Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! And, more importantly, our focus has been on preventing heavy metals from entering our formulas since day one. This requires a significant financial and time investment, but it is well worth it, as this is where we see real value and optimal safety results. For example, Crunchi invests in the highest purity grade colorants (iron oxides) and other raw materials available for our color cosmetics and skincare formulations. Additionally, Crunchi does not allow lake dyes or FD&C colorants as the risk of heavy metal contamination in petroleum-derived colorants/pigments is significantly higher than in mineral-derived alternatives.
In 2019 Crunchi began a third-party laboratory testing program for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium, and frequently Antimony). We are thrilled to report that all product testing results are well below (or non-detectable) the European Union, Canadian, and United States published restrictions and guidelines for heavy metal upper limits. Our goal is to be non-detectable, or as close to non-detectable as possible while being far below the EU and Canadian published heavy metal limits.
There are two different ways we test for heavy metals. Individual ingredients (such as colorants, and others at risk for contamination) are third-party tested by an accredited lab by the ingredient supplier. Additionally, finished/final formulas (for skincare and color cosmetics) are sent by Crunchi to an accredited lab for third-party heavy metal testing. We test every batch of a color cosmetic formulation. For skincare, the initial batch is tested and then repeated/audited where logical based on formula and ingredients.
Heavy metals naturally occur in colorants as well as many plant and mineral-derived ingredients and cannot be avoided completely. Since day one, Crunchi has invested in the highest purity grade colorants (iron oxides) and raw materials available for our color cosmetics and skincare formulations with the goal of achieving the lowest possible heavy metal levels for our products using tests with a sensitivity as low as .003 ppm for Lead, .003 ppm for Arsenic, .001 ppm for Mercury and .001 ppm for Cadmium. This is a priority to us and we are committed to investing in continued strategies to minimize heavy metals as well as ongoing third-party testing. See additional FAQs for further details on heavy metal prevention strategies and third-party testing protocols.
Any water included in Crunchi formulas is intentionally added to help hydrate the skin to allow the cellular structure of the skin to have a secondary water source that may not be available through traditional water consumption. This water plumps the skin and combines with the other active ingredients in Crunchi formulas to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The oils and butters that are emulsified with the water help to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which would otherwise naturally occur, by locking that moisture into the skin where it is needed. Water can also contribute to the spreadability and absorption of active ingredients.
Multiple medical studies suggest that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. The largest organ of the human body, our skin, requires water to function properly. Dehydrated skin manifests itself in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, amongst other things.
Finally, formulas with little to no water tend to sit on top of the skin, though certain skin-identical oils (such as those found in I AM Luminous® and I AM The Balm) are capable of moving past the skin barrier and are readily absorbed.
Yes! We are in the middle of the EWG Verification process. At this time, at least eight products have been officially verified on the EWG Skin Deep Database, and many more are coming soon!
EWG classifies the non-decolorized whole-leaf aloe vera as carcinogenic. Crunchi only uses decolorized aloe in our formulations and meets all safety guidelines and standards. We are also in the process of getting all Crunchi formulations EWG verified which requires these standards as well. Some of our products that contain aloe vera are already EWG verified and there will be more to come in the very near future!
No. Talc has been on Crunchi’s Ingredient Banished list since day one. It is a controversial ingredient because it is often contaminated with the known carcinogen asbestos. It is also identified as a lung irritant and linked to organ system toxicity, among other health concerns.
Some cosmetic companies choose to use talc that claims to be "asbestos-free." However, in recent years, evidence has shown that conventional testing methods have failed to detect asbestos accurately, and “asbestos-free” talc may still contain asbestos.
Despite its great cosmetic performance qualities, talc has never been and will never be part of any Crunchi formula – it is just not worth the risk.
At this time 100% of Crunchi ingredients are non-GMO/GMO-free. Additionally, certified organic ingredients are prioritized (see organic ingredient FAQ for additional details). We have made this investment in organic and non-GMO/GMO-free ingredient choices to significantly reduce the possibility of pesticides ending up in Crunchi formulas. We are proud of this commitment as it is a significant investment, challenging to accomplish, and a rare standard for a clean cosmetic company.
No, at this time Crunchi does not permit ethoxylated ingredients in any formulations.
Note: There are some newer ethoxylated ingredient options available that have undergone a purification process to remove 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide residues. For an ingredient like this to be considered, 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide testing would have to be performed using a highly sensitive testing method (such as GC-MS). This is something we may consider evaluating further in the future but have no plans at this time.
Crunchi only permits the use of ethically sourced mica that is free from child labor. We also require each manufacturer of our color cosmetics to provide documentation from the mica's raw material supplier for each formulation. At this time, we only source mica from a select number of fully vetted and trusted suppliers.
