FAQ

Does the type of water used effect the performance of your formulations?

Yes, there are potential negative effects that can occur depending on the type of water being used in the either skincare emulsions or cleansing formulations. Ideally, distilled water is the best to use due to the absence of minerals or other dissolved solids. For practical purposes either reverse osmosis or de-ionized water is recommended. The use of city water which has a high mineral content can cause stability issues in skincare emulsions, and in cleansing applications. It can negatively impact both viscosity and foam.

Which one of your TI-NatSurfs® would you recommend for solubilizing a fragrant essential oil into a body wash?

Generally, we recommend starting with TI-NatSurf® QCB. In some instances, particularly with those essential oils that contain terpenes we found that TI-NatSurf® FHS gave better results.

What makes your Natural Sensory Complexes™ different from conventional esters and other emollients?

Unlike synthetic esters, our Natural Sensory Complexes™ are made directly from natural oils, such as olive, argan, jajoba and sacha inchi through a proprietary process that preserves the benefits of the oil without the greasy effect. In so doing all of the alky chains are converted into a complex of many esters anywhere from 8 to 12, essentially creating a “mini-oil phase”.

I am formulating a micellar shampoo, when using your TI-NatSurf® QCB do I still need to use a PEG solubilizer?

No, you do not. The TI-NatSurf® QCB acts as the solubilizer, as well as the cleaning system.

What are the shelf lives of the products?

This depends on the chemistry of the product. Our Natural Moisturizing Complexes™ and Natural Film Forming Polymers have a 3-year shelf life that can be further extended upon re-certification to 6 years. Our Natural Sensory Complexes™ have an 18-month shelf life which can be extended a further 6-months. Finally, the Cleansing Additives have a 2-year shelf life, which could be extended by an additional 12-months upon re-certification.

Do your products change the colour of a finished product?

Generally, No. The finished product is typically not altered by the products used. Even if the material is darker in colour, such as our vegetable moisturizer.

What are the pack sizes of the products?

Our ingredients are packaged in a variety of types and sizes. For smaller quantities on our anhydrous ingredients, liquids come in 18 kg pails, and solids in 12 and 16 kg pails, 25 kg boxes or 95 kg drums. For larger quantities, drums come in 188 or 190 kg. Our cleansing additives are only available in 200 kg drums; however, 20 kg pails can be made available on a minimum quantity basis.

Do your products need to be temperature controlled?

Generally, no, but we do strongly recommend following the storage guidelines found on the SDS. For our anhydrous products this would be a cool dry place. Our cleansing additives, because they contain water, these should always be stored above 15 ºC, and prevented from freezing.

What do you mean by T.I.F.™ Concept?

T.I.F.™ stands for Total Ingredient Factor. The concept is to develop a base chase with 10 or less ingredients, that by changing just one or two can completely change the aspect of a skin care product.

What is the difference between Zenitech, Essachem and TLCI?

Zenitech and Essachem were individual companies, but no longer exist as a company or division. They are simply “Product Line Brands” manufactured, marketed and sold by TC USA Inc. TC USA Inc. is a subsidiary of Charles Tennant and Company.

Are your ingredients considered Natural by the ISO 16128 Standard?

All of our ingredients are classified as “Ingredients of Natural Origin” under the ISO 16128 Standard.

Do you use sustainable palm oil?

None of our ingredients directly use palm or palm kernel oil. However, if any of our raw materials have components that are downstream derivatives from either palm or palm kernel oil, then TC USA requires our vendors to be RSPO Certified.

How natural are your products?

All of our products are considered of Natural Origin or Naturally Derived, as per the ISO 16128 Standard.

Are all your ingredients COSMOS Approved?

Yes, most of our Natural Sensory and Moisturizing Complexes are COSMOS Approved Raw Materials for Cosmetics.

Do you test/have you tested any of your products on animals?

No, we do not test any of our products on animals.

Where are you located?

Our offices and R&D Laboratories are located in Toronto, Canada.

What is the lead time for products?

Our lead-time on most of our products is generally 4 to 6-weeks, and 8 to 12-weeks on “Made-to Order."

Does TC USA sample their products?

Yes, we can provide samples of any of our products for you to try them in your formulation.

How can I talk to you?

Please email us at salesinfo@tc-usa.com, schedule a 1:1 meeting or attend one of our live seminars through our TC-Link™ connection platform.

How much do your products cost?

Please contact one of our local distribution partners. You can find the complete list of our worldwide distributors on our main TC USA website: https://www.tc-usa.com/global/

What is your manufacturing capacity?

We operate a network of manufacturing sites throughout North America and with our global network of trusted partners we have capacity to service customers ranging in size from global conglomerates to local niche brand creators.

Where are the products stocked and shipped from?

Products are stocked in either Toronto, New Jersey or North Carolina.

What are my shipping options?

All of our products are sold “Ex-Works”, however we can arrange to ship our products on your UPS, DHL or FedEx account. We can also work with your freight forwarder to arrange shipment. Shipping charges and customs brokerage fees are the customer’s responsibility.

Are all the products you sell in stock?

We base our inventory on customer forecasts and order histories, therefore, it varies among the products. We will work to meet your requirements.

Can I purchase your products anywhere in the world?

Yes, we have a well-established network of Global Distribution Partners that can assist you with your needs. You can find the list of our worldwide distribution partners on our main TC USA website: https://www.tc-usa.com/global/

Where do I buy your products?

Please contact one of our local distribution partners. You can find the list of our worldwide distributors on our main TC USA website: https://www.tc-usa.com/global/

Are you looking for distributor?

Thank you for your interest in our products, please see our global partners page for and get in touch if you would like to represent us in your territory. You can find the list of our worldwide distribution partners on our main TC USA website: https://www.tc-usa.com/global/