FAQs
Got questions? We've got answers! Our FAQ page is here to provide you with the information you need. From inquiries about our shipping and return policies, product ingredients, or any other queries, we've compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate your way through our store. If you're unsure about anything or need further assistance, feel free to explore our FAQ section or reach out to our friendly customer support team. We're committed to providing you with the best possible shopping experience and are always ready to assist you with any queries you may have.
Ingredients
What oils are your products made from?
All of our skincare products and handmade soaps are made from high quality sustainable oils. These include almond sweet oil, prickly pear oil, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, olive oil, camellia oil, palm oil, cucumber oil, grapeseed oil, watermelon oil, avocado oil, canola oil and possibly others too. Each product will have a different combination of oils. Not all of them are in every product.
When you visit any of our product pages, there is a list of ingredients listed, including the oils used in making soaps and our natural skincare products. All ingredients used in our products are fully transparent.
The palm oil we use is sustainably sourced.
Do your products contain any toxic artificial ingredients?
No. None of our products contain any harmful artificial ingredients. Our ingredients are biodegradable and derived from nature. They are all non toxic and you could buy many of them on the shelf of a supermarket or health food store.
Do you use any fragrance for your skincare products and soaps?
We don't use synthetic fragrance. We use high quality plant-based essential oils in our skincare products and soaps. Not only they have natural aroma but also have the great benefits to our skin and hair.
How do I know what's in the product?
We believe in full transparency regarding the ingredients in our skincare, haircare, and soaps products. To provide you with complete information, the list of ingredients for each product is prominently displayed on its respective page. You can review all the ingredients used before making a purchase.
Additionally, for a comprehensive understanding of the benefits associated with each ingredient, we have an informative "Ingredients" page. By visiting this page, you can explore in-depth details about the ingredients we use and discover how they contribute to the efficacy of our products. We want you to feel confident and well-informed about the ingredients that go into our formulations.
Preservative
What type of preservative do you use?
We use only natural preservative for all of our products.
The preservative we use is called Naticide® which is a vegetable based ingredient with broad spectrum activity to inhibit bacterial growth. It does not contain allergens included in the Official Journal of the European Union, therefore it is considered to be a non-irritant.
We do not use synthetic preservative to keep our products having “forever” shelf life like other commercial products.
Why I see "Parfum" on your ingredient list?
"Parfum" on our ingredient list is the natural preservative we use in our skincare products. Parfum is the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name of Naticide®.
Does natural soap contain preservatives?
Our handmade natural soap does not contain preservatives. The soap is made using the cold process method, natural oils are combined with an alkali to create soap through a process called saponification. During the curing period that follows, excess water evaporates and the soap becomes harder.
Unlike mass-produced soaps, handmade cold process soap doesn't require synthetic additives or preservatives because it has natural properties that make it self-preserving.
Why do natural skincare products need preservatives?
Preservatives are necessary in natural skincare products to:
- Prevent microbial growth: Preservatives inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage or lead to skin infections.
- Ensure product safety: By preventing contamination, preservatives help maintain the integrity and safety of natural skincare products.
- Extend shelf life: Preservatives help preserve the effectiveness and quality of natural ingredients, ensuring that the products remain usable for a longer period.
Soap
How long will one soap bar last?
This of course depends on how often you use it and how many people might use the soap bar. One common calculation is that one soap bar, will last 1 person for two months (more or less).
To prolong the life of your handmade soap bar, we recommend storing it on a well drained soap dish between uses. Don’t let is sit in a pool of water.
Can I use the soaps on my face?
For sure you can use our soaps on your face. They are formulated to suit both your body and your face. The idea of soap being no good for your face comes from commercial soaps which strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry. This can be more noticeable on your face.
The skin on your face is often more sensitive than other parts of your body.
We recommend first wetting your hands and face. After that, wet the soap bar and rub it in your hands for up to ten seconds for form a nice lather. This can then be gently used to cleanse your face and neck area.
What do we mean by “all natural” soaps?
This is a very valid question because good soaps are made up of a chemical compound. This chemical compound is made up of oils, alkali and water.
The difference between an all natural handmade soap and most commercial soaps is that they are non toxic and don’t contain artificial chemical additives. Everything is biodegradable.
The soap ingredients we use go through a non toxic saponification process.
All natural soaps are free from artificial colours, fragrances, hardeners, latherers, foaming agents, preservatives, detergents or alcohol.
Why choose all natural soaps?
For us this answer is easy. Just like food, it is all about the ingredients. Our skin absorbs whatever we rub onto it. If you wouldn’t eat it, why would you put it on your skin.
Similar to the food industry however, clever marketing campaigns are out there to make you forget this one important fact when it comes to soap. Choosing organic soaps, or all natural soaps, that list the ingredients, makes total sense if you respect what goes into your body.
