FAQ - Calm answers for reactive skin
No hype, no “push through it.” Just clear founder-led guidance on patch testing, introducing products gently, what to expect - and what to do if your skin is currently flaring.
(Comfort-First, Sensitive-Skin Safe)
Quick Answers
Will this make me flare?
Pure + Kiwi is built for reactive, easily-triggered skin - your routine should feel calm, not “active.” If your skin is currently flaring, start slow (see “How to patch test + introduce”).
Do I need to stop everything I’m using?
No. If your current routine works, keep it -and swap in one Pure + Kiwi step at a time (cleanser first, then serum, then moisturizer).
What does ‘Calm-First’ mean?
It means: Cleanse gently → Calm the barrier → Seal in comfort. No harsh “push through it” steps.
Do you use fragrance or essential oils?
No. Pure + Kiwi routines are designed to reduce common triggers for reactive skin - so you get results without the extra irritation risk that often comes with fragrance and essential oils.
I’m nervous - what’s the easiest starter routine?
AM/PM: Clean Slate→ Revive Crème
Body: Rescue after shower
Patch test + introduce safely
How do I patch test without overthinking it?
If you’re reactive, patch testing should feel simple and safe:
- Apply a small amount to the inner arm or behind your ears once daily for 2–3 days.
- If comfortable, use on face every other day for 3–5 uses.
- Only then move to daily use.
If you get burning, swelling, or a rash - stop and reset to your most basic routine.
How do I introduce products safely?
Week 1: Cleanser only - Add Clean Slate
Week 2: Add Defense (or your serum step)
Week 3: Add Revive Crème (face cream)
Body: Add Rescue anytime (especially post-shower)
What should I not do in week one?
Don’t introduce multiple new products at once. Don’t test during a major flare if you’re unsure - start with the gentlest “comfort” steps first (See: What does ‘Calm-First’ mean?)
Discovery Sets
What is a Discovery Set?
A curated mini routine designed to help you test comfort first - without committing to full sizes on day one.
Who should start with a Discovery Set?
- You’ve been burned by products before (stinging, redness, tightness)
- You’re reactive / eczema- or rosacea-prone
- You want a simple routine that’s easy to stick with
How long should I test a Discovery Set?
Give it 7–14 days for “comfort + tolerance” and 4–8 weeks for “looks better” changes (tone/texture/marks).
Results + expectations
What will I feel first?
Most people notice less tightness and more comfort first.
How long until I “see” results?
Many people notice comfort first (less tightness, less ‘stingy’ feeling) before visible changes.
A realistic timeline for reactive skin:
- Immediate–1 week: comfort, less “angry skin” moments
- 2–4 weeks: steadier-looking skin, less visible redness for many
- 4–8 weeks: more even-looking tone and smoother texture (with consistency)
What if I’m in an active flare?
Keep it minimal: Clean Slate + Rescue (body) and your gentlest face routine steps. Add Defense once skin feels less “angry.”
Still not sure what to try first?
Start with the step that lowers risk the most:
- If you’re reactive: start with Cleanse Gently or Seal step
- If you flare with actives: choose a Calm routine first
- If you want the simplest path: start with a Discovery Set
Fragrance-free. Essential-oil-free. Barrier-first. Made for reactive skin.
Ingredients
Will these botanicals irritate my sensitive skin?
They’re chosen specifically because sensitive skin needs comfort, not intensity.
Our botanicals aren’t here to “tingle” or “push through” - they’re selected to support a calmer-looking barrier, reduce the look of redness over time, and help skin feel more comfortable so you can actually stick with your routine.
Everyone’s triggers are different - we always recommend a patch test and slow introduction
Why New Zealand botanicals specifically?
Because Pure + Kiwi is built for skin that’s easily triggered - and many NZ botanicals have a long tradition of use for soothing, comfort, and recovery. We choose botanicals that support:
- calmer-looking skin
- barrier comfort
- less reactive routines over time
What does Kawakawa do for skin?
Kawakawa = comfort-first support for reactive skin.
It’s used to help:
- calm the look of redness
- support a stronger-looking barrier
- reduce that itchy, “angry skin” feeling
Why it matters: reactive skin does better with ingredients that settle the skin - not challenge it.
