Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please reach out at [email protected] -- we are always happy to help.
ABOUT SAVAGE ÅSE
What is Savage Åse?
Savage Åse is a premium Australian indie skincare brand founded and formulated by Liz Drewett - a certified natural skincare formulator and ex-nurse based in South Australia. Every product is personally formulated, handcrafted, and packaged by Liz in small batches.
The brand was born from a deeply personal experience - watching her daughter navigate skin challenges caused by medical adhesives used in Type 1 diabetes management. What started as a search for answers became a passion for ingredient transparency, intentional formulation, and skincare that genuinely supports the skin.
What makes Savage Åse different from other skincare brands?
Most skincare brands rely on marketing language - buzzwords, fear tactics, and exaggerated claims. Savage Åse does the opposite.
Every ingredient in every formula is there for a reason. We explain what it does, why it is included, and how it supports your skin. We do not use fear-based marketing, we do not chase trends, and we do not make promises the science does not support.
Our formulations sit between natural skincare and luxury skincare - intentionally. We combine evidence-aware natural ingredients with thoughtful, technically sound formulation. The result is skincare that works, feels exceptional, and you can actually understand.
Are your products made in Australia?
Yes. Every Savage Åse product is formulated, handcrafted, and packaged by Liz Drewett in South Australia. We are proudly Australian made and founder-led.
Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?
All current Savage Åse products are vegan - we do not use any animal-derived ingredients in our existing range.
We do not test on animals and never will. While we are not formally certified by a third-party cruelty-free body at this time, our commitment to causing no harm is fundamental to who we are as a brand.
As we grow and expand our range, some future formulations may incorporate ingredients such as beeswax or tallow. We will always be fully transparent about this - every ingredient will be clearly declared so you can make informed choices about every product you buy from us.
Are your products certified organic?
No - and we think it is worth explaining why, because the word 'organic' is one of the most misused terms in the beauty industry.
In Australia, a finished cosmetic product can carry an 'organic' label with as little as 70% certified organic content - meaning the remaining 30% could include ingredients that are far from natural, and in some cases are not beneficial for your skin. Certification does not automatically mean the formula is better for you.
At Savage Åse, we take a different approach. Where certified organic ingredients are available and appropriate, we use them. When a certified organic version is not available, we source the highest quality natural alternative - often cold-pressed, unrefined, and just as good for your skin. A quality natural ingredient that isn't certified organic is not inferior to one that is. It simply means it hasn't gone through a certification body.
We will always be transparent about what we use and why. If you have questions about a specific ingredient in one of our products, please ask us.
INGREDIENTS AND FORMULATION
How do I know what is in your products?
Every Savage Åse product comes with a linen ingredient card listing the full INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) ingredient list. INCI is the standardised international naming system used by cosmetic scientists worldwide - it is the same system used on every cosmetic product sold globally.
We chose to include ingredient cards rather than printing directly on our packaging because our glass jars are small and we refused to compromise on font size, clarity, or the quality of the information. In Australia, this is a legally accepted method of ingredient disclosure at point of sale.
What does INCI mean?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It is a standardised system used globally to name cosmetic ingredients - typically using Latin or scientific names. For example, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice is the INCI name for aloe vera.
We list all ingredients by their INCI names in descending order of concentration (from highest to lowest), as required by Australian cosmetic labelling guidelines. If you want help understanding what any ingredient does, feel free to contact us - ingredient education is something we genuinely enjoy.
Do your products contain essential oils?
Yes - our products are formulated with essential oils. Essential oils are complex botanical extracts that contain naturally occurring aromatic compounds, some of which are classified as potential allergens under cosmetic safety guidelines.
At Savage Åse, we declare all naturally occurring allergens present above the relevant threshold - including compounds such as limonene and farnesol - on both our product pages and on the linen ingredient card included with every order. This is not just a legal requirement; it is part of our commitment to full ingredient transparency.
If you have known sensitivities to specific essential oil components, we encourage you to review the ingredient card for the relevant product before use, or contact us at [email protected] and we will help you determine whether a product is suitable for you.
Are your products preservative-free?
No - and this is intentional. We want to be clear about this because 'preservative-free' is often marketed as a benefit. It is not.
Any skincare product that contains water requires a preservation system to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould, and yeast. A product without preservatives in a water-containing formula is not safer - it is a potential health risk.
At Savage Åse, we use carefully selected, effective preservation systems in our water-containing formulas to ensure your products are microbiologically safe from the moment they are made until the last use. Our preservation efficacy is tested. The preservative used in ReWild is both COSMOS and Ecocert approved.
Anhydrous products (those containing no water, such as facial oils) do not require a preservative system.
What is your batch size and how fresh are your products?
We manufacture in small batches - this is a deliberate choice. Small-batch production allows us to maintain tighter quality control, ensure ingredient freshness, and stay closely connected to every product we make.
Because your order is made to order, your products are as fresh as they can be when they reach you.
IFRA COMPLIANCE AND DERMAL LIMITS
What is IFRA?
IFRA stands for the International Fragrance Association. It is the global industry body that sets safety standards for the use of fragrance ingredients in consumer products, including skincare.
IFRA publishes guidelines - known as IFRA Standards - that set maximum safe usage levels for fragrance materials across different product categories. These are based on safety assessments conducted by an independent scientific body called REXPAN (formerly RIFM).
At Savage Åse, we formulate within IFRA guidelines for all products that contain fragrance components.
What are dermal limits and why do they matter?
