TARANAKI WILD / FAQ

Good questions.
Straight answers.

Get to know your everyday balm. From choosing where to use it to caring for your tin, find the practical details that make skincare simple.

Close detail of Taranaki kawakawa leaves

01 / THE BALM

Simple ingredients. Considered care.

What is Taranaki Wild Kawakawa Balm?

A rich, water-free balm made in New Zealand with Taranaki kawakawa, olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax. It softens rough, dry skin and helps seal in moisture — everyday care for hardworking hands, dry lips and weather-exposed patches.

What makes a balm different from a cream?

Our balm is made with oils and wax, with no added water. The oils soften and condition dry skin, while beeswax helps leave a protective, moisture-sealing layer. Expect a richer finish than a lightweight lotion; adjust the amount to the area you are caring for.

What is in your balm?

Four ingredients, each with a purpose: Taranaki kawakawa, extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil, certified organic extra-virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, and certified organic beeswax. We slowly sun-infuse the kawakawa leaves in olive oil before blending the balm.

Explore our ingredients and the science behind them.

Does it contain added fragrance?

No added fragrance, artificial colours or petroleum-based ingredients. Its subtle natural scent comes from the ingredients themselves.

Is the balm organic or vegan?

Our coconut oil and beeswax are certified organic. That describes those ingredients, rather than certification of the finished balm. The balm contains beeswax, so it is not vegan.

Where is it made, and what size is the tin?

Our balm is small-batch crafted in New Zealand using kawakawa gathered in Taranaki. Each tin contains 80g of balm. Read our story.

02 / EVERYDAY USES

Find your everyday ritual.

How do I apply kawakawa balm?

With clean, dry fingertips, warm the balm between your fingers and massage into clean skin. Apply a generous amount to dry hands and rough patches, allowing it to settle before adding more. Reapply as needed, especially after washing. Use a thin layer on lips; for the face, choose a small to generous amount according to your skin and preferred finish.

Where can I use it?

Hands, knuckles, cuticles, elbows, knees, heels and other dry patches are all good places to start. It also works as a lip balm, a rich evening facial moisturiser and a conditioning layer for fully healed tattooed skin. Discover the full range of benefits and applications.

Is it good for tradies, farmers and gardeners?

Yes — it is everyday care for hands that work hard. Frequent washing, soil, tools and exposure to the elements can leave hands feeling rough and dry. Massage a generous amount into clean hands, knuckles and cuticles, and reapply as often as needed throughout the day, especially after washing or whenever skin feels dry or tight. Let it absorb before handling tools or machinery.

Can I take it hunting?

Keep a tin in your pack for dry knuckles, rough hands and weather-worn skin, from a break in the bush to time back at camp. Clean and dry your hands, then massage in a generous amount where needed. Reapply as often as needed throughout the day, especially after washing or whenever skin feels dry or tight. Let it absorb before handling firearms or equipment. It is moisturising skincare, not an insect repellent or sunscreen.

Can I use it as a lip balm for cracked lips?

Apply a thin layer to dry, chapped lips to soften them and help seal in moisture. Use clean fingertips and reapply when needed.

Can I use it on my face or eyebrows?

Yes. For dry facial skin, warm a small to generous amount and gently massage or press it onto skin as the final step in your evening routine. Adjust to your skin’s needs and use less if it feels too rich. For brows, smooth the smallest trace over the hairs to help tame and condition them. Keep it away from eyes and the lash line.

Can I use it for tattoo aftercare?

On fully healed tattoos, a light layer helps keep dry skin soft, supple and moisturised. For a fresh tattoo, follow your artist’s aftercare plan and confirm this formula is suitable before introducing it. Use the amount and timing your artist recommends.

What about sensitive or eczema-prone skin?

The fragrance-free, oil-based formula provides rich moisturising care for dry skin. Skin responses vary, so patch test before first use and stop if irritation occurs. If you have eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, use it within your existing care plan; it is not a replacement for treatment. Seek advice before applying it to an active flare.

Can it be used for nappy-area barrier care?

The oils and beeswax leave a protective layer on skin, helping shield it from wetness and friction while keeping dry areas soft. Patch test first, gently clean and dry the area, then apply a thin layer. If nappy rash persists or worsens, seek advice.

Can I use it around insect bites, cuts or scratches?

On skin around insect bites, the balm can provide moisture and comfort where skin feels dry or tight. For cuts, grazes and scratches, use appropriate first aid first. The balm provides everyday moisturising care for dry patches. It is not an antiseptic.

Can I apply the balm to broken skin or cuts?

Do not apply to broken, open, bleeding, weeping or infected skin. Use appropriate first aid for cuts and grazes. This balm is for moisturising care, not an antiseptic or a proven wound treatment. Seek medical advice for deep wounds, persistent bleeding or signs of infection.

How do I patch test?

Apply a small amount to a small area of skin before using it more widely, and watch for a reaction. Stop if redness, itching or irritation develops. Avoid the balm if you know you are sensitive to any ingredient, including coconut oil or beeswax. A patch test cannot guarantee that a reaction will not occur later.

03 / CARING FOR YOUR TIN

Keep it at its best.

How should I store my balm?

Keep the lid closed and store the tin in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Use clean, dry fingertips or a clean spatula, and avoid introducing water. Keep it out of a hot car or a sunny windowsill.

Why does the texture change in warm weather?

Natural oils and waxes respond to temperature, so the balm may soften in warmth and firm again as it cools. Let a warm tin return to a cool room temperature before opening. If the smell or appearance seems unusual, contact us before using it.

How long will an 80g tin last?

That depends on where you apply it, the amount you use and how often you reach for it. Lip and cuticle care uses much less than generous daily application to hands and feet.

Can I reuse or recycle the tin?

Yes. Once empty, clean the aluminium tin and give it another use, or check your local recycling guidance. Read about our approach to packaging.

04 / ORDERS & DELIVERY

From our hands to yours.

Do you offer international shipping?

Yes. International shipping is available to supported destinations, with rates shown at checkout. Enter your delivery address to see the options for your order. If your country is unavailable, contact us with your destination and tin quantity before ordering.

What does shipping cost in New Zealand and Australia?

New Zealand: NZ$7.99 for a one-tin order, including rural addresses. Australia: A$12.99 for a one-tin order. Buy 2+ tins and shipping is free within New Zealand and Australia, applied automatically at checkout. View delivery information.

When will you send my order, and can I track it?

Orders are packed with care and dispatched on the next business day. Tracking details are emailed to the address used at checkout. Delivery time varies by destination; rural delivery, customs processing and peak periods can add time. Allow time for the carrier’s first scan after dispatch.

Will I need to pay import duties or taxes?

For United States orders, import duties and taxes are included under our current shipping policy. At other international destinations, duties, taxes and customs clearance charges payable on arrival are the receiver’s responsibility. Any taxes collected at checkout will be shown there. See Shipping & Delivery for the full details.

Can I change my order or delivery address?

Email hello@taranakiwild.com as soon as possible, including your order number and the change you need. We will help where we can, but changes may no longer be possible once your order has been packed or dispatched.

Can I return my balm?

For New Zealand deliveries, unopened, unused tins may be returned for a change of mind within 14 days of delivery, subject to our returns policy. We do not offer change-of-mind returns for international deliveries or opened tins. If an item is faulty, damaged or incorrect, please contact us — your applicable consumer rights are unaffected. Read Returns & Refunds before sending anything back.

Who can help with an order or product question?

Email hello@taranakiwild.com or use our contact form. For an order enquiry, include your order number. For a product concern, include the batch details and a photo where helpful. We aim to reply within two business days.