FAQ

What is the Oria Skin philosophy?

Oria Skin is about rebalancing hormonal skin naturally, that works with your body.  We aim to create results without negatively disrupting your hormones, helping to solve hormonal skin challenges using natural ingredients. Soothing, brightening, beautiful and simple to use – it’s everything your skin has been asking for bringing back self care to boost your confidence.

Where does the name Oria Skin come from?

Oria Skin - “Oria” comes from “aurum”, the feminine Latin form meaning shining, light and golden.

Why is Oria Skin focused on hormonal support?

Hormones play a big role in changes with your skin. We want to help empower, educate and care for your skin, with hormone balance at the forefront of what Oria Skin does, and naturally. Through using our innovative blends, and providing holistic resources, we aim to elevate everyday routines into moments of joy, ritual and serenity, empowering individuals to better understand their hormonal health and wellbeing for their body, mind and spirit while celebrating their natural beauty.

What do you mean by balancing hormonal skin?

Balancing hormonal skin refers to the process of managing and addressing skin imbalances caused by fluctuations in hormones. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can lead to various skin issues, including acne, dryness, sensitivity, and uneven skin tone.

At Oria Skin, we focus on formulating products that help restore equilibrium to the skin by addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalances. Our products are designed to:

• Hydrate and soothe the skin to reduce dryness or irritation.
• Regulate oil production to prevent breakouts associated with excess sebum.
• Promote a healthy skin barrier that protects against external stressors that can worsen hormonal skin concerns.
• Nurture skin with calming and balancing ingredients like botanical extracts and natural oils, which work to calm inflammation and support overall skin health.

Balancing hormonal skin is about using the right products that can help manage these changes while keeping your skin in its healthiest state.

What does natural ingredients mean in Oria Skin products?

At Oria Skin, natural ingredients refer to plant-based and naturally derived substances that are selected for their purity, effectiveness, and skin-friendly properties. We prioritise using ingredients that are:

• Plant-based: Extracted from flowers, herbs, fruits, and seeds that have been used for centuries, for their nourishing and healing properties.
• Sustainably sourced: We choose ingredients that are sustainably harvested, ensuring minimal environmental impact and supporting ethical sourcing practices.
• Free from harsh chemicals: Our formulations are free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulphates, and other harmful additives that could irritate or damage the skin.
• Rich in nutrients: We focus on natural ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that support the skin's natural balance and health.

What does bioactive mean in Oria Skin products?

In skincare, bioactive means ingredients that are natural or naturally derived. They are “active” in that they can stimulate human tissue biologically, to keep the skin naturally balanced & healthy. All Oria Skincare ingredients are bioactive, working with your skin.

Why did Oria Skin choose to focus on these products?

Our hormonal range collection reflect the needs of our Oria Skin community. As well as targeting hormonal skin challenges, they are also suitable for the different environmental conditions of the southern hemisphere, with our ingredients offering your skin the nourishment it needs.

Where are your products made?

Oria Skin products are individually hand produced from the Oria Skincare Studio in Gisborne, New Zealand Aotearoa.

Ingredients

What does Vitamin A in Oria Skin products do?

Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin by promoting cell turnover and supporting the repair of damaged skin. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. In addition, Vitamin A supports the production of collagen, keeping skin firm and youthful-looking. It also helps to balance oil production, making it beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. We only use a naturally occurring Vitamin A, a natural retinol, an example being the Cacay Oil in our Rejuvenating Face Oil,  that is rich in Vitamin A.

What does Vitamin E in Oria Skin products do?

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage for example, after exposure to the sun. It can also promote a smoother texture and more even tone. Vitamin E supports the skin’s natural healing process, making it an ideal ingredient for reducing scars and signs of ageing, and it helps improve skin elasticity.

What does Vitamin C in Oria Skin products do?

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that brightens and evens out skin tone. It promotes collagen production, which helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant, protecting skin cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, and helping to reduce hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and sun damage, for a more radiant complexion.

Where do you source your ingredients?

At Oria Skin, we are committed to sourcing only the highest-quality ingredients. We carefully select our suppliers based on their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. We prioritise working with New Zealand local suppliers where possible, as well as Australian suppliers who follow fair trade and eco-friendly standards. We source our herbs, vitamins, and minerals from trusted, reputable providers to ensure that each product delivers the best results. If you would like more information on our suppliers accreditations and affiliations, please contact us.

What does therapeutic mean?

