It help my son’s eczema
Real life relief stories
"Her eczema started to clear around the third day"
"My almost 2 year old suffered from eczema last month, covered her legs and arms. The doctors kept prescribing creams but they didn’t work. Made it worse.
I was looking online for a better alternative and came across Frankie Apothecary on Instagram. I read the positive reviews, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Her eczema started to clear away around the third day of using the Oat bath soak, Kawakawa Balm and body oil...Thank you for these amazing products! My baby uses it every night before bed and she sleeps so peacefully. Her skin is much more clearer now and she doesn’t have to cover up anymore lol."
- Jen P
"Your Kawakawa Balm has really helped with my baby's skin"
"Hi I just wanted to say thanks for the balm! It has really helped with my baby's skin and when she flares up I just put some on the flare ups her skins looks so much better now thanks again."
- Emeline H
"This Kawakawa Balm actually works"
"I absolutely love this Kawakawa Balm! My baby developed eczema from 9-10 months,and this is all I use on his face.
I love that its all natural ingredients, suitable for babies and actually works to clear his eczema.
At worst my baby had an eczema infection on his face where he had scabs from his nose to scalp, scabs behind and inside his ears, was swollen and was very itchy, where he didn't sleep well and neither did us as parents. Kawakawa balm cleared most of the scabs after 1 day of using it and by 2 weeks the scabs, redness and swelling was barely noticeable..."
- Jennifer
* Thanks for checking out our real life customer stories! We know that everyone's skin is different and while we can't promise the same results for everyone, we do promise to do our best to support and empower you on your skin journey. Having the right support as you try something new can make a huge difference.
As seen in:
Two Steps to Support Your Child’s Skin
Kawakawa Balm
Calm, repair, and protect delicate skin — formulated to soothe irritation, dryness, and eczema naturally.
Soothing Oat Bath Soak
Soothe and nourish your child’s skin with our gentle Oat Bath Soak — perfect for calming dryness and restoring balance after long days.
Answers to your questions
What makes Frankie's Kawakawa Repair different from other Kawakawa balms?
Great question! Most balms use a simple combination of wax, oil and essential oils or plant extracts. Kawakawa Repair has three important ingredients that set it apart from other balms - high potency Kawakawa oil, water-attracting ingredients and a research-backed ingredient scientifically proven to reduce extra trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), commons with eczema-prone skin.
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.
Water-attracting ingredients work to draw moisture to the outer layer of the skin, giving problem skin much-needed moisture, helping to reduce the itch.
Our research-backed specialty ingredient has been proven to reduce water loss at the surface of the skin as effectively as lanolin, second-only to this petrochemical incgredients, yet our is natural.
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.
Can I use your eczema care products if I've used steroid creams?
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.
As a guide: If you have use steroid creams within the last 6-10 months. If so, start gradually e.g. 1x a day for several days.
If all ok, repeat 2x a day for several days.
If all ok, increase to 3x a day.
Can I used your products on my newborn?
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.
Is your Kawakawa Repair and Skin Saviour Bundle safe to use while pregnant?
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.
Can I apply Kawakawa Repair more than 3x a day during a skin flare-up?
Kawakawa Repair Balm is an itensive moisturiser and it can be applied more than 3x a day. For example, for dribble rash, as the area gets wet often, you may need to dab skin dry and apply a think layer of the balm up to 6x a day.
As with anything new, remember to do a 24 hour patch test before using any new product. To do that, apply a little Kawakawa Repair, Body Oil and a little Oat Soak mixed in water if using, to different areas of the body (leave the oat soak mix on the skin for 10min then rinse off). Wait 24 hours to check there is no allergy to any of the ingredients.
Why is a water-free balm better than a cream?
The Eczema Association of New Zealand strongly advises choosing an ointment or balm for dry, itchy skin, as these products lock in moisture far better than creams.
Unlike creams—which can be made up of as much as 70% water and lose their effectiveness as the water quickly evaporates—ointments and balms form a protective barrier that helps seal the skin.
This barrier is crucial for soothing itchiness and supporting long-term skin health by preventing moisture loss and managing eczema symptoms.
