Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of all natural:
I believe that nature holds the key to our health. Around 80% of what we put on our skin is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, which is why I choose the purest, most beneficial natural ingredients available. Using natural ingredients helps avoid microtoxins, harmful chemicals, and unwanted by-products from chemical synthesis. My goal is to nourish the skin safely and effectively, just as nature intended.
How do you select your ingredients?
I use only the highest-quality, sustainably sourced oils and butters, cold-pressed from seeds, nuts, or flowers. Sustainability is at the heart of every ingredient I choose.
A great example is the Shea Butter I use, sourced from a Ghanaian women’s collective. Shea production supports entire villages, and this collective’s mission is to eradicate poverty by empowering rural women. Their traditional processing methods have already improved the lives of over 1,000 women—and growing.
All essential oils used are steam-distilled, quality-tested, and sourced from plants grown in their native environments for maximum therapeutic benefit.
I use the highest quality steam distilled essential oils that have been quality tested and originate from plants grown in their native environment resulting in maximal quantities of the incredible medicinal molecules contained in them.
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is one of history’s most revered medicinal seeds. The finest seeds are grown in Egypt under optimal oasis conditions. These seeds were even found in Tutankhamun’s tomb and are referenced in ancient texts, though modern scientific study of them only began about 40 years ago, leading to over 200 university-conducted studies.
Black Seed Oil has long been used to support healthy hair, skin, and nails internally, yet applying it topically provides incredible skin benefits. It contains vitamins A, B, and C, plus minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Rich in essential fatty acids, it deeply hydrates the skin, supports repair, and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Why should I use the Face Cream?
This is our top-selling product—and with good reason! It’s a beautiful addition to any skincare routine. Apply at night after cleansing for soft, smooth, nourished skin.Key ingredients include:
- Rosehip Oil – rejuvenates skin and helps minimise fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation
- Black Seed Oil – heals, repairs, and reduces inflammation
- Jojoba & Avocado Oils – intensely moisturising
- Shea & Cocoa Butters – deeply nourishing
- Selected Essential Oils – therapeutic and skin-supportive
Suitable for skin of all ages.
What is the Black Seed Balm used for?
This balm is formulated around Black Seed Oil and Rosehip Oil to heal extremely dry, cracked, or irritated skin, including eczema and psoriasis. It calms inflammation, restores the skin’s natural barriers (acid mantle and probiotic layer), and helps damaged skin repair itself.
Once your skin is healed and stable, your usual moisturiser will work far more effectively. This balm is a must-try!
Is Magnesium Spray just a trend?
Absolutely not. Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical processes.
It naturally accumulates even in scientific experiments because molecules "scavenge" it due to its importance. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, nervous system balance, protein synthesis, DNA/RNA production, and so much more.
Because the skin absorbs around 80% of what we apply, magnesium spray applied to the feet before bed is one of the fastest ways to elevate levels in the bloodstream.
How do you choose your essential oils?
I source essential oils from their native growing regions for maximum purity and therapeutic benefit, for example, Lavender from Bulgaria. All oils are sustainably harvested, ethically sourced, and tested for purity. They are certified therapeutic grade.
What makes Dr Watkins Essentials Soap different from supermarket soap?
Most supermarket soaps are made with Palm Oil, cheap, unsustainable, and extremely drying to the skin.
My soaps are:
- Handmade in small batches
- 100% palm-oil free
- Superfatted, meaning extra nourishing oils and butters remain after the soap-making process to moisturise the skin
- Rich in active ingredients such as Shea Butter or Black Seed Oil
- Enhanced with luxury additions like charcoal, coffee, or rosehip husk
This results in a far more moisturising, nourishing, and skin-loving bar. To extend the life of your soap, be sure to let it dry on a soap dish outside the shower.
How long do your products last once opened?
All products are made in small batches to ensure freshness. Most items last 12 months after opening. Because our formulas are rich in natural oils and contain no synthetic preservatives, we recommend storing them in a cool, dry place and using clean hands or a spatula when applying.
Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. I formulate each product with gentle, natural ingredients chosen for their soothing and nourishing properties. Many customers with sensitive or reactive skin find relief using products with black seed oil, shea butter and jojoba. If you have concerns, I always suggest a patch test first.
Do you test on animals?
Never. My ingredients are ethically sourced and cruelty free, and my products are tested only by willing humans. I work closely with suppliers who are aligned with fair trade principles and sustainable harvesting
Are your containers recyclable or reusable?
Most packaging is glass or PET, both of which are fully recyclable in NZ. I encourage reuse wherever possible and select packaging that supports my goal of reducing environmental waste. Some customers repurpose jars for balms, pantry items or crafts
Where are Dr Watkins Essentials products made?
Every product is handcrafted here in New Zealand. I make each batch myself to maintain the highest quality, from ingredient selection to final packaging. This hands-on approach allows me to ensure purity, sustainability and consistency across the entire range.