There are both natural and synthetic chemicals in the world. Natural chemicals are produced by nature without any human intervention. Synthetic chemicals are made by humans using methods different than those nature uses, and these chemical structures may or may not be found in nature. Synthetic chemicals can also be made from a natural product (i.e. they are naturally derived).

Preservatives are natural or synthetic ingredients that are added to personal care products to prevent spoilage from microbial growth or undesirable chemical changes. They are essential in most products to prevent product damage caused by microorganisms and to protect the product from inadvertent contamination by consumers during use. Without preservatives, cosmetic products, just like food, can become contaminated, leading to product spoilage and possibly irritation or infections. Microbial contamination of products, especially those used around the eyes and on the skin, can cause significant problems, and preservatives help to prevent such problems.

Some say that “natural” means occurring in nature, while “naturally derived” means that it has been created using ingredients from naturally occurring sources.

“Organic cosmetics” has little meaning because, like “natural”, it is not regulated. However, organic is soil-based farming that sometimes utilizes manure for fertilizer.

Marlo products go beyond traditional “organic” since there is no soil or manure involved in the growing process. Hydroponics are greener and cleaner!

Some studies have shown that hydroponic produce can be more flavorful, have more nutritional benefits and a longer shelf life when compared to conventionally grown produce. Hydroponic produce is definitely healthier because pesticides and chemical fertilizers aren’t used. Because we source hydroponic tomatoes locally, they are at peak freshness — less transport time means they retain their vitamins and nutrients.

The standard for organics has traditionally referred to growing done in soil, and since we don’t even use soil, Marlo actually goes beyond the organic standard for soil farming. With no soil, there’s no risk of soil impurities, heavy metals, pollutants, groundwater contamination, and no use of manure. It’s cleaner and greener! We also do not use any genetically modified tomatoes.

“Organic cosmetics” has little meaning because, like “natural,” it is not regulated.  However, organic is soil-based farming that sometimes utilizes manure for fertilizer.  We can assure you that all of our products are 100% non-toxic and paraben-free, and we do not use extracts or ingredients that have been subject to pesticides.

Forget that — there’s no such spin here: we can say that all of Marlo products are made of primarily plant-based ingredients, 100% non-toxic, and contain no parabens. They are completely free of gluten, dyes and pigments, pesticides, fragrance, animal-derived ingredients, benzoyl peroxide, plus a whole host of other nasties. Since we do use any animal-derived materials, our products are also vegan.

We use hydroponic tomatoes to make our skincare products, which means the tomatoes are grown using water, not soil. In a hydroponic farming system, water is recycled and reused — hydroponics uses roughly 1/20th the amount of water used in traditional farming. Hydroponic plants are grown in greenhouses, which means that there is no soil depletion, and since hydroponics is sans chemical fertilizers and pesticides, there is no contaminated water run-off into fresh bodies of water. We also do not do any animal testing to make our products.

Our jars are made of 100% recyclable glass, not plastic and we omitted the plastic liner that is often used inside the jar, which also means that the size impression of the jar is true to the eye. The cap is metallized and treated using a non-aerosol process, so it does not emit dangerous volatile organic particles into the environment.

Our carton is made from paper that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC certified), ensuring that our packaging supplier complies with environmentally sound paper sourcing. The supplier also uses Renewable Choice, a leading global provider of customized clean energy services, to support renewable energy and wind power at their plants.

Sustainability is at the core of our brand. We are constantly reviewing our processes to see if we can improve upon them. We seek to partner with suppliers that possess the same philosophy.

Hydroponics is the art and science of growing plants in water, not soil, so there is no need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or manure, which are used in conventional and/or organic farming. Growing in water means the tomatoes are not vulnerable to soil-borne pests, pollutants, heavy metals or other soil impurities that conventional farms are. Hydroponics is a very clean agricultural technology that minimizes the risk of soil contaminants. By growing indoors in greenhouses, the growing environment is highly controlled; we also don’t have to worry about weather or other external forces affecting crops.

We aim to source all of our tomatoes from local hydroponic growers. By sourcing locally, we get the freshest possible tomatoes we can because transportation distances are short. Plus, by minimizing transportation distances, we minimize carbon emissions, which reduces our carbon footprint. Local sourcing also enables us to support our region’s agricultural economy. Lycopene is the bright red compound found naturally in all tomatoes, so we do not limit ourselves to any specific variety and use the standard tomato for their extraction, making sure they are used at their peak ripeness.

Hydroponics is the art and science of growing plants in water, not soil. Water that is enriched with minerals and nutrients is delivered directly to plants. The water used in hydroponics is recycled and reused, so it actually significantly reduces the total amount of water and energy consumed relative to traditional farming — hydroponics uses only 1/20th the amount of water in comparison! Because no soil is used, soil nutrients aren’t depleted, and land is conserved. Plus, there is no need to use pesticides to guard against soil-borne pests, and no toxins, soil impurities, or groundwater contamination. Using hydroponics leads to a healthier tomato and a healthier environment.

We are the first company based entirely on hydroponics. Our formulas will all be powered by hydroponic plant-based extracts, meaning the active ingredient will come from hydroponically grown tomatoes. Marlo aims to support and encourage hydroponic farming, a more sustainable way to farm that has a reduced negative impact on the environment.

Our active ingredient, Super-Lycopene Hydrosol, will always be a hydroponic plant-based extract. Of course, there will be other ingredients that are needed to create the final product, and these will always be as pure, non-toxic, and sustainable as we can get them. We formulate with the low toxicity standards set by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Our exclusive Super-Lycopene Hydrosol is the key ingredient that drives efficacy. It is boosted by a combination of other delightful, non-toxic ingredients such as coco butter, grapeseed oil, shea butter, and sodium hyaluronate.

In addition to our plant-based ingredients we use non-toxic, safe synthetic ingredients, which are derived from natural ingredients. These ingredients help stabilize the formula to ensure all the good-for-you active ingredients continue work to their fullest potential.

We use an effective preservative system that is a blend of multifunctional ingredients derived from vegetable sources that are free of parabens, isothiazolinones and formaldehyde donors.  

marlo is free of any animal-derived materials.

marlo is cruelty free; we do not test on animals.

Our cream is free of synthetic fragrance. However, we do use organic Geranium Oil at extremely low levels for their efficacious properties. This essential oil is known to effectively eliminate dead cells, tighten the skin, promote the regeneration of new skin, and diminish signs of aging. From an aromatherapeutic perspective, it has been known to help improve cognitive function, balance emotions by reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, fatigue and tension, and enhance concentration.

Coco Butter and Shea Butter are grown on trees, and although it is possible to grow a tree hydroponically, the size and weight of the tree and their root systems do not handle the hydroponic process well. Only our Super-Lycopene Hydrosol is derived from hydroponically grown tomatoes.

Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide is the polysaccharide derived from the Tamarind Seed. This polysaccharide is the highly concentrated moisturizing component of Tamarind Seed and provides additional vitamins, minerals and amino acids to the skin to keep it healthy, hydrated and supple.