ABOUT QED

WHAT DOES QED STAND FOR?
That is a good question!  QED is short for the latin phrase "Quod Erat Demonstrandum".  This phrase translates as, "Thus it is Proven".
Shoshana says,  “I felt the name reflects my belief as a scientist, that all of our products must be formulated from tried and tested plant-based ingredients and not the latest fad.”
WHO FORMULATES QED PRODUCTS?
QED Skincare was founded in 2008 by Sydney Pharmacist, Shoshana Eisner BPharm., to address the lack of effective, natural alternatives to sensitive skincare treatments.  Using her pharmacy formulating experience, Shoshana created a range of plant-based products for clients who either have existing skin conditions or those that simply want to take care of their skin for years to come. 
ARE QED PRODUCTS NATURAL?
QED products are plant-based, powered by the best nature has to offer.  With the exception of some of our preservatives (read why below), all of our ingredients are either straight from the ground or naturally-derived.  Our products vary from 98.8-100% plant-based.
Shoshana says: "Just because something is natural, doesn't make it good for you.  Come on, Uranium is natural but you certainly don't want to put that on your skin.  On the other hand, there are some extraordinarily beneficial, natural ingredients out there that are extremely safe.  We will never compromise on safe"
Our products are free of parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehydes, sulphates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, phthalates and triclosan.
ARE QED PRODUCTS TESTED ON ANIMALS?
No QED products are ever tested on animals nor do we purchase our ingredients from companies whom test on animals.  QED operates in a sustainable and ethical manner at all levels of the business.
WHAT IS QED SKINCARE'S ECO-STATUS ON PACKAGING?
Shoshana says: "We recently did a packaging audit, with regards to making recycling easier for our customers."
QED's packaging is recyclable.  Our carry bags are cotton or paper.  Even our shipping practices have changed to recyclable boxes, eliminating bubble wrap and use compostable satchels.

INGREDIENT INFORMATION

ARE QED PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED IN AUSTRALIA?
Absolutely!  Most of QED's products are made in sunny Bondi.
WHAT IS A PRESERVATIVE?
Any product which contains water, will grow all kinds of bacteria and fungus unless it has a preservative.  Products which are purely oil-based, will not grow bacteria or fungus but they are likely to get oxidised/rancid (that nutty, unpleasant smell that oils get after awhile.)
HOW ARE QED PRODUCTS PRESERVED
For those  QED products that are purely oil based, we use Rosemary Leaf Extract and Vitamin E as the preservative.  
For those QED products which contain water, we use a preservative called Pheoxyethanol, also known as Rose Ether.  This preservative is used as opposed to other more "natural" preservatives because of it's fantastic safety record and low-risk of being a sensitiser.  This ingredient is used in our products up to a maximum of 1%.  Any products which contain water and claim to be preservative-free, are not being truthful. (Sometimes they hide the preservative in the ingredient list as a 'fragrance' or 'parfum')
WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF QED PRODUCTS?
Once opened, you should use your product within 12 months.  Unopened, they last 18-24 months.
DO QED PRODUCTS CONTAIN ANY ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCES?
Nope, never! None of our products contain any artificial fragrances.  Our products are made fragrance free AND you get to add your own custom scent or keep it scent free - it's your choice!  Scent or not to scent ... Our signature scents are made from the highest-grade essential oils. Some products are unable to be scent customised - they are clearly marked on their product page. Should you smell a "scent" in an unscented product, it is purely the scent of the raw ingredients used. Nothing artificial, nothing added!
WHY AREN'T QED'S PRODUCTS ORGANIC?
We source the finest therapeutic-grade, natural ingredients in order to ensure we combine the best of nature and science.  We also like being 100% transparent.
Shoshana says "I was unhappy calling a product organic, if it wasn't 100% organic.  I also looked into true organic sourcing and found that the costs for the best therapeutic ingredients (which we currently use) like Cucumber Oil (anti-inflammatory) & Evening Primrose Oil (Skin-repairing) were ASTRONOMICAL and simply could not justify passing this onto our customers.  There are ingredients that are really important for us to use to ensure this efficacy.  We do not want to compromise the integrity of our products by replacing these ingredients with lesser quality organic ingredients and it is for this reason, we have decided not to go down the organic route".  
DO QED PRODUCTS CONTAIN ANIMAL DERIVED INGREDIENTS?
No way! QED products are entirely free of animal products. 
ARE QED PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR VEGANS?
Definitely!  All of our products and treatments are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 
ARE QED PRODUCTS GLUTEN FREE?
YES, QED products are gluten free. 
Shoshana says: "A little Gluten Truth bomb: Gluten is a pretty large molecule and as a result it can't get through your skin.  The only way to possibly get a gluten-intolerance reaction from a skincare product would be to eat it. " You can read more about this at Coeliac Australia's website