There are many more reasons to choose all natural soaps that we could go into. Most products sold as soap, aren’t even soap. Many have no soaps in their ingredients. They strip your skin of natural hydration and the chemicals used can easily cause irritation and harmful to your skin in long run.
We prefer to focus on the positives though. Just buy handmade soap so you know you are taking care of yourself.
Are your soaps vegan?
All of our soaps are vegan yes. We only use plant based oils in the production of our soaps.
How should I look after my handmade soap?
Before you decide to use a handmade soap bar, it should be stored in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Once you begin to use the soap, the best thing to do is store it where it can easily dry out. Fresh air is the best thing to prevent it from absorbing water and becoming soft.
Sensitive Skin
I have sensitive skin, is your skincare product and soap okay for me to use?
If you have sensitive skin, our natural skincare products and handmade soaps should absolutely be a good choice for you. Our skincare products and soaps contain no sulfates, petroleum, benzoyl peroxide, parabens, chemical detergents, artificial colours or fragrances, hardening agents or weird lathering agents. These are what often cause sensitivities.
Everyone’s skin is different and depending on your unique condition, not every product we sell might soothe and nourish your skin on its way to better health. But for sure, we would expect it to be a better choice for you. Each product description includes a section about what skin types they are most beneficial for.
Are the ingredients in your product hypoallergenic?
Our skincare, haircare, and natural soap products are formulated with natural ingredients, they are often considered to be hypoallergenic. This means that the formulation is carefully created to minimise the risk of triggering allergic reactions or causing skin sensitivity.
Natural ingredients, such as botanical extracts or essential oils, are generally gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation compared to synthetic or harsh chemicals. However, it's important to note that individual sensitivities can vary, so it's always recommended to check the ingredient list for any known allergens.
Are your products free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, or artificial fragrances that can potentially irritate sensitive skin?
Yes. Our skincare, haircare and soap products are free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances that can cause irritation or sensitivity.
Do your products provide hydration and moisture without causing excessive oiliness or clogging pores?
Our products are formulated with carefully selected oils that have a low comedogenic rating. This means they are less likely to clog pores or cause excessive oiliness, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
Others But Important
Where are your soaps and skincare products made?
All of our soaps and natural skincare products are made here in Australia.
Are your products vegan?
All of our skincare, haircare and soap products are vegan yes. We have discontinued the products using bee wax.
Are your products Cruelty-free?
Yes, all of our skincare, haircare and soaps were developed without any tests on animals as well as our ingredient suppliers are certified as cruelty-free.
Do you use Eco-friendly postage packaging?
As an ethical brand, yes we use eco-friendly postage packaging for single-use materials. We use compostable mailer, honeycomb Kraft wrapping paper, tissue paper which is printed with soy-based inks,100% compostable, recyclable, and made from recycled materials.
Why do you use plastic packaging?
As much as we try to keep away from plastic, we still need to use it for our multi-use bottles/containers in order to keep our natural skincare products fresh and avoid contamination. Haven't said that we have eliminated all unnecessary single-use plastic in packaging.
Shipping
Can you ship internationally?
Yes we can ship to other countries beside just Australia. Shipping can be calculated during the checkout process.
How much does shipping cost?
Australia:
FREE shipping for all orders within Australia over $70. For orders under $70, a flat rate of $9 will be charged for delivery.
International:
Shipping rate based on delivery location and weight.
How long does it take before my order gets shipped?
Orders will be processed and dispatched within 3-5 business days.
How to track my order?
After your order is shipped, you will be sent an email notification with shipping details. This email will include a tracking number and a link that allows you to monitor the progress of your package's delivery.
If you require any assistance or encounter any problems, please feel free to get in touch with our team. We are here to help! You can reach us by email at info@forestnaturalskincare.com.au, and we will promptly address any concerns or issues you may have.
General
How to place order with you?
- Browse our store website and find the product you want.
- Click "Add to Cart" to add the item to your shopping cart.
- Review your cart to ensure you have the right products and quantities, click on the 'Bag' icon located at the upper right corner of the page.
- Proceed to checkout.
- Enter your shipping information.
- Choose your payment method.
- Click "Pay Now" to complete your purchase.
- Receive an order confirmation with the necessary information.
What if a product is out of stock?
If an item happens to be out of stock, we have procedures in place to address this situation. When you attempt to purchase an out-of-stock item, you will receive a notification informing you of its unavailability.
Alternatively, if we run out of stock after you have already placed your order, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. In such cases, we will promptly reach out to you and provide options to resolve the issue. You will be given the choice to wait until the item is back in stock, select an alternative product, or receive a refund. Our aim is to ensure your satisfaction and accommodate your preferences to the best of our ability.
Do you offer payment options?
To make purchases more affordable, we do offer different payment options. You can pay with Paypal, Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, American Express and AfterPay.
Different payment methods may include different fees that could change when necessary. All are made clear during the checkout process.
Can I return a product and get refunded?
Yes. For more details, please visit our shipping and returns page.