FAQ: Honest Answers About Skincare, Ingredients, and How We Do Things at AliBee

Q. I’d love to check out your products! Where can I find you in person?

You can find AliBee (Tracy, Kylie, and Erin) at pop-ups, artisan fairs, and seasonal markets around the Sacramento area. Check out our Events page to see where we’ll be next. We are also a proud vendor at Superbum Vintage in Sacramento. Stop by and see our products any time!

Q: What does “natural” mean in skincare?
“Natural” is a word you’ll see everywhere in the skincare world, but the truth is, it’s not actually regulated. That means it can mean different things to different brands. Usually, it refers to ingredients that come from nature, like plants or minerals, with little processing. But in practice, making safe and effective skincare often takes a little more than just what grows in the garden.

At AliBee, we say our products are “natural’ish. They’re rooted in plant-based, non-toxic ingredients and made without things like parabens or phthalates. We also include a few gentle, well-researched ingredients that help with safety and shelf life, like emulsifiers or preservatives. Our goal is to create skin-loving formulas that feel good and work well.

We prioritize sustainability too, with small batch production and thoughtful packaging. For example, we often use Leucidal Liquid, a mild preservative made from fermented radish root, which helps keep products fresh without compromising our values.

Our promise is simple. We believe in skincare that balances nature and science. Because your skin, and the planet, deserve both.

Q: Are all your products natural?
We strive to source ingredients are natural or naturally derived. We’re proud of that, and we’re also transparent about what that really means.

Sometimes, to make a product that’s safe, stable, or just feels amazing on your skin, we welcome a little help from science. We only use ingredients that are safe, non-toxic, and thoughtfully chosen.

Here are a few examples:

• Preservation and safety: For any product with water, we include a preservative to prevent mold or bacteria. We use things like Leucidal Liquid (fermented radish root) or Optiphen, both considered safe for sensitive skin.

• Hydration and performance: Our glycerin is plant-based. Our hyaluronic acid is vegan and fermented from plant sugars to deeply hydrate.

• Fragrance: If we use fragrance, it’s always phthalate-free and chosen with sensitive skin, noses, and pets in mind.

We also avoid parabens, sulfates, and artificial additives. Our packaging leans toward recyclable and reusable options whenever possible.

That’s why we say natural’ish. It’s clean, plant-forward, and transparent. And if you’re ever curious about an ingredient, just ask. We love talking about what goes into each formula.

Q: I thought preservatives were bad. Why do you use them?
This is such a common question, and it’s a good one.

Preservatives are essential in anything that contains water—like lotions, serums, and toners. Without one, products can grow mold, yeast, or bacteria. That’s definitely not something we want near our skin.

We use gentle options like Optiphen (which is paraben-free and formaldehyde-free) or Leucidal Liquid, which is derived from fermented radish root. These help keep products safe and fresh without compromising your health or the formula’s integrity.

For oil-only products, like balms and butters, we skip preservatives because they’re not needed.

Q: Some of your ingredients sound kind of... not natural. What’s up with that?
It’s true that some ingredient names sound a little sciencey. But many of them are plant-derived and play an important role in how your skincare feels and functions.

• Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm. It’s not drying like rubbing alcohol. It helps give products that soft, silky texture and helps them stay stable.

• Emulsifying Wax is made from plant fats too. It helps oil and water mix together and stay that way, so your lotion doesn’t separate.

We use ingredients like these because they’re safe, effective, and help us make the kinds of products people love to use. They also allow us to avoid more aggressive synthetic chemicals you might find elsewhere.

Q: What does “toxic” mean, and do you use anything toxic?
“Toxic” usually refers to ingredients that could cause harm to your body or the environment, especially with long-term use. In skincare, this often means things that might be linked to irritation, hormone disruption, or allergic reactions.

A few examples we are proud to avoid:

• Parabens: linked to hormone issues

• Phthalates: often hidden in synthetic fragrances

• Sulfates: harsh cleansers that can strip your skin

No, we don’t use anything considered toxic in our products. Everything is chosen carefully with safety and skin health in mind. We test on ourselves and on kind volunteers who represent different skin types. We never test on animals.

Q: What is greenwashing?
Greenwashing is when a company makes something sound more natural, eco-friendly, or ethical than it really is. They might use vague words like “clean” or “natural” without backing it up, or they might highlight one good thing while ignoring bigger concerns.

