Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
In what order should I use my skincare products to achieve the best results?
As a general rule, we recommend following your cleanser with a facial mist/toner, if desired, and then hydrating with a facial serum. This can be followed by a moisturizer and/or a nourishing facial oil all over the face, as well as a serum or oil for the under-eye area. Farizad’s Veil Sun Reflector can be mixed with any facial oil to provide a customized sun-protection booster in this last layer. We recommend using our masks either weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your skin type and desired results, as well as using a facial steam on a weekly basis.
How long is freshness guaranteed for your products?
We encourage customers to open and begin using our products promptly after receiving them, and we guarantee freshness for our skincare products for six months from the date of purchase, and for teas for twelve months. Like all natural, organic products, ours will be at their most potent and vibrant when they are truly fresh. They will not necessarily spoil after six months; however, they will no longer feel as fresh or as healing. They are like a fresh carrot picked right from the farm, as opposed to a carrot sold in a chain grocery store after a long period of shipping and storage the older carrot may not be bad or moldy, it simply will not be as exciting or vibrant as the just-picked one from the farmer's market. Because our products are made from alive, natural, food-grade ingredients and are not overloaded with preservatives, they will undergo the same gradual decline in potency over time. We also recommend storing most of our products (with the exception of our herbal steams and teas) in the refrigerator when possible.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, we do! If you'd like to share our products with a friend or loved one but are not sure what their skin needs are, a gift certificate is the perfect choice for any occasion, from Mother's Day to pampering a new mom to stuffing a holiday stocking. Our gift cards can be purchased on our website and provided in the form of a coupon code to our online store. The code will be emailed to you instantly after purchase for you to pass on to the gift recipient. To order one, visit the product page here.
Our Ingredients
What does it mean when an ingredient is listed as "organic whenever available"?
We strive to always use certified organic or wildcrafted ingredients in our product formulas, and we thoroughly research each and every one of our ingredient suppliers. But for certain rare ingredients, or for ingredients whose quality in the market can vary a great deal, we always like to have a backup supplier available. In some cases, that backup supplier may not be certified organic or may not have been at the time that our labels were printed, though we are constantly seeking out the best new options as more and more growers achieve organic certifications. For example, for the cranberry seed oil in our Yasuni Balm, we work with a presser whose oil is certified organic, and retains the scent of cranberries and the widest spectrum of nutrients. We are able to use that source 99% of the time. At the time that we printed our product labels, our backup supplier for cranberry seed oil was not certified organic. We have since located a backup option that is certified organic, but of course we do not want to send our existing labels to the landfill, so we must use them up before we can update the product packaging accordingly.
How are your ingredients sourced, and how do you prevent overharvesting of wildcrafted ingredients?
We are highly committed to sourcing all our ingredients responsibly and sustainably, and that includes wildcrafted ingredients as well as those we grow ourselves or source from reputable growers. When harvesting wild-grown ingredients, we are careful to wait until an appropriate time in the plant’s growing cycle and to leave enough blooms behind for the patch to continue to thrive. When working with outside suppliers, we carefully vet each grower to ensure that they are upholding the highest standards of sustainability, and we work with local, organic suppliers whenever possible.
I heard that bakuchiol is an endangered species, is that true?
While many medicinal herbs are indeed vulnerable to overharvesting, we are extremely conscientious in our ingredient sourcing, and use only bakuchiol extract that has been responsibly harvested from the seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia) in our Black Locust Firming Concentrate. The manufacturer of our extract is a well-established international company that prides itself on being ethical and sustainable. The company is in full compliance with the requirements of the National Biodiversity Authority of India and with the Nagoya and Access Benefit Sharing protocol. They collect the seeds of the babchi plant only after they have fallen to the ground, and the gathering process is monitored by the Indian government to ensure that not too many are gathered from any one site and that the plants are not disturbed during the process.
Product-Specific Questions
Which face oil is right for me?
We offer a number of facial oils and oil-based serums to suit a wide range of skincare needs:
Ruby Face Oil is one of our beststellers, a light, antioxidant-rich oil that absorbs fast, is noncomedogenic, and feels very light even on a hot and humid day. It is one of our top choices for sun damage repair and for scar healing.
