FAQs
Are your products VEGAN?
We use local, sustainable beeswax in most of our products. All these products are vegan including: Shampoo Bars, Soap (except Oatmeal + Honey), Bath Salts, Face & Body/Hair Oils and Deodorant Creams.
What is the SHELF LIFE of your products?
Our products are shelf stable for 1 year after opening, unless noted otherwise. We make mostly anhydrous products for product stability and reduced need for complex preservative systems. Products containing water have broad spectrum preservatives for optimum safety and waste/spoilage reduction.
How do I know which product is good for my SKIN TYPE?
In the product description of every skincare product we have a section called “Skin Type Suitability” that will help you narrow down products that are right for you!
I have allergies and/or sensitive skin. What do I need to know?
Pay careful attention to our full ingredients list, know your allergies and do not use a product if it contains a known allergen. Always perform a patch test when using new products if you are unsure that you will have a reaction to, especially if you have skin sensitivities. We have a lot of unscented products if you are sensitive to scent.
I have allergies and/or sensitive skin. What do I need to know?
Pay careful attention to our full ingredients list, know your allergies and do not use a product if it contains a known allergen. Always perform a patch test when using new products if you are unsure that you will have a reaction to, especially if you have skin sensitivities. We have a lot of unscented products if you are sensitive to scent.
Do you use ESSENTIAL OILS in your products?
We offer many unscented products for those with fragrance and essential oil sensitivities. We formulate our skincare products at no more than 1% of essential oil content. The exception to this is soap, which is produced with a higher percentage because a portion of the scent will fade during the saponification process.
How do I store my Corvus Botanicals products?
Securely close all lids and caps after use. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Store soap and other bars using a soap rack/dish, and never let them sit in a pool of water. This will greatly extend the life of your bar. Always use clean hands when handling your products to optimize the integrity and shelf life of your products.
What does SUSTAINABILITY mean to your company?
We do NOT use greenwashing terms and fear-based marketing/buzzwords. Because, "clean" and "green" are not regulated terms and are virtually meaningless from an accountability standpoint. We focus on low waste products with minimal, plastic-free packaging. We use certified compostable materials, as well as recyclable glass jars with metal lids. Even our labels are printed on tree-free sugar cane paper and are 100% certified compostable (even the adhesive). We offer refill options, especially for our containers with droppers and pumps. Each product page has a sustainability section where we highlight the product's before and end-of-life information, eco-ethical supply chain, and relevant certifications. We believe sustainability is more than just swaps, so we give back by supporting reforestation efforts through One Tree Planted. We have committed to planting a tree for every order. Shipping is carbon neutral through offsets.
What does using sustainable INGREDIENTS look like to your company?
When using plant-based ingredients we utilize the CITES and INCI databases and never use endangered or threatened species. In addition to looking at a plants conservation status, we take that a step further and also consider a plants productivity, growth patterns and abundance from an ecological perspective. Ideally we look for small, single-source farms that utilize regenerative farming practices (intercropping, shade-grown, etc) wherever possible. Ingredients are also evaluated for their fair-trade practices, local community focus, and any relevant eco-certifications. We will always prioritize fair trade over organic. We look at carbon footprint and the overall life cycle. We also use nature-derived and/or nature-identical safe synthetics when it makes the most sustainable sense to do so. For example, we use lab-made mica because it is safer, doesn't use child labor/slavery and it has a significantly lower carbon footprint. Where it is impossible to hit every check mark, we prioritize conservation ecology and fair trade practices that promote holistic and inclusive sustainability.
Do you use PALM OIL in your products?
We do not at this time. Though Palm is highly productive as a plant-based ingredient, the RSPO (which stands for Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) criteria for “sustainable” palm oil is still pretty controversial. Compliance and enforcement are an on-going challenge. Joining the RSPO is now mainstream, which is a great improvement, but actually following through with commitments is still severely lacking in the industry. They haven’t worked out all the nuances with their membership accountability and transparency. Therefore, we are not confident that their sustainability measures go far enough to address this issue; so we are a 100% palm-free company at this time, until we can find a smallholder farm compliant with a 100% Deforestation- and Conversion-Free Policy. For more information on this, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) provides an annual scorecard/progress report.
How do I DISPOSE of my packaging afterwards?
We advocate for a circular economy. We understand that accessibility can be an issue, so we try to use packaging that is most widely accessible to promote a circular economy and provide education on waste and reducing plastic pollution. Our pouches are 100% compostable, both at home and commercially. Our glass containers with metal lids can be reused, re-purposed (planter, vase, makeup brush holder, accessory holder, etc) or recycled. Our paper packaging is FSC certified and can be either composted or recycled. We provide end-of-life information on all our products in the sustainability section of every product page.
What is your turnaround time for SHIPPING?
Your products are handmade, in small batches, so expect the processing of your order to take 1-3 business days, but no more than 3 -5 business days. Due to the nature of small batch + handcrafted products, returns are not accepted. However, if your product arrives damaged, I will replace it! Just contact me with your order information and a photo of the damaged product. A replacement will be on it’s way in 1 - 3 business days.
What is your RETURNS policy?
Due to the handcrafted nature of our products, we do not accept returns at this time. If your product is broken or defective, reach out to us via email and we will resolve the issue.
What types of PAYMENT do you accept?
We accept PayPal on our website, and Etsy Payments offers all the major credit cards and payment options through our Etsy storefront. Sales tax is charged for packages shipping within the state of Michigan, or wherever else applicable.
Do you offer local pickup for Grand Rapids locals or free shipping?
Absolutely! For Grand Rapids folks, if you would like to arrange a local pickup and forego shipping charges, I can accommodate this. Just select the local option at checkout or leave a comment when you order stating "LOCAL PICKUP - NO SHIPPING" to avoid shipping charges. We will then communicate via email / direct message to arrange the pickup location and time. For all shoppers, orders $50 and over ship for free!
Absolutely! For Grand Rapids folks, if you would like to arrange a local pickup and forego shipping charges, I can accommodate this. Just select the local option at checkout or leave a comment when you order stating "LOCAL PICKUP - NO SHIPPING" to avoid shipping charges. We will then communicate via email / direct message to arrange the pickup location and time. For all shoppers, orders $50 and over ship for free!
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, through our Etsy shop platform the international shipping process is easy and straight forward! We do not yet offer international shipping through our website at this time.
Help! I think my package is lost!
Corvus Botanicals is not responsible for packages once they have been released to USPS. If your order seems to be delayed or missing, start by contacting your local USPS office, or by turning on tracking notifications. Please reach out to Corvus Botanicals by emailing us at corvusbotanicals@gmail.com after you have taken these steps. Every reasonable attempt will be made to insure you receive your order in a timely manner.
More questions? Please contact us and we will follow up with you in a timely manner!