Frequently Asked Questions

DeVita, meaning “of life”, is the philosophy behind our exclusive 100% natural skin care line, developed through the perfect combination of science and nature. Formulated for all skin types, DeVita’s natural skin care range uses the most advanced, cutting edge, clinically proven bio-active ingredients and technology. These “bio-active” or functional ingredients create a structural difference in your skin with results seen in as little as 7-10 days. Combined with a scientifically advance botanical delivery system, the result is healthy, vibrant skin.

To date, DeVita is one of the few 100% paraben free, phenoxyethanol free, toxic chemical-free, natural cosmeceutical skin care lines available in America, and one of the few readily available in Australia. Cosmeceuticals represent a union between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Like cosmetics, cosmeceuticals are topically applied, but they contain ingredients that influence the biological function of the skin, creating a structural difference.  DeVita’s line of cosmeceuticals gets down to the root cause of premature aging skin and helps the skin repair itself naturally.  Our advanced botanical formulas harness the power of nature’s chemistry to actually help minimize the visible signs of both biological and environmental aging, while delivering high concentrations of phyto-intensive skin nutrition. We utilize only organic and ethically wild-crafted 100% pure essential oils, whole herb extracts and amino acids.   All of the extracts and essential oils used in the DeVita Natural Skin Care range are alcohol-free, fragrance-free and pesticide-free.  All DeVita products are 100% Paraben Free and toxic chemical-free (NO – Parabens, Sulphates, Petrochemicals, TEA, DEA, PEG’s, Glycols, synthetic fragrances or colors etc).  DeVita does not support GMO’s or nanotechnology, and is gluten sensitive safe.

Our team of estheticians, natural cosmetic chemists and dermatologists combine their expertise to ensure the effectiveness and quality of all of our products. Additionally, we are committed to being cruelty free, which means no animal testing is ever used in the development and production of our exclusive formulas – we only test on people! All DeVita products are Vegan and PETA certified. 

You should start seeing results within 7- 10 days with most of our products. For significant change to be noticed with Hyperpigmentation (Sun Damage Repair Serum, Skin Brightening Serum), you will need patience and at least 8 -10 weeks to start to see results.

DeVita was designed to cater to those with skin sensitivity issues. Dr. DeVita herself suffers with sensitive skin and that is what motivated her to create DeVita Natural Skincare in the first place! So you will never find irritating synthetic fragrances or other harsh chemicals in DeVita. Please always do a recommended patch test to ensure that all products work with your skin type. Test in a small, side area to confirm your success with each product. Your skin is like your finger print, particular to only you.

The skin is considered mature by the age of 28. So starting your skin care regime as early as possible is recommended. Beginning at age 25, we recommend using skin specific treatment products as a preventative measure, twice a year to start (perhaps at spring and fall), increasing as needs arise. We recommend starting a regular cleansing and toning regime twice daily in the early teens, with regular exfoliation (1-2 times per week), acne treatment pads if necessary, followed by our Solar Protective Moisturizer 30 before going outside. Guarding your skin against sun damage is the most important anti-aging action you can take. Of course, along with good external habits, you must also have good internal habits, such as getting enough restful sleep, eating fresh organic foods, limiting your sugar, and processed food intake, and drinking fresh water. All of this is very important to your skin health and general well being.

Yes – DeVita sunscreen formulas are tested using the USFDA Monograph Sun Protection Factor Determination test. We submitted testing to the category SPF factor of 30+. Our lab tests show a stability rating of two (2) years.

Yes DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+ and Solar Body Moisturizer SPF 30+ offer broad, full spectrum sunscreen protection from both UVA/UVB rays.

No, none of our product formulations use nanotechnology. In our solar products, we use cutting-edge, Non-Nano, uncoated, nearly transparent Micronized Zinc Oxide. It is the most advanced ZnO available. If you are reading old articles on how micronized zinc oxide cannot be nearly transparent etc, you are not up to speed on what is available now. That is our job, to do the research and stay ahead of the curve so that we can provide you the safest and best of what technology has to offer. Not all science is bad, and not all nature is good (think arsenic and deadly nightshade etc). Our ZnO has an average particle size of 250 nm (nano is considered under 100 nm, the difference between Micronized and Nanosized is like the difference between a Million= micro and a Billion= nano). Test studies show that our ZnO can be used to create formulations of greater than 30 SPF and PA greater than 10. It has a critical wavelength of 380 nm, which is further evidence of its ability to perform as a broad, full spectrum sunscreen (UVA/UVB). BUT it is important to note that there are many factors that affect the formulation of sun protection products: the careful selection of the active ingredients, the product form, the type of formulation used, and the constituents of that formulation. Specifically, the formulation of a sunscreen product is influenced by a number of specific considerations relating to the efficacy of the actives used. The formulator has to study the solubility of the sunscreen in the vehicle, look for synergy between filters, evaluate the rheological (how the product layers on the skin and creates a film former) and sensorial characteristics of the vehicle, and be cognizant of the photo stability of the active ingredients. When all of this is done correctly, it is possible to deliver a safe, effective product at a reasonable cost (exactly as we do here at DeVita!). An SPF level is NOT a simple factor of the percentage of sun screen in the vehicle of a cream or lotion.

