Frequently Asked Questions
About Gentle Roots & Our Ethos
What makes Gentle Roots different from other natural skincare brands?
Gentle Roots focuses on function first over fragrance. Every product is handmade in small batches in the UK, using anhydrous (waterless), non-toxic formulations. Unlike many brands that market “natural” products but still use synthetic fillers or perfumes, our range is multi-purpose, truly effective, and designed for the whole family.
Are Gentle Roots products really non-toxic?
Yes — we never use parabens, phthalates, silicones or synthetic fragrance, and limit microplastics leaching into your skincare by packaging in glass or kraft bags for our XL detox powder. Every ingredient has a clear purpose and is chosen to nourish, protect, and restore the skin.
Do you use synthetic fragrances or essential oils?
Most of our products are fragrance-free. When we do add essential oils, it’s carefully weighed out epsecially for face products. We avoid “cosmetic fluff” and focus on skin health and function first and welcome the natural earthy scents of using pure, natural ingredients and avoid using masking fragrances that introduce allergens to the formula.
What packaging do you use — are your products plastic-free?
We package in glass jars, amber bottles, aluminium tins, or kraft pouches — no plastic tubs or squeeze bottles. Some components, like pumps or droppers, require small plastic parts for function, but the product itself never sits in plastic, reducing the risk of microplastics leaching into your skincare.
Are your products cruelty-free and vegan?
Yes — everything is cruelty-free and all our ingredients are sourced from trusted UK suppliers. Most products are vegan, except for our grass-fed tallow balms (a traditional ingredient used for its similarity to the skin’s natural oils).
Where are Gentle Roots products made?
Every product is handmade in Coventry, UK, in small batches to ensure quality and freshness.
Baby & Family Skincare
Are Gentle Roots products safe for newborns?
Yes. Our Baby Friendly Face and Body Balm is crafted specifically for newborns and sensitive skin, free from essential oils and harsh additives and infused with calming calendula and chamomile. Always patch test before first use.
Which products are best for babies and children?
The Baby Friendly Balm is perfect for nappy rash, eczema patches, or daily moisturising. Our fragrance-free Radiance Body Oil is also essential oil free and the Restore Elixir can also be used sparingly for younger ones with sensitive or barrier-damaged skin.
Can I use the Baby Friendly Balm for nappy rash or eczema?
Yes — it’s formulated with grass-fed tallow, calendula, and chamomile to help soothe irritation and support healing. Many parents find it works wonders on dry patches and delicate baby skin or for themselves.
Are your products suitable for eczema or psoriasis?
While we can’t make medical claims, many of our customers with eczema or psoriasis choose Gentle Roots because our products are free from synthetic fragrance, harsh preservatives, and unnecessary irritants. Ingredients like tallow, calendula, chamomile, and oat oil are known for their soothing and barrier-supporting qualities.
Can adults use the Baby Friendly Balm too?
Absolutely! It doubles as a face and body moisturiser, cleansing balm, or soothing treatment for dry, sensetive or irritated skin.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Are Gentle Roots products safe to use during pregnancy?
Yes. Most of our range is pregnancy-safe, like our essential oil-free balm, Elixir's, Unscented Radiance Body Oil, and Perineum Massage Oil. Always check with your midwife or doctor first, especially if you’re unsure.
Can I use your oils while breastfeeding?
Yes. Choose essential oil-free options (like the Baby Friendly Balm, Radiance Body Oil or Elixirs) if you want to avoid essential oils while feeding.
What is Perineum Massage Oil and when should I start using it?
Our Perineum Massage Oil is a blend of jojoba, apricot kernel, and grapeseed oils, designed to promote skin elasticity. It’s typically recommended for use from week 34 of pregnancy.
Which Gentle Roots products make good baby shower or new mum gifts?
Our Pregnancy & New Mum Gift Set, Elixir Collection, or Baby Friendly Balm are popular choices. Our gift sets come beautifully packaged in a gift bag with tissue and filler paper ready for gifting. Feel free to make a request if you'd like a particular bundle of products in a gift bag if its not part of our Gift Sets collection.
Face Oils & Elixirs
Which Gentle Roots Face Oil Elixir is right for my skin type?
Clarity Elixir → acne-prone, unbalanced & oily skin.
Restore Elixir → sensitive, barrier-damaged, dry or reactive skin.
