks.
• Use no processes that significantly or adversely alter the purity or effect of the natural ingredients.

A non-natural ingredient can be used:

• Only when there is no viable natural alternative ingredient available and.....
• Only when there are no suspected potential human health risks.

Healthy Is In.  The Following is Out.

These ingredients don't belong in "Natural" products:

• Synthetic Dyes and Colorants (FD&C colors) - Possible skin irritants and allergens.
• Synthetic Fragrances - Possible skin irritants and allergens.
• Phthalates - Synthetic stabilizers that can react with other ingredients and form nitrosamines, known carcinogens.
• Sulfates (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate) - Synthetic detergents that dry, irritate and potentially damage skin.
• Parabens - Synthetic preservatives that are potential toxins.  Parabens were widely used and acceptable in natural products before a viable natural preservation system became available.
• Petro Chemicals (petrolatum/mineral oil/paraffin) - Non-renewable byproducts of crude oil with potentially dangerous impurities.
• Silicone (cyclomethicone/dimethicone) - Chemical lubricant used to enhance a products slippery feel that are potential toxins.
• Glycols - Synthetic chemicals that may potentially draw other dangerous chemicals into the bloodstream.
• PEGs or PPGs - Synthetic ingredients processed with ethylene oxide, a toxin.
• Formaldehyde - A known carcinogen.
• Carbomer - A thickener that is a potential skin irritant.
• Talc - A known carcinogen

Processes that we believe should never be used:

• Ethoxylation, sulfonation, polymerization and unfavorable varieties of quaternization — Industrial processes using caustic solvents that leave residual compounds and impurities that may end up concealed in the final consumer product.

Eco-Friendly and Organic

In addition to changing some of our ingredients to reflect "cruelty free and vegan", we will be replacing our label stock with a new environmentally friendly label material made from corn called EarthFirst PLA.  We are phasing out old shipping material and replacing with eco-friendly material, where available.  Cactus & Ivy will continue to strive on finding the best raw materials, from raw ingredients to shipping supplies.  As stated above, as our raw ingredients are depleted, we will replace them with organic, where available.