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Frequently Asked Questions

Skincare

It really depends on the individual and the product being used. Some people will start benefiting right away from our products, while others will go through a short adjustment period or purge as their skin adjusts to their new routine. We always recommend users stick with the products for at least a month. As with any skin care products, it takes approximately three months to start seeing the full effect of the products, though most will see marked results after the first month. If battling skin discoloration, wearing a physical blocking sunscreen and/or protective clothing is vital as the sun tends to re-darken discoloration.

*Please note if potentially allergic to a product we always recommend discontinuing use

There's a lot of misinformation out there regarding citrus essential oils. Cold-expressed citrus essential oils can be sun-sensitizing due to the content of bergapten in the essential oil. Bergapten itself is too large to pass through steam distillation though, making steam-distilled citrus essential oils not of concern, particularly in the extremely low concentrations used in skin care products, usually around the 0.01 - 0.1% range. Mad Hippie only uses steam-distilled or bergapten-free essential oils in our products.  

Anytime you exfoliate (whether it is with a scrub, alpha hydroxy acids, a cleansing brush, etc.) you should be extra diligent about protecting your skin from the sun as you are revealing new skin cells that are more susceptible to damage. We recommend either our AHA Exfoliating Peel or Super A Serum be used at night and sunscreen and a hat be used during the day to protect the skin. 

A major difference between people who get great results from their skin care products and those who do not is how well they rub them into their skin. When rubbing skin care products in, it is essential to be very gentle and to not pull or tug on the skin. Instead, use more of a gentle upward massaging motion helping the actives fully penetrate without stretching or pulling the skin. 

While all Mad Hippie products are non-comedogenic, our serums are a must for acne-prone skin, particularly the Vitamin C Serum, which can be used morning and night (if not using any other serum). The Super A Serum or AHA Exfoliating Peel can be added at night, starting these serums every other night until skin adjusts (the Super A Serum, in particular, can have a brief adjustment period). The Triple C Night Cream is not recommended for acne-prone skin. 

Mad Hippie products are designed to be used in conjunction. Coupling a few products brings the best results. We recommend checking out our routine bundles which are priced at 20% off!

If you have discoloration from sun damage, the Vitamin C Toning Mist, Vitamin C Serum, Super A Serum & AHA Exfoliating Peel are the best options for reducing its appearance. Use the Vitamin C Toning Mist in the morning after cleansing, followed by the Vitamin C Serum. At night, simply use the AHA Exfoliating Peel or Super A Serum after cleansing. Make sure to rub all products in well to ensure they fully penetrate the skin. Serums can be followed by a moisturizer.


It is essential to wear a physical-blocking sunscreen daily on the discolored areas. It is possible to lighten the appearance of the discoloration, but much of the discoloration tends to return if out in the sun for long periods of time. 

The majority of what we consider to be skin aging is actually sun damage that we accumulate over our lifetime. Utilizing natural antioxidants & safe ingredients to minimize the appearance of this damage is an effective and safe means, but one should not expect overnight results. Instead expect to see marked improvements in 30-60 days, with the full results taking 90+ days. Results may depend on the product(s) being used, your skin type, and your skin condition. We recommend maintaining consistent routines for best results.

While both are exfoliants, they work in different ways. The Super A Serum works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also diminishing the appearance of age spots and skin discoloration. The AHA Exfoliating Peel is a blend of 10% alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic) and is a must-have for anyone looking to brighten the complexion and keep pores clear. We recommend that customers choose between these and apply either one or the other immediately after cleansing at night. We also recommend not layering these two products on top of each other as it could cause irritation and increased skin sensitivity due to over-exfoliation.  

A.M: Wash with lukewarm water and cleanser of choice, gently pat dry. Apply Vitamin C Toning Mist to damp skin. Next, mix Vitamin C Serum + Antioxidant Facial Oil together in the hand and apply together, rubbing in well. Lastly, add SPF of choice.


P.M: Wash with lukewarm water and cleanser of choice. Next, choose one of our nighttime serums (either the AHA Exfoliating Peel or Super A Serum). Follow with Eye Cream, Face Cream, and, lastly, the Antioxidant Facial Oil. Or, if you have dry skin, follow the PM serum with the Triple C Night Cream instead.


Please note this is just a recommendation. Some people with drier skin use the creams 2 x daily, so feel free to experiment with what works best for your skin. Traditionally, skin care products are recommended to be used in the order of thinnest to thickest, with water-based products being used before oil-based (all Mad Hippie products are water-based besides our oils and Jelly Cleanser). 

 

If you would like specific recommendations for your skin, please email us at info@madhippie.com and we'll happily suggest the best products and routines for you!

If you would like specific recommendations for your skin, please email us at info@madhippie.com and we'll happily suggest the best products and routines for you! 