Glow Elixir → dull, mature, or uneven skin.
Are your face oils non-comedogenic (will they clog pores)?
Yes. All oils are carefully chosen for their low comedogenic rating. They balance and support skin without clogging pores.
Can I use your oils under makeup?
Definitely — our lightweight, fast-absorbing elixirs sit beautifully under makeup.
How do I use the elixirs in my routine?
Apply 2–4 drops to clean skin after cleansing and toning and massage into the skin.
Are your elixirs suitable for acne-prone skin?
Yes. Clarity Elixir is specifically formulated with tea tree, black cumin seed, and tamanu oil to support blemish-prone skin.
Balms & Multi-Purpose Skincare
What is a tallow balm and how is it different from a cream?
Tallow balm is waterless, meaning it’s 100% active ingredients (no fillers, preservatives, or emulsifiers). It mimics the skin’s natural oils and provides concentrated nourishment compared to water-based creams.
Can I use the balm as a cleansing balm/makeup remover?
Yes. Our balms double as oil cleansers — perfect for a first cleanse, they dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while leaving the skin soft and balanced.
Is the Lavender Balm safe for children?
Yes, but we recommend the unscented Baby Friendly Balm for newborns, babies and very young children.
Do your balms work for eczema or very dry skin?
Yes. Tallow, calendula, and chamomile are known for their barrier-repairing and soothing qualities, making them ideal for dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.
What sizes are available — do you sell minis?
Yes — our balms come in 15g minis (great for travel or testing), 60g, and 100g jars.
Hair & Body Care
What are the benefits of Root Care Hair & Scalp Oil?
Root Care hydrates the scalp, supports comfort and balance, and can be used as a pre-wash mask, daily scalp treatment, or to smooth dry ends.
How often should I use scalp oil?
This depends on your needs, some use it daily. 2–3 times per week is a good starting point. Adjust depending on your scalp’s needs.
Can I use Root Care Oil as a pre-wash hair mask?
Yes. Apply generously, leave on for 30+ minutes (or overnight), then wash out for deep hydration.
Are your body oils pregnancy-safe?
Yes. Our Unscented Radiance Body Oil is fragrance-free and safe for pregnancy. The scented version (ylang ylang & sweet orange) is better suited for non-pregnant use.
Are your body oils greasy or quick-absorbing?
They’re non-greasy, absorb well, and are formulated with non-comedogenic oils suitable for daily use.
Clay Masks & Treatments
How do I mix and apply your clay face masks?
Mix 1-2 tsp of powder with filtered water (or herbal tea/honey) until it forms a smooth paste. Apply an even layer to clean skin and leave for around 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. For dry/sensitive skin, the best way to apply a clay mask is to remove it before it fully dries to prevent tightness. If you’re applying your face mask in the bath, the steam helps keep it moist so you can leave it on slightly longer. For a targeted spot treatment, let the clay dry completely — this is the most effective way to draw out impurities.
How often should I use a clay face mask?
1–2 times per week is ideal. Adjust based on your skin type — oily/blemish-prone skin may benefit from more frequent use, while sensitive skin may prefer once weekly.
Are your clay face masks safe for sensitve skin?
Yes. Our masks are free from synthetic fragrance and harsh additives, made only with natural clays and botanicals. Always patch test before first use. Due to the clays’ natural osmotic action, you may notice a slight tingling sensation as impurities are drawn out. Some people also experience temporary redness after the first few uses — this is simply increased blood flow to the skin and usually fades within 20 minutes.
How do I use the Detox Clay Mask as a hair mask?
To use our clay mask as a natural hair treatment, mix a few tablespoons of powder with water until smooth. Apply directly to the scalp and roots, gently massaging it in. Leave for around 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Always follow with a nourishing conditioner — this step restores softness, helps moisturise the hair, and ensures the last traces of clay are fully washed away (since clay can be tricky to rinse out). You don’t need to shampoo first, but you can if your hair has heavy product build-up.
How often should I do a clay scalp detox?
Once every 1–2 weeks is enough to keep the scalp balanced without over-drying.
Can I use the Detox Clay Mask on my body?
Absolutely. Apply the clay paste to targeted areas (like back, chest, or body breakouts), leave for 5–10 minutes, then rinse. It helps draw out impurities and leaves skin refreshed.
