Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sugarbush and what makes your products unique?
Sugarbush is an independent business based in Devon, specializing in handmade natural cosmetics. The name Sugarbush is the common name for the Protea. We chose the name to honour the ancestral roots of our founder, Lauren.
Our products stand out because they are thoughtfully crafted with eco-friendly, chemical-free ingredients to provide gentle and effective care for your skin.
Are Sugarbush products handmade?
Yes! Our cosmetic products are hand made in small batches to ensure quality, consistency and attention to detail. We buy in some items to complement our range. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch…we’d love to chat to you.
Where are Sugarbush products made?
All our products are made in Plymouth (Devon), where we combine craftsmanship with sustainable practices.
Do you have a physical store or are you online only?
Our online store is the most accessible way to purchase our products. However, if you live locally in Plymouth, we have a few select items available to purchase in Radiant Skincare & Beauty Plymouth. You can find their salon at 82 Hyde Park Road, Plymouth, PL3 4RQ. We also periodically attend local fairs and wellbeing events. Keep an eye on our social media (Facebook or Instagram) for more info on these dates. If we decide to open a store ourselves, you’ll be the first to know!
Do you do gift bags for parties or events?
Yes, we have a few customers who regularly purchase bulk orders for events. We can custom create a package to suit any budget.
For more information or to make an enquiry, please contact us at [email protected].
Is Sugarbush eco-friendly?
We prioritise sustainability in every aspect of our business, from using biodegradable or recyclable packaging to sourcing ingredients to create low-waste products. This is an area that is never “done” and we are constantly striving to improve our practices to reduce our impact. For more information on our ethics and the environment, head over to the About Us page.
Are your products tested on animals?
Absolutely not! Sugarbush is 100% cruelty-free. We are firmly against animal testing and ensure our ingredients are ethically sourced from suppliers who share our ethos.
Are your ingredients ethically sourced?
Absolutely. We carefully choose suppliers who meet high standards of ethical and sustainable sourcing.
How do I place an order on your website?
Visit www.sugarbushuk.com, browse our product range and add your favourites to the cart. Checkout is simple and secure.
Can I cancel or change my order after it’s been placed?
If you contact us as soon as possible, we may be able to change or cancel your order prior to shipping. If you order has already shipped, we will not be able to amend your order.
What should I do if my package arrives damaged?
Please contact us as soon as possible after delivery so we can solve the issue for you. We also advise you to take a photo of the package and contents so we can more effectively help you.
Do you offer gift-wrapping or special packaging?
Yes, we can provide eco-friendly gift-wrapping options, perfect for special occasions. Get in touch to discuss this with us.
Can I include a personalised message with my order?
Sure, just drop us an email and we can take care of that for you.
How can I contact Sugarbush with any enquiries I may have?
The best way to contact us is to drop us an email to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you and will help with whatever queries you have. You can also contact us via our social media channels.
How can I leave a review or feedback on your products?
We’d love to hear from you! Leave a review on our website or tag us on social media with your thoughts. You can also contact us directly via email on [email protected].
What is a soap saver and how do I use one?
You may have seen soap savers or soap socks being advertised on various e-commerce websites, particularly if they have an environmental focus. Soap savers are shower accessories that hold a bar of soap. Simply put a bar of soap in the soap saver sock, wet with water and wash as normal. The mesh gently exfoliates the skin with the added benefit that you always utilise every last scrap of soap. They all tend to be of a similar design but can be made from hemp, cotton, bamboo or sisal.
What is a lotion bar?
A lotion bar is a solid, highly nourishing moisturiser in a bar form. They are typically made from natural ingredients like Shea Butter and are solid at room temperature. Because they are made from natural ingredients, they are more concentrated than their liquid counterparts. Owing to their shape, they can be confused with soap, but we really don’t recommend taking them into the shower!
How do I use your lotion bar?
Think of our lotion bars just like a body lotion…just in a bar form! Hold the bar in your hand and rub along the skin. Then rub into your skin. A little goes a long way!
Will your bath bombs stain my bath?
We use natural mica to colour our bath bombs. As they also contain a small amount of Fractionated Coconut Oil (liquid coconut oil), there is sometimes a small amount of colour residue left once the bath has run out but it is easily wiped out with a soft cloth.
Will my bath be slippery after using the bath bombs?
As above, there may be a small oil residue left in the bath. We always advise wiping the bath out after use to prevent any possible accidents for the next user!