All Crunchi products are vegan with the exception of our Hydrogloss® Lip Oil which contains organic beeswax. For additional information on our humanely sourced and regenerative beekeeping, please refer to our Hydrogloss® Lip Oil page.
Crunchi has not conducted any formal testing to make the claim “non-comedogenic”. The term “non-comedogenic” is challenging because it is not regulated or standardized, and “non-comedogenic” testing is challenging to conduct, inconsistent and often not accurate. Based on the published comedogenic ingredient rating scales available, we do not use any ingredients that would be considered comedogenic in our makeup or skincare formulas. We have many blemish-prone clients that have been able to use our products successfully!
In recent years EWG Skin Deep database automated their rating generator and no longer allows submission of specific ingredient percentages used in a formula (unless a brand is part of the EWG verification program). For example, a botanical ingredient such as an essential oil is now flagged as it can potentially cause skin sensitization or irritation above a certain percentage. Since the percentages used in our formulas are not considered, the ratings are automatically flagged for concern despite safe percentage usage.
The good news is that we are officially in the process of verifying our product line. At this time, we have at least eight products that have earned the verification and many more in the process!
At this time there is no standardized definition for the term “toxin free”. However, Crunchi has defined toxin free as the following: A product is considered toxin free if it does not contain any ingredients known to cause harm or health hazard based on available ingredient scientific data and research. Each ingredient has been carefully selected and is free from our documented Banished List.
Yes, at this time all Crunchi products are made with gluten-free ingredients and have been third-party laboratory tested to confirm gluten is non-detectable (< 20 ppm). The testing performed is the same method and standard required by the FDA for food products to make a gluten-free claim.
Yes! We are proud to say that at this time all of our products are made with ingredients that are free of genetically modified material (non-GMO).
We prioritize the use of certified organic ingredients in our formulations. Due to the unpredictable nature of the organic supply chain, there may be unforeseen disruptions (e.g.: crop failures, natural disasters, etc.) that could impact the availability of organic ingredients, and conventional (Non-GMO) ingredients that may be substituted. For the most up-to-date certified organic ingredient declaration, please refer to the individual product page on Crunchi.com.
Yes. Many Crunchi products contain nut and seed-derived ingredients. If you have any known allergies or sensitivities please check the product ingredient sections closely and consult with your healthcare provider prior to use. Please visit our product pages for a complete list of ingredients in each product.
Crunchi does not currently make the claim to be soy free. While we do our best to avoid soy as an ingredient derivative as much as possible, we use many ingredients with vegetable and vegetable blend origins. A few of the vegetable blend derived ingredients we use may include soy as part of the blend. Again, we do our best to attempt to avoid soy where possible, however since our ingredients must also be vegan (with exception of organic beeswax), gluten-free, and of course, prioritize safety and performance, there may be times when the use of soy is inevitable.
No. While this preservative is commonly used in brands that market themselves as “natural” or “clean” it still carries some safety and environmental controversies such as eczema, contact dermatitis, life-threatening allergic reactions, and chronic aquatic toxicity. Even more concerning is oral exposure to phenoxyethanol in infants can acutely affect the nervous system function. Although using phenoxyethanol in our product formulations would be a significantly easier and less expensive choice, Crunchi chooses to avoid it in all of our products, and it will always remain on our Banished Ingredients List.
Yes! Simple forms of silicone-based ingredients (such as Dimethicone, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, and Triethoxycaprylylsilane) are utilized in a few Crunchi products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel compiled all of the available data on these ingredients from over 100 independent studies in a comprehensive, evidence-based report. From this data analysis, they concluded it is unlikely that these silicone-based ingredients are absorbed into the skin due to the large molecular weight of the polymer and they are safe for use in cosmetic products. Silicone-based ingredients that are crossed with ingredients that do not meet our safety standards (such as Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone Peg-8 Phthalate, Perfluorononyl Dimethicone, Bis-Peg-10 Dimethicone/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer) are prohibited from use in Crunchi products.
A comprehensive evidence-based review documented in the Ullhman’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry has concluded that dimethicone has no marked harmful effects on organisms in the environment and was concluded not to represent an environmental hazard.
Crunchi of course has never and will never permit the use of any PFAS chemical ingredient in our products or packaging. In the past year, we have invested in third-party laboratory PFAS testing of our product packaging and finished goods to screen for contamination from the manufacturing process. While we are pleased with our test findings, we recognize there are limitations to the current PFAS testing capabilities available today. Ultimately PFAS contamination concerns in cosmetic manufacturing are the responsibility of the ingredient suppliers, packaging suppliers, and manufacturers. These parties should be held accountable for eliminating PFAS sources during the manufacturing process and preventing PFAS chemicals from contaminating cosmetics during production. Crunchi is committed to continued prevention strategies on our part. Additionally, we are fortunate to have strong working relationships with manufacturing partners who share our standards in regard to PFAS chemicals and the importance of contamination prevention. Unfortunately, this is a topic ignored by many packaging and ingredient suppliers, and until there is legislation to hold manufacturers accountable for declaring everything found in their products, including PFAS chemicals, this is going to be an ongoing issue for the cosmetic industry. Crunchi supports proposed current legislation that provides this insight into greater supply chain transparency and ingredient disclosure.