What people are saying
It all started with one little girl
When young Eva developed severe eczema to the point she often woke with blood on her sheets from scratching through the night, her mother was desperate to find a solution that worked.
After hundreds of hours of research, her search led led her back to her Māori heritage and the healing power of native New Zealand kawakawa - and Frankie Apothecary's Kawakawa Repair Balm was born.
Incredibly, her daughter's skin was soothed within a week! Kawakawa Repair was shared with the local community and beyond, and today our range is delivered all over the world.
Since those early days, our range has grown, but our mission has stayed the same - to help more and more tamariki, adults and families experience the same relief.
Frankie Apothecary has over 2000 reviews!
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 2521 reviews.
This balm has been magic for my babies eczema prone skin, cannot thank you enough! Also great for nappy rash 😊 Will be buying again and again!
I have just had a knee replacement, Once the wound started to heal the whole knee would get unbearably itchy, This is where the Kawakawa Calm came into its own, with almost instant relief the itch was gone. It was a lovely base for massage as well for the intense pain in the first 3 weeks. Thanks for this amazing product that helped get me through this huge challenge.
Absolutely love these products
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.
I wasn't sure what to expect from an oil cleanser but it works so well and does a great job on eye makeup. I am getting quite a collection of Frankie skincare now and love it.
I have been using Frankie products for a few years now with great results. The new facial trio are the latest addition and are working beautifully to add hydration to my skincare regime. I work outside and through winter need something to boost and protect my skin from the elements. They also smell divine!! If I need extra support (as I often scratch, cut or damage myself) I also recommend the original Kawakawa Repair as it is truly heaven sent to relieve & heal skin issues!
I was having an allergy reaction to adhesive on plasters and used the kawakawa healing balm and oil 3 times a day for 5 days and it has cleared it right up. Love the kawakawa balm and oil, I have been using it for a number of years now.
So happy Frankie make the 240ml jar. We use this balm morning and night on our 3.5 year old son so we go through it fast! Love the value in this.
We saw result in 3 days! Amazing product, especially when it’s ALL natural. Love it x
Frankie’s Kawakawa repair has been the only thing to calm Miss 2’s eczema. Pic 1 was the day i received my order, her eczema was at its worst, keeping her up at night scratching and uncomfortable. Pic 2… makes me teary, I was genuinely at my peak of “nothings working”. The fatty creams doctors prescribed did nothing, even applying 3-5 times a day & I wanted to avoid steroid cream as much as possible after reading of TSW. Away from home, I’d keep her from water play or anything too messy, knowing she’d be irritated and dried out before I could get her home for a wash. Now.. I have literally cried from happiness from the way her skin healed and continues to heal. We do 2 rub-downs a day, one in the morning and one at night after a quick lukewarm shower or weekly janola bath. Her joints are clear of hardened itchy skin & she’s not waking up dry or disturbed during the night from being itchy. Couldn’t recommend Frankie’s enough, it’s given my baby’s comfort back to her.
This is brilliant. It smells good. Is feels great on skin and smooth, moisturizing and it's wonderful. Thanks for a great product.
Kūmarahou Facial Cleansing Cake - Winner, Best Cleansing Bar 2024
The inflammation is going down, sorry I didn’t took before photo this is him today.. Thank you for your good work. I will order another one soon.
I've been repeating this product so many times! Recommended for itchy and dry skin!! Everyone in my family use it! I love it!!
Excellent product, it gives you an excellent facial texture.
We have been using this product for a year now and love it! It keeps my sons eczema at bay and is a much better alternative to steroid creams! I also use it on my face when I get dry patches and as a lip balm.
I decided to give this product a go after learning how harmful "regular" sunscreens are for us and the ocean. I have not looked back! I really appreciate the natural ingredients and protection from the sun it offers. I'm a regular customer now.
My neck before was peeling, sore and very itchy. After using the kawakawa balm for just one week, applying whenever i felt it was dry, it completely cleared up and has stayed cleared up since.
