frequently asked questions

Are there products in the mahu range which should not be used during pregnancy?

All products designed for mother are safe to use during pregnancy and postpartum. However you should always consult your doctor before use if you have a specific medical condition and if you have a known allergy to certain ingredients, we would always advise you to carry out patch testing prior to use of any new products.

If I have sensitive skin, how can I be sure your products won’t have any adverse affects?

We always advise you to carry out patch test prior to use of any new products. The way to do this, is to apply a small amount on your inner arm (close to the elbow). You can cover this with a dry plaster to keep it in place. Apply the product twice a day for 3 days. If no reaction is present, we then recommend applying a small amount behind the ear (or under the chin) in the same way for approximately 3 days, prior to introducing it onto your face.

Why have you taken out the parabens, phthalates, sulphates, mineral oils and artificial colours and fragrances?

During pregnancy, it is prudent to remember that up to 60% of skincare is absorbed into the blood stream and could reach your developing baby. When it comes to the delicate skin of your baby, it is even more important to use only those products that are gentle and nurturing. The outer layer of your baby's skin is 20-30% thinner and less resilient than your own, meaning external irritants can penetrate your baby's skin easier and cause many sensitivities.

Here is why mahu chooses not to use the following potentially harmful ingredients:
Parabens — Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl are widely used as cosmetic preservatives and antimicrobials, even though they are known to be toxic and a leading cause of contact dermatitis. In addition, methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals, which are highly toxic. These can appear on labels as p-hydroxybenzoate (or PHB) esters. Some studies have shown that parabens mimic estrogen in rodents. The chemicals also have been shown to stimulate growth of human breast-cancer cells in the lab. A University of Reading study, published in the January 2004 Journal of Applied Toxicology, found that 18 of 20 breast tumors studied contained significant concentrations of parabens.

Phthalates — usually covered by the general term "fragrance," are readily absorbed by our fingernails, skin and lungs. In July 2005, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported finding the metabolized forms of dibutyl phthalates, used in nail polish and synthetic fragrance, in every person tested in their national "body burden" study. Phthalates can lead to liver cancer and birth defects in lab animals. A study published in May 2005 from the University of Minnesota, Environmental Health Perspectives, found a connection between phthalates and genital abnormalities in baby boys.

Sulfates  -  synthetic substances primarily used in shampoos and body washes for its detergent and foam-building abilities. They can cause eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, dry skin and allergic reactions. In a 1983 report on the safety of sodium lauryl sulfate, The Journal of the American College of Toxicology concluded that "studies have indicated that sodium lauryl sulfate enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, lungs and the brain from skin contact."

Mineral Oil — A petroleum derivative that is found in many moisturisers, including baby lotions and massage oils, causes severe allergic reactions. Petrolatum is a very cheap jelly made from mineral oil that causes such skin problems as photosensitivity and interference with the body's own natural moisturising mechanism, which leads to dry skin and chapping. Oddly enough, this product often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate!

Synthetic colours -  used to make cosmetics "pretty" and should be avoided as they are believed to be cancer-causing agents. They appear on labels as FD&C or D&C, followed by a colour and a number; e.g., FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6.

Synthetic fragrances - can contain as many as 200 ingredients. There is often no way of knowing what these chemicals are since the label simply states "Fragrance", and these items do not have to list their chemical constituents. Potential problems caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness, rashes, hyperpigmentation, coughing, and vomiting.

Is mahu made in New Zealand?

Yes, mahu is manufactured here in clean, green New Zealand using some unique New Zealand ingredients such as Manuka honey.

Is it safe to use with other skincare products?

That would depend on the other skincare product, however we recommend using only mahu as the products have been designed to work together to be most effective.

How many times a day can I apply this to myself, to my baby?

Please read the directions on the bottles for specific guidelines of how often to apply.

Do you test on animals and if not then how do you test them?

Not only do we not agree with the ethical side of animal testing, we also believe testing on animals is flawed as the DNA and make-up of animal skin is completely different to that of humans. We test on ourselves, our staff, our friends, family and anyone else who would like to try them. They are also safety tested by our team of chemists before they are released onto the market.

Once I start using mahu, can I expect any initial changes in my skin?

