FAQs – Ode to Self Skincare and Wellness


We have tons of questions when it comes to our skin and the products that we use, and Ode to Self aims to be as transparent as possible without giving away trade secrets. If you don't see a question or answer that you're looking for, feel free to send an email our way to info@ode-toself.com.


Q: Are these products safe for all skin types?
Yes, the products are first formulated to work for the driest, most sensitive skin out there, including mine! Each product helps to balance dry and oily skin, making this the perfect line for people of color, as we have the most delicate skin, who suffer from severe dryness of the face and body.

Q: Where do you source your ingredients?
We source our ingredients from suppliers who are compliant with industry standards, and also go above an beyond to make sure that the ingredients are quality, natural, and mostly organic. With that being said, we will never, ever, ever, ever work with a supplier who handle products without care, test on animals for efficacy, or aren't notable. 

Q: Will the essential oils damage my skin?
Short answer: no. Long answer: it depends on the percentage and quantity used in the formulation. We use no more than 0.6% of essential oils in our facial formulations, if included. For the body, our EO content is no more than 2 - 3%. The suggested use it to stay under 1%, primarily for citrus oils. However, we use Bergamot FCF (bergapene free), which has the constituents of the photosentizing effects removed from it. This enables for the bergamot to be enjoyed for its metaphysical and nourishing properties, while not worrying about being burned in the sun because of it.

Because we know that essential oils can be highly sensitizing and, in cases, phototoxic, we use small quantities and dilute the heck out of it regardless. But, you still get the benefits without risking damage to your skin 

﻿﻿Q: Can I use your products daily?
Yes! Of course. Our products were formulated for daily, gentle use for the skin.

Q: Can men use your products, too?
Of course. Ode to Self was created for black skin first. Not a specific gender.

Q: What's your return policy?
All sales are final. Due to the natural nature of our products, we cannot accept returns. If you find that your product is broken, damaged, or defective in any way, please contact us no more than 7 days upon receiving shipment at info@ode-toself.com so that we can inspect it right away.

Q: What's in your products?
While there are various ingredients that make up one product, we can ensure you that we don't use harmful ingredients or dosages that will be fatal or disruptive to you or your body. Most of our products contain 100% certified organic ingredient where possible, wild-crafted, and sometimes fair trade when available. 

Q: Why do you use a phenoxyethanol blend for a preservative system and not an all natural preservative?
Phenoxyethanol has gotten a bad rep in the beauty industry due to "findings" that it can be harmful for unborn fetus' and expectant mothers, and a slew of other things. Truth is, that's when it's found in HUGE quantities, larger than the 1% that's really required for preserving an aqueous product. Additionally, you have to really be irresponsible with it to have an effect of that magnitude.

We don't use any more than 1% of phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol blend (Optiphen) in our aqueous formulations, because at the level or lower has been proven safe for humans and our skin, meaning that no harm has been found, and that it's also efficient as a preservation system for broad spectrum blends.

There's this thing about natural preservation blends using leucidal liquid and bioferment, lactobacillus, etc. However, you have to use them at a higher percentage for them to be effective and even then, they've also proven to not be an effective preservation method unlike phenoxyethanol, and studies show that there's still a presence of mold and bacterial growth. Just because something is "natural" doesn't necessarily mean that it's effective or safe and ultimately doesn't protect you from bacteria coming into contact with your skin.

Q: How long does shipping take?
Shipping normally takes 2 to 3 days after your order has been processed and fulfilled. International orders takes 7 business days. Please see our shipping page for updates regarding processing and shipping during these times.

Q: Who do you use for shipping?
We ship United States orders through USPS and international orders are shipped through UPS International or FedEx.

Q: Where do you ship to internationally?
We ship to Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. All other countries we are unable to ship to at this time.