Products FAQ

Yes. Upenya products are formulated and labelled in compliance with South African cosmetic regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act. We also align with international safety standards, including European cosmetic guidelines, to ensure our products meet rigorous safety, transparency, and quality requirements. You can use Upenya with confidence.

Upenya products are formulated with gentle, well-tolerated ingredients and are dermatologically tested. Many users with sensitive skin find our formulations comfortable to use because they are balanced to support the skin barrier and avoid unnecessary disruption. However, some products include botanicals and essential oils that may have a mild natural scent. While these are selected to minimise irritation, individuals with highly reactive skin may prefer to introduce products gradually and perform a patch test before regular use to gauge personal tolerance. If irritation occurs or sensitivity is significant, reduce frequency of use or discontinue and consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

Upenya products are not fragrance free. Some of our formulations contain naturally derived aromatic ingredients, including essential oils and botanical extracts that contribute a light scent. These ingredients are included at carefully controlled levels and selected with skin tolerance in mind. We do not use synthetic fragrance blends. Where fragrance allergens such as limonene or linalool occur, they are naturally present components of essential oils and are declared transparently on our ingredient lists, in line with cosmetic labelling requirements. If a teen has known fragrance sensitivities or highly reactive skin, we recommend reviewing individual ingredient lists carefully and performing a patch test before regular use.

Yes. In dermatological testing, Upenya products were classified as non-irritating. They are specifically formulated to support acne-prone teenage skin without stripping the skin barrier or causing unnecessary disruption. Every skin is different, so we still recommend introducing new products gradually and patch testing before regular use. If any irritation occurs, reduce frequency or discontinue use.

Yes. Our Blemish Care contains salicylic acid, a well-established ingredient for acne-prone skin that works by helping to clear blocked pores and reduce the appearance of breakouts. It is formulated at an appropriate concentration and balanced with hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients to maintain skin comfort. We recommend introducing it gradually and patch testing before regular use.

Yes. Our Exfoliating Cleanser contains malic and lactic acids, which gently encourage surface cell renewal without aggressive stripping. They are formulated at levels appropriate for teenage skin and balanced with hydrating ingredients to support the skin barrier. Not all Upenya products contain exfoliating acids. Each product is designed to play a specific role within the 3-step routine. As with any exfoliating product, introduce gradually and patch test before regular use.

Upenya products are formulated with over 99% natural, naturally derived, and nature-identical ingredients. Our formulations are designed to be gentle, microbiome-aware, and free from ingredient groups we have deliberately chosen to exclude: Sulphates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde donors, silicones, microbeads, PEGs, BPAs, petroleum-derived ingredients, and oxybenzone.

Upenya formulations are pH-balanced to align with the skin's natural surface pH of around 5.5, which is mildly acidic. This matters because different active ingredients perform optimally within specific pH ranges, and a formulation that sits too far outside the skin's natural range can disrupt the barrier and cause unnecessary irritation. By aligning our formulations to the skin's ideal pH window, we support both ingredient efficacy and skin comfort, particularly for teenage skin that is already managing hormonal changes. You can read more about pH, skin health, and formulation science in our blog.

Each Upenya product has a shelf life of 6 months from opening. You will find the batch number and best before date on the bottom of the packaging. We recommend checking this before use, particularly if a product has been stored for a while.

Upenya products are formulated to work together as a complete routine, and we recommend using them as a set for best results. That said, they can be used alongside other skincare products. If combining with products from other brands, check ingredient compatibility - our Exfoliating Cleanser contains AHAs and our Blemish Care contains salicylic acid, both of which can interact with certain active ingredients. If in doubt, introduce one new product at a time and observe how your skin responds.

Most Upenya products are formulated with gentle, well-tolerated ingredients. However, some formulations contain salicylic acid and essential oils, which are generally recommended to be used with caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend consulting your healthcare professional or pharmacist before use. They can advise based on your individual circumstances and trimester.

Store Upenya products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally below 25°C. Avoid leaving products in hot cars or humid environments such as steamy bathrooms, as heat and moisture can affect product stability and shelf life.