FAQ

We hand-make most of our products near Thetis Lake in Victoria B.C. Canada.

They are all made in small batches with high quality ingredients and lots of love.

We carry a select a number of other products including mineral make-up and accessories.

We definitely do not test any of our products on animals, never have and never will.

This is something we feel very passionate about.

Most of our products are vegan.

Look for our ‘vegan’ icon on our packaging to confirm which ones are 100% vegan.

The only non-vegan ingredient we use in some of our products is beeswax.

You will find this in most of our lip balms and salves.

We do have a vegan lip balm and vegan alternatives to some of our balms/salves.

You will see that there are various icons that represent qualities of different products

These include VEGAN, CRUELTY-FREE, HANDMADE and REFILLABLE.

We make all our bar soap by hand using a cold process soap making method. 

We use organic, plant-based oils including coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil and even organic shea butter and combine it with an alkali (sodium hydroxide aka. lye). 

The result is a process called saponification, where the composition of the oils change with the help of the lye and create soap. 

We make all our soap in wooden boxes and cut the bars by hand, we then stack them onto drying racks and store them in a ‘soap room’ with low humidity for a number of weeks where they ‘cure’ (harden). 

The bars are then hand-trimmed and hand labelled for you to enjoy!

Note: we do not use any palm oil in this soap making method

What is the difference between Castile Soap and your Liquid Soap or Body Wash?

Castile soap is a soap making method that was created in the ‘Castile’ region of Spain using primarily olive oil. It is a multi-purpose soap that contains few ingredients and is biodegradable. It can be used as a hand soap, body wash, shampoo, pet shampoo, household cleaner, dish soap and more!

We love castile soap for its versatility, however, many castile soaps can are very drying on the skin. That is why you will see that we make our castile soap using super-moisturizing oils of avocado and castor oil.

Our liquid hand soap and body washes will be more moisturizing that the castile soap. So if you are looking for a liquid soap primarily for hand and body - we suggest you choose the liquid hand soap or body wash.

Castile soap is a great option as a multi-purpose soap for around the house or for travelling.

You will see that we have three options for multi-purpose household cleaners. Orange Bacteria Buster, Lavender and Lemon Eucalyptus. 

They are all highly effective, concentrated (10x more concentrated than your typical natural cleaner).

The base is the same for all of them and the difference is the essential oil(s) used. So we recommend you pick your cleanser based on which aroma you would prefer in your house.

- Orange is a fresh, light smell that is great for every room, especially the kitchen as orange essential oil helps to remove grease. 

- Lavender is a calming, soothing aroma and is a great choice for those with children. 

- Lemon Eucalyptus is fresh and minty that leaves a ‘spa-like’ aroma and is perfect for bathrooms.

We do! We have shampoos, conditioners, body wash, lotions, multi-purpose cleaners, dish soap, yoga mat cleaner and massage oil available in 4L sizes. 

Please see our commercial use section for more details.

We do not currently offer workshops but please check back in the future. If you are interested in offering a workshop at our location, please contact us.

As our products are natural and we use natural preservatives, there is a shelf life for most of them. This is a guide for the general shelf life of each type of product. 

Many products are sensitive to heat, light and exposure to air so shelf life can vary depending on how you are storing and using the product. 

Some products will last a lot longer than their suggested shelf-life but to get the full benefits and properties of the ingredients we recommend using them in the following time frames.

Lotions and creams: 18 months        

Shampoo: 3+ years

Conditioner: 18 months

Bar soap: 2 years

Liquid soap: 3+ years

Carrier oils: 8-12 months for most carrier oils, except for fractionated coconut oil (2-3yrs) and jojoba oil (50+yrs)

Essential oils: most are best to use in 3-5yrs, citrus essential oils should be used within 9 months, some essential oils get better with age including rose, frankincense and sandalwood.

Floral Waters/Toners: 1 year

Bath Salts: salt does not have a shelf life but the essential oils added will. Best to use blended bath salts within 2 years.

Bath Bombs: Best experience when used fresh but

Clays: clay powder has an indefinite shelf life.

Facial Masks: 18 months

Facial Serum: 2 years

Salves/Balms: 2-3 years

We started our refill program in 2007 and it was because we wanted to take action around reducing waste. 

There are so many single use plastics in this world, that we wanted to start the conversation around reusing. 

It helps save waste, the environment and saves you money! 