PRODUCT INFORMATION

DO NO RINSE CLEANSERS REMOVE WATERPROOF MAKEUP?
Yes, easily. The best way to remove waterproof makeup is to double cleanse using one of QED No Rinse Cleansers and also our wonderful Eye Makeup Remover
ARE QED PRODUCTS SAFE TO USE DURING PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING?
Yes, all QED products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  Some women find themselves to be quite scent-sensitive during this time.  If this is you, you can choose to buy your QED  products unscented or even request that we half-scent for you.  As we hand-blend your choice of scent in to your products, we can really customise for you! 
CAN QED PRODUCTS BE USED ON BABIES & INFANTS?
Yes, our products are perfectly safe from birth.  Our Body products are particularly popular with babies & newborns as they are formulated to be safe for sensitive skin. They are particularly gentle on the newest and most delicate of skin.
Shoshana says:"We do suggest keeping products unscented or choosing Lavender + Sweet Orange 2 fragrance as it is not overwhelming for a newborn, yet is sweetly calming."
WHICH QED PRODUCTS ARE USEFUL FOR A NEW BABY?
The Body Wash, The Body Lotion, The Body Cream and the Ultra-Sensitive Body Balm are really great options for a newborn.  All of these products are non-stripping and really supportive of delicate skin. 
Shoshana says: "The Hand Wash and The Hand Cream are really useful for new parents as they will be washing their hands A LOT, which can really dry their hands out."
ARE QED PRODUCTS SAFE TO USE IF YOU HAVE A NUT ALLERGY?
Nut allergies come in many forms.
If you have an allergy to peanuts or sesame only, QED products are safe to use as they contain no peanut oil or sesame oil.
A number of our products do contain nut oils.  These include but are not limited to Almond, Macadamia and Hazelnut.  If you have an allergy to these, please read the list of ingredients carefully as all ingredients are listed on the QED product labels and on our website on the product pages.  
A list of completely nut-free products is as below :
Hydrating Facial Mist, Balancing Facial Mist,  Wrinkle Rewind Serum, Clarify Shake to Activate Cleanser, Ultra-Sensitive Eye Balm, Lash Conditioning Make up Remover, The Hand Wash, The Body Cleanser, Ultra-Sensitive Body Balm.
ARE QED PRODUCTS SAFE TO USE IF I HAVE ALLERGIES?
QED Skincare products are Hypoallergenic.  We always choose ingredients that are unlikely to trigger allergies.  Most people are not 100% sure of which ingredient is their trigger.  This means that people with sensitive skin often need to try a product to see if it suits them.  Which is why we offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
Shoshana says; "People with allergies tend to have hundreds of $'s of products sitting in their medicine cupboards, which they can't use.  It is so unfair.  Often, I speak to women who have just given up.  They don't want to risk buying yet another product, which may or may not work.  That is why we offer a money-back guarantee.  I am not interested in a quick sale.  I am looking to help people long-term.  I love it when people bring back a product.  That is the opportunity to find them the perfect, supportive solution.  And then they become our customers for life."
As we use over 50 different plant-based ingredients to formulate QED products, always check our product ingredients lists on our website to ensure that the product is free of those ingredients that trigger your personal allergy.
We do not hide any ingredients from our ingredients listings and stand by each and every one that is used in our products.  All ingredients are also listed on the product. If you are unsure, conducting a patch test inside your elbow is always a good idea before use.
ARE QED PRODUCTS SAFE TO USE IF I HAVE ALLERGIES?
People mistakenly think that Hypoallergenic means 'Not allergenic' but actually Hypoallergenic means that a product has a 'Low risk' of triggering allergies
ARE QED PRODUCTS HELPFUL FOR SKIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS ROSACEA, PSORIASIS, ECZEMA, DERMATITIS & SJOGREN'S?
All QED products are formulated for sensitive skin. If you have ultra-sensitive skin, we suggest starting with the  QED Ultra Sensitive range of products. The QED Ultra-Sensitive range is completely free of water which often can further aggravate fussy skin.  However, more importantly, the lack of water in these products means that the ingredient count drops down dramatically.  This reduces the risk of aggravation.  As soon as there is water & oil together in a product, you need to include emulsifiers and all kind of other ingredients, which can further disrupt the barrier in irritated skin.
If you are unsure and would like advise on which products would be most helpful to you, we suggest you call us on +61 (2) 9388 9397 or email us at info@qedskincare.com so that we can get more of an understanding of your skincare needs and advise accordingly.
I HAVE VERY SENSITIVE SKIN, WILL QED WORK FOR MY SKIN TYPE?
Our products are formulated with the most sensitive of skin types in mind - we are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, paraben free, gluten free, sulphate and silicone free. We recommend you always try a test patch before introducing a new product into your regimen.   See above for more info about our money-back guarantee & seeking advice from us.
ARE QED PRODUCTS ONLY FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
No, QED Skincare products are formulated to be kind enough for sensitive skin but good for ALL skin.  That is what makes us different.  We combine the very best nature has to offer with science to bring you highly effective skincare specifically designed for each skin type. QED does not compromise on ingredients - our objective is to deliver skin care that works - it's as simple as that.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY SKIN HAS A REACTION TO THE PRODUCT?
Please get in touch with us immediately so that we can offer advice.  We offer a money back guarantee as we want you to be completely satisfied with the products you purchase.  
WHICH QED PRODUCTS ARE BEST FOR TREATING PIMPLES & OILINESS?
The Clarify range  quickly and effectively treats blemishes and inflammation without stripping your skin of it's protective oils.  The range is designed to speed healing & reduce redness, so that your skin immediately looks and feels better. It is also designed to normalise skin preventing future breakouts & oiliness.
SHOULD I KEEP MY QED PRODUCTS IN THE FRIDGE?
If you live somewhere where the temperatures often exceed 30 degrees and your home gets hot, you can keep your QED products in the fridge, especially the Ultra-Sensitive balms.  Refrigeration will not impact on the efficacy of your products but it may change their consistency.  We do suggest that all QED products are kept in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
IS IT NORMAL FOR THE COLOUR AND TEXTURE OF QED PRODUCTS TO VARY FROM TIME TO TIME?
The colour and consistency of QED products may sometimes vary.  This is because no two production batches are exactly the same. Natural ingredients naturally vary (dependant on changing rainfall, sunshine and even which side of the mountain they are grown on) and this may have an effect on colour and texture.  Our strict quality control means that there will be no compromise in effectiveness.
We celebrate these differences as that's what makes us stand out from mass produced products.
WHAT IF I HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS?
We love questions and hearing from our customers.  Please contact us anytime at info@qedskincare.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

