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Orders over $85 delivered free in NZ (Saturday delivery is additional), standard shipping is $6.50.
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Refunds and returns
If you change your mind, simply return unopened, unused product for a full refund. In the very unlikely event of a negative reaction, get in touch to share your experience and discuss returning the product to us for a refund. If you have been using steroid cream, skin can be more sensitive and you will need to wean into use gradually. Need help? Get in touch for a chat.
Our Returns information is here.
Why does Kawakawa Balm help skin prone to eczema, psoriasis & dermatitis?
The Kawakawa leaves and stems are packed full of natural botanical actives that have numerous medicinal and healing properties. Chemically, the Kawakawa leaves contain pain-blocker myrsticin, eugenol which is an antiseptic, and skin-rejuvenating antioxidant lignins. It is rich in iron, magnesium and vitamins. We preserve the effectiveness of all these natural botanical actives in our Kawakawa balm, and the smooth protective balm creates a physical layer that reduces skin irritation and allows the skin barrier to recover.
Great question! Frankie Apothecary's Kawakawa Balm is a rich, hydrating balm made with soothing native kawakawa that was crafted specifically to soothe itchy, eczema-prone skin. Our Kawakawa Balm is the most internationally-awarded Kawakawa Balm in New Zealand.
Most balms use a simple combination of wax, oil and essential oils or plant extracts. Our Kawakawa Balm has all of these, plus three important ingredients that set it apart from the rest - high potency Kawakawa oil, water-attracting ingredients (more on that in a minute) and a research-backed blend of ingredients scientifically proven to reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) which is a feature of eczema-prone skin; basically it loses moisture faster.
Our Kawakawa is harvested on high energy times of the Maramataka, carefully prepared with a unique process to retain all the goodness of the leaf and tended by our whānau as it infuses over many weeks.
We include water-attracting ingredients that draw moisture to the outer layer of the skin, giving problem skin much-needed moisture, helping to reduce the itch.
Our research-backed special ingredient, a combination of waxes has been proven to reduce water loss at the surface of the skin as effectively as lanolin, long touted as one of the most powerful emollients (ingredients that prevent moisture loss).
Together, these ingredients support skin healing, moisture retention and itch reduction. While other balms may include kawakawa, no other provides the effective blend of ingredients in Frankie Apothecary's Kawakawa Repair.
Kawakawa is one of the most important and widely used plants
in Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori herbal medicine) and has been used by Māori for centuries to treat various ailments. Kawakawa was chewed to manage toothache and drunk as a tea for digestive issues and to treat bladder and kidney issues.
Scientists agree - Kawakawa has amazing medicinal properties. Laboratory testing has revealed that Kawakawa contains:
Myristicin, a pain-blocking substance related to the antiseptic eugenol,
Lignins which are useful in cosmetic and topical skin treatments,
Antimicrobial and analgesic properties useful for reducing skin inflammation
Diayangambin which has anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressant effects, which means it can help with anti-immune disorders like rheumatism and psoriasis,
Antidyspectic actives which can help control dyspepsia and indigestion, and
Antispasmotic properties which can ease cramping and muscle spasms.
This group of active ingredients assists with reducing the inflammation and irritation associated with dry/itchy skin conditions.
Remember, if you're concerned about your own or your child's skin, we recommend talking to your medical professional.
Kawakawa Repair Balm is a completely natural nourishing moisturiser and many parents have used it with great effect, even after using over the counter creams and topicals.
From what many parents have told us, if steroids have been used, progress may be slower and it's best to start using the Kawakawa Repair Balm gradually.
We've talked to lots of families and here are some of the patterns they've observed when using Kawakawa Repair Balm:
Some have noticed that topical steroids can sometimes leave the skin sensitive until the withdrawal period from the steroids is over. This seems to be different for different people depending on how long the steroid products were used and how severe the condition.
However, generally if steroid products have been used they've told us it took a bit more time to to adjust to the new regime.
We suggest you apply a little of the balm each day and over time gradually increase the amount and time. Remember it is best to always patch test on the skin first and stop in the very unlikely event of a reaction.
Kawakawa Repair balm is safe for use while pregnant and is also safe for use on babies. While Kawakawa products are safe to be used topically by pregnant women, be aware that it is not recommended that pregnant women ingest Kawakawa, for example not to take as a tea.
Kawakawa Repair Balm is suitable for the whole family, including your newborn.
It is a natural product and the beeswax used is cosmetic grade and is sterile.
Olive oil, the base we use to infuse our kawakawa, is a fruit oil pressed from the flesh of the olive. It is not a nut oil and contains none of the allergenic proteins associated with tree nut allergies.
