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Help & FAQ

Have you got a burning question? If you don’t find the answer to your question just get in touch with us!

hello@pamojaskincare.com

Pamoja Skincare Ltd, Clavering House, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3NG.

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ORDERS AND SHIPPING

Which payment methods can I use?
We accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, Google Pay and Shopify Pay.

Can I amend my order?
If you wish to make any changes to your order, please contact us within 1 hour of placing your order. We regret that we are unable to amend orders beyond this point. Please ensure you have entered the correct address details as we are unable to redirect orders after dispatch.

What does shipping cost?
UK 2nd class shipping is free on orders over £50, or £3.50 for orders under £50.  £3.50 - Royal Mail 2nd class which aims to deliver within 2-3 working days. 
£5.50 - Royal Mail Tracked 24 which aims to deliver the next working day.
USA tracked and signed shipping is £20 or free on orders over £100.

When will my order be shipped and delivered?

I aim to dispatch orders within 24 hours. You will receive an order confirmation email followed by an email confirming dispatch. In the unlikely event of a delay to dispatch, I will contact you.

I reserve the right to change the delivery partner at any time.

Please note that import duties are your responsibility.  We are not responsible for any loss or damage during transit.

I haven't received my order, what should I do?
First, check the tracking code in your shipping confirmation email to get a delivery update.  If necessary, email me at hello@pamojaskincare.com and I will help trace your order and the next steps.

Can I cancel and return my order?
I hope you will enjoy using Pamoja products. However, if you are not happy, you can cancel your order any time before dispatch and up to 14 days after receipt provided it is unopened and unused. You will need to return the product within 14 days. Returns are at your expense. Please ensure that the goods are packaged adequately to protect against damage. We recommend you obtain proof of postage. If we receive the goods back unopened and unused, we will issue a full refund within 14 days.

You do not have to give any reason for cancellation. However, a brief explanation will help us to improve the service we offer to customers in the future.

This policy does not affect your statutory rights.

Please check our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Please be sure to always read the full ingredients list and, suitability information and directions of use on the product description before placing your order.

If you wish to return your order contact us to arrange this at hello@pamojaskincare.com.

Do you provide free samples?
No, as a small business I cannot afford to provide free samples.  However, you can try the range with the Mini Experience which is a starter set lasting around one month. 

Do you have a promo code?

If you're new to Pamoja, welcome! Sign up to receive 10% off your first order.  I also share offers and promo codes only available to subscribers. Sign up here.

Why does it say my info is being transferred to the USA during checkout?
We use a website service called Shopify, which has servers in the USA. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks. Your information is securely held and isn't shared with any third parties.

PRODUCTS

Are products suitable for vegans?
Yes. We do not formulate with any ingredient derived from animal sources. Animal derivatives commonly found in cosmetics include lanolin, beeswax, honey or ingredients derived from dairy. We carefully source vegan alternatives. For example, lactic acid is often milk-derived however, we have sourced a non-dairy version obtained from maize and free from GMO. Hyaluronic acid can be sourced from animals, yet we have a vegan source derived from the bacterial fermentation of yeast and glucose derived from beans and potatoes.

Are products cruelty free?
Pamoja believes that beauty products should be cruelty free.  We are proud to be Leaping Bunny approved.  A global programme, Leaping Bunny requires cruelty free standards over and above legal requirements. 

All of our cosmetic and personal care products are approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny Programme, the internationally recognisable gold standard for cruelty free products.  We adhere to a fixed cut-off date policy and proactively monitor our suppliers to ensure that our products continue to adhere to the Leaping Bunny criteria.  Our supplier monitoring system is also independently audited. 

For more information about Cruelty Free International, Leaping Bunny and Leaping Bunny criteria please visit www.crueltyfreeinternational.org.

What is the shelf life of products?
Pamoja products are made fresh in small batches of up to 50. All products have a unique 'use by' date on the label, between 9-12 months from the date of manufacture.

How natural is Pamoja?
Pamoja products contain natural and naturally derived ingredients.  Only one ingredient, Niacinamide, is lab made, and chosen specially for its clinically proven benefits, especially for sensitive skin types.

I will never formulate with synthetic colours, fragrances, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, EDTA, Sulphates (SLS, SLES and ALS), Silicones and Mineral oil.

We do formulate with the highest quality natural, organic and wild-harvested plant oils and butters. We also love to work with innovative natural active ingredients that are scientifically proven to deliver results in the skin as well as high quality naturally derived ingredients. We are very proud of our natural emulsifiers, chelating agents and preservatives that enable us to formulate products that are safe for customers and have lovely textures.

Do products contain preservatives?
Revive Multi-action Face cream and Replenish Hydrating Serum contain a 100% natural and plant-based preservative system including a natural glycol derived from sugar cane and a preservative derived from star anise. These are naturally derived ingredients which are approved by COSMOS. This is because all cosmetics containing water should contain a preservative to protect the product and the customer.  Many brands, including some natural brands, use synthetic preservatives, whereas we are very proud of our natural preservative systems. All other Pamoja products are oil-based and do not contain preservatives.

