We have a strict 'never use' list and we stand behind it completely. Saya products are free from:

• Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)
• Sulphates - including Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
• Phenoxyethanol
• PEGs (polyethylene glycols)
• Synthetic fragrance or parfum
• EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
• Triethanolamine
• Synthetic colours and dyes
• Mineral oil and petrolatum
• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
• Silicones
• Phthalates

These ingredients are commonly found in conventional skincare products and are associated with skin sensitisation, hormonal disruption, and cumulative toxicity with long-term use. We choose not to use them because we believe your skin and your body deserve better - and because we have proven, through 20 years of formulation, that extraordinary skincare does not require any of them.

Yes, we do use preservatives - and we are completely transparent about that. Every Saya product that contains water requires a preservation system to remain safe, effective and shelf-stable. Without preservatives, water-based formulas can develop harmful microbial growth including bacteria, mould and yeast within weeks of opening.

The preservatives we use are carefully chosen to be gentle, non-irritating and non-toxic. They are used at the lowest effective concentrations and are considered among the safest and most skin-compatible options available in natural formulation:

• Benzyl Alcohol - a naturally occurring aromatic alcohol also found in jasmine and other botanicals, used as a mild preservative and solvent.
• Gluconolactone - a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) derived from gluconic acid, which also functions as a mild antioxidant and exfoliant.
• Potassium Sorbate - derived from sorbic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in berries. Widely used in food as well as cosmetics.
• Sodium Benzoate - the sodium salt of benzoic acid, naturally present in many fruits. Used at very low concentrations.
• Tocopherol - Vitamin E, which functions as both an antioxidant and a natural preservative for oil-based components.
• Salicylic Acid - a beta hydroxy acid derived from willow bark, also used at low concentrations for its antimicrobial and preservation properties.
• Sorbic Acid - a naturally derived fatty acid with antimicrobial properties.

What we do not use is phenoxyethanol - one of the most commonly used preservatives in conventional skincare, which has been linked to skin sensitisation and irritation, particularly in products used around the eye area or on babies and young children. We actively choose safer alternatives every time.

Saya products are never scented with synthetic fragrance. We use only pure essential oils and, in two products, a 100% naturally derived coconut fragrant oil.

Essential oils are therapeutic-grade botanical extracts that bring genuine functional benefits to formulations - not just scent. For example, Lemon Myrtle essential oil has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Geranium Bourbon essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender essential oil supports skin calming and barrier repair. In Saya products, essential oils are used at therapeutic concentrations chosen for both their skin benefit and their aromatic quality.

In our Rich Body Cream and Coconut Body Polish, we use a naturally derived coconut fragrant oil. This is cold-pressed from coconut and is 100% natural with no synthetic components - it is fundamentally different from synthetic fragrance in both its origin and its safety profile.

Why does synthetic fragrance matter? Synthetic fragrance - often listed simply as 'parfum' on an ingredient label - is one of the most common causes of skin sensitisation and allergic reaction in conventional skincare. The term 'parfum' can legally mask hundreds of individual chemical compounds, many of which are known irritants and endocrine disruptors. By using only essential oils and natural botanical extracts for scent, we know exactly what is in every product and so do you.

No. Saya products are completely paraben-free. Parabens are a class of synthetic preservatives - the most common being methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben - that have been widely used in cosmetics for decades. Research has raised concerns about their ability to mimic oestrogen in the body and their potential role in hormone disruption with long-term exposure. They have been detected in breast tissue samples in several studies, which has led to widespread consumer concern and a growing movement away from their use in cosmetics. We have never formulated with parabens and we never will. Our preservation system uses gentle, non-toxic alternatives that are both safer and more skin-compatible.

Australian native botanicals are at the heart of every Saya formulation. These plants have evolved over 65 million years in one of the most extreme environments on Earth - developing extraordinary concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins, and bioactive compounds that are exceptionally effective on human skin.

• Kakadu Plum (Terminalia Ferdinandiana) - the world's most concentrated source of natural Vitamin C, containing up to 100 times more Vitamin C than an orange. Brightening, antioxidant and antimicrobial.
• Desert Lime (Citrus Glauca) - rich in bioflavonoids and natural Vitamin C. Hydrating, antioxidant and antimicrobial.
• Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia Citriodora) - one of nature's most effective natural antimicrobials, with an exceptional aromatic quality.
• Illawarra Plum (Podocarpus Elatus) - rich in anthocyanins for antioxidant and anti-ageing protection.
• Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium Timorense) - anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, calming for sensitised skin.
• Quandong (Santalum Acuminatum) - unique fatty acids and phenolic antioxidants for conditioning and nourishment.
• Macadamia (Macadamia Integrifolia) - uniquely high in palmitoleic acid, mirroring the skin's own sebum for deep nourishment.
• Banksia (Banksia Serrata) - UV-protective flavonoids for hair and scalp protection.