Many families with nut-sensitive children choose our balm for exactly this reason. As with any new skincare product, we recommend a patch test first.
If you have open areas of skin, it is important to check for signs of infection. If you are at all concerned, we recommend checking with your medical professional.
Classic signs of infection are pus or coloured discharge, heat, redness, strong odour or smell. If there is infection then consult your medical professional.
If the area is fine, dab with a dressing and apply the balm. Use a clean spoon or implement to remove the balm from the jar (preferably not hands) and to apply.
Yes, the Kawakawa Balm is safe for using on eyelids.
We suggest to use just a little so that you don't get any in your eyes, not that it will harm them, but the oil-based balm may not be comfortable in the eyes.
The time to see improvement from using the Kawakawa Repair Balm will vary from person to person. Most people see improvement within a few days, and sometimes the skin starts to calm within minutes of applying.
If steroid based products have been used recently (within the last 6-10 months) it may take longer to see the impact of using the Kawakawa Repair Balm. See the question on using steroid products for further information.
The combination of Kawakawa Balm, Body Oil and Colloidal Oats is a great combination to treat persistent dry/itchy skin issues - check out our Eczema Saviour Bundle for extra value.
To use this combination:
Bathe with the Colloidal Oats – add two tablespoons to a bath, less if bathing babies in a tub, and soak for ten minutes.
Pat dry and apply the Kawakawa Balm within a three minutes to lock in the moisturising properties.
3. Body Oil to add a moisturising layer to the skin - apply Kawakawa Body Oil body oil to add a moisturising layer to the skin.
We pack orders within one business day of receiving them and ship orders from Frankie HQ in Auckland every Monday to Friday.
Delivery estimates for New Zealand are:
Auckland wide is usually next day or 1-2 days from courier collection.
North & South Island - 1-2 days
Australia:
Standard postal service is 5-14 days provided there are no unexpected delays.
FedEx service - usally within 4-5 days.
For the rest of the world delivery can take 2-4 weeks.
We do our best to dispatch orders as quickly as possible however final delivery times may vary due from those above.
Keep in mind that covid 19 has caused severe disruption to courier networks and international postage. If your parcel is delayed please monitor the tracking for updates.
We think the Kawakawa Repair Balm is a great product for treating dry/itchy skin issues, and so do many of our customers.
Many of our customers have given feedback that the balm has helped calm irritated skin and helped them and their children sleep through the night. Often they have tried many other products on the market and did not get the same result as with the Kawakawa Balm.
One situation when progress seems to be slower is if you've had to use steroid cream to manage eczema. Some customers have told us they've noticed steroid cream use seems to make the skin dependent on their use and more sensitive and irritable when new products are introduced, even gentle ones. In this case, we recommend a period of weaning into using the balm. e.g. start with one application a day and gradually increase, monitoring the skin for any reaction before increasing use. If you have concerns about your skin, remember to consult your medical professional.
If you have not used steroid creams in the last 10 months and have applied the balm in the recommended way - 3 times a day at regular intervals for several days to a week - and see no improvement, please return the balm to us for a refund of the balm cost (shipping is excluded) - you can email us at info@frankieapothecary.co.nz to sort this out.
If you change your mind, simply return unopened, unused product for a full refund, excluding shipping cost.
Frankie Apothecary's award-winning Kawakawa Balm can be purchased online and shipped within New Zealand, to Australia and around the world. We also have a network of stockists around New Zealand.
Kawakawa Balm is an intensive balm for dry, itchy or troubled skin. Apply 3x a day during a flare-up and 1x a day as maintenance. Always patch test for 24hours before use.
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 66 reviews.
I have an autoimmune condition which has my skin ranging from dry to welted and itchy. The bath soak is so soothing and it leaves me feeling soft and smooth. It’s so lovely to purchase from people that genuinely care and have a wonderful natural product that works so well.
Winter must have! Kawakawa series are the only one can apply to my son’s sensetive dry skin when eczema flares up.
Jarvis, our 7 year old bearded collie looking so happy after finally getting some relief from his iching. He has allergies that flare up in the summer and he has been especiallg bad this summer with the humidity. We have been using the colloidial oat soak once a week and he had instant relief from his itch. Thank you! Totally reccomend for other itchy doggies.
My daughter has suffered with eczema for years and I’ve never found anything that’s as soothing on her skin as this! It has worked wonders and stopped her from scratching, thank you so much
Meet Hendrix, he was suffering from severe eczema. He was constantly itchy resulting in open sores on his face and his mother tried various creams/medicines & ointment to ease his pain. after one bath his skin changed dramatically , redness has diminished & his white pearl skin blossomed.
