FAQs
General skincare
Why use natural and organic skincare?
This is a great question that we hear all the time. And the answer is simple: use natural and organic skincare because it's clean and it works.
Traditional skincare and cosmetics are often packed with chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can do more harm than good for your skin. The truth is that Mother Nature provides us with all of the ingredients we need for beautiful, healthy, glowing skin- so why use the nasties when you can get the same (and often BETTER) results without them?
Does natural skincare actually work, though?
It does! The days of natural skincare simply being a feel-good conversation or an environmental choice are long gone. We’ve partnered with the Sydney Dermal Institute, conducted multiple rounds of case studies and spent years on research and development all to bring you a range with the efficacy results to rival any synthetic brand out there. We’ve been solving skin concerns naturally for more than a decade now and we have no intention of stopping anytime soon!
How often should I cleanse my face?
Once a day. Cleanse ONLY at night to wash away makeup and daily pollutants. Cleansing in the morning will strip your skin of all the beautiful natural oils you’ve built up through the night.
How often should I exfoliate my skin?
As a general rule, we recommend exfoliating 2-4 times per week. While exfoliating is an important and necessary part of any skin care regimen, your skin type will determine how frequently you should exfoliate.
Our Prebiotic + C Skin Polishing Exfoliator Powder is gentle enough for daily use for MOST skin types, but always better to err on the side of caution.
I have oily skin- should I use a face oil?
YES! All skin types can benefit from using facial oils.
The first rule when using any facial oil is to mix it with water or a hydrosol to dilute the oil and increase epidermal penetration. The water acts as a vehicle, driving ingredients from the oil deep into the skin's layers. Oily skin types should just keep this ratio to a higher concentration of water than oil.
See below for recommended starting ratios:
What comes first- serum or moisturiser?
Serum
Do I need to change my skincare regimen each season?
You do not! We have formulated The Holy Trinity Daily Maintenance Routine to see all skin types through all seasons and climates.
I am curious about one of your ingredients.
Please see our Ingredients Glossary for a full list of all our key ingredients and their benefits.
Plus, learn about our natural preservatives and what chemicals to avoid in your skincare here.
Product inquiry
What ingredients do you use?
100% of the ingredients in Vanessa Megan™ products are 100% natural. This means ZERO synthetics and 100% plant-based formulations. We also make a point to use the most sustainable and organic ingredients we can find. We believe in full transparency as well, so you can find a full ingredient listing of every single product on its webpage and unit carton.
A full ingredient glossary is available here to learn more about the benefits of all our incredible ingredients. And this blog post talks about ingredients you'll never find in VM products, as well as the natural preservatives we use.
What ingredients do you NOT use?
In addition to all the harmful chemicals you'll never find in our formulations, our products are also free from ALL nut oils (except coconut) and palm oil.
How do I know which products are right for me?
If you're having trouble determining which VM products you should use, please consult our Skincare Expert or email us at hello@vanessamegan.com and we are happy to provide you with personalised advice.
Are all your products certified organic?
The following products are ACO (Australian Certified Organic) Certified:
- N.E.O. [Nature's Elixir Oil]
- Intensive Dermal Repair Moisture Balm
- Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining Toner
Our entire range is no longer ACO certified due to the increased standards recently implemented. In order to achieve ACO certification, a product must now be at least 95% organic. All of our products are at least 70% organic, with most being well above this standard. You can find the ACO percentage in every ingredient listing.
We are unable to certify our perfumes because they are water-based and water cannot be certified organic.
Are your products vegan?
Our range is primarily vegan, with the following exceptions:
Prebiotic + C Skin Polishing Exfoliator - contains Yogurtene® Balance, a natural active that reduces pathogenic bacteria and is great for sensitive and aging skin.
Intensive Dermal Repair Moisture Balm
- contains Bees Wax for deep penetrating moisture, skin healing and protection.
Mandarin & Basil Lip Balm
- contains Bees Wax.
AEON Azure Regenerative Creme
- contains Bees Wax.
Metamorphosis | FLAWLESS | Vitamin C Brightening Exfoliating Powder
- contains Yogurtene® Balance.
Metamorphosis | EVOLVE | Collagen Eye & Lip Cream
- contains Bees Wax.
Metamorphosis | LUMINOUS | Bakuchiol Cell Renewal Balm
- contains Bees Wax.
Metamorphosis | EMERGE| Hydrating Day Cream
- contains Bees Wax.
Metamorphosis | BEYOND | Rejuvenating Night Cream
- contains Bees Wax.
Metamorphosis | REVIVAL | Neck & Decolletage Cream
- contains Bees Wax.
Are your products cruelty free?
Yes! Our entire range is 100% cruelty-free. The only animals we test on are our husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends and friends.
I’ve had a weird reaction to one of your products- help!
Yikes, hate to hear that! The first step is to discontinue use immediately.
Next, get in touch with us at hello@vanessamegan.com and let us know the product and a detailed description of the reaction you had so we can provide a personalized recommendation.
I am pregnant- are your products safe for me?