We consider both our solar protection products very safe for children, especially when compared to the toxic chemicals that are in the mainstream children’s sun blocks on the market today, that feature Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, not to mention the host of parabens etc. We use only micronized (not nano sized!) zinc oxide in a base of organic aloe vera with natural supporting ingredients. We use this product ourselves and so do our families – we confidently recommend it to yours. (Please see #7 for ZnO details and see product page for a full listing of “What we put in it”).

NO never have, never will. We were one of the first companies to put out a paraben free product line. We were pioneers of the paraben-free concept and, in the beginning, it caused the company to grow slowly as various distribution channels were reluctant to take the risk of not having traditional preservative poisons in the products. We started to realize as more information became available, that we had created a process that would cause others to change their ways as well. We see many companies now changing their formulas to exclude parabens, but we have always known that parabens were not our friends! Parabens are not the only things we do not choose to include. We are always free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, etc. Please visit our “What we leave out” page to view what you will always be free from when using DeVita products!

Yes, you can layer up to three treatment products. Start from thinnest to thickest. As an example you would start with our Hyaluronic SeruGel first, then Sun Damage Repair Serum, and finish with Skin Brightening Serum. Just remember to layer thinnest to thickest! Please always do a recommended patch test to ensure that all products work together with your skin type. Test in a small, side area to confirm your success with each product. Your skin is like your finger print, particular to only you.

Absolutely not. DeVita is committed to protecting animals (everyone who works here is a huge animal lover they are like our children!). We are PETA certified, also members of LEAPING BUNNY, and Choose Cruelty Free (AU). For this reason, no finished product or products in the developing stage are ever tested using animals (only people!). We also work only with ingredient suppliers who are also willing to become PETA certified. The safe-use of all DeVita products is ensured by having a thorough understanding of ingredients used in our products (based on previous use, the ingredient’s own chemistry/history, etc). We also carry out real life tests on human volunteers to further ensure the safe use of all our products.

 DeVita Natural Skin Care products are a 100% “vegan extreme” line – you will not find any animal renderings or animal byproducts in any of our products (many mainstream cosmetics contain large amounts of animal renderings which are used as fillers – ack!).  Nor will you find carmine colorant from the cochineal beetle.  You won’t find any shark cartilage derived Squalene (we use only olive derived Squalane), or rooster comb derived Hyaluronic acid (we use only HA that is probiotically derived through a process of bio-fermentation using potatoes as a primary catalyst source). Our absolute minerals color cosmetics line is 100% “vegan extreme” as well.

Vegetarian is a blanket term used to describe a person who does not consume animal flesh foods – meat, poultry, fish, or seafood. It generally implies someone who has less dietary restrictions than a vegan. Vegetarians can consume eggs, dairy products and honey/beeswax from the bees (insects) etc…  Vegan is the strictest extreme sub-category of vegetarians. Vegans do not consume any animal products or by-products. Some go as far as not even consuming honey/beeswax from bees (insects) or yeast, while some are classified as Honey-Vegans for whom the gift of honey/beeswax is humbly accepted and appreciated for its amazing health giving and performance properties.  Still others do not wear any clothing, or use furniture etc made from animal products.  It is a multi-sided issue to be sure, with many different passionately held opinions.  Honey-Vegan vs Non-Honey Vegan etc is an old debate, and one that will likely continue forever with both sides claiming they are “right”, when really it is simply a right to choose. The DeVita Skin Care line is 100% “vegan extreme” and does not contain any animal or bee insect by-products.  Our absolute minerals color cosmetics line is 100% “vegan extreme”.

