Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about Skin Elixir skincare and ROOTED by Skin Elixir self-regulation cards.
Skin Elixir started as natural skincare. Over time, I realised the ritual of applying skincare mindfully was doing more than nourishing my skin—it was regulating my nervous system. That insight led to an evolution: Skin Elixir is now Self-Regulation Skincare™, and ROOTED cards extend that regulation beyond the bathroom.
This FAQ covers everything you need to know about this journey and the products that support it.
🛍️ BUNDLES & ORDERING
Why bundles only?
After 10 years of running Skin Elixir, I simplified my business model to reduce mental load—mine and yours. The Core Five products work best together as a complete ritual, and bundles make it easier to experience the full benefits without decision fatigue.
Choose any 2 for £49 or any 3 for £69. Every bundle includes ROOTED by Skin Elixir™ card deck and free 24hr tracked UK shipping.
Can I buy individual products?
from my stockists yes but as an online business I've moved to bundles-only to simplify and focus on what works best. If you'd like to try before committing to a bundle, the Discovery Set (£20) includes all 5 Core Five products in 3ml samples plus the ROOTED card deck.
What's in the Discovery Set?
The Discovery Set includes:
✅ All 5 Core Five products in 3ml samples
✅ ROOTED by Skin Elixir™ card deck
✅ Free 48hr tracked UK shipping
✅ Digital User Guides (download links sent with your order)
Price: £20
How do I choose which bundle?
Start with what your skin needs most:
For night-time focus: Intensive Night Cream + Magnificent Night Oil
For daytime glow: Super Natural Oil + Frankincense & May Chang Moisturiser
For sensitive eyes: All Around Eyes Elixir + any other product
For complete ritual: Choose any 3 products for £69
Not sure? Try the Discovery Set first.
What's the difference between Pre-Set Bundles and Build Your Bundle?
Pre-Set Bundles are curated combinations I've put together based on what works beautifully together (like the Complete Night Ritual).
Build Your Bundle lets you choose any 2 for £49 or any 3 for £69 from The Core Five.
Both options include free 24hr tracked UK shipping and the ROOTED card deck.
What is ROOTED?
ROOTED by Skin Elixir™ is a set of 10 self-regulation cards featuring evidence-based techniques to help you calm your nervous system. It's included FREE with every bundle and Discovery Set.
ROOTED is what makes Skin Elixir "Self-Regulation Skincare™" - the combination of Thymoquinone-rich Black Seed Oil formulas (that calm your skin) and ROOTED cards (that calm your nervous system).
Do I have to use ROOTED?
Not at all—it's completely optional. I created ROOTED because these techniques helped me manage overwhelm, ADHD tendencies, and the mental load of running a business. I'm sharing it free because if you're juggling too much and want to simplify, it might help you too.
Use it with your skincare ritual, or don't. Totally up to you.
How do I use ROOTED?
Pull a card when you're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, and follow the simple instructions. You can use ROOTED alongside your skincare ritual or anytime you need to reset.
Each bundle includes FREE Digital User Guide and Scenario Guide (download links sent with your order).
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! All bundles include free 24hr tracked UK shipping. The Discovery Set includes free 24hr tracked UK shipping.
Where do you ship to?
Currently UK only.
How long does delivery take?
Bundles: Free 24hr tracked delivery (ordinarily orders dispatched within 1-2 business days)
Discovery Set: Free 48hr tracked delivery (orders dispatched within 1-2 business days)
You'll receive tracking information as soon as your order is dispatched.
Can I track my order?
Yes! Once dispatched you will receive an email for specific tracking number drop me an email to shona@skinelixir.co.uk tracking information as soon as your order is dispatched.
What's your returns policy?
If you're not happy with your order, please contact me within 14 days at shona@skinelixir.co.uk
I want you to love your products, so if something isn't working for your skin, let's talk about it.
Can I return opened products?
Due to the nature of skincare products, I can only accept returns of unopened, unused products in their original packaging.
If you're having a reaction or the products aren't working for your skin, please email me at shona@skinelixir.co.uk - I'm here to help. Sensitive skin - always patch test first.
🌿 ABOUT SKIN ELIXIR
What is Skin Elixir?
