FAQ

Do you have specific questions regarding our products, applications, skin, ingredients or our company in general? We look forward to answering them in detail and publish the most frequently asked questions in this section. The answers are regularly updated as the state of science, technology and dermatology is constantly developing and changing. We trust that we can help you and your skin with this information.

  • Is urea suitable for mature skin?

    Products containing urea are ideal for dry skin. This is because urea penetrates the skin and binds water there, providing better hydration. Urea is a substance produced naturally in the body. The skin is not thinner when using urea, but rather better padded because it is better moisturised.

  • What are biostimulants?

    The biostimulants consist of amino acids. Originally, the amino acids were extracted from human placenta - this is of course unthinkable today. Today the amino acids are synthetically reproduced and can be found in almost all Louis Widmer products. We call this mixture biostimulins or biostimulators. INCI: Collagen Amino Acids, as these are the components of collagen. The amino acids used in the biostimulines are glycine, L-proline, L-leucine, L-histidine, L-lysine, L-phenylalanine, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-threonine, L-valine

  • Secondary packaging coding

    To date, codes had been printed, which was quite a complicated process. Two expensive machines and involved handling were necessary since the packages had to be preprinted before the packaging process. This yielded a great deal of scrap since many more packages were always printed than necessary. The code is now stamped on while packaging. Waste is therefore omitted, and there is no more fast-drying solvent-based ink, to the benefit of the environment.

  • Does Louis Widmer use collagen derived from animal sources?

    The collagen we use is exclusively synthetic. No animal or human raw materials are used. They are therefore not of animal origin.

  • Why does deodorant leave marks on clothing?

    Deodorants, which have an antiperspirant effect (antiperspirants) contain aluminium chlorohydrates as the main active ingredient. This compound can cause stubborn stains on some fabrics. To prevent this, we recommend that you let the deodorant dry well after application. The deodorant should also be applied sparingly to avoid contact with sweat and the fabric. In case of heavy sweating, the deodorant product can also be applied in the evening before going to bed. The effect of our deodorants lasts at least 24 hours. If, despite all precautions, stains appear on the white fabric, you can treat them with Javel water and try to remove the stains. Alternatively we recommend our deodorant roll-on without aluminium salts. So no stains can occur. However, the effect is less than with deodorants containing antiperspirants.

  • Filling quantity / remainder in tube

    For all articles of daily use, the quantity filled in must always be declared. It is true that, depending on the viscosity of the contents, not everything can always be easily removed from tubes, bottles or even dispensers. However, since we overfill all skin care products with 2-4%, at least the declared quantity can be taken out of the tube if the tube is carefully squeezed out. The tube can also be cut open to access the remaining contents. In this case, however, the product must be used up within the next few days. The filling quantity of our products is regularly checked by the authorities (calibration master). We have never had any complaints about underfilling.

  • Do HEV rays (blue light) damage the skin?

    To date, there are no validated studies that allow more precise statements to be made as to whether this type of light (HEV=high energy visible light), which comes from screens, is really damaging to the skin or whether the damage is within the normal range. More detailed studies are underway. The fact is that UV and visible radiation can cause stress in the skin in the form of free radicals that are formed in the skin. In our products we counteract this by using vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate). Vitamin E can neutralize free radicals and thus prevent damage before it occurs. Vitamin E is primarily contained in our products because of UV radiation, but it can also neutralize free radicals that are produced by visible light. The new Rich Day Cream UV 30 also contains the active ingredient Dragosine®, which stimulates collagen synthesis and protects the skin from damage caused by UV, infrared and blue light.

  • What are the properties of hyaluronic acid?

    Hyaluronic acid is known as an effective agent in the field of "anti-ageing". The body's own substance is also used in therapy for joint problems. Chemically speaking, hyaluronic acid is a chain of sugar molecules. This makes hyaluronic acid interesting for both medicine and cosmetics. This is because sugar has the property of binding water. Hyaluronic acid against wrinkles can bind about 6000 times more water than its own weight. Therefore, the product is ideal for use against wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid also offers other advantages: As it is naturally present in the body, it is extremely skin-friendly. This is because the structure of the molecule is identical in all organisms. The name is somewhat misleading: it is not an acid, but a multiple sugar compound that is responsible for the elastic properties of the skin in the outermost layer of the skin. In the dermis, hyaluron gives structure to the gel substance between the cells. It supports the moisture booster and the functions of the supporting collagen fibers as an anti-ageing all-rounder.