Magical Babassu Face Oil is relatively the most emollient of our facial oils. It is a creamy, medium-weight oil for normal to dry skin, and is ideal for sensitive and winter skin.
Ferns and Moss Face Serum is a highly concentrated product whose rejuvenative properties will be best perceived and appreciated by mature, dry, and damaged skin types.
Black Locust Firming Concentrate is another rich yet noncomedogenic oil. Black Locust was created specifically for skin with signs of aging; it is firming, rejuvenative, and wrinkle-reducing.
Ferns and Moss Serum and Black Locust Firming Concentrate are thicker oils that contain anti-acne ingredients. Ruby is the lightest and fastest absorbing of our oils, and Magical Babassu is the most creamy and most soothing.
For dry and damaged or dry and mature skin, you may want to test all our oils. Ruby is most popular in the summer months and Magical Babassu, Ferns and Moss, and Black Locust are most popular in the colder months. Many customers alternate two of our oils to provide the skin with a wide range of nutrients.
Which face balm is right for me?
We currently offer three face balms, which are all quite different from one another:
Tigress is a medium-weight to light "dry" balm for normal and combination to acne and oily skin types. It is healing to skin disorders such as rosacea, and it contains several anti-acne yet nondrying ingredients.
Yasuni is one step lighter; it is a very lean antioxidant and enzymatic balm without any essential oils. Yasuni controls oil production in oily skin and decreases and prevents blackheads, while providing a high dose of antioxidants. Its enzymatic exfoliating properties help resurface the skin in a way comparable to retinol, but without causing redness, irritation, or intense peeling.
Green Leaves is a "juicy" type of balm that was designed for dry and mature skin with acne. It heals acne breakouts with lemon thyme while preventing acne scars. Its base is melt-on-contact anti-inflammatory and hydrating virgin coconut oil, and the scent of Green Leaves is just irresistible: violet leaf, holy basil, and French lavender.
Which face mask is right for me?
We currently offer two powder-format face masks, which must be blended with water or another liquid before use: Catharsis Face Mask and Sungod Face Mask.
Catharsis is extremely versatile and offers visible, immediate results, even though it is mild, with no essential oils, preservatives, or clays. It has an invigorating, slightly bitter and green scent from the algae, aloe, and neem, and works well when time is limited as an in-the-shower mask. The soft powder has a long shelf life, does not need to be refrigerated, and is easy and exciting to customize by adding a hydrosol, honey, and/or a few drops of facial oil.
While Catharsis is cooling, our other powder-format mask, Sungod, is nurturing. With regular use, it helps reduce signs of aging and heal scars, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The powder, a blend of wildflower pollen, shiitake and maitake mushrooms, and calendula and sunflower petals, forms a smooth, creamy paste when mixed with water or another liquid. This mask contains no essential oils, but does contain a small amount of clay.
With Catharsis, you can expect immediate results after each use, while Sungod is designed to produce longer-term changes and heal the skin gradually over time. Catharsis is vegan, while Sungod contains humanely-gathered flower pollen.
What is the difference between a serum and a moisturizer, and how should I use each one?
A moisturizer, like our Ambrosia do Cerrado Liquid Moisturizer, will have two parts: a water- or aloe-based component, and an oil-based component, which work together to make a more complete product. The word "serum" is used to describe a wide range of products that have a higher ratio of active ingredients, and are usually not complete meaning they are heavier on the water phase or the oil phase, but not both. We generally suggest using a water- or aloe-based serum, such as Resiliency Face Serum or Nap in the Meadow, as your first hydrating step, and then following up with more emollient products as needed. If you prefer to use fewer products, though, you can also skip the serum and use a complete moisturizer as the first step of your routine.
Can I mix Farizad’s Veil with my cream moisturizer?
Farizad’s Veil powder works best when mixed with a facial oil to create a beautifully smooth lotion. It can also be combined with many moisturizers, but does not always create as smooth a result.
How much Farizad’s Veil should I use with my face balm or oil, and can I premix them?