Skin Elixir is a natural skincare brand based in Nottingham, UK. I create award-winning, handmade skincare products using 100% natural, organic, vegan ingredients. My philosophy is simple: skincare as self-regulation. When you slow down to care for your skin mindfully, you're not just nourishing your skin - you're regulating your nervous system.
What does "Self-Regulation Skincare™" mean?
Self-Regulation Skincare™ combines two elements:
1. Thymoquinone-rich Black Seed Oil formulas that calm inflammation in your skin
2. ROOTED self-regulation cards that calm your nervous system
Together, they address both skin health AND nervous system regulation. When you apply your skincare mindfully (breathing in the scent, feeling the texture, massaging with intention), you activate your parasympathetic nervous system and create a moment of calm.
That's why every bundle includes ROOTED—10 self-regulation cards to use alongside your skincare ritual (completely optional, but there if you want them).
Who makes Skin Elixir products?
I do! I'm Shona Munro, founder and formulator. I've been handmaking Skin Elixir products in Nottingham since 2016.
I have rosacea-prone skin myself, which is why I'm so passionate about creating effective, gentle formulas for sensitive skin.
Where are your products made?
All Skin Elixir products are handmade by me in small batches in Nottingham. Every product is personally crafted, checked, and packaged by me.
Are you award-winning?
Yes! Skin Elixir has won multiple awards for my Thymoquinone and Bakuchiol formulas.
Are your products really 100% natural?
Yes! Every ingredient in my products is natural, plant-based, and organic where possible. I never use synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, silicones, or any harsh chemicals. What you see on the ingredient list is exactly what's in the bottle - nothing hidden. All my products are safety tested and lab approved.
Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?
All Skin Elixir products are cruelty-free -I never test on animals.
All my products are vegan. Check individual product descriptions for full ingredient lists.
Is Bakuchiol as effective as Retinol for anti-ageing?
Yes, clinical studies show that Bakuchiol delivers similar results to retinol-such as reducing fine lines, boosting collagen, and evening skin tone—without the common side effects like peeling, redness, or sun sensitivity.
Can I use Bakuchiol during the day?
Absolutely. Unlike retinol, which can break down in sunlight and make skin more sensitive (photosensitivity), Bakuchiol is stable in UV light, making it safe and effective for daytime use.
Is Bakuchiol safe to use during pregnancy?
While Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative often considered lower risk than retinol, we always recommend consulting your healthcare provider before introducing any new active ingredients during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How does Thymoquinone benefit the skin?
Thymoquinone is the primary bioactive compound found in Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa). It is a powerhouse antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps calm reactive skin, reduce redness associated with rosacea, and protect against environmental damage.
Will using face oils make my skin more oily?
No. High-quality natural oils like those in our Magnificent Night Oil actually help balance sebum production. By providing the skin with healthy moisture, you signal to your pores that they don't need to overproduce oil to compensate for dryness.
What are the best natural ingredients for rosacea-prone skin?
For rosacea and sensitive skin, look for anti-inflammatory botanicals like Thymoquinone-rich Black Seed Oil, Frankincense, and Pomegranate. These ingredients work to soothe the skin barrier and reduce the heat and redness often felt during a flare-up.
How long does it take to see results from natural skincare?
While some benefits like hydration are immediate, most users see a noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone, and fine lines within 4 to 6 weeks—the time it takes for your skin cells to complete a full renewal cycle.
What does "Self-Regulation Skincare™" mean?
It is my unique approach that combines sensory-rich botanical formulas with mindfulness techniques. By using my ROOTED cards alongside your skincare ritual, you help calm your nervous system while the active ingredients calm your skin.
Are your products waterless (anhydrous)?
Answer: Yes, most of our range is waterless. This makes our formulas more concentrated, longer-lasting, and better for the environment as they don't require the harsh synthetic preservatives often needed in water-based creams.
💚 PRODUCTS & INGREDIENTS
What are The Core Five?
The Core Five are my five hero products, perfected over 10 years:
🤍 Intensive Night Cream (2% Bakuchiol)
🤍 Magnificent Night Oil (Thymoquinone-rich Black Seed Oil)
🤍 Super Natural Oil (2% Bakuchiol)
🤍 All Around Eyes Elixir (4% Bakuchiol)
🤍 Organic Frankincense & May Chang Moisturiser
All formulated for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, handmade in small batches in Nottingham.
