FAQs

All of our ingredients are GMO-free. While many of our ingredients are certified organic, not all of them are. What often comes to mind when people think of 'organic" is no-pesticides and no-GMOs. But organic certification is much more complicated and includes requirements in soil health and processing. Every step from seed to shipment is monitored by the USDA. There are farmers who grow with organic practices, but they have not gone through the process of becoming certified. While certification is one way to feel confident in the quality and health of the product, it means the cost is much higher. We have vetted are suppliers and are confident that ingredients that are not certified organic have been grown and developed sustainably and are safe for use. Our primary source for materials has facilities that are certified organic, Kosher, and vegan.

Currently, Deer Heart Solutions does not use any products sourced from animals. We've been contemplating creating a product using honey, but haven't taken that step yet. Our products are cruelty-free. Our primary supplier is certified by the Leaping Bunny program. Leaping Bunny ensures and verifies via objective evidence that animal testing in any way, shape, or form has not been conducted by our supplier or those they source from. Deer Heart Solutions only tests our formulations on consenting and willing humans.

An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing the volatile chemical compounds of plants. They are "volatile" because they evaporate quickly when exposed to air. They are "essential" because they have been reduced to the basic chemical properties and scents that make up the plant they came from. On average, one essential oil has 20-60 chemical compounds, but some have over 300. Generally, only a few of these constituents will make up the majority of the essential and the remainder are small concentrations. (source) You can tell a lot about an essential oil that you've never smelled by looking at its chemical make-up. You can learn more about the science of essential oils here.

We choose our ingredients with intention based on the benefits they provide. Each ingredient serves a purpose in promoting the health of skin, hair, mind, and heart. For example, when water is used, it serves a purpose, such as diluting an ingredient to safe levels or as an active ingredient , such as with lotion.

Our products are safe when using a suggested application at the suggested amount. Minimizing Risk to Our Customers We follow guidelines from the International Fragrance Association to ensure our essential oils are used at safe levels. We have implemented good manufacturing practices, including following ISO 22716 guidelines for cosmetic products. We proactively control production variables and lessen risk. For example: We maintain strict documentation of where each ingredient was sourced and what tests they went through as well as when each batch of our products was produced. We use a HEPA air filter and sanitize every surface prior to and during use. Tools and bottles are sanitized with a UV sanitizing box. We minimize exposing our products to air by using syringes to extract from and insert into bottles. We sanitize the exterior of the bottles in each order when packing them for shipment. We are always evaluating our process to see how we can improve our processes and decrease any chance of contamination. Personal Responsibility Essential oils are plants that have been reduced down to their most basic chemical compounds. They are highly concentrated, and many of these chemical compounds can have negative reactions. For example: There are essential oils that are phototoxic and cause photosensitivity, such as many citrus oils. Wear sunscreen and void direct exposure to sunlight for 12-24 hours after use. There are essential oils that interact with hormones and can cause difficulties during pregnancy..Some are teratogenic (can disrupt your baby’s development in the womb). And there are essential oils that can interact with prescription medicines or have adverse reactions if you suffer from certain conditions. If you are pregnant, hoping to become pregnant, are using prescription medicine, or have a condition - it is vital that you speak with your doctor before using our products or any essential oil. So - our products are safe as long as you follow the advisements for each.

STEP 1: EXFOLIANT (1-3 times a week) Our oil-based exfoliant should be applied to dry skin, so use it before you cleanse. STEP 2: CLEANSE I recommend using a silicone face scrubber. It is very gentle, does not hold bacteria, and can help with mild exfoliation. We do not recommend mechanical face brushes which can actually cause your skin to produce more sebum than necessary. Use your cleanser for at least 30 seconds, but preferably for 1 full minute. If you rinse with cool water, it can help tighten your skin and close your pores. STEP 3: ASTRINGENT TONER This is not referring to alcohol-based or similar toners that make your skin tingle and strip your skin. There are many botanicals that act as mild astringents, such as Witch Hazel, Rose, and White Willow Bark. STEP 4: TONERS I follow a routine that was inspired by the Korean Seven Skins Method. Koreans call toners and essence products 'skins,' which they layer as many as 7 times (or more). This method allows for maximum hydration and can help balance pH levels and sebum production. You end up with plump and supple skin that is ready to take on the products to follow. The beauty of this method is that you can incorporate multiple types of toners into your routine, which will allow you to expand the benefits for your skin. I prefer using a fine mist spray bottle so I use only what is needed. I choose one toner and spray my face and neck. Then, I tap my fingers quickly around my face and neck. This can help your skin absorb more toner rather than have some evaporate. And it boosts circulation. I repeat the process with 2+ toners. It doesn't take as much time as it may seem - but you definitely need to account for these added steps in your morning schedule. I consider this the most important step in my routine because my skin gets maximum hydration - which helps the serums and oil treatments do their best work. STEP 5: SERUM I rub 3-5 drops of serum on my fingertips to evenly distribute and warm the oil. Then I tap my fingers around my face and neck to deposit the serum. Next, I lightly brush my fingertips across my skin to spread the serum. For most of my serums, it will absorb in less than a minute. Step 5: MOISTURIZER Lastly, I apply a moisturizer.

