ttt

Let’s be honest

For people who know real quality, there’s no question that Leyende is special.

We do the right thing by using truly certified organic ingredients from licensed international farmers and producers.

We go through a passionately handmade, fossil fuel-free production process so that each product is a result of our commitment to a cleaner, safer environment.

We invest in real people, not slick ads. We empower hardworking women from disadvantaged backgrounds through training and livelihood programs.

We do it right or not at all.

Because when it comes down to it, we’re concerned about integrity. Our customers are lifetime users who are happy and healthy — not sales statistics who merely “try” organic products.

If you’re looking for true quality, we believe you deserve the real deal. Don’t you?

What does Leyende mean?

Leyende comes from the Spanish word “leyenda” which means legend.

The brand reflects the playful product names referring to popular novels, stories or films. Leyende also refers to the concept of “legendary skin” which many people want to attain.

Leyende promotes simple, healthy, lasting beauty through handmade, organic products that are safe even for most sensitive or delicate skin.

Is there a difference between organic and natural? What about organic and botanical?

Yes, there is a big difference among products marketed as “natural” or “botanical” as opposed to organic products.

“Natural” products encompass a general range of products produced in a manner that is found in nature. For example, soap is a natural product whether it uses plant-based ingredients or not because soap-formation is a naturally-occurring process in nature (usually formed when the ashes from a burnt tree is soaked with rainwater, producing lye, a base for soap).

So even if soap was produced in a laboratory using synthetic chemicals, it can be called “natural” simply because the process itself “occurs in nature.”

The term “botanical” simply means the product has ingredients derived from plants. It could be just one tiny component of the product or all of it, but the point is, any product using any plant-based extract or ingredient may label itself botanical. This term has been widely abused, downplaying the benefits of the products that do use mostly herbs and plant-based ingredients.

A product may be natural and botanical, but it does not follow that it is organic. In current terms, organic products mean that the ingredients used were grown, harvested and produced without chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics and the like.

Surefire signs that your product is truly organic: it’s made from certified organic ingredients from licensed suppliers. Always ask the source. Other indications are:

•    Organic products are usually handmade and manual labor-intensive, and therefore, more expensive to make or produce. The principles of organic living are geared toward a healthier, safer, ecologically-conscious and more humane way of living that connects man to his natural environment.

•    Organic bath and body products like Leyende use safe, natural preservatives like grapefruit extract, rosemary extract, ylang ylang essential oil, orris root extract. Some Leyende products with organic honey, like soap, and the pure beeswax in lipbalm, are practically non-perishable by themselves. A natural preservative, sodium gluconate, is used to preserve liquid products and keep bacterial growth at bay

Why are Leyende products more expensive than natural or botanical products?

Leyende products are handmade, which means it is time and labor-intensive. It also requires double the effort to maintain a high quality while meeting consumer demands.

Also, organic ingredients are more expensive than synthetically produced ones – many of which are not available or very difficult to procure in the Philippines. Most of Leyende’s ingredients are imported from countries like Africa, Australia, India, France, Brazil, etc. to make sure that the products contain high-quality, truly organic ingredients, including the fragrances.

Still, as much as possible, Leyende supports local industries through its livelihood and training programs.

True quality comes at a price. Leyende’s accredited organic sources ensures the best ingredients passionately handmade by empowered women.

What makes Leyende unique from other bath and body products out there?

Leyende is a brand that strives to be environmentally responsible and to support sustainability practices. When you use Leyende, you are doing your part to help the restoration and rehabilitation of our environment.

The products are made from organic, and therefore, biodegradable ingredients that won’t harmfully contaminate the groundwater and soil.

The packaging is recyclable and some are acid-free to ensure no adverse effects to the environment when it is finally disposed. Our disposed packaging or containers are immediately routed to a Materials Recycling Facility. We give incentives for those who refill their containers with their reorders to encourage environmental responsibility.

Our packaging and bags are made from recycled and reusable material. In addition, some of the materials we use are made from rattan and abaca in an effort to support the local cottage industry.

What about BFAD Licensing?

The Bureau of Food and Drugs Administration is similar to the function of the FDA or USDA.

Leyende’s BFAD License Number is RD1 - MM - CDW – 909

Still, Leyende products don’t make any claims of whitening, anti-aging, or therapeutic effects.