Florence is our highly qualified skin care advisor and chief formulator of Body Essence products. She serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of PureTek Corporation, where she oversees research, product development, clinical testing and regulatory affairs.

She has over thirty years of experience in the beauty and pharmaceutical industries, and her formulations have been integral in the launch of hundreds of successful hair, skin and body care products under various PureTek brands.

Florence is highly credentialed, including active memberships in the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Regulatory Affairs Society, American Chemical Society, and Beauty Industry West. She is also a designated representative of the California Board of Pharmacy and a Regional Councilor of the FDC Division of the American Society of Quality.

She holds a B.S. Chemistry degree from the University of the Philippines and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Our resident skin care advisor and chief formulator, Florence Nacino, has compiled a list of commonly asked questions to help you learn more about Body Essence®. If you would like to ask us a question that you don't see here, please send us an e-mail at expert@body-essence.com.

Why choose body wash over bar soap?

Regular bar soaps tend to remove the natural oils of the skin. Body Essence Body Wash products, unlike the usual bar soaps, are formulated with emollients and moisturizers that keep the skin hydrated and flexible.

Why choose Body Essence versus other body wash products?

Every Body Essence Ultra Moisturizing Body Wash provides superior moisturization properties that leaves your skin fresh, clean and conditioned. We use the finest ingredients, including olive oil and silky proteins, to replenish and nourish the skin to keep it smooth, soft and glowing.

What is meant by the phrase "Ultra Moisturizing"?

Most body wash products contain detergents or surfactants to cleanse. These traditional ingredients are harsh to the skin. However, Body Essence Ultra Moisturizing Body Washes are enriched with Shea Butter and naturally derived botanical ingredients that linger on the skin to hydrate and moisturize.

Are certain Body Essence products recommended for somewhat oily skin?

All Body Essence Body Washes provides a perfect balance of moisture, making any of them suitable for overly oily skin.

How long do the products last (before they go "bad")?

Body washes, body lotions, and body butters are cosmetic products and have no expiration dates. We recommend that you use within two years of purchase for optimal performance.

What are humectants and emollients? Are they in Body Essence formulas?

Humectants are hydrating agents such as glycerin and butylene glycol. Emollients are substances that are used to relieve the skin of dryness by preventing the loss of moisture from the stratum corneum. This is possible by leaving a thin lipid film on the skin. Examples of emollients in the Body Essence products include Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Apricot Oil, Soybean Oil, Safflower Oil, and Vegetable Oil.

What are the "Butter Beads" and how do they work?

Shea Butter Beads are infused into each of our "Beaded" Body Essence Body Washes. These microencapsulated beads burst on contact to provide deep-moisturization to your skin.

What are the skin care benefits of soy protein?

Soy protein is a skin conditioning agent that helps to reduce the irritation caused by detergents. It can increase the ability of the skin to retain moisture.

How do tea extracts protect my skin?

Tea extracts serve as an antioxidant protecting the skin from free radicals.

How does my skin benefit from vitamins?

We use vitamins like A, C and E, plus Panthenol (B5) because they are natural antioxidants with repairing and moisturizing properties.

What can cause dry skin? What should I do for it?

Dry skin is caused by lack of water retention in the stratum corneum, a result of prolonged detergent use, malnutrition, or physical damage to the skin. Use emollients to maintain skin hydration such as found in our Body Essence Antibacterial Lotions, Organic Lotions and Organic Body Butters.

What is a body butter? When should I use it?

Body Butter is an ultra-moisturizing, creamy emollient that leaves skin luxuriously soft, elastic, and smooth with rich, creamy coverage to seal in moisture. Use generously after bathing to moisturize entire body, particularly feet, elbows and knees.

Are Body Essence products pH balanced, and why do I need that?

Yes, Body Essence products are pH balanced. They have pH values similar to the pH of the skin, therefore are less irritating.

How often can I use the exfoliating body wash?

Body Essence Olive & Honey Exfoliating Body Wash is a gentle exfoliating body wash with deep moisturizing ingredients, and it is non-drying. It can be used daily.

What are the benefits of organic products?

Organic products are natural and processed without chemicals. They are particularly desirable for people with extremely sensitive skin or at-risk for allergic reactions. Body Essence offers nine different organic formulations, including body washes, lotions and body butters.

How does a product qualify to be organic?

California HSC 110838(a) states that 70% of the ingredients in a cosmetic product must be organic to make an organic claim. Also, the product is manufactured in a licensed organic manufacturing facility and independently verified by a third party. All of Body Essence Organic products meet or exceed these organic requirements.

Are your products animal tested?

Body Essence does not test any products on animals.

Are animal products or byproducts used in Body Essence or Body Essence Organics?

Body Essence does not use animal products or animal by-products in any of its products.

Where can I purchase Body Essence?

Visit our Where To Buy page for a list of stores and online retailers.

Where can I find discontinued items?

Please contact Body Essence customer service at 1-877-921-7873 or email info@puretekcorp.com