Teens experience acne more often because the hormonal changes they experience cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. While we cannot change what happens to the body during puberty, Stop the Spot Blemish Treatment can speed up the process of recovering from acne and can prevent pimples from turning into a full on break out. It helps kill the bacteria in acne, improves circulation (which helps remove toxins), tightens your skin, and decreases pore size. Stop the Spot should not be used if you are using a prescription acne medication and should not be used for longer than 14 consecutive days.

Beard hair tends to be more coarse than the hair on your head. Beard oils soften your beard and keep them from appearing dull. And, the process of applying the oil helps to give a beard a neater look. This is true whether your beard is brand new or you've been growing it for years. Our beard oils also act as face serums. They reduce beard itch and dandruff, prevent acne, slow the aging process, moisturize, and more. Some beard oils also promote hair growth. And, of course - our oil treatments include aromatherapy that lifts your mood, boosts your confidence, and helps you destress.

Deer Heart Solutions' beard oils contain high concentrations of active ingredients. Please be mindful of how much you apply. More is not always better. Estimates on how much to use: New beards, up to 3 months: 1 pump of oil / 5 drops / a pea-sized amount 3-12 months: 2 pumps of oil / 10 drops / a dime-sized amount 1 year and over: 2+ pumps of oil. Start by applying a dime-sized amount and add more as needed.

Cleanse and tone your face and neck. Put one pump of serum on your fingertips. Rub your fingers together to warm and evenly distribute the oil. Use a quick, light tapping motion to place the serum onto your face and neck. Avoid the soft tissue around your eyes. Gently massage the serum into your skin. If you do not want to pull on your skin, instead of rubbing, lightly brush your fingers across your skin to spread the serum. Our serums are highly moisturizing, but you can also apply your favorite moisturizer after the serum has absorbed.

Using a quarter-sized amount once per week, a 1-ounce bottle will last approximately 2-3 months. If your Aha Moment includes Jojoba Microbeads, please shake the bottle or roll it in your palms before using so the microbeads are distributed throughout the oil. FACE EXFOLIANT Apply a quarter-size amount of oil to your fingertips and massage onto dry face and neck. Let the oil sit for 2 to 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Follow with cleanser. PRE-SHAVE EXFOLIANT Whether you are shaving body, face, or scalp, follow the steps under Face Exfoliant. We recommend that after you rinse with warm water, you apply one of our Glide Shaving Oils. After you shave, wash wish cleanser and pat dry. Then, apply one of our After Shave Serums: All the Way Up (body), Smooth Sailing (face), or Take Flight (scalp). SCALP EXFOLIANT Before you shower, apply a quarter-size amount of oil to your fingertips and massage onto dry scalp. Add more oil as necessary. Let the oil sit for 2 to 10 minutes. Rinse your hair then shampoo and condition.

Five to thirty minutes before you shave, rub a generous amount of oil on the area to be shaved. You can shave as it is or add shaving cream over the oil. When you are finished shaving, throroughly rinse your blade in soapy water then rinse with clean water. Wash and rinse the area then pat dry. Massage one or more pumps of after shave serum onto the freshly-shaven skin and allow to absorb.

Cleanse and tone your face and neck. Pat your beard dry (but it can stay slightly damp.) Put one or two pumps of oil on your fingertips. Rub your fingers together to warm and evenly distribute the oil. Gently massage the oil into your skin at the beard hair roots. Move your fingers in circular motions and move with and against the grain. Rub your fingers down the sides and front of your beard. From the bottom, move your fingers up and through your beard.

Add 1 pump of oil to your conditioner to help detangle and to boost softness. 

Locking in moisture does not require much oil.​ This application method is recommended if you have straight or fine hair. Put 1 pump of oil (a pea-size amoun) on the palms of your hands and rub together to warm and evenly distribute the oil. Focusing on the middle and lower lengths of hair, grab a small section of hair and run through your hand. Run your fingers through your hair.  Apply any remaining oil to the ends of your hair.  You can finish with a low-heat blow out for smoother, shinier hair.

