Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At Gerra’s Essentials, we believe knowledge empowers better choices. We want you to feel informed and confident about the products you bring into your everyday routines. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for below, our GE family is always welcome to connect with us. Connect with us directly at Questions@GerrasEssentials.com if you do not see the answer that you are looking for or if you have any additional questions.
Q: Are Gerra's Essentials products handmade?
A: Yes! Our products are thoughtfully made in small batches with care and attention to detail. Because they are handmade, slight variations in color, texture, shape, or appearance may occur from batch to batch. We see these little differences as part of what makes handcrafted products special.
Q: What makes GE different?
A: We believe self-care should be simple, intentional, approachable, and kind. Our essentials are inspired by the Pacific Northwest and thoughtfully formulated with carefully selected ingredients. We focus on quality, consistency, continuous education, and creating products that bring meaning to everyday routines.
Q: Where can I find the ingredients for each product?
A: You’ll find a complete ingredient list on each individual product page. We believe you deserve to know what you’re using and why, which is why ingredient education is an important part of GE.
Q: What ingredients do you use?
A: We believe that what goes on your skin matters. Our products are made with thoughtfully selected oils, butters, clays, botanicals, essential, and natural fragrance oils whenever included in the recipe. We prioritize high-quality and organic ingredients whenever possible and strive to source locally whenever we can. Each product page will have an ingredient list included.
Q: Do your products contain artificial fragrances?
A: Many of our products are scented exclusively with essential oils, while some may include fragrance oils, and others are intentionally left unscented. All of our fragrance oils are phthalate-free and do not contain any harsh additives or preservatives. Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to fertility issues, breast cancer risks, and general developmental concerns. Please refer to each product's ingredient list for the most accurate information.
Q: Can I use GE products if I am pregnant or nursing?
A: Because everyone's circumstances are different, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before using products containing essential oils, fragrance oils, or other ingredients of concern during pregnancy or nursing. Please review the complete ingredient list for each product and contact us if you have questions.
Q: Do your soaps contain synthetic detergents?
A: No. Our soap bars are traditionally crafted using oils, butters, water, and sodium hydroxide through the soap-making process. Once saponification is complete, no sodium hydroxide remains in the finished bar.
Q: What is sodium hydroxide and why are Gerra's Essentials soaps made with it?
A: Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye or caustic soda, is a highly alkaline, odorless white chemical compound used across various industries. Soap makers use sodium hydroxide because it is the essential catalyst that transforms fats and oils into actual soap through a chemical reaction called saponification.
People sometimes worry about lye because it is a harsh, caustic substance on its own, but it does not remain in the finished product. During a proper saponification process (and a curing period of 4-6 weeks), every molecule of sodium hydroxide is fully consumed and neutralized by the oils. The result is a completely new, safe, and kind-to-skin substance: soap. Without sodium hydroxide, you cannot make true, traditional bar soap. While there are synthetic detergents (syndet bars) or pre-made melt-and-pour bases, making soap from scratch requires an alkali. Sodium hydroxide specifically is preferred for bar soap because its chemical structure creates a firm, hard bar.
Q: Why doesn't my soap look exactly like the picture shown on the website?
A: Every Gerra's Essentials soap is handcrafted in small batches, making each bar one of a kind. Because we work with natural ingredients, botanicals, clays, and essential oils, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and weight are completely normal. The product you receive will closely resemble the photos on our website, but no two bars are ever exactly alike. And that's part of the beauty of handcrafted soap.
Q: Why did my soap change color?
A: Color changes can happen naturally over time due to ingredients, fragrance, essential oils, light, moisture, and the environment in which your soap is stored. A change in appearance doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with your bar.
Q: Can I use more than one GE product together?
A: Absolutely! We love creating simple routines around our essentials. You can explore complementary products throughout the website or reach out to us for pairing suggestions.
Q: Are GE products intended to treat a skin condition?
A: No. Our products are created for everyday cleansing, care, and personal routines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
Q: Are your products tested on animals?
A: No. We believe in creating products that are kind to your skin, to nature, and to animals. We test only on humans, unless the product is specifically formulated for pets.
Q: Can I get a refund or exchange on my purchase?
A: Because our products are personal care items, we are unable to accept returns or offer refunds once an order has been delivered. This policy helps us maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety for every customer.
If your order arrives damaged, incorrect, or there is an issue with your purchase, please connect with us within three (3) days of delivery. We are committed to making things right and will gladly work with you to resolve the issue.
In the rare case you were sent the wrong item, we will send you the correct item, shipping on us.
Q: How long does it take to receive my order?
A: Due to longer shipping schedules, please allow up to 15 days from the day you receive confirmation of shipment for your order to arrive. If you have any further questions, please reach out to Questions@GerrasEssentials.com.
Still have a question? We'd love to hear from you!
At GE, questions are welcome. Whether you’re curious about an ingredient, need help choosing an essential, have feedback to share, or simply want to say hello, your GE family is here for you.
Self-care is essential. So is feeling informed about the products you choose.