What is Thymoquinone?
Thymoquinone is the active compound in Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa). It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that's particularly effective for reactive, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin.
I use Thymoquinone-rich Black Seed Oil in the Magnificent Night Oil at therapeutic levels.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative to retinol. It delivers the same anti-ageing benefits (reduces fine lines, evens skin tone, boosts collagen) without the irritation, sensitivity, or sun sensitivity that retinol causes. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe to use during the day.
I use 2% Bakuchiol in the Intensive Night Cream and Super Natural Oil, and 4% in the All Around Eyes Elixir.
What is black seed oil?
Black seed oil (Nigella Sativa) is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory oil. It protects skin from environmental damage, soothes irritation, supports barrier function, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. I include it in ALL OF MY formulations for its skin-healing properties.
Are your products waterless?
All of my skincare products are waterless (anhydrous), which means they contain no water. This makes them more concentrated, longer-lasting, and better for the environment. Waterless formulas deliver more active ingredients to your skin without the need for preservatives.
Do your products contain preservatives?
My waterless products (oils, balms) don't need preservatives because bacteria can't grow without water. My water-based products (moisturisers, creams) use natural preservatives - vitamin E and rosemary extract - to keep them fresh and safe.
How long do your products last?
My products have a shelf life of 12-18 months unopened. Once opened, I recommend using them within 6-12 months for optimal freshness. Because I make everything in small batches, your products are always fresh when they arrive.
Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes! My products are formulated specifically for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. I have rosacea myself, so I understand what reactive skin needs.
All products are:
✅ Free from synthetic fragrance
✅ Free from harsh preservatives
✅ Made with active botanicals and essential oils
✅ Handmade in small batches
✅ Tested on sensitive skin (mine!)
Can I use your products if I have sensitive skin?
Yes! My products are formulated for sensitive skin. I use gentle, natural ingredients and avoid common irritants like synthetic fragrances, essential oils (in some products), and harsh chemicals. Many of my customers with rosacea, eczema, and reactive skin use my products successfully. If you're unsure, try the Discovery Set first.
🌸 USING YOUR PRODUCTS
How do I use face oils?
Apply 2-4 drops to clean, damp skin. Warm the oil between your palms, take three deep breaths (inhale the scent), then gently press and massage into your face and neck. You can use oils alone or layer them under/over moisturiser. Use Super Natural Oil in the morning, Magnificent Night Oil in the evening.
Can I use oils if I have oily skin?
Yes! Natural face oils actually help balance oil production. When you strip your skin with harsh cleansers, it overproduces oil to compensate. Natural oils signal to your skin that it has enough moisture, which reduces excess oil over time. Choose lightweight oils like jojoba (which mimics your skin's natural sebum).
What's the difference between your day oil and night oil?
Super Natural Oil contains 2% bakuchiol and black seed oil for daytime anti-ageing and protection.
Magnificent Night Oil contains pomegranate, moringa, calendula, and black seed oil for overnight repair and regeneration.
Both are suitable for sensitive skin, but the night oil is richer and more nourishing for deeper overnight treatment.
💬 CONTACT & SUPPORT
How can I contact you?
Email me directly at shona@skinelixir.co.uk - I read every message and reply personally.
You can also find me on Instagram: @skinelixiruk
Do you offer skincare consultations?
Not formally, but if you have questions about which bundle is right for your skin, just email me at shona@skinelixir.co.uk - I'm happy to help!
Can I visit your space?
I do not have a customer facing facility, if you're local and would like to chat about your skin, drop me an email at shona@skinelixir.co.uk
Do you offer discount codes?
Occasionally! The best way to hear about offers is to:
✅ Follow @skinelixiruk on Instagram
✅ Sign up for my email list
✅ Check my website homepage for current offers
Can I use multiple discount codes?
Only one discount code can be used per order.
Still have questions?
Email me at shona@skinelixir.co.uk - I'm here to help!
With love,
Shona x
Founder & Formulator, Skin Elixir™
Handmade in Nottingham since 2016
Handmade in Nottingham • 100% Natural • Vegan • Cruelty-Free • Self-Regulation Skincare