There is no exact ratio for how much of the powder to use, as the quantities will depend on your own skin type and how much sun-protection boosting you are seeking. We recommend that you start by placing as much or as little face oil or balm as you need for your face in a ceramic bowl, then sprinkle in around 1/16 teaspoon or more of Farizad's Veil and blend the mixture with your finger or a small spoon. Adding more powder will result in a higher ratio of zinc oxide and in a drier paste. We have noticed that it is easier to use a drier paste, with a higher ratio of powder to oil or balm, in hot and humid climates. We do not recommend premixing a larger quantity in advance, because mixing the powder into your oil or balm on an as-needed basis will allow you to customize each blend according to the weather and to your skin's needs on that particular day.
Why is my balm solid-textured, and what's the best way to apply it?
Our balms can range in texture from soft to almost-solid, depending on the ambient temperature. For example, while our Tigress Balm will remain soft at most temperatures, Yasuni Face Balm was intentionally created on the firmer side so that customers could travel with it during the summer months without the risk of it liquefying and possibly spilling. We also wanted to offer a balm that our customers in hot climates could enjoy in a soft balm format, rather than a runnier liquid. But as a result, Yasuni can stay quite hard during the winter months and in cooler areas. To use a balm that has hardened, we suggest scooping some out with a small scoop, placing it in a small bowl, and pressing with your fingertips to soften it. Or if you only need a small amount, simply place the balm on the back of your hand and allow your body temperature to quickly soften it.
Skin Type Questions
What should I use on my acne-prone skin?
We have a number of products that are specially formulated for acne-prone skin, including Resiliency Face Serum, Nap in the Meadow Face Serum, and Ambrosia do Cerrado Liquid Moisturizer. Our three face balms, Green Leaves, Tigress, and Yasuni, are all good choices for acne-prone skin—choose Green Leaves if your skin is also mature or dry; Yasuni if you prefer a very light feel and need to control oil production; and Tigress for a medium-weight "dry" balm. For a daily cleanser, our Marshmallow Face Wash will not clog pores or aggravate acne, and for a weekly or biweekly treatment, Catharsis Face Mask contains anti-acne ingredients and can help to greatly reduce acne over time with regular use.
What should I use on my dry or sensitive skin?
We recommend cleansing with Marshmallow Face Wash, which is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. Nap in the Meadow Face Serum can be used as the first step for hydrating, followed by Magical Babassu Face Oil and/or Ferns and Moss Face Serum. For weekly or biweekly treatment, try the Sungod or Catharsis masks, and if you have the time, we recommend using a facial steam once a week.
What should I use for dry skin with acne?
Not all acne sufferers have oily skin. For dry or normal skin with acne, we recommend Nap in the Meadow Face Serum as a first hydrating step, followed by Ruby Oil (which can be combined with Farizad’s Veil Sun Reflector), additional anti-acne properties, and a matte finish). Green Leaves Face Balm is a great spot treatment for active acne, and is non-drying. You may also want to consider Ferns and Moss Face Serum for the colder months, and Catharsis Face Mask to thoroughly cleanse and detox the pores without drying or stripping the skin.
What should I use to address wrinkles and signs of aging?
We recommend an aloe-based serum, such as Nap in the Meadow or Resiliency Face Serum, as the first hydrating step, followed by a nourishing facial oil or serum: Ferns and Moss is extremely healing, Black Locust is designed for very dry and damaged skin, Ruby oil is a good choice for skin that needs firming, and Magical Babassu is ideal for dryness. Other recommended products include the Sungod Face Mask and Passion Eye Serum.
What do you recommend for psoriasis?
Ferns and Moss Face Serum is extremely healing and is a great choice for addressing psoriasis. We also recommend Magical Babassu Face Oil if you need even more emolliency, and the Sungod Face Mask is extremely effective at healing the skin slowly over time with regular use. In coordination with your skincare routine, we also recommend acupuncture and Chinese herbs to improve psoriasis (see an experienced herbalist for a customized formula), as well as vitamin D supplementation and healthy, moderate sunlight exposure.
What do you recommend for rosacea?
For skin prone to redness and rosacea, we recommend Nap in the Meadow Face Serum, which is cooling and anti -inflammatory, as well as Catharsis Face Mask. You may also want to consider Ferns and Moss Serum and/or Magical Babassu for the colder months. To supplement the changes in your skincare routine, we also recommend chrysanthemum tea to help reduce redness and inflammation, as well as seeking the advice of a naturopath, acupuncturist, or experienced herbalist.
What do you recommend for hyperpigmentation?
