Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Ritual Corner — a place for calm clarity and thoughtful answers.
If your question drifts beyond these, we would love to hear from you.

PRODUCT & INTEGRITY

What defines the Bath O’Clock formula?

We believe in restoration over decoration. While many brands focus on bright neon colors and glitters, we focus on the skin.

Our formulations are designed with high concentrations of therapeutic ingredients—like Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, and Kaolin Clay—to ensure that every product leaves your skin softer and healthier than before.

We believe in effortless rituals where cleanliness is calm.

We intentionally omit synthetic dyes to ensure your skin and sanctuary remain pristine.

Our colorless formulations guarantee you end your bath winding down, not cleaning up.

We prefer the term “Intentional”.

Because the word “natural” is unregulated and often vague, we choose transparency over buzzwords.

Our formulas are rooted in earth minerals and botanical oils, but we unapologetically bridge nature with science where it matters.

We use skin-safe synthetics for two specific reasons: to ensure your safety (preservatives are vital in wet environments) and to create complex scents that nature cannot sustainably provide.

 

Yes. We formulate with extreme care for delicate skin barriers.

We avoid harsh stripping agents (like SLS) and synthetic dyes across our entire line.

Instead, we rely on gentle surfactants, natural clays, and soothing plant oils.

Note: If you have extremely reactive skin, we always recommend patch-testing a new product on your inner arm before full use.

 

 

We use preservatives only when absolutely necessary for your safety.

  • Anhydrous products (like Body Butters and Bath Bombs) are naturally self-preserving as they contain no water.

  • Water-contact products (like Foaming Scrubs) contain a mild, paraben-free preservative. This prevents bacteria and mold growth, ensuring the product remains safe to keep in your shower.

 

 

We offer both:

  • The Therapeutic Line: Scented exclusively with 100% pure Essential Oils (like Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint) for functional aromatherapy benefits.

  • The Signature Line: Scented with premium, phthalate-free Fragrance Oils. This allows us to create complex, sophisticated profiles that are safe for skin but cannot be created with essential oils alone.

 

Cold Process is the traditional, time-honored method of soap making.

Unlike commercial “beauty bars” which are often synthetic detergents that strip the skin, our soap is created by saponifying oils.

This process naturally produces glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture to your skin. We cure our bars for minimum of 8 weeks to ensure a hard, long-lasting bar with a rich, creamy lather.

 

Occasionally, you may see a light, harmless white dusting on the top of our Cold Process soap.

This is called “Soda Ash.” It is a natural reaction between the air and the soap batter during the curing process.

It is purely cosmetic, completely safe, and washes away the very first time you use the bar.

 

 

No. While Lye is a necessary catalyst to turn oil into soap, it is completely consumed during the saponification process.

There is zero lye remaining in the finished bar you use on your skin—only pure soap and glycerin.

 

Our Body Butter is a pure, anhydrous product whipped to an airy texture.

In high heat (during summer shipping), the air bubbles may collapse, causing the butter to melt and lose volume.

The Fix: It is perfectly safe to use. Simply place it in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm it up. It may be denser than before, but the nourishing properties are exactly the same.

 

 

Occasionally, Shea Butter can crystallize if it cools down too slowly after melting (often due to temperature fluctuations in transit).

These “grains” are simply concentrated beads of nourishing butter and will melt instantly upon contact with your warm skin.

 

 

We recommend incorporating this ritual into your routine 1-2 times a week.

While our formula is whipped and gentle, exfoliation requires balance. Scrubbing daily can disrupt your natural skin barrier.

The Ritual: On scrub days, you can skip your regular soap or body wash. Our hybrid formula cleanses and polishes simultaneously, rinsing away to reveal fresh, glowing skin without the need for a second step.

Yes. Our Shampoo Bars are pH-balanced and formulated with gentle surfactants (not soap) that cleanse without stripping the hair cuticle.

They are generally safe for dyed or treated hair.

 

It requires a different technique than liquid conditioner.

After shampooing, glide the wet bar directly over the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Put the bar down and massage the product in for 1-2 minutes to let it penetrate before rinsing.

You will feel the “slip” develop as you massage.

 

 

One of our solid bar replaces approximately 2 to 3 plastic bottles of liquid product. With proper storage (keeping it dry between uses), a bar can last for 50-75 washes depending on hair length.

 

 

We use plant-derived ingredients such as sweet almond oil, shea butter, coconut-based surfactants, kaolin clay, and Epsom salt.

Every formula is free of microplastics, palm oil, and harsh synthetics — only what’s needed for clean, honest performance.

For a full list of our ingredients, please visit our ingredients page.

Never. We are committed to clean beauty.