What's an emulsifier?
An emulsifier is a substance which enables oil and water to be combined and stabilised to form an emulsion. An example of an emulsion in skincare terms would be a face cream or body lotion which is created by combining oil and water, two substances which don't mix, into a fine-textured and stable product. We use a COSMOS approved naturally derived and palm oil-free emulsifier obtained from rapeseed oil.

Do products contain essential oils?
I love to work with essential oils! Only the purest, highest quality essential oils find their way into Pamoja products. They have therapeutic benefits for the skin and enhance the sensory experience of the product, bringing a beautiful, natural aroma to the products without the need for synthetic fragrance. These essential oils are carefully formulated well within the maximum dermal limits. I offer some products in an Essential Oil Free version as I know that some customers with sensitive skin, or for medical reasons, prefer to avoid essential oils. It is vital to always patch test any new product.

Are products safe to use in pregnancy?
I have formulated Pamoja products to be safe to use during pregnancy. Some products do contain essentials oils. However, I do not formulate with essential oils which are contraindicated in pregnancy (as per the Tisserand Essential Oil Safety Guide). Most essential oils contain tiny quantities of naturally occurring allergens which are declared on the ingredient list, and I can provide you with more information so that you can check with your doctor if you are concerned. Please let me know which product you are interested in, and I will provide the exact quantity of allergens contained in the formula.

Are products allergen-free?
No. It is impossible to guarantee that a product is allergen-free as any ingredient can be an allergen to someone, somewhere. I love to formulate with ingredients which are known to be suitable for the most sensitive skin. I do not formulate with synthetic preservatives, colours, fragrances and sulphates. I also do not formulate with ingredients derived from the following major food allergens - peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecan nuts, walnuts, cashews, brazil nuts, pistachio nuts, sesame, egg, soya, milk, celery, mustard, lupin or cereals containing gluten such as oats, wheat and barley.

I provide all ingredient information in English, as well as Latin, to assist you in deciding if a product is suitable for you. However, it is vital for you to carefully read the full ingredients list and use instructions as well as patch test any new product.

I hand make all products in my artisan skincare lab, where I follow good manufacturing procedures that ensure the working environment is free from major allergens. I source all ingredients personally. However, the nature of the supply chain means not all suppliers can guarantee that ingredients are free from contamination.

Are products suitable for my skin type?
Pamoja products are designed to be suitable for all skin types, though they are particularly great for skin that is dry, sensitive, and hormonal.

Products are perfect for busy, eco-conscious customers who want to nourish their skin and nurture themselves.  I believe that everyone deserves to feel good.  

Are products palm oil free?
Yes. Rest assured that my products contain no palm oil or any ingredients derived from palm. There are many palm derivatives commonly found in cosmetics yet challenging to identify. If you want to avoid palm, look out for ingredients such as Capryl Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Elaeis Guineensis, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate and Ascorbyl Palmitate. Ingredients such as glycerine and glyceryl stearate are often made with palm oil. However, here at Pamoja, I have sourced palm free glycerine and a palm-free glyceryl stearate emulsifier.

Why aren't products certified organic?
I work with a variety of ingredients including natural, organic, wild-harvested and naturally derived ingredients. At the moment, the cost of certification is prohibitive as Pamoja is a small independent brand.  Certification is always under review, but for now, I feel it is essential to be transparent about the ingredients I work with and why.

How are the products made?
Pamoja products are designed and handmade in an in-house lab in Newcastle upon Tyne. Sarah Taylor, the founder holds a Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, Certificate in Organic Anti-Ageing Skincare, Certificate in Natural Cosmetic Preservation and a Certificate in Cosmetic Stability Testing.  I'm certified with Formula Botanica, an accredited and award-winning school of cosmetic science. All formulations and products have undergone safety, stability and microbial testing required by EU law.

What is Miron violet glass?
Pamoja products are packaged in Miron Violet glass to help protect the very precious botanical ingredients in our formulations. Miron glass is a very high quality glass which blocks the complete spectrum of visible light except for the violet part. At the same time, it allows a particular element to be permeable for radiation in the spectral range of UV-A, and infra-red light. This unique combination offers optimal protection against the ageing processes that are released by visible light, thus lengthening the durability and potency of products.

Can I return empty containers to you?
Yes, simply return empty containers to my registered address and I will reuse them.  To thank you for doing so, I will email you a voucher code for £5 off your next order.  Send to Pamoja, Clavering House, Newcastle, NE1 3NG. 

How do I dispose of empty packaging?
Miron Violet glass jars and bottles can be recycled alongside other glass products. Lids and pipettes can also be recycled. I recommend removing the glass dropper part of the pipette to enable you to sort your recycling waste effectively. I also recommend returning the containers to Pamoja or reusing your glass jars – they make lovely containers for all kinds of small items, especially herbs and spices. 

If you are having trouble recycling our containers, or any other waste, you can register with Terracycle – an innovative organisation that offers FREE and convenient ways to recycle a wide range of household waste. At Pamoja, I partner with Terracycle to recycle the disposable gloves used in our lab – we recycle a lot!

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