With respect to our DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer 30+, it is understood that all sunscreen ingredients can be a mild irritant by the very nature of their chemistry (but not as irritating as skin cancer!). Due to the low viscosity of DeVita Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer 30+, it is easy to bring this product too close to the eyes. The cream is VERY light and sheer, unlike other heavy sunscreens whos texture difference can actually help keep you cognizant that you are actually putting on a sun block. Because of this, you may want to try and keep your eyes closed during the application process, avoiding the actual eye area. Our DeVita moisturizers (Perfecting Time and Evening Rich Nutritional Moisturizer) are elegant formulations that feature some of the finest essential oils known for their skin replenishing properties, such as Frankincense, Sisymbrium, and Palmarosa. It is possible, if someone is extremely sensitive to essential oils, to notice them more than usual. If this is the case, then this could be a consideration. What we normally find is that people simply are getting the product too near their eyes and then also, sometimes through normal sweating, wet hair, facial rubbing etc it migrates close to or into the eyes, which can cause irritation. A less is more approach around the actual eye area is the best choice.

DeVita is considered a Gluten Sensitive Safe product line, as we use only the pure, non-synthetically extracted Vitamin E, Wheat amino acids etc. What has to be understood is that this chemistry is very precise. The gluten is isolated first and only the pure Vitamin E is extracted. The vitamin and the gluten come from two different parts of the whole. We never use whole Wheat Germ Oil in any of our formulas; we use only the pure, non-synthetically extracted Vitamin E and everything we work with is at the amino acid level. Because of this we are considered a Gluten Sensitive Safe line. Of course, as with any new product, customers should always do a patch test first to see if there is a compatibility issue. We never expect anyone to have a problem, but everyone’s skin is special, and although DeVita is designed to cater to those with skin sensitivity issues, it is always best to be safe as your skin is just like your finger prints, particular only to you.

No. We do not believe in using GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), which are the result of laboratory processes which artificially insert foreign genes into the DNA of food crops or animals. Those genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans. Although banned in Europe and elsewhere, the FDA does not require any safety evaluations. Most Americans say they would not eat GMOs if labeled, but the U.S. does not require labeling. Testing of GMOs have shown they are not safe, but they have been in the food supply since 1996 and are now present in the vast majority of processed foods in the US. GMOs are affecting four major crops at this time. They are: Corn, Canola, Cotton and Soy (sugar beets are a new concern). DeVita does not use any of the first three (Corn, Canola, Cotton), and we use only non-GMO soy beans for our lecithin. To date, GMOs remain a very critical dietary concern, not a cosmetic concern; however, we reject any use of GMOs (internal or external) as we feel they are an assault against nature and against everything we believe in. To find out more about GMOs, please visit responsibletechnology.org.

A specific symbol now appears on all DeVita packaging (outer box, tubes) and lets you know how long you can use your product after opening. This PAO (period after opening) is indicated within an open jar illustration that has a number inside followed by the letter M. For example, 24M corresponds to 24 months. This means that the product should be used within two years after opening. However, it is very important that products be stored with their caps closed tight, preferably away from heat and light.

No, however, it is very important that products be stored with their caps closed tight, preferably away from heat and light.

Yes, our boxes are made from recycled paper – recycle as paper. Our tubes are PET number 2 non-leaching recyclable plastic from Canada – recycle as number 2 plastic. Our glass bottles are glass recyclable – recycle with general glass – the frosted coloring harmlessly melts off during the recycle process. The over caps, pumps, sprayers etc, are number 6 polystyrene (which is recyclable, just not through mainstream channels. These items will be qualified for return under the DeVita Dividends program. Please see details under our DeVita Green section).

Our phyto-therapeutic ingredients help calm and sooth irritation and facial flushing, and offer ingredients to assist in relieving the appearance of broken vessels, while assisting in reducing the appearance of scarring, swelling, and redness. We use Evening Primrose Oil, a superb emollient high in essential fatty acids (GLA), and natural inflammation fighters, with our exclusive blend of natural glycolic acids, and other healing extracts. This combination creates a gentle yet powerful skin support which can really make a difference! With regular use, we have had many satisfied customers who have experienced great results. It is recommended to avoid tanning/direct sunlight, both natural and artificial, while using this product. Always use a sunscreen of 30 spf or greater (DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer 30+ is best!). We always recommend that your Dermatologist be consulted, and of course, as with any new product, a patch test is recommended first to see if there is a compatibility issue. We never expect anyone to have a problem, but everyone’s skin is special, and although DeVita is designed to cater to those with skin sensitivity issues, it is always best to be safe, as your skin is just like your finger prints particular only to you. If you experience persistent redness/irritation of your skin, please discontinue use.