When I got Millie as a wee puppy she had a rash so I used Frankie Kawakawa Balm. She loved the care (and the taste!!) and it was good to know that when she licked some off it was not harmful and had no nasty chemicals in it. She still comes running whenever I open the jar and I use it if my dogs get cracked paw pads, and grass rash, or cuts.
I'll never use anything else to treat eczema. I also use it as a lip balm :)
My son’s Skin looks so much better!
I’m really enjoying these. You really don’t need to use much either, especially the shampoo one. I used way too much the first time and it dried my hair out a bit but I’m gonna be ok. The conditioner is my favourite, smells divine, could even be a touch stronger with the scent. I’ve been using it to shave my face with too with great results along with the added bonus of smelling it more. Then I use the balm as an aftershave. Great products, I’m so happy to have discovered them. Lovely people to deal with too. Thank you.
This balm is just brilliant. After 6 days of using it Millah-Ivy’s rash completely disappeared. She was 6 weeks old so it’s totally safe to use on newborns.
Great
I got it for my wife and she loves it.
Cleared my baby’s acne up so well!
My daughter started getting eczema at the age of 2 months an just started to get worse so decided to use kawakawa repair balm anf oat soaker it's cleared up her back an started to clear up her arms and chest
I just love this stuff. Every home should have some. I use it mainly as an aftershave balm and it leaves my skin feeling like it’s not even mine. Also handy to have around for scrapes and cuts. A pleasant faint scent too. I also want to thank Frankie Apothecary for their outstanding customer service and support in sorting out an issue after an unfortunate incident with the courier. Good delivery times, great customer service and a fantastic product. Well done guys. Thank you.
I've been purchasing Frankie for the past few years... the kawakawa balm, oil and soap. I sent it as gifts to my hubby's family in the UK and they love it. It resolved his nephew's eczema flare ups to their amazement! I recently had a baby. My hubby has eczema so I knew we'd only be using Frankie skin care on him. We use the soap and after each bath or shower we massage him head to toe in kawakawa oil. Everyone comments on how clear his skin is for a baby... It has to be his skincare! I also use the balm on my face regularly and I get compliments on how good my skin is for 40. Again, we keep it simple and natural. Can't recommend kawakawa highly enough for everything from proactive to cure.
We’ve noticed a huge difference since using this brand. Our baby’s skin barrier is a lot stronger compared to the other creams where we noticed it was thinning his skin barrier. So much relief more relief for our pēp thankyou!
My daughter has been having this eczema on the back of her knees and no matter cream we put in, it doesn’t seem to work. I have been using this Frankie kawawa since my daughter was infant, but I have only applied it to her face. This time, I tried them on the affected area behind her knees and viola!! It has lighten the redness and eventually cleared the skin. I have been applying them regularly since. Amazing product!
Hi I just wanted to say thanks for the balm! It has really helped with my babys skin and when she flares up I just put some on the flare ups 🙂 her skins looks so much better now thanks again!
I've stocked up to take with me while I'm away in the UK for a couple months
Our whanau have only used Frankie shampoo and conditioner bars for years now, whenever we’ve tried other products the noticeable inferiority leaves us wanting Frankie only. Healthy scalps and healthy hair. Environmentally responsible. Good for us and Papatuanuku ♥️♥️♥️
Awesome I use this everyday all over.
My daughter gets a dry itchy scalp. This shampoo bar is the only thing that stops the itching and helps with the dandruff. It's all we use. Great shampoo, won't use anything else.
These products have been a game changer for my daughter’s eczema! I have tried pretty much everything on the market, followed naturopath plans and even tried the full medical route but nothing has worked this effectively with long lasting results as the Kawakawa balm in combination with the oil and the oat soak. It’s made a huge improvement in my daughters skin!
I broke my right wrist. I used Kawa Kawa Balm for the scar.,It is minimal now. Highly recommend for any scars or bruises as well.
My hair feels soft and looks fantastic! No more itchy scalp. Highly recommend. You won’t regret it. As your hair will thank you for it!
Love love this product . My skin is the best it's been for along time. Natural no harsh products om my skin