At AliBee, we believe in being real about our practices. We don’t claim to be perfect, but we’re committed to small-batch production, transparent ingredients, and sustainable packaging. We use recyclable or reusable containers and avoid single-use plastics whenever we can. We also work with trusted suppliers who prioritize ethics and quality.

We’ll never try to sell you something by stretching the truth.

Q: Are your products vegan?
Most of them are, yes. But we do use a few ingredients that come from animals in select formulas, and we’re always upfront about it.

• Lanolin: Found in our lip butters, it comes from sheep’s wool and is deeply hydrating. No animals are harmed, and it’s chosen for how well it protects dry skin.

• Beeswax: Found in some of our solid lotions, candles, and lip balms. It helps lock in moisture and gives structure to certain products. We source it from responsible suppliers.

Everything else—our soaps, serums, mists, body butters—is completely vegan. If you’re not sure about a specific product, check the listing or reach out. We’re happy to help.

Q: Are your ingredients ethically sourced?
Yes, we prioritize ethical sourcing in both our ingredients and packaging.

That means:

• Choosing suppliers who align with our values

• Prioritizing cruelty-free and sustainable practices

• Supporting fair labor and safe working conditions

As a small business, we do rely on some larger ingredient suppliers. But we research carefully, ask questions, and choose partners who care about people and the planet. As we grow, we’re excited to work with more local and small producers too.

Q: Are your products FDA-approved?
This is a great question, and it’s one that often surprises people.

The FDA does regulate cosmetics in the United States, but unlike drugs, skincare products don’t need to be approved before they go to market. Brands are responsible for making sure products are safe and labeled correctly.

That’s why trust matters so much. At AliBee, we take that responsibility seriously. We use clean, tested ingredients and avoid anything harmful. Our products aren’t FDA-approved because they don’t need to be—but they are made with care, transparency, and your safety in mind.

Q: How do I choose what’s right for me when it comes to skincare?
Skincare is personal. What works for someone else might not be what your skin needs. There’s no perfect routine. There’s just what works for you.

Some people want everything to be fully natural. Others prefer formulas that include a few science-backed ingredients to help with things like texture or hydration. At AliBee, we believe you can have both. You can keep things simple and effective, and you can choose based on your skin’s changing needs.

We also believe that some self-care is better than none. Even one product that feels good can make a difference.

If you’re not sure where to start or just want to talk through your options, we’re here. No pressure. Just honest guidance and gentle skincare that’s made with heart.

Q: I know you sometimes do learning events and classes. How do I request that?

We love sharing our passion for natural skincare and hosting hands-on learning events! Whether you’re interested in a group class, a private session, or a special activity, we’d be delighted to work with you.

How to Request an Event:

1. Contact Us: Send us an email or message through our website with the details of your request, including the type of event (e.g., group class, private session), preferred dates, and any specific topics or products you’d like to learn about.

2. Event Options: We offer a variety of classes, from DIY skincare tutorials to ingredient deep dives and custom product-making sessions.

3. Collaborations Welcome: If you’re part of a community group, business, or organization looking for a unique team-building activity, let us know!

We’ll work with you to customize the experience to suit your needs and create something fun, engaging, and educational.

Note: Availability may vary based on scheduling, so reach out early to secure your spot.

If you have any questions or need inspiration for your event, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Q: I love your products and want to share! Do you make gift baskets?

Yes, we do! Our gift sets and baskets are a beautiful way to share the joy of natural skincare with loved ones. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, we can curate a selection of products that will delight and pamper your recipient.

How It Works:

1. Contact Us: Let us know what you’re looking for, including the occasion, budget, and any specific products or scents you’d like to include.

2. Customization: We’ll work with you to create a thoughtfully curated basket, tailored to your preferences. You can mix and match from our collection of soaps, serums, lotions, lip butters, and more.

3. Packaging: Your gift basket will be beautifully packaged with eco-friendly materials, making it ready to gift upon arrival.

Perfect for:

• Birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries.

• Bridal showers, baby showers, or thank-you gifts.

• Corporate gifting or special events.

Need Inspiration?
We can help design a basket based on themes like “Relaxation,” “Daily Essentials,” or “Ultimate Skincare.”