  • International delivery / availability

    We sell our products in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, in the Netherlands and in Belgium and through our selected partners in these countries: Belarus, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, China, Finland, Albania and Moldova.

  • What are isothiazolinones?

    These are preservatives that have been widely used in the past. They are often known by their commercial name, such as Kathon CG or Euxyl K100. These substances may now only be used in products that are rinsed. Louis Widmer has never used these substances because of their high allergic potential.

  • Do Louis Widmer products contain comedogenic ingredients?

    Louis Widmer usually only uses raw materials that are known to be non-comedogenic or hardly comedogenic. This fact was given special attention during the development of the Skin Appeal product line, because these products are used for acne care. Comedogenic reactions with our products are therefore very rare.

  • Is there a difference in female and male skincare?

    Basically, a woman's skin and a man's skin have the same structure. It also ages in the same way, i.e. collagen is broken down to about the same extent and skin wrinkles develop. However, skin is not just skin, but each person has his or her own individual needs. These depend on external factors such as UV radiation, cold-heat, dry skin vs. oily skin, heavy sweating etc. There are significant differences, but not only between women and men. Men usually want simple care. So not numerous products, but a few. Taking this into account, products for men can be quite different from those for women, because men's products have to cover several functions at the same time, for which women use different products. Louis Widmer has certainly oriented its care products more towards women, but since we carry almost every product lightly perfumed and also without perfume, our products are also very popular with men.

  • How can you care for a scar?

    The eye cream is a cosmetic product. With regard to the care of scars, we therefore do not make official advertising for the product, as this is not permitted. However, the eye cream is used a lot for the treatment of wounds, as the high vitamin A content of the cream has a positive effect. The scar becomes more inconspicuous, brighter and less voluminous. The cream is applied 2 weeks after stitches are removed, for up to 6 months.

  • Are Louis Widmer sun products safe for water?

    Our aim: to protect the skin and respect the environment Certain UV filters used in sun creams are suspected to damage corals and fish (in addition to other causes). The substances dissolve in water and coat the corals like an invisible film. They thus cause so-called coral bleaching. If the bleaching continues for longer periods, the corals die off entirely. A quarter of all fish species in our oceans live in coral reefs. As a result of coral bleaching, the fish leave their habitat. In response, Hawaii was the first US federal state to pass a law banning the sale of sun protection products containing the UV filters oxybenzone (benzophenone 3) and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate). This law is in effect since 1 January 2021. None of Louis Widmer’s sun care preparations contain oxybenzone (benzophenone 3) or octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate).

  • Does Louis Widmer use palm oil in the production of its products?

    Palm oil is not used in any of our products. We require certificates/confirmations from all our raw material and active ingredient suppliers regarding the origin of natural substances, active ingredients and excipients. This also applies to derivatives of controversial natural substances.

  • What does PAO (Period After Opening) mean?

    Since 2003, laws governing cosmetics have prescribed the following: A “period after opening” (PAO) must be noted on all products that have a shelf-life greater than 30 months. Within this period, the product must be able to be safely used and perform satisfactorily.

  • Do Louis Widmer products contain parabens?

    Since 2014, all our skin care products have been produced without parabens.

  • Is there a difference between scented and non-scented Louis Widmer products?

    Louis Widmer usually offers a lightly scented and an non-scented version of the same product, because there are customers who like to have good-smelling products, while others do not want a fragrance or even have a fragrance allergy. The customer therefore has a free choice, according to his needs. The products are identical in terms of effectiveness. Both product variants contain the same active ingredients in the same concentration.

  • Where can you find information on the perfume on the product?

    If a product contains perfume, this is noted in the INCI. The 26 potential fragrance allergens that must be reported are also listed. The rest of the perfume composition remains the secret of the perfumer.

  • What are the differences between the Louis Widmer peeling products?