Crunchi is proud to offer safe products that have outstanding performance, efficacy, and longevity. It is very challenging to create a cosmetic that performs like its toxic competitor using 100% “natural” ingredients. Crunchi has thoughtfully selected a small group of synthetic ingredients that have substantial safety data, to utilize only where it is imperative to improve the performance of the product.
The word "natural" is very tricky as there is no standard or regulated definition for the term. With that being said, Crunchi products are composed of mostly "naturally derived" ingredients (meaning derived from plants, minerals, etc.) in combination with a handful of strategically selected “safe synthetic” ingredients. If you have any specific ingredient questions or concerns, feel free to email us at info@crunchi.com, and we would love to assist you further.
We are proud to say Crunchi is a Leaping Bunny Certified brand. Absolutely NO animal testing has been conducted in the formulation or manufacturing process of any Crunchi product. We are an animal-loving and friendly company, from our ingredients to our brushes and accessories.
Crunchi's mission is to create safe, high-performing cosmetics free of the many potentially harmful ingredients found in most conventional products on the market. However, if you have any specific ingredient questions or concerns with use during pregnancy or breastfeeding please consult with your healthcare provider prior to use.
Yes, the Crunchi team performs extensive research prior to the decision to use essential oils in our products. We analyze extensive research performed by leading experts and researchers of aromatherapy safety. We ensure that any citrus essential oils used in our products are not known to contain furanocoumarins associated with phototoxicity and therefore can be worn safely on sun-exposed skin. As always if you have any questions or concerns regarding an ingredient in one of our products, please consult your healthcare professional prior to use.
We are proud to say the vast majority of Crunchi products are manufactured in the USA, with globally sourced ingredients. We do have a select few exceptions which are our wood pencil color cosmetics and our accessories. Our wood pencil color cosmetics including Nutribrow™ Brow Pencil and Everluxe™ Lip Crayon are manufactured in Germany. Germany is known for the highest quality wooden pencil production in the world. Our Brush Cleansing Pad, Elite Eyelash Curler, Vegan Makeup Bags, Luxury Vegan Makeup Brushes, and some product packaging are produced in American-owned factories overseas with extremely high social/ethical and environmental standards. The factories pass SA 8000 social audits as well as ISO 9000 and ISA 14001 environmental quality audits.
Please refer to the number inside the “Period After Opening” (PAO) jar symbol on the product packaging or the PAO notation on each product page under the “ingredients” tab for this information. Crunchi Facial Bars and Body Bars generally do well over time if stored unopened in a cool, dry environment, however after one year you may notice slight fading and decrease in size due to evaporation.
If you have any additional questions about product shelf life, please feel free to email us at info@crunchi.com.
No. The long-term safety data of nanoparticle technology has yet to be determined, therefore Crunchi products DO NOT use any nanoparticle ingredients.
There is clear research regarding the health concerns of daily seed oil or PUFA consumption. Many Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) are also heavily processed by means of hexane and other chemical-based solvents and/or extreme heat. These processes can cause the seed oils to oxidize, increasing their free radical potential. Crunchi is committed to working with suppliers that utilize the highest quality oils that have undergone the least amount of processing possible, typically cold/ expeller pressed oils (method of extraction using pressure, no additional heat is introduced).
Topically applied, PUFAs aren’t inherently bad as the sebum of our skin naturally contains them. While we do not recommend consuming seed oils on a daily basis, there are ways we can use them to positively impact the health of our skin.
Titanium dioxide (Cl l 77891) is an ingredient used in almost all color cosmetics as a white or opacity pigment. Unless the cosmetic color is black or very dark, it contains some level of titanium dioxide. The safety of titanium dioxide has been in discussion as the EU recently banned its use as a food additive due to inconclusive evidence pertaining to genotoxicity. For many reasons, these concerns do not apply to Crunchi products: 1) There are two types of titanium dioxide: nanoparticle, and non-nanoparticle. The titanium dioxide used in Crunchi products is non-nanoparticle. This means that the particles are larger than 100 nanometers (nm). Most of the research surrounding adverse health effects is on nanoparticle size titanium dioxide from 1 nm to 30 nm. 2) Large particle (non-nanoparticle) titanium dioxide is presumably large enough to not penetrate the skin surface in topical cosmetic products and therefore poses no concern for consumer safety. 3) Our lip products and their potential for unintentional ingestion is also not an applicable concern as quantities used in the research are the equivalent to consuming hundreds to thousands (or more) of whole finished lip crayons or glosses a day. There is a known health concern pertaining to titanium dioxide if inhaled in a loose powder form. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) identifies inhalable titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic. To avoid this risk, Crunchi does not use titanium dioxide (of any size) in any loose powder formulations. At this time, we will continue to monitor the research surrounding the safety of titanium dioxide but are not currently concerned with continued use based on the amount used in our lip products (unintentional ingestion) or other color cosmetics (topically applied) and the fact that our titanium dioxide is never nanoparticle.
