Frequently Asked Questions

Claims can be confusing and misleading. We are here to provide clarity and give more insight on what our claims mean for you.

Does your brand use Clean Ingredients? Are your products Safe?

Yes! We absolutely comply with the “clean” standard when it comes to ingredients and formulations (aka clean at sephora), but we don’t necessarily agree with the philosophy or how this standard came to be. Here's why:

When it comes to the cosmetic industry, what does “clean” really mean? There isn't a technical or FDA regulated definition for “clean beauty” and unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation being perpetuated in this space. What was once a well-intentioned goal, turned into overly complicated “free-from” lists and sweeping statements about what is and isn’t safe, that don't have much merit. Through working and consulting with an experienced cosmetic chemist, following the advice of board certified dermatologists and toxicologists, we have learned that clean standards aren’t rooted in science. Instead, they perpetuate unnecessary fears and insinuate that natural ingredients are safer. Natural ingredients have the same ability to be toxic, it’s the dose that matters. Science has also shown us that using biotechnology and sourcing ingredients from labs can have less of a negative impact on the environment. Basic Principle uses clinically studied synthetic and natural ingredients that have data to prove their efficacy. According to the FDA, it is the legal responsibility of the brand and manufacturers to produce and sell safe products. Even though it is not required in the US, we also perform stability and challenge testing with a third party lab to substantiate our claims and ensure the safety of our products.

Allergy/Dermatologist Tested?

Yes! We conducted an HRIPT (Human Repeat Insult Patch Test) on 50 subjects carried out by a third party lab, overseen by a panel of dermatologists. HRIPT testing is a method commonly used in the industry to determine the potential for irritation, sensitization and allergic contact of a product. We thoughtfully chose ingredients that would soothe and calm skin, and avoided any ingredients that could be potentially aggravating, but wanted to back up our claims with data.

Although there is no testing that can completely rule out a potential allergic reaction in every single person, our clinical study showed there were no signs of irritation or sensitization after 4 weeks of continuous use on each subject.

Can you really use it on your skin + hair?

Yes! We work closely with our cosmetic chemist to intentionally choose mutually efficacious ingredients that are both beneficial to your skin and hair, mindfully formulated to be safe for those with eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

We chose soothing, non-comedogenic (won't clog your pores) emollients, conditioning agents and humectants, to deliver moisturizing and smoothing results for both!

Do you use Fragrance or Essential oils?

No. For the Serum, we wanted to avoid adding any potentially aggravating fragrances or essential oils, so that even people with the most sensitive skin conditions could enjoy this product. That said, we in no way demonize fragrance all together, as it's not an issue for a lot of consumers and understand that it is an integral part of the sensorial experience. Stay tuned for more products in our line that contain a unique blend of non-irritating, customized fragrances.

What do you mean by “clinically studied”?

We only use ingredients that have peer-reviewed data proving their efficacy. We also perform consumer perception studies to substantiate our final formulation claims. We work closely with with our cosmetic chemist to formulate our products and vet ingredients. Typically, many cosmetic product manufacturers and suppliers have Private Label (pre-made) formulas that you can purchase without always knowing where the ingredients are sourced or the exact formulation details. Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with Private Label, we just wanted a more custom, hands on approach to ensure we were involved in the formulation every step of the way.

Are your products Vegan? Cruelty-free?

Yes! All of our products are proudly vegan, cruelty-free and our company never tests on animals.

Do you ship internationally?

We currently ship anywhere in the United States. We are working fast to provide shipping to Canada and Europe.

Where do you ship?

We ship everywhere in the continental U.S.

Do you offer free shipping?

US Standard shipping costs are determined by shipping address. Standard shipping on all orders less than $50 before taxes and shipping is based on shipping address and free for US orders of $50 or more before taxes and shipping.

How long will it take to get my order?

After placing your order, you'll receive an email with your Order Number and details. Please ensure your shipping address is accurate because we cannot make changes once the carrier service picks up your order. Once your order is shipped, you'll receive an email with tracking information. Please note that orders take up to 2-3 business days for processing before shipping.

Order Changes: We process orders for delivery as quickly as possible. As soon as payment is accepted and the order is confirmed, it is processed for shipping. Unfortunately, we cannot make changes once an order is placed. However, there may still be time to cancel your order. To cancel, email us at hi@yourbasicprinciple.com with the subject line "Cancellation," your full name, and order number. We'll do our best to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee cancellation.

What is your return policy?

We want you to truly love your experience using Basic Principle, which is why we’re here to support!

If you are unhappy with your purchase, all purchases made on yourbasicprinciple.com are eligible for returns within 30 days of receipt with a $10 restocking fee.

Products eligible for returns must be new or gently used and in original packaging. If we determine that your products are ineligible for return, we will be unable to process the refund. 

Original shipping costs cannot be refunded. The $10 restocking fee will be deducted from your original total. 

Please reach out to our Customer Service team at hi@yourbasicprinciple.com with your order number and reason for return or exchange to start the process.

What is a restocking fee?
This fee ensures that we are able to process the returned products back into our inventory and includes the cost of materials, shipping and handling involved with receiving your returned process. 

Are your products recyclable?

All of our product cartons are made out of FSC certified material. They are 100% recyclable and naturally biodegradable.

We chose to use airless pumps for our primary packaging. Made out of recyclable Polypropylene, this technology ensures a longer stability for our formula and the ability to get every last drop of the product, minimizing waste. Always check with your local waste management facility to confirm what materials they do and do not accept. To make recycling our products easier, we are committed to joining the TerraCycle program in the next few months!

Why don’t you use glass?

Glass packaging is not the most sustainable option for us, and there is a common misconception that it is. Due to the weight, the amount of carbon emissions used to transport the product, and the likelihood of damage/breakage, it would have a more significant environmental impact than our current recyclable plastic packaging. We are committed to always looking into ways to innovate and improve our efforts.