Frequently Asked Questions
Are your products vegan friendly?
We do not say or claim that our products are suitable for vegans. This is because there are products that contain animal bi-product ingredients, for example Sunright Lip Balm, which contains bee's wax.
Our Pharmanex supplements have not been formulated to be free of animal ingredients or animal by-products (unless otherwise specified). The process of confirming whether a product is suitable for a vegetarian is not as simple as simply looking at the ingredient. Unfortunately, raw ingredients suppliers are not required to track the plant versus animal origin of excipients (helper ingredients), unless Pharmanex/Nu Skin specifies the need for a vegan/vegetarian version of the ingredient. At the present time it is difficult to certify with absolute certainty that there have been no animal derived ingredients used at some point in the manufacturing process of the raw ingredient, before the raw ingredients are purchased by Pharmanex/Nu Skin. However, we can confirm that all ingredients used in Pharmanex products meet our stringent quality specifications according to the 6S quality process and legal regulations.
Regarding our Pharmanex products, the capsules that we use for some of the supplements (R2, TR90, Tēgreen, etc.) are made from a mixture of porcine and bovine (pork and cow) therefore, they are not vegan friendly. The supplements that are in tablet form, for example: LifePak+, BioGinko and OverDrive, all have a very thin coating of gelatine. This gelatine is made from fish. The reason they have a coating is for safety reasons. It makes them easier to swallow. This type of coating is also used on some types of medicine and other brands of supplements.
Do you test on animals?
With regards to animal testing, we only test on animals when the law requires it. We follow the rules within EMEA (Europe/Middle East/Africa) and since there is no required animal testing in these regions, it means that our products are not tested on animals.
Our ingredients are tested in-vitro. If animal testing is conducted, only the final product would be tested, not specific or individual ingredients.
Just like all normal drugs you might take from time to time (headache pills etc.) are required to have an animal testing phase before they are tested on humans, the same rule applies for supplements (only supplements, not skin care products) in some countries. Therefore, it is necessary for Nu Skin by law to perform animal studies on certain supplements in a few countries. While the laws and mandates may begin to change, at present they do require some animal testing (mandatory). This is not conducted by Nu Skin, but rather the government conducts the required tests. The government/testing agency will request a specified amount of product needed to conduct the testing necessary. We, Nu Skin, do not select nor run the test or even set up the testing with the laboratory; all of it is handled by the government. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with more information in this regard.
Animal research plays a crucial role in scientists' understanding of diseases and in the development of effective medical treatments, and despite supplements being ‘natural’ they are still ingested and can still cause large effects/side effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration, it is not possible at this time to entirely abandon animal testing and still assure human health and safety.
With that being said, we are committed to the development of non-animal testing. The company has contributed to the Centre for Alternatives to Animal testing at John Hopkins University and will continue to support the development of alternatives to animal testing. We hope that this research with time will eliminate animal trials completely.
Can I use your products if I am pregnant or breast feeding?
As much as we would like to help, we are unfortunately not able to advise if any of our products are suitable for use during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. This is because we have not tested any of our products on pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
We do not think that they would have an adverse effect as many women continue to take supplements and use creams during pregnancy/breastfeeding. However, we would advise you to consult your GP to be sure, as we are aware especially with supplements during pregnancy you are recommended to take a specific amount. When going to the GP, take a copy of the Product Information Page (PIP) for the product you are interested in using, which will show the GP what the product is and its ingredients. This will then help the GP to see if this product is suitable to be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially if you also have any other conditions or medication.
Which products can my child use?
A great product to use on your little one is our Epoch Baby Hibiscus Hair and Body Wash. Unfortunately, the rest of our products are produced and tested on those who are aged 18 and older.
Which Pharmanex products can my child take?
Except for JVi, which is suitable for all ages, our Pharmanex products are produced only for those who are fully developed. Therefore, we only recommend taking our supplements at the ages of 18 and older.
I have a medical condition, which Pharmanex products can I take?
We are unfortunately not able to advise if any of our products are suitable for any kind of medical condition, illness or skin condition, or pregnancy. This is because we are not a medical company and therefore have not tested any of our products on such individuals. All our products are tested on healthy individuals with intact healthy skin. We would advise you to take a copy of the Product Information Pages or the ingredient list to your GP. Based on this information, your GP should be able to determinate if the product is safe and suitable with consideration to your specific medical condition, allergy or any medication you might be consuming in conjunction with our products.