All our fragrance oils are Phthalate-Free, and our preservatives are Paraben-Free.

We believe you shouldn’t have to worry about what absorbs into your body.

Generally, yes. Our base formulas are gentle and non-toxic.

However, certain Essential Oils (included in our Therapeutic Line) can be potent.

We recommend sticking to our unscented or mildly scented options for children and consulting your doctor regarding specific essential oils during pregnancy.

 

Please be aware that Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter are core ingredients in many of our formulations.

While these are highly refined oils, we cannot guarantee that our studio is 100% nut-free.

We strongly recommend reviewing the full ingredient list on every product page and consulting your physician if you have severe nut allergies.

Not really. Bath O’Clock bath bombs are colorless and surfactant-free, so they dissolve completely in water.

A light film may remain from the sweet almond oil — simply rinse with warm water to restore the surface.

Every single sphere, bar, and jar is handcrafted in our private studio in Vancouver B.C..

We work in small batches to ensure freshness, quality control, and attention to detail that mass production simply cannot match.

 

Because we craft by hand using natural ingredients, slight variations in texture or shape are a hallmark of artisanal quality.

Unlike factory-made uniformity, these small differences confirm that a human being created your ritual.

 

Absolutely. We do not test on animals, nor do we commission third parties to do so.

Our formulas are entirely plant-based and free from animal-derived ingredients like lard or tallow.

While many of our customers find our natural ingredients soothing for troubled skin, our products are classified as cosmetics, not medication. 

We cannot legally make medical claims to “cure” or “treat” specific skin conditions. 

We recommend our products as part of a gentle, supportive skincare routine, but please consult a dermatologist for medical concerns.

 

Most of our products are naturally gluten-free.

However, some formulations may contain Colloidal Oatmeal or Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.

If you have Celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, please carefully review the ingredient list on every product page before purchasing, as we do work with these ingredients in our studio.

 

 

We formulate with plumbing safety in mind. Our products contain emulsifiers which help the oils mix with water rather than floating on top. 

This ensures they rinse away cleanly. However, we always recommend running hot water for 30 seconds after your bath or shower to ensure all residues are flushed through.

 

Ritual and Use

To fully activate the aromatherapy and skin-softening properties, fill your tub with warm water first.

Drop the sphere in just before you step in.

We recommend a soak time of at least 20 minutes to allow the minerals and oils to fully penetrate the skin.

 

We recommend shaving after your soak or scrub ritual, not before.

The Reason: Shaving opens the pores and creates micro-abrasions on the skin. Our products contain citric acid, epsom salts, and essential oils, which—while detoxifying—can cause a “stinging” sensation on freshly shaved skin.

For the most comfortable experience, save the razor for the very end of your bath.

 

 

We recommend a light rinse with fresh water to remove any salt residue, but do not use soap or body wash afterwards.

You want to leave the thin layer of botanical oils on your skin to lock in moisture.

Pat dry gently with a towel rather than rubbing.

 

While physically possible, we do not recommend it.

Our spheres are formulated with a precise balance of salts, oils, and aromatics designed for a standard tub volume.

Splitting the sphere dilutes the efficacy of the ritual, resulting in less vibrant scent and reduced moisturizing benefits.

 

Because we use rich sweet almond oil, there may be a slight slip to the surface of the tub.

Please use caution when stepping in and out of the bath.

A quick rinse of the tub with hot water immediately after use will prevent any oil buildup.

 

Handcrafted soap is naturally high in glycerin, which attracts water.

If left in a puddle, it will turn to mush.

To extend the life of your bar, store it on a draining soap dish or a wire rack where air can circulate around it.

Keep it out of the direct stream of the shower when not in use.

 

Yes, and this is actually a sign of quality! This is called “Glycerin Dew.”

Because our soaps are rich in natural glycerin (a humectant), they attract moisture from the air.

In humid weather, the soap effectively “pulls” water to itself. It is purely cosmetic—simply rinse it off, and the bar is perfect to use.

 

Our soaps are formulated primarily for the body.

While they are gentle, facial skin has a different pH and sensitivity level than the skin on your body.

For the face, we recommend products specifically designed for facial care, though many customers with robust skin do enjoy our unscented bars for facial cleansing.

 

Don’t throw them away! We recommend putting the small slivers into a sisal soap saver bag.

This allows you to use every last gram of the product while adding a gentle exfoliation to your routine.

 

No. The sugar crystals in our body scrubs are too abrasive for delicate facial tissue and may cause micro-tears.

Please reserve this ritual for your body (especially elbows, knees, and heels).

 

We recommend using a clean, dry spoon or a wooden scoop to remove the product you need before stepping into the shower.