Are your lip balms tinted?
Our lip balms are not tinted—they provide nourishment and a natural, subtle sheen from the ingredients used to make them. We use natural mica powder in our bath bombs and clays in our face masks which do give those products colours.
What does “Natural” mean?
The term “natural” in skincare products generally refers to ingredients derived from nature, such as plants, minerals and occasionally animal products. However, it’s important to note that “natural” does not necessarily mean the product is organic or free from synthetic ingredients. For a more comprehensive understanding of what “natural” means in skincare, check out this detailed blog post on What Does Natural Mean?
How do Shampoo & Conditioner bars differ from their liquid counterparts?
Shampoo and conditioner bars are solid, concentrated formulations. The liquid counterparts contain water as their primary ingredient and have a fluid consistency. A bar lasts longer and generally contains much milder washing agents that don’t strip your hair of their natural oils.
For more information, read our blog Shampoo & Conditioner Bars: Pros and Cons of making the switch | Sugarbush UK
How long do Shampoo & Conditioner bars last?
Sugarbush shampoo bars are a minimum of 80g in weight. A single shampoo bar should give you approximately 60 washes, working out at about 18p per wash. The conditioner bars weigh a minimum of 65g but despite their lower weight, they will last even longer than the shampoo bars. You shouldn’t need to replace those as often.
Are your shampoo & conditioner suitable for coloured hair?
Yes! We have customers who colour their hair using our bars and haven’t reported any issues with hair colour performance or fading. The surfactants (ingredients that make the foam and wash the hair) are plant derived and much milder than those found in liquid alternatives. It’s always best to test on a small area in any event to give you peace of mind.
Achieving healthy, radiant skin: Your guide to creating a natural skincare routine.
Yes! There are three simple steps to getting into a natural, effective skincare routine: cleanse, tone and moisturise! It doesn’t get more complicated than that. Want more info? Read our blog.
What kind of Cocoa Butter do you use in Sugarbush products?
Where possible, we use unrefined cocoa butter because the properties of the butter are preserved, including its gorgeous chocolate aroma. Refined cocoa butter goes through additional processes that bleach and deodorise the end product. In some cases where the aroma would overpower a cosmetic product, we may use refined cocoa butter. In this case, the butter is primarily used for as a moisturising agent. Read our Blog | Sugarbush UK to see how you can incorporate cocoa butter into your routine.
What should I do if I have a reaction to one of your products?
Discontinue use immediately and contact us to report the reaction. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue and gather feedback for improvements. If you have a medical concern, contact your GP or pharmacist. If out of hours, call 111 to seek medical advice.
Are your products safe to use on children?
Due to certification legislation in the EU and UK, at the moment, we do not have a child specific product range. All our products are safe to use on children age 3 and above.
How are your products scented?
We only use natural essential oils and botanicals to fragrance our products.
What are the allergens listed on your product labels?
As we use natural essential oils, these contain naturally occurring compounds which are allergens. In accordance with compliance legislation, these are disclosed on our product packaging to ensure our customers are fully informed.
How do I check for potential allergens in your products?
We list all ingredients clearly on our packaging and website. The ingredients most likely to contain allergens are the essential oils. These have naturally occurring compounds that can cause irritation in those who are sensitive to specific compounds e.g. citronellol, geraniol. As these appear in small concentrations in our products, you will find them near the bottom of the ingredients list.
If you have specific allergies or queries, feel free to contact us for advice.
Are Sugarbush products Vegan?
Some of our products are indeed vegan, namely our shampoo bars, conditioner bars, bath bombs and face masks. Due to the inclusion of Beeswax in our lotion bars and lip balms, these products are not vegan.
Are Sugarbush products suitable for sensitive skin?
All of our products are formulated with gentle, soothing ingredients suitable for most skin types although they have not been specifically developed for sensitive skin and are not marketed as a range for that purpose. We recommend checking the ingredient list for potential irritants and allergens. Please do get in touch to discuss your needs if you are unsure.
Do you offer products for specific skin concerns e.g. dryness, acne, anti-aging, rosacea?
We haven’t developed skin care ranges for specific skin concerns…yet! But we are always experimenting and coming up with ideas for new ranges so watch this space. In the meantime, our lotion bars and lip balms are highly moisturising and may help alleviate dryness.
Are any of your products fragrance-free?