Many of our products are refillable in our Victoria B.C. location including lotions, shampoo, conditioner, surf spray, hair gel, shaving cream,  body wash, liquid hand soap, castile soap, liquid facial cleansers, massage oils, essential oils, roll-on perfumes, facial oils, facial toners, hydrosols, room sprays, multi-purpose cleaners, dish soap, and witch hazel.

Note: We can also now refill clay powders, bath salts, beeswax pellets and more.

Unfortunately at this time we cannot refill anything in a jar.

TIP: You will see a ‘REFILLABLE’ icon on all our product labels that are refillable. Unfortunately at this time we cannot refill

Just bring in your empty container (ours or another container) and we will do the rest! 

We can refill it with the same product, or a different one. 

We can even give you a new label if you are refilling with a different aroma or product. 

You can bring in an empty ‘Nezza’ container or any other container. 

It can be another brand or even a mason jar...we just love to see you reusing! 

Of course!

Get 10% off retail price for all refills! (Only available in-store)

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile (the tendency of a substance to vaporize) oils extracted from various parts of plants. They are called ‘essential’ oils because they contain the ‘essence’ of the plant material.

Essential oils are powerful and have various therapeutic properties. Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils on the physical, psychological and emotional state within the body. They are generally extracted by steam distillation but there are other processes including, cold expression, solvent extraction, co2 extraction and more.

Inhalation: Essential oils contain tiny molecules, when inhaled are able to reach the olfactory system of the brain in the limbic system. The limbic system is linked to memories, emotions, horomones, sexuality and heart rate. An aromatherapy diffuser is the most efficient way to release essential oils into the air. You can also just inhale directly from the bottle.

Absorption through the skin: Essential oil molecules are also able to penetrate the skin and pass into capillary blood.  You always want to dilute them before application by adding a small amount (see blending chart) to a carrier oil, lotion or other medium.

Bath: Add a few drops of essential oil to your bath water and enjoy the benefits of both topical absorption and inhalation.

Note: we do not recommend ingestion of essential oils. Please see ‘Essential Oil Safety: Ingesting essential oils’ for more information.

DIFFUSER: Add 5-15 drops to your ultrasonic diffuser, ceramic diffuser, scentball or car diffuser.

BATH: Add 3-8 drops to your bath water and enjoy!

MASSAGE: Add 5 drops per 30ml of carrier oil or lotion and massage onto skin. *see blending chart for more details

INHALATION: Inhale directly from the bottle for immediate effects

CAUTIONS: Never apply essential oils pure on the skin - always dilute in a

carrier oil, lotion or other medium before topical application. Lavender

and Tea Tree are the only exceptions. 

Lavender is an amazing plant with a wide range of properties which is why it is so popular (it also smells amazing). There are over 40 species of lavender in the world and we carry essential oils made from three species. 

‘True’ lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a sweeter, softer aroma than other Lavender varieties and is the most commonly used for therapeutic use. It is an excellent choice for many skin ailments, anxiety and insomnia.  

Lavender Supreme (Lavandula angustifolia): The same species (L. angustifolia) but grown at a higher altitude. This causes the plant to contain a higher linalool content which promotes relaxation in the body and mind.

Lavander Spike (Lavandula latifolia):  has a sharp, almost minty aroma when compared to ‘true’ lavender. It contains a higher camphor and 1,8-Cineole content which makes it less relaxing than true lavender. It is a great choice for respiratory support,  headaches, pain and inflammation and helps to stimulate circulation.

Note: because of higher camphor content, this oil is not recommended during pregnancy. 

Blue Chamomile and Roman Chamomile are very similar but have some key differences that are important to note when using for aromatherapy.

Therapeutically, they are both used for soothing the skin, inflammation, fevers, the nervous system and the digestive system. They are both excellent for pain relief, are anti-bacterial and have relaxing properties.

Blue Chamomile contains a component called chamazulene which gives it a dark blue colour as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. An excellent choice for dry, irritated skin conditions and promotes healing and skin cell regeneration. Soothing for digestion, menstrual pain and PMS.

Roman Chamomile has a pale yellow colour and is very calming, promotes sleep and is excellent for children. Also used for sore muscles, arthritis, headaches, including migraines. Soothing for the mind, balances moods and emotions.

Carrier oils are also known as base oil or vegetable oil. They are used for massage, moisturizing the skin and also for diluting essential oils before applying to the skin.

They are called ‘carrier’ oils because they carry the essential oils into the skin. Carrier oils do not have the aromatic properties that essential oils have, however, some will have a subtle natural aroma. They are not volatile like essential oils asin they will not evaporate like essential oils.