Kangaroo Apple (Solanum Aviculare) - keratin-strengthening compounds for hair fibre integrity.

Alongside our native Australian botanicals, Saya formulations include a carefully selected range of clinically validated modern actives:

• Bakuchiol - the most scientifically validated natural alternative to retinol. Stimulates collagen, reduces fine lines and corrects pigmentation without irritation or photosensitivity.
• Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) - low molecular weight, delivers deep cellular hydration.
• Pentavitin (Saccharide Isomerate) - bio-identical to the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor, locks in hydration for up to 72 hours.
• Ceramide NP - replenishes the skin's critical lipid barrier.
• Niacinamide 10% - regulates sebum, reduces pores, brightens pigmentation and supports collagen.
• ChroNOline (Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3) - collagen-stimulating peptide with clinical evidence for wrinkle reduction.
• Lactic Acid - the gentlest AHA, exfoliating and hydrating simultaneously.
• Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate - stabilised azelaic acid derivative for progressive pigmentation correction.
• Edelweiss Extract - exceptional natural anti-inflammatory for sensitive and reactive skin.

Saya products do not contain drying alcohols such as ethanol, denatured alcohol (alcohol denat.), isopropyl alcohol or SD alcohol, which are commonly used in conventional skincare as solvents and can strip the skin's barrier over time. Some Saya products contain fatty alcohols such as Cetearyl Alcohol or Behenyl Alcohol. These are very different compounds - they are derived from plant oils and are used as emollients and emulsifiers that soften and condition the skin rather than drying it. Benzyl Alcohol is used in some formulations as a mild preservative at very low concentrations and is not a drying alcohol.

Yes. Key products in the Saya range are certified by the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) body to the COSMOS Organic standard - the global benchmark for organic cosmetics certification. COSMOS certification requires rigorous third-party verification of ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes and full supply chain integrity. It is not self-declared. It is earned and independently verified.

Look for the ACO COSMOS Organic logo on certified products. Where a product is not certified, it is because the specific formulation does not meet the threshold for certification - not because the ingredients are of lesser quality.

Yes. Saya products are formulated without the most common sensitising ingredients in conventional skincare - synthetic fragrance, harsh sulphates, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and synthetic dyes. Unlike conventional skincare that can strip, irritate or disrupt the skin barrier, every Saya product is built on ingredients that actively support and give back to the skin. We never use stripping sulphates or harsh chemical irritants - instead we choose ingredients that reinforce the skin's natural defences, making the entire range particularly well suited to sensitive skin.

For sensitive skin, we particularly recommend:

• Cleansing Balm - the most gentle cleanse in our range, using oil-based cleansing that does not disrupt the skin barrier.
• Cleansing Gel - a thorough foaming cleanser that creates a lovely rich, hydrating lather on the skin to remove dirt and oil while actively supporting the skin barrier. It is sulphate-free, meaning it cleanses without stripping - ideal for sensitive skin that still needs an effective, thorough cleanse.
• Intense Moisture - enriched with Edelweiss Extract, Borage Oil (GLA) and Ceramide NP for barrier support and calming.
• Rose Hydrating Mist - alcohol-free, built on certified organic Rosa Damascena Flower Water for its soothing properties.
• Renew Serum - oil-based with anti-inflammatory essential oils at therapeutic concentrations, deeply nourishing for reactive skin.
• Intense Night Repair - a targeted overnight treatment featuring Bakuchiol, the natural retinol alternative, alongside Shea Butter and Edelweiss Extract. Exceptional for sensitive skin seeking anti-ageing support without the irritation of conventional retinol.

Yes. Saya products are formulated without the most common sensitising ingredients in conventional skincare - synthetic fragrance, harsh sulphates, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and synthetic dyes. Unlike conventional skincare that can strip, irritate or disrupt the skin barrier, every Saya product is built on ingredients that actively support and give back to the skin. We never use stripping sulphates or harsh chemical irritants - instead we choose ingredients that reinforce the skin's natural defences, making the entire range particularly well suited to sensitive skin.

