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The What, Why & How

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Are your products organic?

Deer Heart Solutions create all natural skincare, hair care, body, and aromatherapy products. 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 includes a lit more than that, such as soil health and safe processing. And every step from seed to harvest 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,



Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?

Currently, Deer Heart Solutions does not use any products sourced from animals. Every ingredient is plant-based. Though, we do not believe that animal products are inherently bad, we do promote sustainability - and animals products is a very unsustainable market. We've been contemplating creating a product using honey, but haven't taken that step yet. Our products are also cruelty-free. There's no need to torture animals to see if a product will cause a reaction because humans have been using these ingredients for thousands of years. Essential Oils and other botanicals were used in Egypt, India, and China as long as 5,000 years ago. We already know that you don't want to get the oils in your eyes and you have to dilete them and some have serious side effects. For that reason, no product - or the ingredidents that make them - have been tested on animals. We only test on consenting and willing humans.



What is an essential oil?

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. All essential oils are loaded with powerful chemical compounds. You can tell a lot about an oil you've never smelled by looking at its checmical make-up. You can learn more about the schience of essential oils here.



What do you mean when you say "no fillers"?

Every ingredient is plant-based - even the preservative we use. We extend the shelf life of our products by incorporating Rosemary Antioxidant, also known as Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE). It is a pure antioxidant taken from rosemary leaves by carbon dioxide extraction. We also do not use a low dilution and fill the bottle with some cheap filler, We choose each ingredient with intention. Each ingredient serves a purpose in promoting the health of skin, hair, mind, and heart. So, even the carrier oils are carefully selected based on how they conbtribute to the over-all effect of the product.



What carrier do you use to ship our orders?

It may take 1-3 days for your shipment to be prepared and sent. We use USPS for deliveries so your shipment will take 2-5 days to arrive once shipped. Currently, shipping is not included but is added to your order at checkout.



What is your refund policy?

If for any reason, you are unhappy with your Deer Heart Solutions product, we offer a full refund for the purchase price and taxes if returned within 30 days of purchase. Unfortunately, shipping cannot be refunded. If you have opened or used the product, your refund amount will be base don the amount of product remaining - 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, or no refund.



There are a lot of warnings with essential oils. Are your products safe?

Our products are safe to use. Minimizing Risk to Our Customers We follow guidelines from the International Fragrance Association to ensure our essential oils are used at the safe dilution 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 santize every work surface prior to 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 your product container prior to shipping.
We are always evaluating our process to see how we can improve 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. There are essential oils that cause photosensitivity, so you should avoid exposure to the sun for 24 hours after use. Citrus oils tend to be phototoxic. 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.



Face

How long will a bottle of serum last me?

If you use the recommended daily amount:

  • 15ml bottle = 2-3 months
  • 30ml bottle = 4-6 months



How much serum should I use?

My serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients. Please be mindful of how much you apply. You may love the scent and how it feels, but more is not always better.

Start by applying 2-3 drops - a small pea-sized amount. Don't go over 5 drops.

If it seems like you need to rub the oil into your skin, then try using half as much the next morning. If used in the right amount, this oil will absorb quickly and is not greasy.



What's your recommended routine?

STEP 1: CLEANSER

1) Cleanse after you shower, so your skin is softened. When a shower isn't an option, start by holding a clean wash cloth under hot running water. Wring out most of the water. Hold the wash cloth against your face for a few seconds. Repeat.

2) Splash your face with warm water and gently rub your cleanser on face and neck. I recommend using a silicone face scrubber. It is very gentle, does not hold on to bacteria, and can help with mild exfoliation. We do not rrecommend mechanical face brushes which can actually cause your skin to produce more sebum than necessary.

Use your cleanser for at least 30 seconds, but preferrably for 1 full minute.

3) Rinse off cleanser with warm water.

