FAQs

Q. What’s “clean skincare”?

Clean skincare means that it’s been formulated with clean, safe ingredients that have been scientifically proven to be effective for your skin. Our ingredients and formulas are backed by credible research and lab testing – and we have ensured that each formula has been developed to perfection and is 100% suitable for use. Clean skincare is honest skincare – that means you’ll always know what’s inside the products you’re using. And that’s why we’re 100% transparent about our ingredients and formulae here at Primary.

 

Q. Is Primary Skincare ISO certified?

YES! We promise you only the best – and that’s why we take our health and safety standards very, very seriously. Our manufacturing facility currently has an ISO 9001:2008 certification, follows Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and is registered with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). So you can trust that you’re in good hands!

 

Q. What does the Glow Toner do?

Toners are meant to regulate sebum production, balance skin’s moisture and pH levels, and prep your skin for the next step in your beauty routine. Our Glow Toner contains a mild 3% concentration of glycolic acid which exfoliates gently along with witch hazel, a natural astringent. Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which boosts collagen and elastin production, strengthening the epidermis, reinforcing the skin’s natural protective barrier, renewing skin, and fading scars and pigmentation. With regular use, glycolic acid has also been found to reduce the appearance of pores, eliminate blackheads, and even out skin tone. Hydrators like aloe, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate in the Glow Toner hydrate the skin, and witch hazel and chamomile soothe and calm. The gentle 3% concentration of glycolic acid also makes it the ideal product to start with if you’re new to chemical exfoliation! 

 

Q. Is the Glow Toner suitable for sensitive skin types? 

Yes! But for sensitive skin types and those new to chemical exfoliation, we recommend starting out using it once every other day and building up to daily use if needed.  

 

Q. How do I use the Jasmine Dew face mist? 

The Jasmine Dew face mist is your most versatile skincare find yet. It's crammed full of hydrators like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin. Use it immediately after cleansing for naturally dewy skin. It immediately smooths and plumps your skin and acts as a primer for makeup. And if you’re feeling extra ~sparkly~, spritz some Dew on your makeup brush and use as a fixing spray it to highlight your face and body! Spritz as needed through the day to refresh your look. 

 

Q. Which ingredients do I need to look out for in my skincare?

Our commitment to clean beauty means you’ll never find these nasties in any of our products, and you should watch out for them in the rest of your skincare too:

  • drying alcohols like benzyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol
  • sulfates
  • phthalates
  • artificial fragrance
  • formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents

 

Q. Why are there preservatives in my skincare?

When your skincare comes into contact with your fingers or the surrounding air, it comes into contact with thousands of bacteria that can denature your beauty product and even inhibit its potency over time, to say nothing of the colony of germs that will build up in your product. This is especially true in humid environments like your bathroom. If these bacteria are ingested through the nose, eyes, or mouth (eek!), this could pose a serious health problem. Gross!

That’s where preservatives come in. They help extend the shelf-life of your skincare and keep nasty strains of mould and bacteria away. They also defend your products against the deteriorating effects of heat, moisture, and humidity. Stay clear of products that claim to be preservative free – they pose a serious health hazard to you and your skin.

 

Q. What does hyaluronic acid do?

Hyaluronic acid has long retained its reigning title as the go-to ingredient in the world of hydrators. It can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, which make it the ideal ingredient for dry, dehydrated skin that craves moisture. It works by drawing in moisture from your surroundings to keep your skin plump and hydrated all day long. Hyaluronic acid has been found to keep skin firm and smooth, fight aging, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is found in our products in the form of sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid which has a smaller molecular size and is better able to penetrate your skin. Top tip: hyaluronic acid works best when applied to damp skin and followed with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration.

 

Q. Can I use vitamin C with the Glow Toner?

Skin should be treated with only one active at a time. So if you’re using the Glow Toner, which contains glycolic acid, it’s best to leave other actives like vitamin C and retinol for later. This way you keep your skin from being over-sensitized from a cocktail of too many actives, and it allows your skin to fully milk the benefits of a single active ingredient!

 

Q. How do I layer my skincare?

When layering your skincare products during your routine, remember to go from thinnest to thickest. Remember - thinner consistencies won’t penetrate the skin if they’re blocked by layers of heavier creams, oils and balms. Cleanse, tone, treat your skin to water-based serums, hyaluronic acid, and/or sheet masks, and then follow with your favourite moisturizing creams and facial oils to seal in all the hydration and other goodness.

Q. Can teenagers use the Glow Toner?

The Glow Toner is formulated with clean, safe ingredients and a gentle 3% concentration of glycolic acid, which makes it suitable for use for teenage skin as well. However, teenage skin has a much higher cell turnover rate than adult skin and does not require frequent exfoliation. If you’re a teenager who’s using the Glow Toner, limit use to just a few times per week for best results.

 

Q. Why are all Primary products alcohol-free?

Drying alcohols like benzyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol have been used in traditional toners to “dry out” oily skin. The problem is, these will probably make your oily skin a lot worse! These drying alcohols can worsen oily skin conditions by making water and moisture evaporate from the skin, causing redness, itching, skin sensitization, and inflammation. This excessive dryness forces the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which causes even more of that dreaded oiliness and greasiness.   Our Glow Toner focuses on replenishing and hydrating your skin while still providing visible skin benefits. That’s why all our products are 100% free of drying alcohols.