    The two Louis Widmer products Facial Peeling and Skin Appeal Peeling are differently effective. The facial peeling only has an abrasive effect, i.e. skin scales are only removed mechanically by the peeling bodies in the product. The facial peeling can be used daily because it exfoliates gently. The Skin Appeal Peeling has a much more intensive effect. In addition to the peeling bodies, it also contains fruit acids, which make a chemical peeling. The Skin Appeal Peeling therefore has an overall more intensive, deeper and lasting effect. Therefore it should only be used every second day.

  • What are the pH values of Louis Widmer products?

    As a company committed to dermatology, we adjust all skin care products to a skin-friendly pH value of 5-7. This corresponds to the slightly acidic pH value of the skin. Exceptions are special preparations which have to be adjusted to a more acidic pH (e.g. disinfecting or peeling products for the treatment of impure skin or acne). In the case of the oily night creams or some of the rich creams in the Remederm line, the pH value cannot be measured directly because these are water in oil emulsions (W/O) which have the oily phase on the outside. However, the pH can only be measured in the water phase. The water phase is adjusted to a slightly acidic pH value of approx. 6 during production.

  • What is PPD?

    The persistent pigment darkening method (PPD) is a method for measuring UVA protection, similar to the SPF method for measuring sunburn protection (UVB). Although the method is still used by some manufacturers, it has largely been replaced by the more recent international standard ISO 24443. All our sun protection products are tested according to the ISO standard. The standard is met when the UVA protection is at least 1/3 of the UVB protection. All our products exceed this ratio, they offer significantly better protection than the minimum requirements of the standard.

  • Which products can be used with psoriasis and neurodermatitis?

    The Remederm Dry Skin line by Louis Widmer was developed especially for the treatment of very dry skin and for the treatment of neurodermatitis. All products have been tested by dermatologists and in dermatological clinics on children and adults. Remederm Dry Skin Creme, Remederm Dry Skin Creme Fluid, Remederm Dry Skin Face Cream and Remederm Dry Skin Body Milk 5% Urea are particularly suitable for eczematous, stressed and damaged skin. Remederm Dry Skin products are also ideal for psoriasis. On severely inflamed areas the effect of the Remederm Dry Skin Body Milk 5% Urea can be too strong. But once the inflammation has subsided, this product can also be used. For very dry skin, we recommend using one of the above creams after showering with the Remederm Dry Skin Shower Oil. Remederm Dry Skin creams and emulsions are also available fragrance-free. In case of inflamed skin we recommend Remederm Dry Skin Cream with Silver for disinfection, when the skin condition has normalised you can continue with normal Remederm Dry Skin Cream.

  • Where does Louis Widmer buy the raw materials?

    As of March 2021: 3/4 of the raw materials come from Europe (incl. CH). The rest comes from Asia and America, with China accounting for just 2%.

  • Which Louis Widmer products are recommended for rosacea?

    We recommend that you avoid creams or emulsions that contain a lot of fat. Light day creams, emulsions or moisturising fluids are unproblematic and do not have a negative effect on rosacea (Emulsion Hydro-Active, Day Cream, Moisturising Fluid UV, Tonique without alcohol or the products of the Skin Appeal line). Extrait Liposomal is also suitable as a supplement to day care. However, if your skin becomes very dry during the cold season, we recommend that you occasionally apply a small amount of night cream to dry skin areas (Creme Vitalisante). To remove make-up we recommend our mild eye make-up remover Waterproof. On sunny days sun protection is especially important. Our low-fat Sun Gel 30 is ideal for this. If your rosacea cannot be controlled or causes too much skin problems, you should consult a dermatologist who can give you a cream against rosacea if necessary, which can help in medium and severe cases.

  • Why does my cream start pilling?

    The disadvantage of gel bases can, in rare cases, be the phenomenon of "pilling" that you describe. Depending on the skin type, fine, soft particles can then form on the skin. However, this only happens if other products are used in addition to the cream used. So please make sure that you apply the day cream or sunscreen in the morning to cleansed skin and allow it to be absorbed well into the horny layer. Only then, if necessary, should other cosmetic products be applied.

  • Which products are suitable for use during pregnancy?

