faq

Here are answers to some common questions we get. If you can't find what you are looking for here, email Adriana - she'll be glad to help you!

I can't understand your ingredients - what do they mean?

In an effort to homogenize ingredient labels around the world, Canada, the United States and Europe have created INCI terms so that each ingredient will have one INCI term, regardless of which country is manufacturing or labelling the product. While their goal is understandable, it really puts the customer at a disadvantage, because most of our clients do not speak or read Latin (which is the language used). To assist you, we have compiled our ingredient page, which lists both INCI and common terms for each ingredient we use, plus an alphabetical cross-reference for these.

Are your products all natural?

At Tiber River, we have a commitment to our customers as well as to the environment. We carefully choose each and every ingredient we put into our products. As the ones who develop, test and manufacture every single product we sell, we know exactly what goes into each one. All the ingredients we use, with the exception of some fragrance oils, are naturally derived.

If you are all natural, why do you use fragrance oils?

Great question! We made a decision a long time ago to provide what our customers want - after all, if we didn't, we would be out of business! So, we did extensive research, interviewed hundreds of customers and studied what products customers were consistently requesting. You came back at us with overwhelming response - keep the fragrance oils!! So we did. That being said, however, we didn't chose just any fragrances, we chose only the highest quality oils. We spend a lot of money developing the best fragrance oil combinations available to us, and it shows in our products. The most consistent thing we hear at Tiber River, is how good everything smells. We take pride in offering our customers the best smelling products around!!

What are your products made of?

If you read the labels on our products, (presuming you understand Latin, of course!) you will notice that they read more like a food label than a cosmetic label. Most ingredients we use are food grade, even our preservative. We use many different types of vegetable oils, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, honey, hemp, nuts, etc.

How long do they last?

We have tested all our products and on average, they have a year shelf life. We don't recommend leaving products for any length of time. If you buy them, you should use them!! A lot of customers tell us they hoard their Tiber River products and savour them, bringing them out only on special occasions because they are so valuable. Don't do it!! We want everyone to be able to enjoy quality products and price everything accordingly. You can afford our products and you should enjoy them. Our products are best when used fresh!

How are your products formulated?

While we can't divulge any trade secrets, we can tell you that Adriana has developed each and every product we offer. She has researched hundreds of ingredients, developed thousands of formula's and tested every product until it is perfect. She is constantly changing and improving our products, to make them even better! Since we manufacture everything, we are able to make immediate changes to our formulations as we find better ingredients. You, as our customer, are the beneficiary of this ability!

Why are you called Tiber River?

According to legend, soap was discovered at the banks of the Tiber River, in Rome, Italy. There is a hill on the Tiber, called Sapo Hill. Here, the Romans would sacrifice animals to the gods. When it rained, all of the oils from the animals, along with the ashes from the wood, would wash into the Tiber. To make soap (real soap, not detergents!), you need oils, water and something to bind them together. The ashes acted as the binding agent for the water and the oils, thus getting the people who washed clothes and bodies in the Tiber, cleaner than ever before. And from that was born Saponification (from which comes the name Sapo!). And so, given that Adriana is of Italian descent, and began her business making soap, she found it a perfect name!

Is this the only location?

NO! We are happy to announce the opening of our second location at Unit 3 - 1650 Kenaston Blvd. For now, we are happy with our two locations but we are already planning the next chapter in the Tiber River saga. We are on the best roller coaster ride in the world and are enjoying every second of it - and the best part is, it's only just begun!! Come join us! You can ride along with us by reading our blog at www.tiberriver.typepad.com.