Some first time users may experience some changes in their skin. Skin can shed, or feel a little itchy, don’t be too alarmed. This is not necessarily a reaction to mahu but rather your skin detoxifying from the previous use of mineral based oils and synthetic ingredients which cake the skin. As long as it is not painful, we recommend you persevere with the skincare ritual for 28 days, mirroring and supporting the skin's natural cycle of regeneration. At the end of the month we are confident you will have nothing but a healthy, balanced and beautiful complexion.

Does mahu have any of its own stores where I could truly experience your product?

No, however we have many dedicated mahu ambassadors stocking the range who will be able to give you the full mahu experience. We also have free sample sachets and/or testers available with the range for you to try first hand.

There are many brands claiming to be natural, just how natural is mahu?

Many natural skincare products available in the market contain only small amounts of natural extracts added to a chemical or synthetic base.
Mahu prides itself on producing a high-quality product. We have removed the ingredients which could be potentially harmful during pregnancy and for baby and replaced them with nature’s botanics, rich in specifically targeted vitamins and omegas for pregnancy and baby.
Our formulations do however contain preservatives in order to keep them free of microbial contamination, the preservatives we have chosen to use are considered the safest to use.
Research and development is an important part of the mahu culture. If we find new improved preservative systems which are even safer or more beneficial for you, we will reformulate to improve our mahu skincare.

What are the unique plant ingredients in your skincare products?

We have chosen the botanic ingredients for our products based on providing solutions for the unique pregnancy, postpartum and baby skincare needs. Mahu’s formulations are rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, anti-oxidants and omegas. Our key ingredients are: Linseed (flaxseed) oil – rich in omegas 3 and 6, it is effective in helping resolve conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, or rosacea, works at the site of inflammation and helps sooth and revitalize skin. Sweet Almond Oil – rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E to combat itching and inflammation, is a wonderful skin conditioner, helps improve completion and helps skin revive its natural glow. Manuka Honey our extraordinary moisturizing, nourishing, healing, rejuvenating, and protecting ingredient, Soybean Oil (natural source of vitamin E), clinically proven to even skin tone and smooth skin texture, antioxidant properties, moisturization and barrier protection and may reduce a wide variety of skin discolorations. Shea Butter, one of natures most powerful skin conditioners it penetrates quickly into the skin adding elasticity, helps reduce and heal stretch marks and scars and keeps skin looking soft and luscious. We have many other unique ingredients, see ‘about mahu’ section.

What is the Shelf Life on mahu products?

All mahu products display an expiry date, which is usually 2 years, however once open we recommend using within 6 months. All products should be stored in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. If you do have problems with product spoiling you can be confident we will replace without charge.

Talc - I have read articles that there is evidence linking talc to cancer. Can you advise on what to use instead?

Yes, we would advise using mahu Nappy Cream after each nappy/diaper change to help form a protective barrier, thus reducing the likelihood of nappy rash.

I have a history of nut allergies and am pregnant. What products should I avoid to give my child the best chance of not having this allergy?

If you have an allergy to nuts we recommend avoiding mahu Nipple Cream and Stretch Mark Lotion as they contain generous amounts of Sweet Almond Oil. Substitute with Pure Massage Oil and/or Facial Balancing Moisturiser. For baby avoid Mahu Baby Lotion and substitute with Baby Moisturizer and/or Baby Massage Oil.
Please be aware that if your baby has a peanut allergy, the chances of other allergies such as a soy allergy are greater. If you or your baby has a known allergy to any ingredients, we advise you to carry out patch testing prior to use of any new products.

Do I need to remove the Nipple Cream before breastfeeding?

We do recommend removing Nipple Cream prior to feeding. Midwives now recommend removing all creams before breastfeeding, even if it is safe for baby. This is because putting baby straight onto your skin and having baby smell you will help increase the chances of successfully breastfeeding.

Is mahu’s packaging recyclable?

We use 100% recyclable plastic packaging as well as recycled corrugated cardboard for our packers. We also use packaging material that is either recyclable or decomposes to no hazardous end products.

Is this product a sunscreen, does it have a spf rating? Can I apply sunscreen over it?

We don’t have sun screen as yet, however a sun screen can be applied over our moisturisers. We recommend only using a natural sun screen.