What are the benefits of a clay detox bath, and how do I do it?
Adding our clay mask to your bath creates a mineral-rich detox soak. Simply mix half a cup to one cup of the powder into a paste, then into hot bathwater and soak for 20 minutes. A clay detox bath helps draw out impurities, support circulation, and soothe tired muscles while leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed. It’s also a gentle way to calm irritation and support overall skin health — perfect for self-care days or as a relaxing reset.
Can children use the Detox Clay Mask?
Yes — our Detox Clay Mask is gentle enough for family use. For adults, add around ½ cup of clay to a full warm bath. For children, use a lighter dose of about ¼ cup clay. To prevent clumps, mix the clay into a paste with a little water first, then stir it into the bath. The mineral-rich clays help calm and refresh delicate skin without synthetic additives. Always supervise bath time and avoid applying clay directly to very young children’s faces or scalps.
What are the benefits of a clay bath soak?
A clay bath is a simple way to let your whole body experience the benefits of mineral-rich clays. The clays, like bentonite clay, work through osmotic action, helping to draw out impurities, absorb excess oils, and refresh the skin. The minerals also help to soothe irritation, calm inflammation, and support circulation, which is why many people enjoy clay baths for skin prone to dryness, sensitivity, or conditions like eczema. For children, a gentle clay bath can provide a soothing, non-toxic way to refresh and comfort delicate skin. It’s a natural, eco-friendly alternative to bubble baths or fragranced soaks — with no synthetic additives or hidden irritants.
Do I need the Essentials Masking Kit to use your clay masks?
It’s not required, but our eco-friendly Essentials Masking Kit (coconut bowl, wooden spoon, and brush) makes mixing and applying your mask easier and less messy. The wooden tools are reusable, sustainable, and gentle on your products. When mixing the clay powder you should avoid metal tools, as clays can react with metal and reduce their effectiveness — so our kit ensures you get the best results while staying eco-conscious.
Lip Oils & Gloss
What’s the difference between your lip oils and lip balms?
Lip oils are lighter, glossier, and hydrate instantly. Lip balms are richer, in solid form and wax-based.
Are your lip oils sticky or lightweight?
They’re silky and non-sticky, leaving lips soft, shiny, and nourished.
Are the tinted lip oils natural and safe?
Yes — tinted with natural mica and flavoured with organic strawberry flavour oil for our Berry Blush Lip Oil.
Can I use lip oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Yes. Our formulas are safe and free from harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrance. Bare is completely essential oil free, while Fresh Mint has the addition of organic peppermint essential oil and Berry Blush organic strawberry flavour oil and a natural mica to provide tint.
Which lip oil would you reccomend for younger children?
Bare is completely essential oil free and is suitable for use on younger children, it is organic and free from toxins and artificial fregrance.
Ingredients & Safety
Do you list all ingredients on your products?
Yes. Every product has a full INCI ingredient list on the label and website, plus a plain-English breakdown of what each ingredient does.
What allergens do your products contain?
We voluntarily list all EU-regulated allergens (2023 update) even though it’s not yet required in the UK. Most of our products are allergen-free — check individual product pages for details. We avoid nut oils and limit essential oils or provide essential oil free versions of each product making our products suitable for those with very sensitive skin and allergies.
Do your products contain harmful preservatives?
No — our formulas are waterless, so no preservatives are needed. We use natural antioxidant rich ingredients like vitamin E or rosemary extract which help stabilise the oils and balms and maintain its shelf life.
How do you ensure product safety and testing?
Every product has a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) and is registered with the UK’s Cosmetic Portal (SCNP). We also carry out small-batch testing for consistency and safety.
Ordering, Shipping & Returns
Where do you ship to — do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship across the UK and to selected international locations including the US.
How long will my order take to arrive?
UK orders usually arrive in 2–5 working days once dispatched. International shipping times vary.
How do I qualify for free delivery?
Free UK delivery is available on orders over £39. Occasionally we offer free shipping as part of an ongoing promotion. Sign up to our newsletter so you don't miss out on any deals, discounts and releases.
Can I return or exchange a product if it’s not suitable?
Yes — unused, unopened products can be returned within 14 days. Please see our returns policy for details.
Do you offer gift wrapping or gift sets?
Yes — our Gift & Travel Sets come beautifully packaged and ready to give.