Yes! (only MILD stinging, of course!) Most customers do not find the stinging and burning sensation painful, and some even describe it in positive terms. This is a documented experience, and completely normal! Rather than a reaction of irritation, this is reaction caused by your skin coming in contact with something completely NEW. It means the L-Ascorbic acid in our product is waking up your skin, and even though the sensations dissipate over the course of a few days to a week, the product is still working, so dont worry your skin has just adjusted to the serum. L-Ascorbic acid is known to be the most effective topical ascorbic acid, and must be formulated at an acidic pH, preferably pH 3.5 or less, (DeVita- C is buffered to a 3.0 pH). The skin penetration ability of topical ascorbic acid is dependent on its acidity, as well as the carriers that it is formulated with. The more acidic the formulation the better is the skin penetration but skin irritation also increases (stinging effect). The concentration of topical ascorbic acid should be at least 10% to be effective, with DeVita-C coming in at 17% concentration, making our DeVita-C one of the most active retail topical vitamin c solutions available. This does need to be adequately buffered and softened with green tea and other ingredients that help to balance the experience. Studies have shown that Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and citric acid are not as effective in penetrating as L-Ascorbic acid solutions; however what those ingredients bring to the formulation are extra support and stability for L-Ascorbic acid, thereby giving our formula the ability to have the most optimal effect. Of course, as with any new product, customers should always do a patch test first to see if there is a compatibility issue. We never expect anyone to have a problem, but everyones skin is special and although DeVita is designed to cater to those with skin sensitivity issues, it is always best to be safe as your skin is just like your finger prints particular only to you. If you experience persistent redness/irritation of your skin, please discontinue use.

It’s normal! Our skin care doesn’t just sit around looking pretty. Our products work hard to help boost microcirculation and nourish your skin. This is an active mask. Impurities are drawn to the surface and circulation is increased, which may cause your skin to look a little red after mask is rinsed off – this is completely natural and only means the mask is working! You may also feel temporary tingling, blushing, and warmth – this is also natural. Typically these sensations last 20 minutes or less (your experience may vary). As your skin adjusts, sensations will diminish while you continue enjoying all the benefits of enhanced facial circulation. You can feel it working…and that’s a good thing. If skin continues to show signs of irritation and rash, reduce use. Never use more than once per day. Should signs persist, it could be an indication that your skin type is not suited to this type of product, and we would recommend that you suspend usage. Of course, as with any new product, customers should always do a patch test first to see if there is a compatibility issue. We never expect anyone to have a problem, but everyone’s skin is special, and although DeVita is designed to cater to those with skin sensitivity issues, it is always best to be safe, as your skin is just like your fingerprints, particular only to you.

Glycolic acids have long been shown to promote rapid change in rough, listless skin by encouraging the rate of cellular turnover, which can bring the appearance of smoother, younger looking skin, reduced pore size, and to give a blushed, healthy glow. It can also help minimize break-outs, and milia bumps, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, deeper wrinkles, and darkened areas on the face. Our exclusive formula uses the latest in gel technology, featuring our all-natural source of fruit acid blend imported from Italy, which works as an exfoliating agent on the skin surface. Our gentle blend goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the ‘glue’ which holds dead skin to the surface. As this dead skin is lifted, the other ingredients carry the individual flakes away and a water rinse neutralizes the skin. The result is a much-smoother skin surface and a more youthful appearance. A secondary benefit is glycolic acid’s ability to draw moisturizers into the newly-exfoliated skin surface. It is always recommended to follow this Evening Use Only product with a nourishing moisturizer like our Perfecting Time or Evening Rich Nutritional Moisturizer.

We do not recommend it. Our HPGAB is an Evening Use Only product. This is a potent formula featuring a blend of all natural fruit and sugar acids (12%) that gently help retexturize the skin (see #22 for in depth product performance details). It is possible to over-use this product and over-stress the skin. With DeVita products a less is more approach is usually recommended – more is not better, more is just more! So use as directed and enjoy the wonderful, new skin that will be revealed! Once again, as with any new product, customers should always do a patch test first to see if there is a compatibility issue. We never expect anyone to have a problem, but everyone’s skin is special, and although DeVita is designed to cater to those with skin sensitivity issues, it is always best to be safe as your skin is just like your finger prints, particular only to you. If you experience persistent redness/irritation of your skin, please discontinue use.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is one of the most hydrophilic (water-loving!) molecules in nature, which is why it is often referred to as natures moisturizer. DeVitas oil-free SeruGel will quench thirsty skin cells by helping to deliver maximum amounts of Hyaluronic Acid (a 65% solution!) to the skin using our penetrating organic aloe vera delivery system. When we are young, our bodies produce mass amounts of this wonderful stuff thats why babies have those great plump, pinchable cheeks they are loaded with HA! However, as with everything else, our HA production slows way down as we age. Adding it back in to your regime will really help transform your skin by boosting the skin’s elasticity and suppleness, encouraging collagen and elastin production and minimizing the look of lines and wrinkles by helping to plump-up the skin (pinchable cheeks!). If you want to truly transform your skin, give this product a try in a word its amazing.