Nap in the Meadow Face Serum is very effective at improving the skin’s texture, hydration, and discoloration when used consistently (once or twice per day) over the course of a few months. We also recommend combining Nap with Ruby Face Oil or Rosa Oil (coming soon), and using Sungod Face Mask once or twice a week as well to maximize your anti-pigmentation routine. There are multiple types of hyperpigmentation, and we have found that the type connected to acne is the easiest to keep in check using skincare products like these. Brown spots that look more like smaller or larger freckles are harder to control with topical products. This type of pigmentation is usually caused by sun exposure and/or the use of sun-sensitizing ingredients, so to address it, avoid the use of acids and chemical peels, and use a sun shield such as Farizad’s Veil Sun Reflector. Herbal supplements can also be helpful in addressing hyperpigmentation from the inside out, as it can often be a sign of a liver imbalance. If you have stubborn discoloration that does not seem to respond to topical remedies, we suggest consulting with a qualified herbalist or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to correct the imbalance.
What do you recommend for skin congestion?
We recommend beginning with Nap in the Meadow Face Serum, followed by Ferns and Moss Serum, Tigress Face Balm, or Green Leaves Face Balm. Catharsis Face Mask is a good choice for weekly or biweekly masking, and we highly recommend steaming congested skin once a week.
How can I heal my stubbornly dry skin or dry skin with acne?
We often find that customers with stubbornly dry skin, dry skin with acne, and other difficult-to-treat issues are really suffering from a damaged skin barrier. Healthy skin has a natural, self-regenerating lipid barrier that helps to seal in moisture and protect the skin from damage. But this natural barrier can become compromised, usually due to overuse of exfoliants and harsh cleansers. Once its barrier is damaged, the skin is much more porous and prone to moisture loss, as well as to skin issues such as acne, perioral dermatitis, and excessive dryness and flaking. So while your natural instinct may be to treat stubborn acne or oily patches with increasingly strong products, this can actually have an even more damaging effect, as it continues to weaken the skin’s natural barrier. Similarly, heavy users of exfoliating products often find that their skin begins to overcompensate for the stripping by over-regenerating skin cells, resulting in a dry, scaly appearance—which they may then try to treat with even more exfoliating or peeling products, and the unhealthy cycle continues. The real solution is not to over-aggressively treat the symptoms (dryness, acne, etc.), but to treat the underlying problem and heal the skin’s natural barrier.
So, what do I do to heal my damaged skin barrier?
First, identify any products you currently use that may be exacerbating the issue. Retinol, acids like vitamin C, and strong anti-acne ingredients, such as those found in prescription acne medications, can all contribute to stripping the skin barrier, along with exfoliating cleansers, peels, and other products aimed at sloughing off or stripping the skin. You may find that you need to take a break from some of these products in order to allow your skin time to regenerate its healthy lipid barrier—you can even try giving your face a complete break on some mornings by just rinsing it with filtered, previously boiled, or spring water, then going barefaced to let the skin breathe.
Next, you will want to build a new routine that supports your skin’s healing with moisturizing, nurturing products and replaces the harsh, stripping ingredients with more effective alternatives. For a soothing start, try our Selene Facial Steam as a steam or a warm facial compress, and when you’re done, strain the tea and use it as a toner for a few days afterward. Cistus and Moonlight Face Mist is also a great choice for a boost of hydration, and you can use a few layers of it in your daily routine—for example, using it after cleansing, then again after an oil, and finally again after applying your makeup.
To replace harsh anti-acne products with a more restorative option, try our Ruby Oil, Resiliency Serum, or Tigress Balm—all of which contain natural, non-stripping anti-acne ingredients—or Black Locust Firming Concentrate, which is a great alternative to retinol that also contains açai and bakuchiol extracts to counter acne tendencies. For a gentler way to treat dry or flaky skin, consider Resiliency or Nap in the Meadow serums. Both have exfoliating properties, but we have found that they do not cause overexfoliation, even among customers who have used them regularly for years. You can even try our Thelma Lip Balm over the entire face, not just the lips, for penetrating moisture that is lightweight and noncomedogenic.
It may take some trial and error, but with a little patience and the right combination of products, you can regenerate your skin’s natural lipid barrier and create a new routine for lasting skin health.