If you use your hands, try to tilt the jar away from the water stream and close the lid tightly immediately after use.

 

Likely, yes. Our Body Butters are anhydrous (100% oil and butter, no water/fillers), so they are incredibly concentrated.

The Secret: Apply a small amount immediately after showering. The butter will absorb instantly, locking in hydration without the heavy, greasy residue. A little goes a very long way.

 

We do not recommend it. Ingredients like Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter are excellent for the body but can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for facial skin, potentially leading to breakouts.

 

If you are switching from commercial liquid shampoo to a natural bar, your hair may go through a “Transition Period” (typically 1-2 weeks). Commercial shampoos strip hair with harsh detergents; our bars cleanse gently. Your scalp needs time to re-balance its oil production. 

Tip: An apple cider vinegar rinse (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) can help cut through the waxiness and smooth the hair cuticle during this transition.

 

Conditioner bars are not designed to lather or foam like shampoo.

To use, glide the wet bar directly down the lengths of your wet hair (avoiding the roots if you have fine hair).

You will feel a subtle “slip” develop. Massage it in with your fingers and let it sit for 2 minutes before rinsing.

 

Just like our soaps, these bars need to breathe.

Do not leave them in a travel tin while they are wet, or they will become soft and difficult to use.

Let them dry completely on a rack before storing them in a container.

 

Because we minimize preservatives, our products are best enjoyed fresh.

  • Bath Bombs : Use within 6 months for best fizz.

  • Body Butters : Use within 12 months.

  • Boring Soaps: Can last for years, though the scent may fade after 12 months.

  • Body Scrubs: Use within 12 months (and keep water out!).

Natural soap loves soft water. If you live in an area with very “hard” water (high mineral content), you might notice that natural soap doesn’t lather as distinctively and may leave a “draggy” feeling on the skin.

The Fix: We recommend using a loofah or a sisal soap bag to help generate a rich lather, which combats the minerals in the water.

 

Shipping & Delivery

We treat the packing process as a ritual in itself. 

Please allow 1-2 business days for our studio to prepare, pack, and dispatch your order. 

Note: During high-volume periods (like product launches or holidays), processing may take up to 3-4 business days. We appreciate your patience as we ensure every box is packed to perfection.

 

 

Processing Time is the time it takes for us to hand-pick, wrap, and box your order at our studio.

Shipping Time is the time it takes for the carrier (Canada Post/USPS/UPS) to deliver the parcel from our hands to your door. Example: If you select “2-Day Shipping,” that timeline begins after the package leaves our studio.

 

 

Yes. We offer complimentary standard shipping on all domestic orders over $100.

This discount is automatically applied at checkout—no code required. 

For orders under this threshold, shipping is calculated based on weight and destination to ensure the fairest rate.

Yes. If you need your products for a specific event or gift, please select the expedited shipping option at checkout.

Shipping estimates refer to business days (Monday–Friday) only. 

Example: If you select “Next Day” on a Friday, the carrier will likely deliver the package on Monday, not Saturday. Please plan your rituals accordingly.

 

We are happy to ship our rituals globally. However, please be aware that international shipments may take 2-4 weeks to arrive depending on your local customs office.

 

 

All international orders are shipped DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). 

This means that any customs fees, import duties, or taxes incurred upon arrival in your destination country are the sole responsibility of the recipient. We have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they might be.

Important: If you refuse a package due to customs fees, we can only refund the cost of the products once they are returned to us in perfect condition; the original shipping cost is non-refundable.

Absolutely. Gifting is a beautiful language. 

Please leave your personal message in the “Notes” section at checkout, and we will include a handwritten card with your package, omitting any pricing information.

Yes, we ship to P.O. Boxes via standard postal services (Canada Post/USPS). 

Please note that private carriers like UPS or FedEx generally do not deliver to P.O. Boxes, so please select the appropriate shipping method at checkout.

If a package is returned to our studio because it was unclaimed, refused at delivery, or the address was incorrect, the carrier charges us a “Return to Sender” fee. 

In this case, we will refund the cost of the products minus the original shipping cost and the return shipping fee.

 

We do our best to ensure timely delivery, but we cannot control nature or carrier networks. 

We are unable to offer refunds for shipping costs due to delays caused by severe weather, natural disasters, carrier strikes, or peak holiday volume.

 

 

For most standard orders, no signature is required. However, for the security of high-value orders (typically over $200), we may require a signature upon delivery to prevent theft. 

If you cannot be home, we recommend shipping your package to your workplace.

 

 

At this time, our studio is a private production space and is not open to the public for retail or pickup. 

We operate exclusively online to maintain a focused and sterile crafting environment.