Our Hyaluronic SeruGel 65% solution contains 100% Hyaluronic acid (in a 65% solution) that is probiotically derived through the process of bio-fermentation. Potatoes are used as a primary catalyst source. DeVita is a vegan skin care line and never uses animal derived ingredients. Why is it blue? The beautiful blue color comes from our proprietary blend of marine peptides and natural seaweeds, which are important anti-aging support elements to our hydrating Hyaluronic SeruGel formula. There are never any colors added to DeVita products – product colors occur naturally based on ingredients used.

Sun Damage Repair Serum or Skin Brightening Serum? That depends, our Skin Brightening Serum was specifically designed to help fight the appearance of Hyperpigmentation that is primarily caused by hormones, birth control pill use, chemical peels, waxes etc. SBS works using the natural skin lighteners Kojic acid and Arbutin, which work synergistically to help break-up hyperpigmentation, along with Emblica fruit extract, a proven skin lightener, all of which help give the look of a balanced skin tone. Our Sun Damage Repair Serum was specifically designed to help fight the appearance of sun spots or age spots caused by too much fun in the sun! SDRS works using healing copper peptides, which play a fundamental role in skin health by performing as a mild superoxide dismutase that can help detox oxygen radicals produced by ultraviolet rays. Copper binding peptides also protect cultured keratinocytes from lethal UV radiation. All of that just means it helps repair sun damage. Copper peptides also help to encourage the skin’s ability to repair itself and to help reduce the look of small and large wrinkles, blotchiness (spots!) and blemishes. Copper peptides are known to be powerful collagen and elastin promoters, triggering the formation of anti-oxidants which seem to encourage the skin’s own natural ability to shield against free-radicalization. Our SDRS also uses Emblica fruit extract (we love this one!), to help brighten and balance overall skin tone. NOW if you have extreme needs, these products may be used in combination with each other – start first with Sun Damage Repair Serum, and then layer Devita Skin Brightening Serum on top for excellent results. Once again, as with any new product, customers should always do a patch test first to see if there is a compatibility issue. We never expect anyone to have a problem, but everyone’s skin is special, and although DeVita is designed to cater to those with skin sensitivity issues, it is always best to be safe, as your skin is just like your finger prints particular only to you. If you experience persistent redness/irritation of your skin, please discontinue use.

All DeVita products have a 6-digit batch code lot number on them (found usually on the back of the product container, or on the top of the tube crimp). This batch code denotes the date and the exact batch and vessel the product came from.
The first two digits designate the year the product was made.

The next three digits designate the Julian date that the product was made.

The Julian date is the number of the days that have elapsed since the beginning of that year. For example – the Julian date for January 31 is 031, and the Julian date for February 1st is 032 – because it is the 32nd day of the year. Many business calendars have the Julian date denoted in the following form – July 12th is 194/172 – The Julian date is 194 and there are 172 days left in the year.

The final digit is an internal number denoting the vessel the batch came in.

Example: If your code shows -111332 – it can be read as follows:
First two digits:
11 = Year of manufacture
Next three digits:
133 = Day of the year of manufacture from the Julian date calendar (133 = May 13th)
Last digit:
2 = Internal code to indicate which vessel the product was filled from.
Therefore, code 111332 tells us this product was made on 2011, May 13th, and it came in vessel marked 2.
There is also a specific symbol appears on all DeVita packaging (outer box, tubes) that tells you how long you can use your product after opening. It is a PAO symbol (Period After Opening), which is denoted by an open jar illustration that has a number inside followed by the letter M. For example, 24M translates to 24 months. So this product carrying the batch code 111332 would be good until 2013, May 13th.
Of course normal use is expected, and standard care is important: Store products with caps tightly closed, away from high heat, or extraordinary humidity. Always use clean hands to apply to clean skin for best results.

Products from the later part of 2014 (batch code beings with an E)  & 2015  (batch code begins with a P) will now have a Best by Date.