For sensitive skin, we particularly recommend:

• Cleansing Balm - the most gentle cleanse in our range, using oil-based cleansing that does not disrupt the skin barrier.
• Cleansing Gel - a thorough foaming cleanser that creates a lovely rich, hydrating lather on the skin to remove dirt and oil while actively supporting the skin barrier. It is sulphate-free, meaning it cleanses without stripping - ideal for sensitive skin that still needs an effective, thorough cleanse.
• Intense Moisture - enriched with Edelweiss Extract, Borage Oil (GLA) and Ceramide NP for barrier support and calming.
• Rose Hydrating Mist - alcohol-free, built on certified organic Rosa Damascena Flower Water for its soothing properties.
• Renew Serum - oil-based with anti-inflammatory essential oils at therapeutic concentrations, deeply nourishing for reactive skin.
• Intense Night Repair - a targeted overnight treatment featuring Bakuchiol, the natural retinol alternative, alongside Shea Butter and Edelweiss Extract. Exceptional for sensitive skin seeking anti-ageing support without the irritation of conventional retinol.

Many customers with eczema-prone skin use and love Saya products - and this connection goes right to the heart of why Saya Skincare exists.

Saya McDermott, our founder, began making her own skincare as a teenager in Noosa because she suffered from eczema and could not find anything on the market that genuinely helped her skin. Living in a community deeply connected to nature and healthy living, she visited therapist after therapist and tried product after product - only to be repeatedly disappointed. Worse, she became increasingly aware of how many of those products contained PEGs, synthetic fragrance, phenoxyethanol and other ingredients she did not want to be putting on her already-reactive skin. The natural alternatives that existed at the time were often too basic, too heavy, or simply ineffective. So she began formulating her own.

That personal history is woven into every product Saya makes. The entire range is built on a foundation of ingredients that support, calm and repair compromised skin - not irritate it. We avoid every known trigger ingredient: no sulphates, no synthetic fragrance, no parabens, no phenoxyethanol, no PEGs. Instead, we use clinically recognised actives specifically chosen for their ability to rebuild and support a damaged skin barrier.

Products particularly well-suited to eczema-prone skin include:

• Intense Moisture - enriched with Borage Seed Oil, a concentrated source of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) that is clinically recognised for its role in managing eczema and supporting a compromised skin barrier.
• Intense Night Repair - Bakuchiol, Shea Butter and Edelweiss for deep overnight barrier repair and regeneration.
• Shea Butter and Cedarwood Hand and Body Balm - a rich, intensely nourishing balm ideal for areas of chronic dryness and eczema-prone body skin.

Because eczema is a complex condition and triggers vary significantly between individuals, we always recommend patch testing and consulting your dermatologist or GP before introducing new products during a flare.

Yes. The anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting ingredients throughout the Saya range make our products well tolerated by many people with rosacea-prone skin. Edelweiss Extract (Leontopodium Alpinum), used in Intense Moisture and Intense Night Repair, is particularly notable for its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

We are proud to share that the Brightening Peel has delivered remarkable results for many of our customers with rosacea-prone skin. While rosacea and chemical exfoliants may seem like an unlikely pairing, the Brightening Peel's carefully calibrated formula - active yet deeply soothing - has visibly reduced redness, improved skin tone evenness and strengthened the skin barrier in customers who have used it consistently outside of active flare periods. The feedback from this community has been extraordinary, with many customers reporting it to be one of the most transformative products they have used for rosacea-related redness and uneven tone. As with all actives, we recommend introducing it gradually and patch testing first.

We recommend avoiding the AHA Micro Exfoliant and Brightening Peel during active flares, and patch testing any new product before full application.

Yes. The Saya range has been developed with the specific needs of mature skin in mind - and the commitment to gentle, nourishing, ingredient-led formulation that defines every Saya product is particularly beneficial for skin that has become more delicate, thinner and more reactive with age.

Mature skin undergoes significant structural changes over time: the skin barrier becomes less effective at retaining moisture, collagen and elastin production slows, cell turnover decreases, and the lipid content of the skin declines. This is precisely why harsh synthetic ingredients, stripping sulphates and abrasive treatments are counterproductive for mature skin - they accelerate barrier compromise and sensitisation in skin that is already more vulnerable. Saya's approach - using natural, biocompatible ingredients that work with the skin rather than against it - is not just preferable for mature skin, it is genuinely more effective.

