FAQs
Where are Subtle Botanical products made?
All of our products are handcrafted in small batches in Dartmouth, NS.
Where do you source your ingredients and materials?
We source ingredients from all over the world. The bulk of our ingredients are supplied by Canadian businesses. From a practical standpoint, it keeps our expenses (and therefore cost to you) more reasonable when we eliminate higher shipping, customs, import fees, etc. Additionally it supports our value of sustainability by keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible.
While Canada is home to many beautiful botanical flora, we also appreciate having access to botanical products from other countries, such as citrus oils from Italy, or cinnamon from Madagascar. Additionally, we aim to create products that feature Canadian ingredients such as our Tranquil Forest Salt Soak that has Canadian Black Spruce oil.
What is the shelf life of your product?
Products should be used within six months for optimal freshness.
Can you expand upon your statements of being vegan and cruelty-free?
No beings are harmed in the making of Subtle Botanical products.We source ingredients from companies who provide vegan (VegeCert) certification. This additionally ensures that our ingredients contain no animals or animal by-products in the manufacturing process.
How do I know that your products are safe to use?
We employ good manufacturing guidelines in all stages of our product production, packaging and storage. All of our formulas are registered with Health Canada and we follow their safety guidelines for cosmetics. Our professional aromatherapist is aware of and formulates within safe limits of each essential oil used in our products.
Any new cosmetic product should be patch tested on skin and left for 48 hours to check for sensitivity or allergies. Discontinue use if your skin experiences any irritation
While our formulas are natural and gentle, if you have an allergy or sensitivity to a natural ingredient (i.e., chamomile), then please avoid using any Subtle product that includes that ingredient.
Please note that using expired products (past 6 months of purchase date) may increase the risk of skin sensitivity or reaction.
How long are your processing times?
Local orders within the HRM are delivered within two weeks. We make all products in small batches for optimal freshness. If you have a date that you need the product before please let us know and we will do our best to expedite your parcel if needed.
For orders within Canada and the United States, we utilize the services of ChitChats, which partners with Canadian Post and USPS as its main carriers. Once your order is received and processed, we will provide you with a tracking number to keep you informed about your package's journey.
Please note that fulfillment generally takes 3-5 days, depending on order volume and product availability. Subsequently, shipping times may vary. For orders within Canada, please allow 2-8 days for your package to arrive at your doorstep. For orders in the US, the estimated shipping time is typically 3-6 days.
For more information, please see our shipping & returns page here.
Why does the appearance of my packaging vary per order?
At Subtle Botanicals, we are committed to prioritizing our impact on the planet and being as sustainable as possible. One of the ways we achieve this is by embracing the principles of reuse, recycle, and repurpose. We take pride in minimizing waste and giving new life to packaging materials.
To achieve our waste-free goals, all our packaging consists of repurposed materials from previous orders, both from our business and our personal lives. This means that each package you receive will be unique and different from the last. We believe that this adds a special touch to your shopping experience and reflects our dedication to sustainability.
By reusing packaging, we reduce the demand for new materials, conserve energy, and minimize the carbon footprint associated with traditional packaging by production. It's a small step, but it contributes to a larger goal of creating a greener and more environmentally responsible future.
We understand that receiving a package with varying packaging might be unexpected for some, but we believe it's a small price to pay for the positive impact it has on the planet. We hope you join us in our commitment to sustainability and appreciate the diversity and eco-friendliness of our packaging. Together, we can make a difference, one repurposed package at a time.
If you have any concerns or questions about our packaging practices, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at orders@subtlebotanicals.ca. We're always here to assist you and provide further information about our sustainable initiatives.
Are your products safe for use during pregnancy?
Congratulations on your pregnancy. Legally, we cannot advise you regarding our product use during this special time. Our ingredients are listed on our packaging as well as our website. Please consult your midwife, naturopath, or doctor for assurance of safety.
Do you use organic ingredients in your products?
We take the carbon footprint of shipping into consideration when sourcing ingredients. With this as a guiding value we source certified organic ingredients whenever possible. Our ingredient lists indicate which ingredients are organic.
What is your return policy?
Due to the nature of skincare products, we cannot accept returns. In certain circumstances we can provide a credit or refund. For more information, please see our shipping & returns page here.
What does small batch mean?
One of our core values is sustainability and the environment. Small batch production eliminates the need for guessing about how much ingredient and packaging to order and how much product to make. Not knowing this can promote waste. Natural products can also have a shorter shelf life, so small batch production allows us to know exactly what size batch to make. That way, you're getting the freshest product possible and contributing to less waste.