FAQ

Are your products certified organic/non-GMO?
Non-GMO - yes, 100%!!  At this time, Salt & Seaweed products are not certified organic. However, all my products are formulated with natural and certified organic ingredients and 100% traceable and sustainably sourced, protecting 10,000 hectares of forest and other habitats. Raw ingredients are purchased in small batches from trustworthy, non-GMO Canadian growers, distributors, and manufacturers.

Are your products cruelty-free?
Yes! My products are enthusiastically and joyfully tested on humans, not animals, and Salt & Seaweed only supports and purchases from suppliers with the same values.  Since conservation is a priority in my world, I am 100% committed to using exclusively Sustainable Organic palm oil, certified through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil(RSPO), who is leading the market toward environmentally and socially responsible palm oil that doesn't contribute to deforestation.– a mechanism by which consumers pay higher prices for more responsibly sourced products – a way to help safeguard rainforests, and the wildlife which lives in them.  

Are your products vegan and/or gluten/soy/wheat-free?
Salt & Seaweed products are not exclusively vegan.  Raw beeswax is used in balms, and raw wildflower honey added to body mousse, both for their natural healing properties, no other animal products or by-products are used in any of my products. There are a lot of options for vegans.  The entire collection is 100% gluten/soy/wheat-free. All ingredients are listed on the product page so you can double check what works for you.

Are your products safe for pregnant/breastfeeding women to use?
I recommend that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should always check with your healthcare professional before changing your skincare routine and starting the use of any new products.

Do your products contain nut oils?
I absolutely adore the nourishment and rejuvenating benefits nut oils bring to my product line, however, not all Salt & Seaweed products contain nut oils, all ingredients are listed on the product page so you can double check what works for you.

I have allergies/sensitivities, are your products hypoallergenic?
While I do not claim that my products are hypoallergenic, many customers who have allergy/sensitivity issues with other products use my products with great success. Perform a skin test first, if you have a history of sensitivities or allergies. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your physician before using Salt & Seaweed products as they all contain pure essential oils. My products and the information on these pages are not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any medical condition and are not a substitute for the medical advice of a medical professional.

How should I store my products?
Store your products covered in a dry, cool location. Proper storage includes keeping them out of extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and water. Melted or softened products sealed in their original container should be allowed to reach room temperature for several hours prior to use to restore to its solid state. The consistency and texture may be altered after this happens, but the product will still retain all its moisturizing benefits. Keep water out of your jars and always use a clean, dry spatula to apply the product to keep it fresh and ready for use.

What is the shelf life of your products?
The typical shelf life of my products is 12 months. I recommend storing all products in a cool, dark place to prolong their lifespan.

Why "No Chemical Preservatives" Means Better Skincare
Preservatives are primarily used to prevent skincare products from spoiling, especially important when water is added to a formula, creating the danger of mold and bacterial growth. Chemical or synthetic preservatives are toxic and can be absorbed and metabolized, is potentially harmful, and ultimately cause premature aging. In formulating Salt & Seaweed’s anhydrous(water-free) products, I was extremely mindful of the types of harmful preservatives to avoid, choosing nature’s own natural preserving ingredients, including wild honey, witch hazel, Vitamin E, grapefruit seed extract, Rosemary Oleoresin Extract, Willow Bark extract, Aspen Bark extract, antioxidants and essential oils, while striving to develop safe and effective skincare products. Also, skincare products are most effective when they are fresh, yet most products on the market are packaged in large sizes, reducing nutrients and effectiveness over time, as they oxidize. Salt & Seaweed products are preserved and packaged in smaller glass bottles and jars, which retains freshness and effectiveness, allowing products to be used in a timely manner. It’s important to keep water out of your jars and always use a clean, dry spatula to apply the product to keep it fresh and ready for use.

Is there lye in your soap?
No. Lye (aka Sodium Hydroxide for those who love chemistry) is needed to make any form of real soap. Any skin or hair cleansing product made without lye (sodium hydroxide) isn’t soap, it’s detergent. When the chemical reaction of making soap (saponification) is complete, the lye and oil molecules have combined and changed into soap, and no lye remains in the finished product after saponification.

What can I do to make my soap last?
If you want your soap to last longer, be sure to keep it in a dry place within your shower or bathroom where there is excellent airflow so it can dry completely between uses. I like to stand my soap up on a soap dish with drainage holes.

Where are your products made and are you green certified?
Salt & Seaweed‘s proprietary formulations are handcrafted, in-house at the Salt & Seaweed beauty kitchen on Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada.  I am not green certified but am fanatical about zero waste. Everything used in my office and beauty kitchen, is either washed & re-used and/or recycled.

Can my order be personalized for a gift?
Yes, absolutely!  A gift for one of life’s most important moments – birthdays, weddings, maid-of-honour, births, anniversaries; congratulations and hugs of any kind, nestled in a bed of white crinkle paper, wrapped in soft, white tissue and tied with a beautiful, tulle ribbon.  Add a note in your cart before checkout, and I'll personally hand-write your message!

Do you offer free samples?
Always!! Salt & Seaweed has a gift-with-purchase program; every order receives a free(in stock) mini of my collection.  

Can I change or cancel my order?
Orders may be canceled or modified within 24 hours only if they haven’t been processed for shipping. If your order hasn’t shipped, I will make every effort to change your order. You can notify me via email at info@saltandseaweedapothecary.com and I'll confirm the change/cancellation via email.

Is your packaging recyclable?
All of Salt & Seaweed’s products are preserved in glass bottles and jars with metal lids, which, together with their closures, are recyclable. I am committed to sustainability by using uncoated paper and glass packaging in an effort to reduce my company’s environmental footprint. All orders are packed in recyclable material as well. I strongly encourage you to upcycle, recycle or reuse all of your product containers.

What about my privacy?
Salt & Seaweed is committed to protecting your privacy, it’s my biggest priority, seriously, no names required, unsubscribe anytime. Your name, address and email will serve only to process your order and to offer you the best possible service with your purchase. No customer details are ever shared with a third party, that’s a promise.  I also don't save your credit card information.  See our Privacy Policy below.

How do I contact Customer Service?
Please email: nicole@saltandseaweedapothecary.com, I will reply to your email within 24 hours on business days. I’ll personally take care of your inquiry.

What form of payment may I use?
All major credit cards are accepted.

What about Sales Tax?
Canadian orders will be charged the appropriate sales tax. Orders being shipped to the US may be subject to customs inspections and fees. In the event that duty and/or taxes are applied to the order, these are the responsibility of the purchaser. The purchaser is responsible for all customs fees, brokerage fees, and taxes that apply. Refused packages will not be refunded.