Our serums vary slightly from batch to batch in color, scent, and consistency because the bulk natural ingredients that we use (particularly plant extracts) vary a bit depending on batch and season. A pale yellow, cloudy serum is perfectly normal for our Vitamin C Serum due to the chamomile, clary sage, and konjac used in the formulation. 

 

We use a very stable form of vitamin C called sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) that does not oxidize easily even when exposed to heat for brief periods of time (such as during shipping). Once opened, we recommend using within four months to ensure maximum efficacy and absorption.

 

The Vitamin C Serum utilizes a stabilized form of vitamin C called sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) alongside vitamin E and ferulic acid to create a potent, antioxidant-rich treatment for all skin types! The new Super A Serum contains three bioactive retinoids: HPR, retinol, and retinyl linoleate. We also added bakuchiol, a plant-sourced active that acts like a retinoid and works beautifully alongside the retinoids to deliver marked results to sun-damaged and aging skin. We recommend using the Vitamin C Serum in the morning and the Super A Serum at night for best results.

 

We usually recommend starting with around 2-4 drops of our serums to cover both face and neck. Feel free to adjust this amount to suit your skin's needs.

The Cream Cleanser is rich in oils such as macadamia oil, sesame oil, and jojoba oil which create a rich cream to gently cleanse and hydrate. The Cleansing Oil is a blend of high linoleic (non-comedogenic) oils exclusively which gently dissolve makeup, dirt, and oil that adhere to the skin allowing for a deep cleanse without drying or irritating. The Jelly Cleanser starts out as a thick clear gel that, once applied to damp skin, turns to a cleansing milk that effectively melts away makeup, dirt, and excess oil that accumulate on the skin offering a thorough cleanse without drying or stripping the skin. 

While our products are generally well-tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive skin, we always encourage those with sensitive skin to patch test products to ensure that their skin tolerates the ingredients as skin sensitivities do vary greatly. Because everyone's skin is different and can experience different results, what works for one person may not work for another. We use numerous oils and extracts in our line and encourage customers with specific skin sensitivities to review the ingredient list thoroughly to ensure that the products do not contain any ingredients that may cause sensitivity.  

Our vitamin E is sourced from safflower, sunflower, and olive oils.

Along with our newly designed packaging, we have two new formulas to introduce! The Vitamin A Serum has been replaced by the Super A Serum, which contains three bioactive retinoids along with bakuchiol to bring marked results to sun-damaged, aging skin. 

The Hydrating Nutrient Mist has been replaced by the Vitamin C Toning Mist - a beautiful formula rich in vitamin C along with hydrating elements to infuse skin with antioxidants and leave your skin glowing! All other formulations remain the same. You can learn more about all of the beneficial ingredients in our formulas by clicking on the ‘Highlights’ tab on the individual product pages.

 

Cosmetics

For a subtle glow, gently press clean fingertips or an applicator into the Cheek and Lip Tint until a very small amount of pigment is on your fingertips and then gently apply to the apples of the cheeks and the lips. For a bold lip, layer Cheek and Lip Tint until the desired color is reached. You can also use a lip brush to apply to lips and a beauty sponge to apply to the apples of the cheeks if you prefer not to use clean fingertips for application. All Cheek and Lip Tints can be mixed and matched to create a near infinite palette of new colors! 

The Cheek and Lip Tints are formulated without the use of synthetic waxes, silicone, or petroleum products like petrolatum. If it gets cold, the natural plant waxes that we use may harden a bit, but they are easily and quickly softened by the fingertips. To soften, gently press fingertips to the Cheek and Lip Tint to warm a moment and then apply. 

Sun Care

Our sunscreens are physical-blocking sunscreens containing zinc oxide; they should be the last step in a morning skincare routine.

Our sunscreens are gentle, fragrance-free formulas featuring zinc oxide and are appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive skin making them the perfect choice for the whole family!
 

Each product has an expiration date on the bottle or tube to reflect the shelf life of an unopened product. Once opened, we recommend using within 12 months. Be sure to shake well before each use to fully emulsify the ingredients.
 

Our sunscreens are completely free of chemical-blocking agents, parabens, sulfates, silicone, and PEGs!
 

The Hydrating Facial SPF 25+ is a rich and hydrating cream that massages beautifully into the skin. The Daily Protective Serum SPF 30+ is a super lightweight, creamy serum that applies flawlessly delivering nutrient-rich antioxidants and providing long-lasting protection. Both provide up to 80 minutes of water resistance and are fully vegan. They are both great daily SPF options but have different feels to suit different tastes and do not need to be layered.
 

Zinc oxide is a mineral and the active ingredient in many mineral sunscreens. It sits on top of your skin (rather than soaking in, like chemical sunscreens do) and scatters, absorbs, and reflects the sun’s rays to protect you. Non-nano means that the particles are too large to pass through the skin. 

Mineral sunscreens are always advised as a last step in your morning routine because a physical coating needs to be left on the skin in order for the product to function correctly. Mixing mineral sunscreens with other products can change the SPF value and dilute the efficacy. For best results, we recommend moisturizing first and then following with sunscreen.

