Questions & Answers
Why is there a higher percentage of organic natural products in your ranges than other premium skincare brands?
We are exclusively available to our customers via our online shop or within our Thirns treatment rooms. Unlike other skincare brands we have no middlemen to pay, our hand-crafted products are exceptional in their price, vitality and delivering results. Without having to pay a middleman we can include more of the prized, powerful active botanical ingredients in every jar of Thirns skincare.
Are your products suitable for all skin types?
All Thirns products are gentle on skin and pH-balanced, making them suitable for all skin types. Our formulas have been developed to address the needs of the skin as they evolve through time, from dehydration and sensitivity to loss of firmness, fine-lines, and wrinkles.
Can I use your products throughout pregnancy?
We always recommend that you discuss adapting your skincare regime during pregnancy with your GP or Midwife. It is important to note that Thirns does not formulate with retinol or any of its derivatives, which are not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Is your range suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?
Whilst we have taken the utmost care to develop formulas that are gentle on skin, our products aren’t hypoallergenic. Please see each of the products allergen declaration to assess if the product will be suitable for your skin type.
Are your products paraben-free and sulphate-free?
Thirns entire product range is free from parabens and sulphates. Why? Whilst sulphates and their derivatives are used to create a lather to remove dirt, oil and impurities, they can sometimes cause sensitivities in skin.
Are your products natural?
Every Thirns product contains a minimum of 94% naturally derived ingredients. Thirns products are free from parabens, sulphates, PFAS, PEGs, silicone, petrochemicals, heavy-metals, and plastics.
Do your products contain fragrance?
No. Thirns products do not contain any perfume or artificial fragrances of any kind. All our products are only naturally scented with allergen tested premium quality organic essential oils.
Are your formulas free from toxic ingredients?
Yes, Thirns skincare formulas are free from toxic ingredients. There are strict rules and regulations surrounding cosmetics in the UK. Thirns is fully compliant with the UK’s Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfume Association (CTPA) rigorous guidelines. Compliance is mandatory in the UK and Thirns strictly follows those directives, meaning our products and the ingredients used in our formulas are safe. If you wish to learn more about ingredients in cosmetics in general, please take a look at the CTPA’s website: https://www.ctpa.org.uk/confidence-in-cosmetics
Is your skincare range cruelty-free?
At Thirns, we never test our products on animals or use ingredients tested on animals. We are fully committed to producing cruelty-free products and removing any harm to animals from our supply chain. We investigate all our product suppliers to ensure that they are compliant and supportive of this most important part of our ethos. We are also equally vigilant about responsible sourcing to ensure as far as we can reasonably determine that the ingredients, we use are not based on child labour, exploitation of subject populations, gender or religious groups.
Are your products plant-based?
Yes, Thirns products are plant-based. We do not use animal or animal-derived ingredients in our formulas.
Is your packaging recyclable?
At Thirns, we are continuously exploring ways to reduce our ecological impact and carbon footprint. Our bottles, jars and lids are crafted from glass which is 100% recyclable. Once your product is finished, simply rinse the glass container, and recycle it with your standard glass recycling system. Our unit cartons are made from FSC-certified board and are 100% recyclable. They are printed with vegetable-based inks and water-based coatings which have a reduced environmental impact.
Are Thirns products made in the UK?
Thirns is a British born brand. Our formulas are tested and developed in Norfolk and our products are manufactured in Norfolk by hand. We are continuously exploring British botanicals and ingredients and when we identify them make it a priority to champion them in our products.
What is the shelf life of your products?
All cosmetic products need to be used by a certain period after the first use. This is indicated by the PAO (period after opening) symbol – an open jar with a number inside, which you’ll find on our packaging and unit cartons. For example, ‘9M’ indicates you should use the product within 9 months of opening, after which the quality of the product will deteriorate. Always make sure to store your products in a cool area, away from light and humidity to increase their longevity.
Where can I find the list of ingredients contained in your products?
Our ingredient lists are all readily available on our website and can be viewed directly on each product page.
How do you ensure that your products are safe and free from contaminants?
Every Thirns skincare products are rigorously tested for stability, resistance to microbial contamination and degeneration, safe application and storage. All our safety warnings and allergen declarations are based on the results of these tests. Details of which are contained in the appropriate Cosmetic Safety Report which is generated for each product and uploaded to the UK Government Portal registering cosmetic products approved for sale. All these tests and reports are conducted by one of the UK’s leading independent laboratories for cosmetic product testing.
TREATMENTS Q&A
It is my first time visiting you, what should I do?
Just bring yourself. Our pre-treatment consultation will find out about your skin, your skincare regime and what you would like to get out of your treatment.
What should I expect post-treatment?
We will advise you in the clinic on your bespoke post-treatment needs. All our treatments are designed to rejuvenate you and have no post-treatment downtime.
How frequently should I have a facial if I am between the age of 30 and 50?
The frequency of your treatments depends on your bespoke needs. On average if you’re between the ages of 30 and 50 your skin renewal takes place on a 28–60 day cycle. It would be most beneficial every 3 to 4 weeks so that you can encourage the skin cells to renew in a rejuvenated, and plumped form.
What is a skin cycle?
Firstly, you need to understand what your skin is. The skin is the body’s largest organ and its first defence against germs, assisting with water retention, moderating external temperature change, and UV radiation. It consists of three distinct layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. The outer layer of the skin, which is its thinnest layer, is the epidermis, which provides a waterproof barrier and creates your skin-tone. As you continually formulate new basal cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis, the overlying cells are constantly pushed upwards, where they slowly dry-out, becoming dry, dead skin-flakes. Your flaky dead skin cells are replaced by the new skin cells which have moved upwards towards the surface of the skin. This rejuvenation process takes an average of 28-60 days between the ages of 30 and 50 is known as a skin ‘cycle.’ Teenagers experience their skin cycle every 10-21 days.
How frequently should I have a facial if I am over 50?
As your skin-cycle (see above) decreases over the age of 50. You will see the most benefit from the rejuvenating effects of a facial if you schedule them for every 2-4 weeks.