 

Ordering & Payment

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) as well as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. All transactions are processed through a secure, encrypted gateway to ensure your privacy.

We pride ourselves on fast processing. If you need to make a change (such as correcting a shipping address or canceling an item), please email us within 1 hour of placing your order. 

Please Note: Once an order has been packed or labeled for shipping, we are unable to make any changes. 

In that case, you would need to follow our standard Return Policy.

 

Our system includes automated fraud detection to protect our customers. If your order was cancelled, it may be due to a mismatch between your Billing Address and the address on file with your bank. 

We recommend contacting your bank or trying a different payment method to resolve this.

 

Yes. We are required by law to collect sales tax in states/provinces where we have a physical presence or economic nexus. 

This is calculated automatically at checkout based on your shipping address.

 

In most cases, this is due to a typo in the email address or the email landing in a “Spam” or “Promotions” folder.

Next Step: Check your junk folder first. If you still don’t see it, please email us with your full name and shipping address so we can locate your order and resend the receipt.

 

Our system accepts one promotional code per order. If you have a discount code and are also shopping during a sitewide sale, the system will generally default to the better deal, but they cannot be stacked.

 

Due to system limitations and the security of payment processing, we are unable to manually apply discount codes to an order once it has been placed. 

Please ensure your code is applied and the total is reflected correctly before hitting “Place Order.”

 

All prices on our site are listed in $CAD. If you are shopping internationally, your bank or credit card issuer will automatically convert the transaction to your local currency at their current exchange rate.

 

We approach every package as if it were a gift. We include a packing slip that lists the items in the box to ensure accuracy, but omits all pricing information. 

Your financial receipt is sent exclusively via email to you, not the recipient.

 

 

Yes. To protect our cardholders, orders exceeding a certain value may be subject to a manual security check. 

We may contact you via email to verify your identity before releasing the shipment. 

If we cannot reach you within 48 hours, the order may be cancelled and refunded to the original payment method.

 

Returns & Promise

We want you to explore our rituals with absolute confidence. We stand behind the quality of every batch we craft.

If you receive a product and it doesn’t resonate with you, simply contact us within 30 days of delivery. 

We will happily refund the purchase price of the item—no hard feelings. We believe you should love what touches your skin.

To prevent abuse and protect our small business, we monitor return activity. 

We reserve the right to limit refunds on large orders (over $100) or for repeat returns from the same customer. 

We recommend trying one of our Discovery Sets or a single product first if you are new to our scents

Please email our support team with your order number. To ensure this policy remains sustainable for our small studio, we ask that the product be at least 50% full to qualify for a refund. 

Depending on the situation, we may ask you to return the remaining product to us.

Please note: Original shipping costs are non-refundable, and return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

We pack every parcel with extreme care to withstand the journey, but accidents can happen. 

If your product arrives damaged, please email us a photo of the broken item and the shipping box within 48 hours of delivery. 

We will immediately arrange a replacement or store credit—no need to return the broken item.

Yes. To maintain our sustainability efforts, we cannot accept returns on:

  • Gift Cards

  • Final Sale / Clearance Items

  • Custom Orders

Note: Our 30-Day Happiness Guarantee applies to all standard full-priced products.

Once a package is marked as “Delivered” by the carrier, Bath O’Clock is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

We highly recommend ensuring you have a safe place for delivery. If your package is lost in transit (not yet delivered), please contact us so we can file a claim with the carrier on your behalf.

Once your return is received and inspected at our studio, we will send you an email to notify you that we have processed your refund. 

The credit will automatically be applied to your original method of payment within 5-10 business days, depending on your bank’s processing time.

Please double-check your shipping address at checkout. 

If a package is returned to our studio because of an incorrect address provided by the customer, we will need to charge a re-shipping fee to send it out again. 

If you prefer a refund at that point, we will refund the order total minus the original shipping cost.

We offer special pricing on our curated sets (e.g., The Discovery Set). To receive a full refund, all items within the bundle must be returned. 

If you choose to return only part of a set, the refund will be calculated based on the full retail price of the items you keep, voiding the bundle discount.

If your order included a free promotional gift, this must also be returned to qualify for a full refund. 

If you choose to keep the free gift, its full retail value will be deducted from your refund total.

We inspect every return upon arrival. If an item is returned empty, filled with a different substance, or otherwise does not meet our 50% fullness policy, we reserve the right to deny the refund. 

In such cases, we are not responsible for the cost of shipping the item back to you.

As a small studio, we are unable to offer price adjustments on previous purchases. 

Our sales and promotions are valid only during the specified dates and cannot be applied retroactively to orders placed before the promotion began.