The Sheer Tint Sun Serums are much more sheer than a foundation. The pigment load is low to allow it to blend flawlessly into a variety of skin tones. If you would like to send a photo of yourself to our customer service at: info@madhippie.com, we'd be happy to help you find your perfect shade!

General

Yes! All of our products (skincare, cosmetics, and sun care) are certified cruelty-free & vegan by both Leaping Bunny and PETA.

Our products do not contain any of the chemicals on the Prop 65 list. You can see the full list here. We definitely encourage customers to always research ingredients. There is often confusion about what ingredients require this warning. For example, aloe vera shows on the Prop 65 list, but this is only non-decolorized aloe vera. Mad Hippie only uses decolorized aloe vera, which is not on the Prop 65 list. Also, titanium dioxide is on the list if in powder form as its inhalation is not recommended. When used in skin care products in a cream form though, it is very safe and utilized in many natural sunscreens and organic body care products as a thickener.


Please note some large websites that sell thousands of products put Prop 65 warnings on all of the listings they sell regardless of whether the products have ingredients featured on the list. If you have specific ingredient questions, please reach out to us at info@madhippie.com.

Yes! All Mad Hippie products are GMO-free.

Please email us at info@madhippie.com for details on becoming a wholesaler.

We always recommend consulting with your health care provider about any products that will be used during pregnancy and nursing to make sure that they do not have any concerns. We normally advise against using the Super A Serum during pregnancy and nursing. 

For best results, we recommend storing our products in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Mad Hippie is based in the USA and all of our products are made on the west coast of the USA.

We recommend checking the STORES tab on our website for a list of authorized retailers. Be sure to call locations to confirm selections of our product before making the trip.

We do not use synthetic fragrances in our line, however, some of the bulk natural ingredients may impart a faint aroma that dissipates quickly.

Good news! Mad Hippie has not been sold. We are still the same family-owned, eco-conscious, clean ingredient, positive vibes brand our customers know, trust, and love.

 

Orders, Shipping & Returns

We ship within the USA and also internationally to Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Please note that duties/taxes are the responsibility of the customer and are charged at the time of checkout.

Our system isn't set up to modify orders after they have been placed. If you were hoping to add more items, you can place a second order and we will do our best to ship everything together.

If your order has not yet shipped, please email us at info@madhippie.com with your name and order number and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

We ship within the USA and also internationally to Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Duties/taxes are the responsibility of the customer and are charged at the time of checkout.

Once your order ships, we will email you a tracking number so that you can follow the journey (be sure to check your junk folder). Please note it may take up to 48 hours for tracking to display on the carrier’s website.

We have a 60-day money back guarantee for any purchase from an authorized seller. Please email us at info@madhippie.com and we will be happy to assist with your return or exchange!

We ship Monday-Friday via FedEx, USPS Priority, or USPS First Class depending on the weight and size of the shipment. Please note that holidays & sales may impact shipping times.
 

We are based on the west coast of the USA and the prices on our website are in US dollars.

We offer free shipping for any US order over $99 (before tax & after discounts). Any US order under $99 ships for a flat rate of $4.99. Orders shipping internationally have a $15 flat rate + any applicable duties/taxes, which are calculated at checkout.

Our website allows for one active discount or promo to be applied per eligible order. 

Sustainability

Our free recycling program with TerraCycle is currently available to anyone living in the continental US. Simply sign up through TerraCycle to receive a free, zero-waste, pre-paid envelope and then fill it with your empty, cleaned out Mad Hippie plastic packaging (bottles, pumps, plastic seals, sample packets, sprayers, and caps) and drop in the nearest USPS mailbox! Please fill the envelope with as much Mad Hippie packaging as you can fit to further reduce the carbon footprint (ideally several months worth of product packaging in one envelope). To see a full list of what Mad Hippie packaging TerraCycle accepts, click here .

Our sustainable packaging includes recyclable glass bottles and jars, biodegradable bamboo lids and spoons, boxes printed with soy inks on FSC certified paper, and more recently, the use of sugarcane bioresin tubes sourced from environmentally responsible farms. Free of any petroleum ingredients, these tubes have a dramatically lower carbon footprint tied to their production. We love that they can be recycled alongside #4 plastics or sent to TerraCycle using our free, zero-waste recycling program! You can learn more about how easy it is to participate here. We also have a Sustainability tab on every product page highlighting our sustainable packaging.  

Our free recycling program with TerraCycle is available to customers within the continental USA. You can learn more here. 

Our sugarcane bioresin tubes are sourced from environmentally responsible farms. Free of any petroleum ingredients, these tubes have a dramatically lower carbon footprint tied to their production. We love that they can be recycled alongside #4 plastics or sent to TerraCycle using our free, zero-waste recycling program! If you'd like to learn more about our sugarcane bioresin packaging, click here .