    All products from our cosmetics range can be used without any problems during or before pregnancy. Reservations are only made for some pharmaceutical products, which are only available on prescription. There it concerns especially the vitamin A acid. During pregnancy we recommend our MamaDerm Stretch Marks Prevention Cream to prevent stretch marks.

  • Why do the sun products discolour textiles?

    The problem of possible discolouration of textiles by sun creams / sprays is well known. Due to new legal regulations, the sun protection products with high factors available on the market today contain a very high proportion of UV-A filters. These can cause yellowish discolouration on the fabric if the cream/spray gets on the textiles. We recommend to let the cream/spray penetrate well and to avoid contact with shirt or T-shirt or other textiles. However, the yellow colouring can be washed out by treating the discoloured areas with citric acid before washing. The discolourations are pre-treated with 1% citric acid. After 30 min. soaking time the discoloured garment can be washed. If, contrary to our experience, there are still stains after the initial treatment, the treatment can be repeated.

  • What can you do if your eyes burn after applying the sun cream?

    Most sunscreen products burn when they get into the mucous membranes of the eyes. This is especially true since European legislation requires a very high concentration of UVA filters in addition to UVB filters to ensure the required UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. To prevent sun protection from getting into the eyes, we recommend avoiding the eye area and wearing sunglasses. These protect the eyes and the surrounding areas around the eyes. Our Sun Protection Face 50+ sun cream is also recommended. This was specially developed for use around the eye area and has a clinically proven, high eye tolerance.

  • Are Louis Widmer products tested on animals?

    No animal experiments have ever been conducted for our preparations, neither in Switzerland nor abroad. We do not have raw materials or finished products tested on animals by other organisations. In our cosmetic preparations we use substances that have been available on the market for years (decades). These are substances approved by the legislator. With these substances, which have been known for many years, animal testing is no longer necessary today. Since the company was founded, we have tested all preparations exclusively on humans by authorised clinics and dermatologists for their tolerance and effectiveness. Our head office in Switzerland does not export our products to any country that prescribes animal testing for cosmetics. Our preparations do not contain any animal extracts or ingredients. Only synthetic and herbal raw materials are used. The exception is a few products containing beeswax or chitosan of marine origin.

  • Is Louis Widmer packaging refillable and recyclable?

    Environmental protection plays an important role in the selection of raw materials and active ingredients, as well as in the selection of our containers. Our pots and tubes, which are made of non-chlorinated plastic, do not pose an environmental problem. They can be disposed of regularly with household waste and incinerated in waste incineration plants without leaving any residues. 75% of the energy generated is thermally recycled. We offer our products exclusively in specialist shops, refill packs do not meet our requirements and are not suitable for hygienic reasons. Our skin care products are produced in the same way as pharmaceutical preparations and are delivered to the customer absolutely germ-free. The lightweight plastic pots and tubes meet the requirements of hygienically high-quality skin care. We do not use expensive, decorative and heavy glass containers, which are common in the perfume industry, and thus also contribute to environmental protection.

  • Where does the urea used by Louis Widmer come from?

    The urea we use is produced synthetically. Urea was first synthesised in 1828. Today urea is synthesised in large quantities (approx. 200 million tonnes/year) from natural gas using ammonia as an intermediate step. For use in pharmaceutical or cosmetic products, highly purified urea must be produced from industrial urea using special processes.

  • Is the octocrylene (UV filter) contained in the sun products harmful for health?

    Based on the maximum permissible amount for use, the current data do not indicate any risk to consumers, which means that octocryles can still be safely used in sunscreens (source: EFfCI). In light of the both the safety assessment and reservations with respect to the potentially endocrine-disrupting (hormone-like) properties of octocryles, the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) believes that they are safe at a concentration up to 10% when used by themselves or together with UV filters and cosmetics, i.e., in suntan cream/lotion, sunblock pump spray, facial cream, hand cream and lipstick. The SCCS holds that there some in vivo studies which suggest that octrocryles affect endocrines, but the proof of this is currently insufficient to establish a baseline endocrine toxicity which may be used in a safety assessment. Reports exist of contact sensitivity to octrocryles; however, the number of reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis seems to be negligible given the widespread use of octrocryles in cosmetic products.