First of all, congratulations! While it is safe to use most of our products during pregnancy, we recommend avoiding our natural perfumes, as they have 15% dilution of essential oils.
In addition, we recommend avoiding the following essential oils while pregnant:
Nutmeg - may have hallucinogenic effects and react with pain-relieving drugs in labour
Rosemary - known to increase blood pressure, and may cause contractions
Basil - known to contribute to abnormal cell development
Jasmine - may trigger contractions
Sage - may cause bleeding in uterus (womb)
Juniper Berry - may affect kidneys
Where are your products made?
Our products are handmade in our laboratory in Sydney, Australia.
Where can I buy your products?
Besides our website, you mean? Find our list of stockists here.
What's wrong with alcohol?
We always say that alcohol is great for drinking, but terrible for putting on your skin. Traditional perfumes and other skincare products (such as toners and astringents) use alcohol for its quick drying effect.
Theoretically, what this does is make synthetic fragrance stick to your skin and tighten pores to keep out impurities. What it actually does, though, is dehydrate your skin and strip it of its natural oils. This weakens the epidermis and can result in toxic effects such as respiratory failure, vasodilation, hypotension, convulsions and paralysis. Further, prolonged use of alcohol on the skin can cause long-lasting pigmentation and structural damage. Yikes!
Why water-based perfume?
We have always used a water-base for our fragrances instead of an oil-base because we found during our formulation phase that simply applying oil onto the skin doesn’t provide the same experience as when water is used to help diffuse and deliver the essential oils into the skin. We love the ritual of the spritz and cloaking ourselves in the fragrant rain of our chosen scent.
Our fragrances are alcohol-free because even natural alcohols can have drying effects and lead to other problems that weaken the epidermal barrier, which can quicken the aging process. (Ever notice pigmentation on Mum or Nanna’s neck under their ears or on their décolletage area? This could be the result of years of synthetic perfume spritzing.)
What’s wrong with mineral oil?
Also called 'parafin,' 'liquid petroleum' or 'paraffin oil,' Mineral oil is a byproduct of the distillation process to produce gasoline. Personally, that's enough information for us to decide it shouldn't go on our skin, but mineral oil has been used in skincare and cosmetics for a loooong time due to its ability to prevent moisture loss. (Ever hear of Vaseline, paw paw ointment or petroleum jelly?)
Mineral oil acts like cling wrap on the skin, locking in moisture. What this means, though, is that it also traps in sweat and dirt, clogging pores and increasing the likelihood of acne and infection. Even the so-called 'cosmetic-grade' mineral oil is listed as comedogenic, meaning it clogs pores.
The cherry on the top of this "no thanks" sundae, though is that it adds nothing to your skin. Mineral oil does not provide moisture itself nor does it contain nutrients that are beneficial for your skin. (In fact, there is evidence that mineral oil is one of the largest contaminants of the human body.) So why use a pore-clogging possible contaminant on your skin when there are so many 100% natural oils, butters and extracts that do actual good for it?
Do you use palm oil?
We use only the purest, most sustainable organic ingredients in our products. This means that we do not use palm oil, glycerol or vegetable oil as ingredients in any of our formulas.
Why mix NEO and Rose Hydrosol?
Applying an oil directly to your skin can result in the oil simply sitting on the surface, without penetrating the epidermal layers. This means you’re missing out on all the incredible nutrients offered by the oil. Water penetrates the skin quite easily, though, so can be used as a vehicle to drive the oil (and all its amazing nutrients) deep into the epidermal layers.
At its core, a moisturizer is simply an emulsion of water and oil. The ratio can be varied to suit different skin types, concerns, climates, etc (for example, a moisturizer or face cream formulated for dry skin types, such as our Rose & Calendula Moisture+ Face Cream , is higher in oil than water, while a lighter moisturizer, such as our Vitamin A+B+C Daily Face Cream , is formulated for oilier skin types with more water than oil).
With NEO and Rose Hydrosol , you are customizing this ratio to suit your needs. It’s a fool proof system, guaranteed to see you through the changing seasons and your changing skin care needs!
Do I HAVE to use Rose Hydrosol with NEO?
Nope! We like using Rose Hydrosol for all of the amazing antibacterial, toning and refreshing benefits, but plain old tap water will do the trick perfectly in a pinch.
What ratio of NEO to Rose Water should I use?
Our recommendation is that you start off with ratios based on your skin type (see below) and then work your way from there according to what you find suits you best.
DRY
N.E.O. - up to 10 drops
Rose Hydrosol - 3-5 drops/spritz
NORMAL/COMBINATION
N.E.O. - 3-5 drops
Rose Hydrosol - 6-10 drops/spritz
OILY
N.E.O. - 1-3 drops
Rose Hydrosol - 10+ drops/spritz
What is Group 11?
Group 11 is an ancient trio of chemical elements Copper (CU), Silver (Ag) and Gold (Au). We use what are called “colloidal metals,” meaning that small particles of each metal are suspended in purified water and then included in formulations.