STEP 2: EXFOLIANT (1-2 times a week)

Rather than using a scrub on your sensitive facial skin, if you do not have sensitive skin, Deer Heart Solutions promotes the use of a well-formulated acid treatment once or twice a week. We don't make our own - partly because we love using this one.

Most acid exfoliant should be applied after you have cleansed but the skin must be dry.

STEP 3: ASTRINGENT TONER

This is not referring to alcohol-based or similar toners that make your skin tingle and strip your skin. These are botanical and floral waters or toners with additives such as Green Tea or Witch Hazel. Generally, people with very dry skin should avoid, but because of our step 4, this is actually something we can all benefit from.

1) Spray your face and neck with an alcohol-free and mild astringent toner. (Deer Heart Solutions is currently working on development of a Witch Hazel/Lavender/Cucumber astringent toner. Stay tuned!)

2) Spray a cotton pad with the toner and gently wipe it across your face and neck. This will help remove any lingering cleanser or acid exfoliant as well as help tighten and refresh your skin.


STEP 4: TONER

This method 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 that toner can offer.

1) Using a toner of your choice, such as Harmony Toner C, spray your face and neck until it is damp, 4-6 times. The amount will vary depending on how thirsty your skin is, the humidity where you live, etc.

2) While your skin absorbs the toner, do not let air dry, because much of the toner will jut evaporate. Rather, tap your fingers around your face and neck. Do NOT runb. Tapping will help with circulation, can help improve absorption, and turns the process into a ritual of loving yourself.

2) Using the same method, apply the same toner at least 2 more times but as many as 6 or 7 times. We like to use multiple toners, such as Harmony Toner E and Harmony Toner G.

It doesn't take as much time as it may seem - but you defintely need to account for these added steps in your morning schedule.

BONUS TIP: Once a week I do similar process all over my body.

STEP 5: SERUM

1) Rub 3-5 drops of serum on your fingertips to evenly distribute and warm the oil.

2) Gently tap your fingertips around your face and neck.

3) Lightly brush your fingertips across your skin to spread the oil. There is no need to rub the skin. Your skin will drink up the oil, partly due to the toner method and because the quality of our oils, such as Face Food Morning Serum and Knox Renewal Night Serum. They absorb quickly, are light, and are not greasy when used at the recommended amount. If you feel like you need to rub the oil in, try using less the next day.

4) If there is still oil remaining on your finger tips after tapping and spreading the oil, press your fingers against your skin, moving from forehead to cheeks, chin, and neck.

4) Let your skin set for a minute, allowing the oils to fully absorb.

Step 5: MOISTURIZER

1) Apply your favorite moisturizer.



Does your acne treatment work for teenagers?

Teens experience acne more often because the hormonal changes they are experiencing cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. So, while we cannot change what happens to the body during puberty, Stop the Spot Acne Treatment can speed up the process of healing from acne and can prevent a few pimples from turning into a full on break out. It helps kill the bacteria in acne, improves ciruclation (which helps remove toxins), tightens your skin, and decreases pore size.



Hair

How much beard oil should I use?

Deer Heart Solutions' beard oils contain high concentrations of active ingredients. Please be mindful of how much you apply. More is not always better. Here are estimates on how much to use based on how long you've been growing your beard.

  • New beards, up to 1 month: 3-4 drops
  • 1-3 months: 4-6 drops
  • 3-12 months: 6-10 drops
  • 1 year and over: 10+ drops
If you are not sure how much to use, start by applying 3-4 drops - a pea-sized amount. If you did not have enough to treat your entire beard, use another 2-3 drops. If it seems like you need to rub the oil into your skin for a while or your beard has more than a "natural shine" to it, then try using half as much the next morning. If used in the right amount, this oil will absorb quickly and is not greasy.



How long will a bottle of beard oil last me?

For shorter beards / new growth using 3-5 drops a day:

  • 15ml bottle = 2-3 months
  • 30ml bottle = 4-6 months
For longer beards using 10 drops a day:
  • 15ml bottle = 1 months
  • 30ml bottle = 2 months



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