Reduce frizz and fly-aways or just enjoy the aromatherapy treatment. ​ Put 1 pump of oil (a pea-size ammount) on the palms of your hands and rub together to warm and evenly distribute the oil. Lightly brush your palms over the full length of your hair then run your fingers through your hair, focusing on the middle and lower lengths.

This method is one of the best ways to use hair oil - especially if you have dry, damaged, or highly porous hair. It prevents dehydration, prevents your hair from getting water-logged when washing, and prevents shampoo from stripping your natural oils. ​Use 1-2 times a week or just as needed. The amount used per application will vary depending on the density and thickness of your hair, the length of your hair, and how much of the length of your hair you apply it to. Short hair might use a few pumps of oil / nickel-sized amount Thin / Fine hair might use up to 1ml. Medium hair might use 1-2 ml. Thick / Course hair might use 2-3 ml. Put a 1-2 pumps of oil in the palms of your hand then rub together to lightly warm the oil. Grab a small section of hair and run the lower part through your hand to coat with oil. Repeat until all ends have been coated. Add more oil as necessary. No need to saturate.  Leave the oil in for 1 or more hours. If your hair is very dry, you can leave in overnight. Shampoo and condition as normal. (You may need to wash twice or use a clarifying shampoo.)

The frequency of application varies by serum. Rub 2-3 pumps of serum (a nickel-size amount) with your fingertips to warm and evenly distribute the oil. Massage your scalp with both hands. Exert some pressure to aid circulation. Use circular motions and move in different directions. Add more serum, as necessary, to ensure full coverage. Leave the serum in overnight then shampoo and condition as normal. (You may need to wash twice or use a clarifying shampoo.)

Our aromatherapy body oils are best when applied after a shower, but can be used any time. Just massage a nickel-sized amount into dry or damp skin. Add more as needed. These can also be used as a hair oil, following the instructions above.

Our lip gloss, lip oils, and blemish treatment are packaged in refillable roller bottles. FROSTED GLASS ROLLER The 5ml size is frosted clear glass and has a steel roller ball. METAL & GLASS ROLLER The 10ml size is clear glass and has a steel roller ball. The cap and glass body are encased in metal. There is a "window" that allows you to see the amount of product remaining. Our serums, treatments, and oils are each available in more than one package type, allowing us to provide our products at different price points. RECYCLABLE POUCH This is a food-safe, non-toxic and leak-proof pouch. It is reusable and recyclable. Order this if you want to refill a previous order. ALUMINUM BOTTLE This a durable metal bottle that is completely opaque. It is equipped with a treatment press pump. These features help extend the life of your product and reduce the chance of contamination during use, This bottle is made from a highly sustainable material. Aluminum can be recycled repeatedly without losing its properties. Recycling aluminum uses up to 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from raw materials. OPAL-WHITE GLASS Most products can also be packaged in a thick "opal" white glass (also called milk glass). In the right light, you can see a slight shimmer on its surface. This bottle is opaque and is equipped with a treatment pump This will help extend the life of your product and reduce the chance of contamination during use, The glass bottle can be washing in a dishwasher but not the pump top. I recommend washing by hand using a small brush, such as those used for cleaning metal straws.

These are not airless pump bottles. They are treatment/serum pumps, so they only dispense a small amount with each depression of the top. They are designed to minimize contact with air to reduce the chance that your product will become oxidized/become spoiled, but they are not airless.

Some products that are highly viscous, such as the Exfoliating Oils, come with a flip top lotion cap. Serums and oil treatments come wth a serum pump top. The pump top includes a cap that is formed to the same shape as the pump. Pull it forward and up to remove the cap. For the 3.3-ounce bottles, the top locks in the "up" position. To unlock, simply twist the top a quarter turn counter clockwise. To lock when finished, twist a quarter turn counterclockwise and replace the top. One full depression of the pump on a 1-ounce bottle should dispense the suggested amount to use for the face serums and beard oil treatments. If you need less than is dispensed, then as you press the pump with one hand, hold your thumb, index finger, and middle finger of your other hand at the opening. This will help provide resistance, allowing you to stop before pressing the pump down the entire way. And, your fingers will catch the dispensed oil.

We ship via USPS to the contiguous 48 states, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada. Orders shipped in the United States have a $4 flat rate for shipping. Shipping is free for orders of $30 or more. Orders to Canada have additional fee paid at checkout. This is based on current shipping rates.

It can take up to 4 days to prepare your order. It will take 2-5 days to arrive once shipped. There could be delays depending on supplies and orders from our suppliers.

Under most circumstances, we will issue a refund if a request us emailed to us within 20 days of the shipment date. We do not offer refunds for trial sizes or items packaged roller bottles, spray bottles, or recyclable pouches. Full details about refunds and cancellations is located on our Policies page.