There is a wide range of carrier oils that can be used with or without essential oils including sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil and more. They have a range of thickness, absorption rate and uses. Many carrier oils are excellent for moisturizing the skin, reducing inflammation and often contain fatty acids, anti-oxidants and vitamins that the skin loves!

Carrier oils are most often cold-pressed and some are expeller pressed or macerated.

Useful conversions:

20 drops essential oil = 1ml

200 drops = 10ml

30ml = 1oz

1000ml = 32oz = 1L

4000ml = 128oz = 4L (gallon)

Opinions and research regarding the use of essential oils during pregnancy differs widely. 

Aromatherapy has been proven to be beneficial for some people and can help ease some physical discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, headaches, backache as well as help balance the emotions. 

If you feel you would like to use essential oils during pregnancy, childbirth and/or while breastfeeding - ensure you follow safety guidelines and inform your medical provider that you are using essential oils. 

Use 0.5 - 1% essential oils to carrier oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Avoid ALL essential oils during the first trimester if miscarriage is a concern.

Ensure that you are using essential oils that are safe for your current trimester.

All of pregnancy: Bergamot, Citrus (Lemon, Lime,Mandarin,Grapefruit), Neroli, Palmarosa, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang

After first trimester: Chamomile (Roman), Eucalyptus (Radiata),

Ginger, Lavender

After Third trimester:  Cedarwood, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Spruce

Labour: Clary Sage, Jasmine, Rose

Angelica root, Aniseed, Basil, Bay, Sweet Birch, Camphor, Carrot Seed,

Cassia, Cinnamon, Fennel, Hyssop, Marjoram, Mugwort, Myrrh, Nutmeg,

Sage, Star Anise, Thyme, Wintergreen + more.

Note: Statements here may not have been evaluated by Health Canada nor any other regulator. The

information and products we carry are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, nor prevent any disease. They are intended as an educational resource. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 

"The Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists (CFA) does not recommend nor condone the ingestion of any essential oil in any manner. However, it is widely marketed and some oils have been approved for consumption (as flavouring) in the USA." - CFA

At Nezza Naturals, we recommend inhalation and topical application over ingesting essential oils. Molecules of essential oils are small enough to be absorbed by our skin and into our olfactory system during inhalation - this makes them fast-acting and effective without the need for ingestion. 

Safety: Essential oils are high concentrations of plant material and are extremely potent. When used improperly, they can have harmful effects on the body

Some essential oils, although beneficial to humans can be potentially toxic to our pets. 

Animals such as cats and dogs are unable to break down certain essential oil components. They also have a stronger sense of smell than humans and some essential oils can be overpowering for our furry friends.

Note that cats are even more sensitive to essential oils compared to dogs. We do not recommend using any essential oils on your cats. 

Avoid diffusing essential oils in a confined space shared by your pet.

Allow fresh air to circulate the room.

Wash hands after using products with essential oils before touching your pet.

Always consult a veterinarian before treating a condition topically with essential oils.

Try using carrier oils or safe hydrosols rather than essential oils to soothe irritated skin conditions.

Lemongrass, Lavender, Frankincense, Clary sage, Geranium, Chamomile

Basil, Birch, Fir, Pine, Spruce, Cinnamon, Cassia, Clove, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper Berry, Mugwort, Oregano, Peppermint, Spearmint, Sage, Tea tree, Wintergreen, Ylang Ylang + more

There are some conditions that are contraindicated with certain essential oils.

Epilepsy - there are certain essential oils that are stimulating, people with epilepsy or the risk of a seizure should avoid. This includes: sage, eucalyptus, rosemary, sweet fennel

High Blood Pressure - essential oils that increase circulation should be avoided with people who have high blood pressure. These include: eucalyptus, thyme, sage, peppermint and rosemary.

Low Blood Pressure - essential oils that have a very calming effect should be avoided with people who have low blood pressure. These include: clary sage, ylang ylang and lavender

Babies & Children under 5 yrs - For babies under 6 months, it is best to avoid too many essential oils. Babies and children are more sensitive to essential oils compared to adults. It is always best to keep percentages of essential oils to 1% or less. We often like  to primarily use gentle essential oils of lavender (L. angustifolia) and roman chamomile as these are safe, soothing for the skin and calming for the mind and emotions.

Essential oils to avoid with children under 5 - aniseed, basil, camphor, cinnamon bark, clove bud, eucalyptus (under 10), sweet fennel, hyssop, juniper berry, lemongrass, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, peppermint (under 12), pennyroyal, sage, and thyme.