ORDERING & SHIPPING

WHERE CAN I BUY QED PRODUCTS?
You can purchase online on this site or at our Clinic in Bellevue Hill.  We hope to be available in more stores soon, so please register for our newsletters so we can keep you posted.
IF MY SHIPMENT ARRIVES DAMAGED, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Oh no.  We really don't like it when this happens and make every effort to prevent it.  However, if your order ever arrives with damaged product, please contact us ASAP via email at info@qedskincare.com or call us on +61 (2) 9388 9397. We will get a replacement out to you, at our cost, immediately.
CAN I CANCEL MY ORDER IF I CHANGE MY MIND?
You may change or cancel your order as long as it has not yet been dispatched from our premises.  You can check this by tracking your order using the link in your order confirmation email.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY ORDER TO ARRIVE?

If an order comes in before 2pm on a business day, we make every effort to despatch it the same day.  Otherwise, it goes out the next business day.

Delivery times however, will vary depending on where you live.
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING?
Within Australia - Shipping: (via Sendle or Australia Post)
Orders $75 and over are FREE
Orders under $75:  are charged $10
International shipping costs are calculated according to weight and will display at checkout.
DOES QED SKINCARE SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes, QED ships products internationally.
International shipping costs are calculated according to weight and will display at checkout.International customers are responsible for paying their own Taxes and duties. 
WHAT IS QED'S RETURN POLICY?
We offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee. as we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. Please refer to our returns page for more information
Shoshana says: "I am not interested in a quick sale.  I am looking to help people long-term.  I love it when people bring back a product.  That is the opportunity to find them the perfect, supportive solution.  And then they become our customers for life."

MARKETING & PR

I WOULD LIKE TO FEATURE QED PRODUCTS IN A PUBLICATION, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
For any PR enquires or if you would like Shoshana to give her advice on skin conditions, please contact us at PR@qedskincare.com
I AM AN INFLUENCER. HOW CAN I COLLABORATE WITH QED AND HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH?
We are open to collaborating with social media influencers if they are the right fit. If you are an influencer and feel that you are a good fit with QED Skincare, please feel free to send an introduction and a link to your social media accounts through to QED at marketing@qedskincare.com

BECOMING A QED STOCKIST

I HAVE A SPA & WOULD LOVE TO START USING QED PRODUCTS IN MY BUSINESS. HOW DO I SIGN UP?
We would love to hear from Spas and Salons who would like to partner with us. Please email us at info@qedskincare.com and we will be in contact with you
I WOULD LOVE TO STOCK QED PRODUCTS. HOW DO I MAKE CONTACT?
If you would like to stock QED products either online or in your store, please email us at info@qedskincare.com.  We look forward to working with like-minded retailers both within Australia and Internationally.

THE QED FACIAL CLINIC

I LIVE IN SYDNEY AND WOULD LOVE TO EXPERIENCE QED PRODUCTS, IS THERE SOMEWHERE I CAN GO?
Yes, you can fully immerse yourself in the QED experience with one of our wonderful treatments using only QED products. Click for more information about treatments available.  You are also welcome to play with any of the products in our showroom.  An ideal option is to book in for a complimentary Skincare Consult, using the link below.
WHERE IS THE QED FACIAL CLINIC?
The QED Clinic is located at Shop 1, 11 Bellevue Road, Bellevue Hill. Parking is easy and the clinic is only 5 mins drive from Bondi Junction.