Key products for mature skin include:

• Cleansing Balm - perhaps the most important product for mature skin in the range. Oil-based cleansing is uniquely suited to mature skin because it replenishes rather than strips lipids, respects the thinning skin barrier, and delivers deep nourishment at the very first step of the routine. It dissolves makeup and sunscreen without any harsh mechanical action, making it exceptionally gentle for skin that has become more delicate over time.
• Brightening Peel - non-abrasive and deeply sophisticated. Because mature skin is thinner and more sensitive, physical exfoliation can cause micro-tears and irritation. The Brightening Peel uses chemical exfoliating acids that dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells precisely and gently, without any abrasive action - resurfacing and brightening without compromising delicate mature skin. It simultaneously delivers active anti-ageing ingredients, making it one of the most targeted treatments in the range.
• Renew Serum - Bakuchiol at therapeutic concentration stimulates collagen and reduces fine lines without irritation.
• Intense Night Repair - Bakuchiol, Shea Butter and Edelweiss for overnight regeneration and sustained nourishment.
• Super Serum - Niacinamide 10% and ChroNOline peptide for collagen stimulation and tone correction.
• Eye Cream - specifically formulated for the thin periorbital skin, addressing the particular needs of the delicate eye area.
• Intense Moisture - a rich, sustained moisturiser that addresses the lipid decline associated with mature skin.

Our body care range is equally well suited to mature skin. We use no sulphates, no synthetic fragrance, no harsh chemicals - only ingredients that nourish, support and protect. Our Hand and Body Lotion, Rich Body Cream, Hand and Body Balm and Body Wash are all formulated with the same philosophy: feed the skin barrier, don't strip it. For mature body skin that can become particularly dry and fragile, this approach makes a visible and tangible difference. The rich body formulations - particularly the Shea Butter and Cedarwood Hand and Body Balm - deliver the kind of deep, lasting nourishment that mature skin truly needs.

There is also a compelling case for choosing natural, chemical-free skincare as we age. The skin's ability to metabolise and recover from chemical exposure changes with age. Choosing formulations built on natural actives that are biocompatible with the skin - free from synthetic irritants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals - is not just a lifestyle preference, it is a genuinely skin-positive and health-positive decision. Saya's anti-ageing ingredients - Bakuchiol, ChroNOline peptide, Edelweiss Extract, Ceramide NP, Borage Oil - are among the most clinically validated natural actives available. They deliver results without compromise.

Yes. The Saya range is suitable for all ages including teenagers - and there is a strong case that choosing clean, natural skincare from a young age is one of the most important skincare decisions a young person can make.

Young skin is active, responsive and impressionable. It is also more susceptible to the effects of harsh, sensitising ingredients that are common in conventional teenage skincare - particularly products marketed at acne and breakouts, which often contain drying alcohols, synthetic fragrances, aggressive sulphates and synthetic dyes. These ingredients can damage the skin barrier at a formative stage, creating a cycle of sensitivity, over-stripping and reactive breakouts that is difficult to reverse.

Saya avoids all of these ingredients entirely. Every product in the range is free from synthetic fragrance, sulphates, parabens, phenoxyethanol, PEGs and artificial dyes - the ingredients most likely to cause irritation, sensitisation and disruption in young skin. Instead, we use ingredients that support and strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum naturally, and address breakouts without causing the dryness and irritation that make acne worse.

For younger skin dealing with breakouts and congestion, we recommend keeping the routine simple and targeted:

• Cleansing Gel - sulphate-free with Salicylic Acid and Lemon Myrtle for a thorough, antimicrobial cleanse that removes impurities without stripping. Creates a rich, hydrating lather that cleans effectively while supporting the skin barrier.
• Super Serum - Niacinamide at 10% is one of the most effective ingredients available for managing teenage breakouts. It regulates sebum production, reduces pore appearance, inhibits bacterial activity and helps fade post-breakout pigmentation - all without irritation.
• Balance Moisture - a lightweight gel-cream that delivers essential hydration to oily and combination teenage skin without triggering congestion. Many young people avoid moisturiser thinking it will cause breakouts - the opposite is true when the right product is used.
• Refining Pink Clay Mask - a weekly treatment with Australian Pink Clay that adsorbs excess sebum and purifies congested pores, ideal for oily and breakout-prone teenage skin.
• AHA Micro Exfoliant - used 2-3 times per week to gently resurface congested skin and refine pore appearance.

The broader benefit of choosing clean skincare from a young age goes beyond the immediate results. Building healthy skincare habits early - using gentle, effective, ingredient-conscious products - sets the foundation for healthy skin for life. Avoiding synthetic fragrance, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and harsh irritants from a young age is a choice that benefits both skin health and overall wellbeing.