Dermal limits refer to the maximum safe concentration at which an ingredient - particularly a fragrance component or essential oil constituent - can be applied to the skin without causing sensitisation or adverse reactions.
These limits exist because some ingredients, even natural ones, can cause sensitisation if used above certain concentrations. This is especially relevant for essential oils, which contain naturally occurring allergens such as linalool, limonene, geraniol, and others.
Staying within dermal limits is not about fear - it is about formulating responsibly. It is one of the reasons why professional formulation education matters, and why we take it seriously.
Are your products IFRA compliant?
Yes. Where fragrance components or essential oils are used in our formulations, we calculate and adhere to IFRA guidelines and dermal limit restrictions for the relevant product category. This is a fundamental part of our formulation process, not an afterthought.
Why do you talk about fragrance safety so openly?
Because transparency is one of our core values, and because the beauty industry often handles this topic poorly - either ignoring it entirely or using fragrance as a fear-based marketing angle.
The truth is that fragrance ingredients are not inherently dangerous. Like every ingredient, they have appropriate usage levels. When formulated correctly and within established safety guidelines, they can be used safely in skincare. We believe you deserve to understand this rather than be scared by it.
YOUR SKIN
Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?
Several of our products are formulated with skin comfort and barrier support in mind. However, 'sensitive skin' means different things for different people - what one person tolerates well, another may not.
We always recommend reviewing the full ingredient list before purchasing. If you have known allergies or a diagnosed skin condition, please speak with your dermatologist or healthcare provider before introducing new products. You are also welcome to contact us directly to discuss which product may suit you best.
Do I need to patch test?
Yes - we strongly recommend it, even if you have used natural or premium skincare before.
To patch test: apply a small amount of the product to the inner wrist or behind the ear. Leave for 24 hours without washing. If you experience any redness, itching, swelling, or irritation, discontinue use immediately. If a reaction persists, consult a medical professional.
Are your products anti-ageing?
No - and we mean that as a compliment to you.
At Savage Åse, we do not use the term 'anti-ageing' because we do not believe ageing is something to fight against. What we do believe in is supporting healthy-looking skin at every age - through hydration, barrier function, antioxidant protection, and skin nourishment.
Our products are formulated to support your skin's health, not to promise it something unrealistic.
Can I use Savage Åse products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
We recommend consulting your healthcare provider or midwife before introducing any new skincare products during pregnancy or breastfeeding, including products formulated with natural and botanical ingredients. Some essential oil components and actives are best avoided or used with caution during these periods.
If you would like to know more about the ingredients in a specific product, please contact us at [email protected].
Which product should I start with?
If you are new to Savage Åse, we suggest starting with the product most relevant to your current skin focus:
- For daily hydration and skin support: ReWild - our hero moisturiser formulated for barrier support, antioxidant protection, and healthy skin ageing.
- For a nourishing oil that sits beautifully under or over moisturiser: Barely Tamed - a lightweight facial oil that absorbs without heaviness.
- For a gentle, sensory cleansing ritual: ReClaim - our gel-to-milk cleanser and mask hybrid that nourishes as it cleanses.
If you are unsure, please reach out - we are happy to guide you.
ORDERS AND SHIPPING
How long will my order take?
Because your products are handcrafted to order, please allow 3-5 business days for your order to be made, quality-checked, and packed before dispatch. Once dispatched via Australia Post, estimated delivery times are:
- South Australia: 1-3 business days
- Eastern States (VIC, NSW, QLD): 3-5 business days
- Western Australia, NT, Tasmania: 5-8 business days
You will receive an email with your tracking number once your order has been dispatched.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes - standard shipping is $10.95 AUD Australia wide, and free on all orders over $150 AUD.
Do you ship internationally?
Not yet - we currently ship within Australia only. International shipping is something we are working towards.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Because your products are made to order, please contact us as soon as possible at [email protected] if you need to make a change or cancellation. We will do our best to accommodate your request before production begins.
STORING AND USING YOUR PRODUCTS
How should I store my Savage Åse products?
Store all products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Our dark glass packaging helps protect formulations from light degradation - keep lids sealed tightly when not in use.
ReClaim (gel-to-milk cleanser) requires a little extra care: never introduce water into the jar. Always use the spatula included with your order to scoop product out, and keep the jar away from wet areas and humidity. Introducing water into an anhydrous formula can cause contamination and significantly shorten the product's life.
What is the shelf life of each product?
Each product has different storage requirements based on its formulation:
- ReWild: 12 months from the date of manufacture (expiry date is on the bottom of the jar). ReWild contains a natural, COSMOS and Ecocert approved preservative - because it is made in small batches, the manufacture date is the most accurate guide to freshness.
-Barely Tamed: use within 6 months of opening. Unopened, it will last 12-18 months.
- ReClaim: use within 6 months of opening for best results. Unopened, it will last 12-18 months. Keep water out of the jar at all times.
If you have any concerns about a product's condition - a change in smell, texture, or colour; please stop using it and contact us.
What does PAO mean on my product?
PAO stands for Period After Opening - the symbol looks like an open jar with a number inside (e.g. 6M or 12M). It indicates how many months a product is recommended to be used after first opening.
This is separate from the manufacture date and relates to product performance and safety once the seal has been broken. You will find this information on your product label or ingredient card.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
How do I get in touch?
We would love to hear from you. Reach us at [email protected] and we will respond within 2 business days.
You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook - links in the footer of this website.
SAVAGE ASE | www.savagease.com.au | [email protected] | South Australia