What does Mānuka Honey do for sensitive, flare-prone skin?
Mānuka Honey = soothing + supportive defense.
It helps:
- comfort dryness and sensitivity
- support skin that feels easily upset
- keep skin feeling balanced and supported
This is about comfort + support - not harsh “acne stripping” energy.
What is Pohutukawa and why is it in skincare?
Pohutukawa = calm + antioxidant support for stressed skin.
It’s included to help:
- support calmer-looking skin
- provide antioxidant protection (especially when skin feels stressed)
- help skin look more even and steady
What is Kōwhai and what does it help with?
Kōwhai = soothing support when skin feels itchy, reactive, or easily inflamed.
It helps:
- support comfort for sensitive skin
- reduce the look of visible irritation
- keep skin feeling soft, not reactive
Is NZ Glacial Clay too drying for sensitive skin?
Not when it’s used the right way.
NZ Glacial Clay = mineral-rich clearing without the stripped feeling - when it’s formulated for barrier comfort.
It can help:
- lift away buildup and impurities
- refine the look of texture
- keep skin feeling clean but comfortable (not tight)
What does Kiwifruit do in skincare?
Kiwifruit = glow + barrier-friendly antioxidant support.
It helps:
- support radiance and a more even-looking tone
- defend against environmental stress
- keep skin looking fresh, bouncy, and hydrated
Glow shouldn’t require irritation.
Can I use these if I also use retinol, acids, or vitamin C?
Yes - but sensitive skin does best when you don’t introduce everything at once. Safer approach:
- Keep your actives on their usual schedule
- Add Pure + Kiwi products on non-active nights first
- If your skin stays calm, slowly increase
Not sure which botanical your skin needs?
Take the Skin Quiz to get your Calm-First routine (Cleanse Gently → Calm → Seal).
Products FAQ
daily cream cleanser
CLEAN SLATE
What does Clean Slate do?
A daily cleanse that removes the day without stinging or that squeaky-tight finish, so your barrier feels soft and calm after rinsing.
Best for
Red, tight, reactive skin that needs a daily cleanse without the strip.
How do I use it?
Massage onto damp skin, rinse, and follow with your calming routine - AM/PM.
How often will I reorder?
Typically every 6–8 weeks.
Best routine pairing
Clean Slate → Revive Crème → Rescue (and Luna Crème at night).
Barrier Shield Serum
DEFENSE
What does Defense do?
A lightweight barrier serum for when skin feels flushed, tight, or “angry at everything.” It supports redness comfort + a stronger moisture barrier - without fragrance, essential oils, heaviness, or “tingle” actives.
Best for
Reactive skin (like Eczema + Rosacea-prone skin that needs daily redness comfort + barrier support.
How do I use it?
Apply 1–2 pumps after cleansing, press over face + neck, then moisturize (AM/PM).
How often will I reorder?
Typically every 8–10 weeks.
Best routine pairing
Pairs well with Reset + Harmony Crème.
Firming Day Crème for Sensitive Skin
REVIVE CRÈME
What does Revive Crème do?
A lightweight, barrier-first day moisturizer that helps skin look firmer + smoother, calms visible redness, and delivers bouncy hydration that never feels greasy.
Best for
Sensitive, reactive, or mature skin that wants firmer, smoother hydration without irritation.
How do I use it?
After cleanser + serum, massage into face, neck, and décolletage daily using upward strokes.
How often will I reorder?
Typically every 6–8 weeks.
Best routine pairing
Pairs well with Clean Slate + Rescue
Manuka + Ceramide Barrier Repair Body Butter
RESCUE
What does Rescue do?
A rich-but-fast-absorbing body butter for dry, tight, itchy, reactive skin, including eczema-, rosacea-, and psoriasis-prone. It helps relieve itch + flaky patches and supports the barrier without a greasy film.
Best for
Dry, tight, itchy, flare-prone body skin -especially eczema-, rosacea-, or psoriasis-prone.
How do I use it?
Massage into damp skin after showering (or anytime skin feels tight/itchy).
How often will I reorder?
Typically every 4–6 weeks.
Best routine pairing
Pairs well with Clean Slate + Revive Crème