You have 90 days from the date that you earned your CrunchiCash to redeem it.
To redeem your Crunchi Insider Welcome Gift, you will need to purchase at least one product upon enrollment. Upon checkout, you will see your complimentary gift included with your order.
Yes!
No.
As a Crunchi Insider member, you will have early access to exclusive products. We will notify you of the days/times these will be available.
Log into your your Crunchi Insider Account and click the tab titled, "My Rewards" to view this information.
Yes. You will receive an email alert 10 days prior to your CrunchiCash expiring. Additionally, you can log in to your client account at any time to view your balance and expiration.
Yes.
Yes - this transfer would occur 3-5 days after your Advocate Enrollment and would need to be requested by reaching out to Crunchi Support at info@crunchi.com. Once transferred, it would then be considered an Advocate Credit (termed Crunchi Credit) that would expire one year from the date of your Advocate enrollment.
You may cancel your membership at any time, free from any penalties or fees. Log in to your client account and click, “Cancel Membership” on the “My Membership” tab of your homepage.
As long as you reactivate your membership before your CrunchiCash expiration date, your rewards will not be lost.
This fee will be charged annually to the credit card used upon enrollment.
If a New Client enrolls as an Insider and has $100 of product in their cart, the CrunchiCash will be awarded AFTER the 10% discount (eg: $90 will count toward CrunchiCash award calculation).
Yes! Crunchi Insider's get free shipping on orders over $125 ($175 for non-Insiders)
No. This offer is only for new clients, so a new client would not have CrunchiCash.
A Crunchi Advocate is a smart, conscious, beautiful individual who has joined Crunchi to share the important mission of safe beauty. Crunchi Advocates receive 20% savings on all their personal purchases, as well as an opportunity to earn commissions for sharing Crunchi and building a team of Advocates.
In addition to joining a community of individuals united for the important mission of safe beauty, you will also receive:
You can enroll for as little as $49 (that will provide you with valuable tools to run a successful Crunchi Business), you will also be able to add Crunchi Products with your 20% Advocate discount at checkout.
No, there are no monthly fees to be a Crunchi Advocate, only our annual renewal fee of $60.
Through our Active Advocate Policy, Advocates are required to purchase or sell at least 400 in personal volume (personal volume includes both your personal purchases and client sales combined) within a six-month consecutive, rolling period. Additionally, Advocates must be current with the annual renewal fee of $60.
Annual renewal for Advocates is $60. With your renewal, you keep your 20% Advocate discount, replicated website, Advocate Back office, place in the lineage tree, the ability to receive commissions, any Clients linked to you, and access to our Facebook Advocate Community and Penny App.
There are no monthly minimums required to start earning commission on your client sales. However, if you choose to build a team, there are monthly volume minimums you must meet to earn commissions on your team sales.
No. All of your volume can come from Client and team sales.
Great question! Check out our Income Disclosure Statement for 2023 to see information showing the earnings of all Crunchi Advocates for 2023.
No. Currently, there is no cap on this amount. The sky's the limit!
There is no volume on the Digital enrollment collection, however, any additional products you add during your enrollment will have volume.
No, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to purchase safe beauty products, even if that means they prefer not to work with an Advocate. That being said, we also believe that our Advocates provide the very best experience overall to our Clients, through education, product knowledge, and Client Services. Whenever we connect with a Client who has questions we always encourage them to contact an Advocate for the best purchasing experience.
You may cancel your Advocate account at any time by sending a written statement to advocates@crunchi.com
Yes, you can still join us! However, you cannot intermix Crunchi promotional material, sales tools, or products with other non-Crunchi brands and you may not attempt to enroll or recruit other Crunchi Advocates directly or through a third party. Additionally, you may not offer literature, promotional material, sales, or products from another business or network marketing opportunity to Crunchi Advocates or Clients.
In addition to your upline Sponsor, the Crunchi Corporate Team is here to help you every step of the way! Through our Smart Start System, you will receive incentives and training to help you launch your Crunchi business successfully. Additionally, we offer training opportunities for our entire community. Plus, you will join a collaborative culture that is second to none and fosters personal growth, lifelong friendships, and community. We are empowering people to grow professionally and personally!