Amazing stuff! First time I used in my daughters bath she stopped itching and it helped to clear her skin!
My beautiful Moko has ezxma and ever since we started using the Colloidal Oat Bath Soak with kawakawa I'd has cleared her skin on her face and neck. My moko loves bathing in it aswell. So thankyou Frankie Apothecary
Has helped to settle my little one’s eczema and we now use at every bath time. Good instructions provided and blends best when placed into running water
Lovely bath oats - works a treat for our 7 month old
Actually used it on my dog who has itchy skin ,only relief he has had, after numerous trips to the vet. thanks.
Your products have helped my son with his eczema since he was an infant. He’s 6 now and his skin is better than ever! He’s had very few flare ups and his skin has healed so much. Thank you!
I soak my feet in this in the summer time when my feet get quite dry. It rejuvenates my heels and makes my feet feel soft and fresh!
Just the job!
Love this product for my moko girl. Thankyou Frankie
Helps greatly with my wee girls eczema flareups.
I found it very sořthing
Excellent product
Lovely
Works wonders on my moko skin 10/10
Repeat customer here! We LOVE this bath soak! My baby’s skin is soft and clear when we use it. It helps keep his eczema away. I have used it for all 3 of my children. Absolutely rate it!
I have noticed a significant difference in my 9 month olds skin since using this, a soak in this always soothes his skin, easy to use! Love the packaging!
Soothing and calming during bad flare ups for bubs
My baby’s eczema spots stayed relatively controlled with ongoing steroid use and daily moisturising. However despite all that there were days when the eczema areas would flare up and we would be back to the start. We noticed that her eczema was only being managed but it wasn’t healing. I have always wanted to try the Oats colloid but since we don’t have a bath tub I was unsure of how we could use this product. Finally I read the tip that was on this website about placing a scoop of the powder in a muslin cloth and placing it in a bucket of water to infuse and using that water to bath the child. After starting this regime within 3 washes her ecezma reduced and the areas have actually started healing! She is itching the areas a lot less as well. We do use other products from this brand before and after her bath routine to help maximise the effects of the oats colloid. Overall Iam in love with this product because of what it has done for my child’s skin! I am finally hopeful that with continued use in the future when her eczema patches are completely healed she can wean off the steroid cream! Thank you for providing us with such high quality products!
Works great for soothing my son's itchy skin due to eczema. Have used this for my 5 year old when he was a baby & now using it for my 4 month old baby.
Absolute skin relief after the oat bath .. skin is softer and eczema is under control…
We've used and loved Frankie products for years and after trying the oat bath soak, this has also become a firm fave! My son has eczema and itchy skin and this soak is so soothing - it relieves his skin and keeps it smooth and itch free.
We've been advising our patients at Auckland Skin Clinic to use Frankie's Colloidal Oats for their eczema for years now. They dissolve easily into the bathwater and provide so much relief from the itching. The best on the market!
Loved this soak for nappy rash! Paired with the kawakawa balm, this really helped to clear the nappy rash very very quickly! Highly recommend!
Love this stuff. Convenient to just sprinkle in the bath. Soothes dry itchy skin.
We love the Oats Soothing Bath Soak for our little one. She's had eczema since she was born and a spoon in her bath soothes it so much. It works like a treat! Highly recommend it for new borns and young children.
Great on my son's skin when he had eczema.
Our daughter reacted to most things used in her bath we had tried other natural products but nothing worked as good as this ! It’s softened up her skin and reduced inflammation wouldn’t use anything else now.
Excellent product for soothing dry, irritated skin.
I do not like taking photos for advertising regardless of what it's purpose!! Respect my privacy? Other than that! the Kawakawa balm, and Colloidal Oatmeat have been excellent products for my eczema & dermititis which have been erased considerably🙂👍
Great product to put in my bath every night to keep eczema at bay...very soothing and don’t like to be without it
Best product for my sons skin. Perfect In the bath. One packet lasts about a month so great when doing the subscription too.
I love this oat bath soak so much. You only need 10 mins to soak in it and it works like wonders especially with my eczema & pregnancy rash.
We have been using this product in our daughter's baths every evening for about 4 months and it has definitely helped her eczema. She used to hate baths and now she loves them! This product has helped reduce the itching, irritation and redness. Thank you.
Awesome product to use in bath at night..keeps eczema under control
We’ve just started and bubs has been enjoying so far. Skins feels soft and supple ☺️
