Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick and clear insights into what you need to know here.
What is our Product made of
Do you use natural ingredients?
Natural ingredients are elements derived directly from nature, such as plant extracts, minerals and essential oils. Our interpretation of using natural ingredients means that we choose components that are as close to their original state as possible, avoiding synthetic chemicals or artificial additives. Our choice and commitment to use natural ingredients results in a shorter shelf life compared to products with synthetic preservatives. However, this ensures that our products harness the inherent goodness of nature while offering you effective yet safe solutions for your self care routine.
What do I need to know about the essential oils you used?
We are committed to using only the finest essential oils for our blends. We exclusively source these oils from a reputable provider renowned for their dedication to pure essential oils. They employ a distillation process that preserves the oil's natural integrity. We are confident in their quality since we have personally used them on ourselves for more than a decade. We meticulously select these essential oils for their innate properties, not just for their natural aroma but also for the positive benefits they offer on our skin, body, as well as mental and emotional well-being. Our choice reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and our overall well-being.
Is your product vegan and cruelty-free?
Due to the inclusion of beeswax, our product is not considered vegan. Our choice to include beeswax is due to its moisturizing, protective, texturizing and sustainable qualities, making it beneficial for skin care and product formulation.
We do prioritize animal welfare equally, ensuring no harm or discomfort is caused during processes such as harvesting and product development for instances.
How is your product made?
Our balms are meticulously crafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality and freshness. We take pride in this artisanal approach, as it allows us to maintain strict quality control and attention to detail throughout the production process. Additionally, our commitment to freshness means that our products have relatively short expiration dates of 6 months from opening, guaranteeing that you receive a product at the peak of its effectiveness and quality.
Using our Product
Is your product safe for kids?
Our blends are designed with the well-being of kids and teens in mind. In fact, we've received positive feedback from a satisfied client whose teenager regularly uses our product. We take great pride in our commitment to using simple ingredients, no synthetic chemicals and artificial additives. This dedication ensures that our blends are gentle and suitable for the delicate skin of kids and teens.
We always encourage the practice of performing a patch test on a small area of their skin before full use. This precaution is particularly important because the sensitivity of kids and teens' skin can change as they grow and transition through different stages. Even if you believe that they don't have allergies or sensitivities, it's a wise step to do so to to ensure compatibility and prevent any unforeseen reactions.
Can I use it outdoors?
Our balm does not contain any citrus-based ingredients and essential oils. When exposed to the sun, these photosensitive compounds can potentially react and cause damage to your skin with sunburns and scars.
How to use our Paper Tube Stick?
To open, simply pull the cap up from the bottom.
Push up the bottom disc gently with your thumb or index finger. No need to twist it. Gently glide 2 to 3 swipes over your intended area.
And when you're done, just put the cap back on. No need to push the balm down, the cap will seal it.
My Paper Tube Stick is shedding bits of paper when I use it?
It's perfectly normal to spot some minor wear and tear on your tube packaging. This happens because we use paper instead of plastic for our packaging material, which could show a bit of character over time. If you like, we recommend to tidy it up by trimming off any loose or frayed bits for a cleaner appearance. Also, do check out our social media content for more tips!
Is it normal that the scent disappears after applying it for a while?
It is completely normal for the scent of essential oils to gradually fade over time, and this process can vary from person to person. Typically, you might notice a reduction in the scent as time passes. This is a natural process as essential oils are highly volatile components meaning that their aromatic molecules will evaporate.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of the essential oils is still present and doesn't fade. Your skin absorbs the beneficial properties of the oils, providing you with long-lasting protection. So rest assured that while the aroma may become less noticeable, the effectiveness continues to work for you throughout the day.
Bonus tip - This is when you can apply your favourite perfume or cologne. Don't let our deodorant's scent stop you from enjoying your favorite fragrance. Confidently layer it with your preferred fragrance for a scent that suits your style.
We both used the same balm. Why does it smell slightly different on me than on my friend?
Don’t be surprised if the balm smells slightly different on you compared to someone else using and applying from the same product. This variation is due to individual body chemistry. Each person's skin has a unique composition of oils, pH, and bacteria that interact with the essential oils in the balm. These interactions can subtly alter the fragrance, making it smell slightly different depending on your specific body chemistry.
Why is there a slight scent difference between my previous and new purchase?
Natural ingredients are unique pieces of art by nature herself. They are never exactly the same just like our fingerprints. This is because nature is always changing so things like smell can vary slightly. And these little difference are what makes them special and authentic. Rest assured, we still make sure every batch of our natural deodorant is just as effective and consistent as you expect so you can enjoy both the beauty of nature and reliability you need.
Sensitive skin or allergy?
It is important to know the difference between sensitive skin and allergies.
Sensitive skin is a general term used to describe skin that is prone to irritation and discomfort, often in response to various triggers. Allergies, on the other hand, are immune system reactions to specific allergens, which can include skin reactions as one of their manifestations
Look for deodorants formulated with gentle, natural ingredients if you have sensitive skin. If you suspect an allergy or just want to be extra cautious, review the ingredients list and do a patch test on a small area of your skin. Remember to prioritize your skin's unique needs. Seek professional advice and stop immediately if there's any discomfort or irritations.
Why it might not work for me?
There is no 'one size fits all'. It is important to remember that everyone's body is different. What works best may vary from person to person. The key is to find and experiment until you find a the right product and routine that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
What should I do if I have remaining balm leftovers and it has passed the expiry date?
If you find that you have remaining balm leftovers that have passed the expiry date, we advise to stop using it on your skin. While the product may not be necessarily harmful, its effectiveness and safety may be compromised over time. To ensure your well-being and the best experience, we recommend that it is best to discontinue using.
