FAQ

Product Information

How is tallow good for skin?

Organic tallow is a type of animal fat rendered from grass-fed cows or bison, known for its high bioavailability. This means it is easily absorbed by the skin and provides essential nutrients that support skin health.

Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which play important roles in skin function. Vitamin A promotes healthy skin cell turnover, helping to maintain smooth, resilient skin. Vitamin D supports skin cell growth, repair, and overall metabolism, while omega-3 fatty acids help reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss and promoting hydration. Together, these nutrients help improve skin texture, maintain hydration, and protect against environmental stressors, making tallow an effective and nourishing ingredient for skincare. To find out more, please read my blog article on it (Bison Tallow: Honoring a Timeless Tradition).

Why use herbal skincare?

Herbal medicine is the original medicine, not the alternative. For centuries, plants were our primary source of healing. Modern medicine, as we know it today, is relatively new, with many of its treatments actually derived from plant compounds that were used long before synthetic versions existed.

Across the world, there’s evidence of ancient cultures relying on plants for everything from pain relief to immune support. Plants have adapted alongside us, thriving through changes in the environment, and that resilience makes them incredibly effective in addressing the challenges we face in our own bodies.

Herbal medicine aligns with the rhythms of nature, evolving with the seasons, just as we do. What you need each season is already out there, waiting for you.

Why don't you use essential oils?

Using essential oils in skincare misses the mark when it comes to creating a truly effective and holistic skincare product. While essential oils contain concentrated compounds, they only represent a fraction of the plant’s full potential. By focusing solely on essential oils, we overlook the full array of nutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds that the entire plant offers. This practice also tends to use a large amount of plant material to extract a small quantity of oil, which is not the most sustainable approach.

Instead, I choose to infuse whole plant materials into each batch of tallow. This method unlocks the full therapeutic benefits of the plant, preserving its complete spectrum of natural properties. By using the whole plant, I’m able to offer a more balanced, sustainable, and truly effective product that works in harmony with your skin’s natural needs.

Can I use it if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, absolutely! Dear Oaklyn's products are safe for all skin types, including the most sensitive, and gentle enough for babies. I don’t use any ingredients that could compromise the skin’s microbiome or irritate reactive skin. Instead, I focus on pure, whole ingredients straight from the earth, ingredients that work in harmony with your skin, not against it. I believe in the "less is more" approach when it comes to skincare, which is why I keep formulations simple and free from unnecessary additives. This ensures my products are soothing, effective, and safe for everyone in the family.

Is it safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

I formulated these products with my own daughter in mind when she was an infant and breastfeeding. I wanted to use only gentle, natural ingredients that are free from essential oils, synthetic chemicals, and anything that could be irritating or harmful.

Each product is made with whole ingredients from the Earth that are nourishing and safe for both your skin and your baby’s delicate skin. Of course, if you ever have any questions or want to feel extra confident, feel free to check with your healthcare provider for peace of mind. 

What is the shelf life?

Since Dear Oaklyn's products contain no additives or preservatives, they are meant to be used as soon as you receive them for maximum freshness and effectiveness.

The balms are rich in fats, which helps with their shelf stability. However, I recommend discarding all oils (even your cooking oils) after a year to maintain their potency. It's best to buy only what you'll use within that timeframe.

• Everything Balm: This will typically last about 6 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
• Piñon Repair Balm: This will typically last about 12 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
• Flora Lip Butter: This will typically last about 12 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
• Soothing Bar: The bar soap has a shelf life of about 12-18 months, depending on storage conditions. To prolong its use, keep it in a dry area between uses.

Where do you source ingredients from?

I’d love to say that I get everything from local farmers here in North Carolina, but I haven’t quite figured out how to make that work just yet. I do my best to source all of the herbs from smaller, family-owned farms across the United States, focusing on those that practice sustainable and regenerative farming. This ensures the ingredients are grown with care for the land, promoting soil health and biodiversity.

As for the tallow, it comes from pasture-raised and vaccine-free bison raised on regenerative farms. These practices prioritize the long-term health of the ecosystem, allowing for more nutrient-rich, cleaner products. I’m committed to supporting farming methods that are good for the environment and your skin, using only the purest, most responsibly sourced ingredients.

Order Information

When will my order ship?

I wish I could ship every day, but as a stay-at-home mom, my time is a bit limited. I ship orders weekly, so you can expect yours to go out within a week! Once your order is scanned at the post office, you’ll receive an email with tracking information. I’ll do my best to get your products to you as quickly as possible!

What if a product I want is sold out?

I create each product with a focus on the beauty of hand-harvested, small-batch ingredients, and I’m committed to ethical practices in every step. Because of this, some items may sell out from time to time. I can only offer as much as we can carefully make, but I’ll always do my best to keep everything stocked and ready to ship. Thank you so much for your understanding and support!