Each of these metals has impressive skincare benefits on their own, but together they create the ultimate trifecta for age reversal, skin brightening and complexion purifying in our Group 11 Active Mist .
Should I use Vitamin A+B+C or Rose & Calendula Face Cream?
Vitamin A+B+C Daily Face Cream is formulated for oily and acne prone skin types that need a lightweight, refreshing daily moisturizer. It’s also perfect for Normal/Combination types through the summer months, when skin is naturally at its oiliest.
Rose & Calendula Moisture+ Face Cream is a slightly heavier formula created for dry skin types and cold, dry climates and seasons for skin in need of a serious moisture boost. This moisturizer is also incredibly soothing, so is great for rosacea and irritated skin.
I want to share my before and after photos!
Amazing, we’d love to see them! Send them to us at hello@vanessamegan.com and feel free to include a little (or a lot!) about yourself and your skincare journey. Please also be sure to let us know if you don’t want your pictures or stories shared on our socials and website.
Shipping & Orders
Do you ship overseas?
Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will vary based on location and will be added at checkout. See our full shipping policy here.
How long will it take to get my order?
It depends on where you are. Orders processed in Australia will take 5-7 business days to arrive. Overseas deliveries can take anywhere from 7-16 days. Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
What shipping carriers do you use?
We use all major carriers, and local courier partners. You’ll be asked to select a delivery method during checkout.
I am having trouble placing an order-help!
If you are having problems with your online order please call us at the office on (02) 9568-5264 or email us hello@vanessamegan.com and we are happy to place your order manually.
What are your shipping rates?
Complimentary Australia-wide standard shipping for orders $90 and over.
Complimentary Australia-wide express shipping for orders $250 and over.
Our postage rates depend on the weight of the order and its final destination. You will be able to see the postage cost at the checkout. See our full shipping policy here.
I haven’t received my order- help!
Please get in touch with us ASAP via email at hello@vanessamegan.com or feel free to call us during business hours (Monday to Friday 9-5) at 02 9568 5264 and we will help you track it down!
I need to cancel my order.
Please get in touch with us ASAP via email at hello@vanessamegan.com or feel free to call us during business hours (Monday to Friday 9-5) at 02 9568 5264 and we will help determine what stage your order is at.
Please note that if an order has already been shipped, we are unable to cancel the order. In this instance, we are able to process a return/refund once the item(s) have been returned to Vanessa Megan™ (at customer’s expense) and we’ve confirmed the items have not been tampered with or opened.
I’d like to purchase a gift voucher.
You can purchase a gift voucher HERE
My product(s) arrived damaged/faulty.
Please get in touch with us ASAP via email at hello@vanessamegan.com or feel free to call us during business hours (Monday to Friday 9-5) at 02 9568 5264 and we will determine the best course of action for your case.
Don't see your question here?
Feel free to get in touch with us through our contact page and we will be happy to assist you.
About the brand
Who is Vanessa Megan?
Vanessa Megan Gray Lyndon is the founder and formulator of Vanessa Megan™. She leads the passionate team here at VM with love, grace and tons of enthusiasm and creativity. Read more about the brand here .
Why did you rebrand?
Our decision to repackage our products and rebrand our look was born from feedback from our customers that our natural perfume bottles were indistinguishable from our Rose Water Spray. This meant people were accidentally spritzing their faces with perfume.
Setting out to address this concern sent us down a long and exciting road. Read all about our rebrand here!
I loved one of your old products, but can’t find it in the new range.
Below is a list of the products from our original range that have been renamed:
Blood Orange Foaming Hand Wash - Blood Orange Foaming Hand & Body Wash
Body Beautiful Oil - Bio-Omega Body Contouring Oil
Collagen Boosting Gel - Collagen Boosting Gel Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Essential Blend Perfume - Monarch 100% Natural Perfume
Extreme Organic Moisture Boost - Intensive Dermal Repair Moisture Balm
Marine Collagen Anti-Ageing Night Cream - Marine Collagen Firming Night Cream
N.E.O. (Nature's Elixir Oil) - N.E.O. (Nature’s Elixir Oil) 12 Hour Miracle Oil
Peruvian Flower Hand & Body Cream - Peruvian Flower Nourishing Hand & Body Cream
Petitgrain Cream Cleanser - Petitgrain pH Balancing Cream Cleanser
Prebiotic + C Brightening Exfoliator - Prebiotic + C Skin Polishing Exfoliating Powder
Rose & Chamomile Hydrating Face Cream - Rose & Calendula Moisture+ Face Cream
Rose Water Spray - Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining Toner
Triple Action Eyelift Serum - Pineapple Enzyme + HA Brightening Eyelift Serum
Two-Phase Vitamin C Brightening System - Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum
White Tea Antioxidant Face Cream - Vitamin A+B+C Daily Face Cream
If you don’t see the product you’re after listed here, that means it is no longer a part of our range. We're not leaving you hanging, though! We have a clean recommendation to replace to all our discontinued products here.
Will my account still work on the new site?
If you had an account with us on our previous website, it should still work on the new website.
If you have any issues, please feel free to reach out to us for help.