FAQ

Find the answers to commonly asked questions here. 
If the answer to your question isn't here please email us at [email protected] and we'll respond within 24 hours.

Are Isla Apothecary Products 100% natural?

Yes!

Borne out of my positive experiences with effective, botanical-led skincare rituals, and a belief in the power of the skin and spirit to thrive in greater alignment to nature, Isla Apothecary products contain within a synergy of unique life forces, rich aromas, and potency. 

Only the finest raw and nature-derived, and where possible organic and wild crafted, ethically sourced ingredients are used. These remain pure and unadulterated, formulated without animal-derived ingredients, parabens, phthalates, synthetic materials, preservatives or aromachemicals. All ingredients and products are free from animal testing, are suitable for vegans and are only tested on (willing) human participants.

We believe in full disclosure and transparency, and to help you navigate our ingredient lists, we list each and every ingredient in their common and INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names in descending order on all product pages and packaging. INCI is the international language used to identify cosmetic ingredients, and names are assigned by the International Nomenclature Committee.

Please note that as with all natural products, there may be variations in colour and scent from batch to batch. Climate, soil, and weather conditions all contribute to variations in the aromatic profile of an essential oil. Changes in your products can also be attributed to storage conditions- please see our recommendations below for optimum storage.

Why essential oils for the skin, hair, body & self?

The synergy of unique life forces and aromas of various essential oils are chosen for their aromatherapeutic experience. Stress and the consequent release of cortisol can wreak havoc with our hormones and general well-being. Our experience is that aromatherapy is a safe, effective and rewarding way to reduce everyday stress. We have a policy of full disclosure with each and every ingredient and essential oil we use in all of our products, which means you'll never see the ambiguous 'parfum' term in our ingredient lists. 

I have a nut allergy. Are your products suitable for me?

To make them safer to use on the skin, the majority of Isla Apothecary essential oil blends are infused with vegetable, nut or seed oils. We advise checking the Ingredients section on each product page for further details before purchasing. 

Please be advised that our products are prepared in an environment where nut ingredients are used. 

Are there any safety precautions I should observe?

Our experience is steeped in the power of natural ingredients to transform your skincare and self-care regimen, however, natural doesn't necessarily mean safe for everyone. 

There are several components of essential oils that in certain quantities have been identified as allergens and skin sensitisers. Our products contain different levels of essential oils, usually at 1% dilution or less in accordance and compliance with EU regulations, which exist to ensure safety in dosage and exposure to skin. These known allergens that occur naturally in essential oils are detailed in the Ingredients section on each product page.

As a general rule, you may wish to do a patch test first. If you have specific skin concerns, are pregnant (see above), breastfeeding, or intend to use on children, we advise consulting with a qualified aromatherapist or your doctor first. 

Cosmetic Product Safety Reports have been carried out on all Isla Apothecary products in compliance with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 when placing a cosmetic product on the EU market.

How should I store my products, and what is their shelf life?

To maintain the efficacy of the essential, nut, seed and vegetable oils used in our products, they are best stored in cool, dark and dry conditions as the effects of heat, light, air and moisture are generally damaging and can lead to spoilage. If your product is exposed to excessive amounts of water, prolonged oxidation and direct sunlight, the oils are likely to destabilise faster, become rancid, and reduce the shelf life.

Products have a shelf life of up to six months after opening, and are usually stable for around 30 months after production. The products will usually keep beyond this but with reduced potency. The Vitamin E (Tocopherol) added to the majority of products for its antioxidant properties doubles up as a natural preservative and should help to sustain your products for longer.

What packaging do you use and why?

We've carefully chosen eco-friendly and miminal packaging to a) protect the integrity and nature of the ingredients and b) to minimise waste, protect the environment, and encourage the re-use and re-purposing of your bottles and jars once you've finished with them. To these ends, we use amber glass for filtering out the suns UV light for protecting your products from repeated changes in temperature and to prolong their shelf life. There is no outer packaging, and when your products are delivered to you directly from us, we post them using recyclable boxes and 100% biodegradable void-filling chips made from renewable sources.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept PayPal, all major debit and credit cards including American Express, and Apple Pay.

When can I expect my order?

Our aim is to dispatch your item/s within two working days of receiving your order, though this may vary. From formulation to delivery; there is great pride and care put in to hand-blending, bottling, labelling and packaging each item to ensure you experience a fresh product.

Please let us know if you require your order by a certain date and we will do our best to accommodate you.

All UK customers enjoy free shipping.