The term "therapeutic" refers to the use of ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the skin and body, promoting overall health and wellness. In the context of Oria Skin products, "therapeutic" means that the ingredients are carefully selected for their ability to support hormonal balance, enhance skin vitality, and improve skin’s appearance in a healthy, natural way. Our products are designed to help you achieve lasting benefits, not just short-term solutions.

What is the shelf life of your ingredients?

The shelf life of Oria Skin products depends on the specific formulation and the types of ingredients used. 

Oria Skin products have a shelf life of between 12 to 24 months from the date of manufacture. We make fresh to order so you can ensure your products have been made in the week or two prior, sometimes on the same day! To ensure your products last as long as possible, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Our Blends & Safety

Can I use your products if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Our products are formulated with safety in mind and contain ingredients that are generally considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. However, as each pregnancy is unique, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before using any new Oria Skin products. This is especially important if you have specific concerns or sensitivities. Your healthcare provider can help determine what’s best for you during this special time.

Can Oria Skin products be used on children?

While our products are made with gentle ingredients, they are designed for adult skin and may not be suitable for children, especially those under 12 years of age. Children’s skin is more delicate, and we recommend using products that are specifically formulated for their needs. If you would like to try our products on your child, please do a patch test first, and consult with a us if you have any concerns.

What products are best for my skin?

The best products for your skin depend on your specific skin type and concerns. To help you choose we have made our shop menu super user friendly - but feel free to contact us for your free personal skin consultation over email. For more information: hello@oriaskin.com

Can I use your products if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, most of our products are suitable for sensitive skin. We prioritise using gentle, nourishing ingredients to minimise the risk of irritation. However, everyone’s skin is different. We recommend patch-testing any new product on a small area of your skin to ensure compatibility before applying it more widely.

Should I patch test Oria Skin products?

Yes, we always recommend patch testing any new product, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. To patch test, apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area (like the inside of your wrist or behind your ear), and wait 24-48 hours. Patch testing helps ensure that the product is compatible with your skin before full application.

Is Oria Skin vegan?

Yes, all Oria Skin products are 100% vegan. We do not use any animal-derived ingredients in our formulations. Our products are made with plant-based and cruelty-free ingredients, making them suitable for vegans and those who prefer ethical, animal-free products.

Are Oria Skin products safe for pregnancy?

Mostly all of Oria Skin products are safe for pregnancy. We carefully select ingredients that are gentle and effective, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals and toxins that could potentially affect pregnancy. However, if you have specific concerns or medical conditions, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare regimen.

However, the Oria Skin Hormone Helper should be avoided during pregnancy due to the essential oils included.

Are Oria Skin products gluten-free?

Yes, all Oria Skin products are gluten-free. Again we always recommend checking our ingredients found on our packaging and website to ensure it is safe to use, particularly if you are celiac.

Are Oria Skin products tested on animals?

No, Oria Skin is committed to being cruelty-free. We do not test our products or ingredients on animals! We love our furry friends and we make sure we only source ingredients from suppliers who are committed to the same. We test on ourselves!

How do I store Oria Skin products?

Always store Oria Skin product in a cool place and not in direct sunlight. We suggest keeping your skincare in a drawer in your bathroom.

How do I check the expiry date of your product?

We have batch numbers underneath all Oria Skin products with the date of manufacture.

Sustainability

Are your glass bottles recyclable?

Most places in New Zealand provide recycling stations in city centres and towns and over 30ml in size. Please remove the label and the lid, wash the bottle and place the glass in your curbside recycling bin. If you live in Australia, please check your area for recycling instructions.

Are all of your products refillable?

Yes, although we are still working on our refill pouches, watch this space!

What causes do you support?

We support One Percent Collective in New Zealand, and we donate 1% of our total earnings to selected Kiwi-based charities with worthy causes. We also support Sustainable Coastlines in New Zealand, and in 2023 we donated enough to contribute in removing 18 shopping trollies of rubbish from our coastlines.

Shipping

What countries do you ship to?

We currently ship to New Zealand and Australia, but watch this space as we grow to wider countries. Feel free to email us for a quote if you are outside of New Zealand and Australia at hello@oriaskin.com

What are your shipping rates?

Please refer to our shipping page on our website.

What are your shipping time frames?

Please refer to our shipping information on our website.

Can you ship to my PO Box?

Sorry no we cannot ship to PO Boxes, please provide with a friend or family member with a physical address if need be, or email us for alternative options.

Orders

How do I change or cancel my order?

We aim to process orders quickly, so changes or cancellations can only be made within a limited window after your order is placed. If you need to modify or cancel your order, please contact our customer support team as soon as possible. You can reach us at hello@oriaskin.com for any concerns.  Please note that once your order has been processed or shipped, we may not be able to make any changes.