Most of our products have a scent due to the inclusion of natural essential oils. These provide many benefits for your skin and hair and have even been known to help with emotional wellbeing. If you are looking for a product that is completely free of any scent or fragrance, we make an unfragranced version of our shampoo and conditioner bars.
In many commercial skincare and cleaning products, the fragrance is listed as “parfum”, “perfume” or “fragrance”. The problem with this umbrella term is the lack of transparency…it can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and hair and also cause skin irritation.
Do your products contain preservatives?
Our current product range is comprised of anhydrous products – they are not made with a water component and therefore do not require preservatives. The lotion bars and lip balms contain Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps prevent the ingredients from going rancid. At some point, we may offer products like creams or body washes that will require preservatives. In this instance, we will apply the same due diligence as with all our cosmetics to ensure the preservative keeps your product safe for use and meets our criteria for natural ingredients.
How long do your products last after opening?
Provided they have not been opened, our products have an expected shelf life of 30 months. Once opened, they should be discarded after 6 months for safety reasons. Face masks should be discarded immediately if any water or liquid is introduced to the sachets as this creates an environment where microbial growth can occur.
In general, to ensure freshness, keep your products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Do you have products for men?
We haven’t yet developed a range for men but many of our products are used by men and women alike. We’ll let you know if we decide to launch new products specifically for men.
Do you offer sunscreen or SPF products?
Not yet but we’ll keep you posted on social media if we launch anything.
Are your products safe to use during pregnancy and postpartum?
Some essential oils cannot be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding – they may be natural, but they also pack a punch so need to be used with caution. We would always advise you to check with your midwife or a health professional prior to making a purchase.
Do you offer refill options for your products?
We’re working on a refill system for select products—follow us on social media for updates!
How should I store my cosmetics to keep them fresh?
This depends a little on the product. Shampoo and conditioner bars should be left to dry between uses. We recommend using a soap dish so water can drain away. When dry, they can be stored in the aluminium tins on our website. Bath bombs are wrapped in recyclable Polyolefin to prevent moisture getting to them. For added peace of mind, store them in a cool dry place away from humid conditions. Likewise, exfoliating masks should be stored somewhere dry where moisture cannot easily get into the sachets. If this occurs, discard immediately and discontinue use. Lotion bars and lip balms come in aluminium tins. Keeping these in a cool, dark place will help ensure these products do not go rancid and remain usable for their period after opening.
What information should I pay attention to on cosmetic labels?
When examining cosmetic labels, it’s important to pay attention to the following key pieces of information:
- Ingredients List: Check the list of ingredients to identify any that might irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. This is particularly important if you have known sensitivities or allergies, such as to certain essential oils or preservatives.
- Period After Opening (PAO) or Best Before End (BBE): Thiis indicates the product’s shelf life after opening. It’s crucial for ensuring the product’s effectiveness and safety.
For more detailed information on interpreting cosmetic labels, visit our blog post on Labels explained: Your Guide to Understanding Product Information
Are natural cosmetics regulated by the industry?
Natural cosmetics are subject to the same stringent standards that apply to the rest of the beauty and cosmetics industry. ALL cosmetic products supplied and sold in the UK and EU must comply with Cosmetic Product Safety Regulations. While there are numerous requirements that have to be met, the main two are:
- All products must be registered with the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP).
- A finished cosmetic product must undergo a safety assessment by a qualified body (usually a chartered chemist or biologist) before they can be placed on the market.
These are legal requirements and are non-negotiable.
Are shampoo bars made with Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) good for your hair?
The short answer is no! Lye is typically used to saponify oils to make soap. It is highly alkaline (has a high pH) and because it’s pH is higher than that of your scalp, it can cause your hair to be dry, frizzy and unmanageable. Your hair will also be prone to breakage. So, always check the labels and ensure any shampoo bar you buy isn’t made with Lye. If it contains Sodium Hydroxide or other ingredients such as Sodium Olivate (saponified olive oil), you are buying soap NOT shampoo.
Will your shampoo & conditioner bars dry out my hair?
No, if anything, your hair will feel healthier and more balanced. Liquid variants contain a plethora of ingredients that can be harsh on your hair and result in product build up. Our bars contain gentle cleansing agents and plethora of hair loving ingredients to keepo your hair healthy.
Still not sure, read our blog Shampoo & Conditioner Bars: Pros and Cons of making the switch Shampoo & Conditioner Bars: Pros and Cons of making the switch | Sugarbush UK
