FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious minds welcome!

Whether you're new to natural skincare, wondering what goes into our little jars, or simply want to know how things work at Goly, you're in the right place.

We've gathered some of the questions we're most often asked. And if yours isn't here, just get in touch. We're always happy to chat!

About Goly

What makes Goly different from other skincare brands?

We're a small, independent skincare business based in Southsea, Portsmouth, with roots in traditional herbal knowledge and a love of simple, thoughtful formulations.

Our products are handmade in small batches using carefully selected oils, butters, botanical ingredients and essential oils.

We believe skincare should be enjoyable, uncomplicated and made with purpose. No unnecessarily elaborate routines, no miracle promises, and certainly no convincing you that you need fifteen different products to look after your skin.

Just good ingredients, a little craftsmanship and a whole lot of heart.

Are your products really handmade?

Absolutely!

Our soaps, creams, balms, body butters and botanical oils are made in small batches, with care and attention to the ingredients and finished formulations.

We're not a mass-production operation, and that's rather the point.

Where are Goly products made?

Our products are handmade in Southsea, Portsmouth, on the beautiful south coast of England.

You can also visit our physical shop, discover the collections in person and have a proper chat about your skincare.

Ingredients and Formulations

Are your skincare products 100% natural?

Our philosophy centres on natural ingredients and keeping formulations as simple and purposeful as possible.

We use botanical oils, plant butters, clays, herbs, essential oils and traditional ingredients such as beeswax, honey and tallow, depending on the product.

Every formulation is different, so we encourage you to explore the full ingredient list on each product page.

Do you use preservatives?

Preservation depends on the formulation.

Water-free products, such as many traditional balms and body oils, have different preservation requirements from products containing water or water-based ingredients.

We formulate with product safety and stability in mind, rather than treating preservatives as something automatically good or bad.

What is tallow, and why do you use it in skincare?

Tallow is a traditional animal-derived fat that has been used in soapmaking and skincare for generations.

We use carefully sourced grass-fed tallow in selected formulations because of its rich fatty-acid composition and the beautiful, nourishing texture it brings to balms, creams and soaps.

It's one of those wonderfully practical traditional ingredients that deserves a little more appreciation.

Are all Goly products vegan?

No, but we do offer vegan-friendly options!

Some of our formulations contain animal-derived ingredients such as tallow, beeswax, honey or silk, while others are made entirely without animal-derived ingredients.

We believe in being transparent about what goes into our products so you can choose what suits your preferences.

Do you use essential oils?

Yes! Essential oils are a much-loved part of many Goly formulations.

We carefully select and blend them to create beautiful aromatic experiences, from fresh citrus and earthy woods to soft florals and comforting herbal notes.

We also offer unscented options for those who prefer to keep things simple.

Are natural skincare products suitable for sensitive skin?

That depends on your individual skin and the formulation.

Natural ingredients can be wonderful, but natural doesn't automatically mean suitable for everyone. Even botanical ingredients and essential oils can cause sensitivities.

We recommend reading the ingredients carefully and trying a small amount on a limited area first, especially if your skin is particularly reactive.

And if you're unsure which product to choose, we're always happy to help you explore the options.

Using Your Products

How should I store my Goly skincare products?

We recommend keeping your products somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight or excessive heat.

Natural oils and butters can respond to changes in temperature, sometimes becoming softer or firmer. This doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with your product.

Always follow the storage guidance and shelf-life information on the packaging.

Why does my product sometimes look or feel slightly different?

That's part of the beauty of small-batch craftsmanship.

Natural ingredients can vary slightly in colour, aroma and texture between batches, particularly when working with botanical oils, butters and clays.

We aim for consistency in every formulation, but a little natural variation is perfectly normal.

Do I need a complicated skincare routine?

Not according to us! 😂

We're big believers in finding what works for your skin and keeping things manageable.

A gentle cleansing routine, appropriate moisturising and daily sun protection are a wonderful foundation. Beyond that, your individual skin needs should guide your choices.

More products don't automatically mean better skincare.

Sustainability and Packaging

Can I return my empty Goly jars?

Yes, please do!

We love giving our packaging another opportunity to be useful.

Bring your eligible empty Goly jars back to our Southsea shop and receive 30p per jar towards a purchase made that day.

Please note that this initiative is for jars, not bottles.

It's a small way we can work together to reduce unnecessary waste.

Why do you make products in small batches?

Small-batch production allows us to pay close attention to our ingredients, formulations and finished products.

It also means we can be creative, introduce seasonal favourites and make what we need rather than producing enormous quantities simply for the sake of it.

We think there's something rather special about knowing the hands behind what you're buying.

Visiting and Shopping

Can I visit Goly in person?

Of course!

Our little shop is in Southsea, Portsmouth, and we'd love to welcome you.

You can explore the products, experience the scents and textures, and ask any questions before choosing what's right for you.

Can I buy Goly products online?

Absolutely. You can browse our collections and order directly through our website at golynatural.co.uk.

Do you offer wholesale?

Yes! We welcome enquiries from businesses interested in stocking Goly products.

Our wholesale range includes handmade soaps and selected skincare and aromatherapy products, with minimum order quantities and pricing depending on the products and order size.

Get in touch to discuss your business and what you're looking for.

Do you offer skincare and soapmaking workshops?

Yes! We love sharing the knowledge behind what we make.

Our workshops explore traditional soapmaking, natural skincare ingredients and aromatherapy, with practical, hands-on learning.

Still Have a Question?

We're always happy to help.

Whether you're curious about an ingredient, need a little guidance choosing a product, or simply want to know more about Goly, we'd love to hear from you.

Good skincare starts with good questions.

With love,

Stef & Goly ❤️