How can I check the status of my order?

Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number and a link to track your shipment.

What can I do if my order is lost or damaged while being shipped?

If your order is lost or damaged during shipping, please contact us at hello@oriaskin.com immediately. We will work with the shipping carrier to resolve the issue. In the case of damage, please provide us with photos of the damaged items and packaging so we can assist you more effectively.

Returns

What is your refund policy?

At Oria Skin, we take pride in the quality of our products and we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. However, due to hygiene and safety reasons, we do not offer refunds for change of mind or for opened products. We encourage you to carefully review your order before completing your purchase.

If there is an issue with the product, for example, if it is damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact our customer support team within 7 days of receiving your order. We will work with you to resolve the issue. Please note that we may request proof of damage or a photo of the incorrect item.

How do I return or exchange a product?

For hygiene reasons, opened products cannot be returned or exchanged unless there is a defect or issue with the product. In such cases, we will offer a replacement or Oria Skin store credit.

Please note that the customer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective or an error on our part.

Payment

How can I pay?

At Oria Skin, we offer secure payment options to make your shopping experience as convenient as possible. You can pay for your order using:

• Credit or Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and more.
• PayPal: Pay via your PayPal account for added security.
• Afterpay 

Is it safe to use my credit or debit card on the website?

Oria Skin uses Shopify that provides secure payment processing for all transactions, using industry-standard security protocols to ensure that customer data is protected during the checkout process.

How Shopify Ensures Payment Safety:

1. PCI-DSS Compliance
   Shopify is fully compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS), which are a set of security standards designed to protect cardholder information during transactions. This means Shopify meets the highest security standards to handle, process, and store credit card data securely.
2. SSL Encryption
   Shopify uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to protect all data transmitted between your browser and the Shopify website. This means any information, including your credit card details, is encrypted and secure when you make a payment. You can verify this by looking for a padlock icon in the address bar and the "https" in the website URL during checkout.
3. Tokenization
   Shopify uses tokenization to ensure that sensitive payment information is not stored directly on the platform. Instead, the system generates a unique token for each transaction. This makes it much harder for unauthorized parties to access your card details.
4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   Shopify offers two-factor authentication (2FA) for merchants, adding an extra layer of protection for store owners' accounts. This feature helps prevent unauthorized access to the store's admin panel.
5. Secure Payment Gateways
   Shopify partners with trusted payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify Payments, which are also PCI-compliant and use advanced fraud detection technologies. These payment providers employ anti-fraud measures, including real-time monitoring and transaction analysis to prevent unauthorized transactions.
6. Fraud Detection Tools
   Shopify offers built-in fraud analysis for merchants using Shopify Payments. This includes automatic fraud detection tools that can flag potentially suspicious orders based on various indicators (such as mismatched billing and shipping addresses or high-risk regions).

Do you offer a subscription service?

Yes, please see the option for subscriptions on certain products on each product page or here: Subscriptions.

Do you have Afterpay?

Yes!

Privacy

Does anyone else see the information that I provide to Oria Skin?

At Oria Skin, your privacy is very important to us, and we are committed to keeping your personal information safe. We only share your data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in running our business. These providers include Mailchimp (for email marketing) and Yotpo (for product reviews and ratings).
Here’s a breakdown of how your data is handled:

• Mailchimp: We use Mailchimp to send marketing communications, such as newsletters, promotions, and updates. When you sign up for our newsletter or marketing emails, your email address is stored securely in Mailchimp. We do not share your personal information with Mailchimp beyond your email address, and they are committed to safeguarding your data. You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email.
• Yotpo: We use Yotpo to gather and display customer reviews. When you submit a review for a product, Yotpo may collect your name, email address, and review content. Yotpo helps us improve our products and services by allowing us to gather feedback from our customers. Your review may be displayed on our website, but we do not share your personal data with any other third parties.

How We Protect Your Data:

• We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
• We take all necessary precautions to protect your data, including using SSL encryption on our website and PCI-compliant payment gateways.
• We allow only trusted partners to access your data for specific, necessary business purposes. These partners are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.

Rewards

Do you have a loyalty programme or reward points?

Yes please refer to our S-Loyalty rewards program on our home page. 

Product Weight & Volumes

Do you provide samples?

Please try our Mini Kits for samples of our most popular products, or contact us if you would like a specific sample.

Are your products non-comedogenic?

Yes they are all rated under 2 on the comedogenic scale.