However, don't let it go to waste! An eco-friendly tip is to repurpose the balm as a shoe deodorizer, shoe polish, or a wardrobe freshener. This way, you can still enjoy its benefits in a different way and reduce waste at the same time.
Orders & Fulfillment
What happens when I make an order?
Once order is confirmed, a confirmation email will be sent to you. This includes your order number, items ordered, shipping details and any relating information.
All orders take up to 7 business days to process once confirmed. Your order will be packed for delivery.
You will receive a shipment notification email that includes a tracking number and information on how to check the status of your delivery once your order has been picked up.
Can I amend my order?
Once order has been confirmed, we can only accommodate a request based on reasonable case-by-case basis before the order is processed by our fulfilment team.
Please contact us here as soon as possible.
Kindly note:
1. Strictly no refunds for change to lower priced item.
2. Do select only one channel of request (for example, either by filling up contact form, email or Whatsapp text) because multiple requests via various media (for example, all means of contact) might overlap and cause a delay.
Can I combine my orders?
Unfortunately, we do not offer this option to combine orders. Each order is processed separately to ensure accuracy and efficiency in our fulfillment process. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes, you can cancel your order. We understand that circumstances can change, and we want to offer our clients a reasonable level of flexibility.
Conditions:
1. Orders can be cancelled before order has been confirmed out.
2. All discounted items purchased will not be eligible for cancellation.
How to Make a Cancellation Request:
Please inform us immediately here with your order details.
Kindly note:
1. No refunds for all orders paid via a third-party payment portal.
2. There will be a 5% penalty fee due to credit card charges.
Shipping & Delivery
Where does my order ship from?
We ship from Singapore and offer courier delivery as our default option.
Do you ship internationally?
At present, our shipping services are limited to Singapore.
We are working hard to broaden our delivery destinations to reach all of you around the world. Join our mailing list to be amongst the first to receive exclusive updates when international shipping becomes available for your country.
If you have any specific requests or inquiries, please feel free to contact us here for any possibility to work things out. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work towards expanding our services to cater to your needs while ensuring transparency in terms of methods and associated costs.
Are there any other areas you do not ship to?
For Local Deliveries in Singapore:
We are unable to deliver to restricted areas (such as Jurong Island, Airport, Alps Avenue, Military, Police and Civil Defence Camps) and the islands surrounding mainland Singapore.
Please note that deliveries to certain areas like Sentosa and hotels, may incur additional charges. We reserve the right to impose additional charges for delivering your order to these areas.
To check if we can deliver to your specific location, kindly contact us here directly before you confirm your order.
I have an urgent order, what should I do?
Kindly contact us here before you confirm your order. We do our best to expedite delivery.
How much is shipping?
For Local Deliveries (with Tracking) in Singapore:
Purchases SGD $60 and below - $5 Flat Rate (Doorstep), $2.90 Flat Rate (Letterbox)
Purchases SGD $60.01 and above - Free Doorstep Delivery
Kindly note:
1. Purchase is at least SGD $60 in a single checkout/order.
2. Free delivery does not apply even if you accumulated more than SGD $60 but in multiple checkouts/orders combined.
3. Free delivery will be reflected automatically upon checkout if you qualify.
How soon will I receive my order?
Your items should take 2-5 business days to arrive.
Orders are fulfilled on the same day if it is placed before 9am SGT. The item is then delivered within 2 to 5 business days. If the order is placed after 9am SGT, it will be fulfilled the next day and delivered within 2-5 business days thereafter. For example, if you order on Monday 8am SGT, the order will be fulfilled on Monday itself and you should receive it between Wednesday and Friday.
Please understand that there may be unforeseeable delays if you place your order on or close to Singapore public holiday/weekend/peak season.
If you have an urgent order, kindly contact us here before you place an order to check with us for fastest delivery/collection.
Can I choose when to receive my order?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you the option to select your preferred time or day to receive. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
How do I track my order?
For Local Deliveries in Singapore:
You will receive your tracking details via email once your order has been dispatched.
Can I edit my shipping address?
Please inform us here immediately.
Do note that there could be a slight delay in delivery. And if your order has already been picked up by the courier before we can relay your request, please anticipate potential delays in delivery time and additional charges for the amended delivery.
I have not received my items. What should I do?
For Local Deliveries in Singapore:
For the quickest turnaround response, we encourage you to directly contact the courier service provider that we have provided in the email for tracking.
Should you require further assistance, please contact us here.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and AMEX. In addition, we also accept payment via Google Pay and Apple Pay.
You can select your preferred payment method upon checkout.
Is my transaction secure?
We take the utmost care and concern for your privacy while you’re shopping on our site. We will never share or sell your information to any third party, and the information we collect is solely used to contact you about your order if necessary. All transactions and payments you make in order to purchase items in our online store are made entirely through Shopify Payments and Apothecary Of Blends does not process such information.
What should I do if I am unable to apply my discount / promo code?
Do check that you entered the discount code correctly, as well as the terms and conditions of the code for its validity.
Contact us here immediately should you encounter difficulties.
Returns & Exchanges
Can I return my order?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of our handcrafted products made up of natural ingredients, we are unable to accommodate any returns.
I have received my order but there are issues with it, what should I do?
We do understand that there may be some uncontrollable circumstances during the shipping and transit process. If your items arrive broken, leaking or damaged, please take photos and/or videos of the defective item and send us a note with details of the issue within 7 business days upon receiving the defective item.
Our team will then assess the issue and follow up with some questions if necessary. If request is successful, we will then proceed to ship a replacement product to you as soon as possible.
Strictly no returns on defective and broken items after the 7 business day period.
How to Request:
1. Kindly contact us here or email apothecaryofblends@gmail.com
2. Attach photo/video of defective item
3. Let us know the reason for the return
Version as at 20 July 2024
Any questions?
Simply drop us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.