While oil doesn’t “make” nails grow, massaging our Botanical Cuticle Oil into the nail bed increases blood circulation. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the nail matrix (the root), creating the perfect environment for faster, stronger, and healthier nail growth.
Absolutely. In fact, it’s highly recommended. Regular use of cuticle oil keeps your natural nail flexible under the enhancement, which prevents the gel from lifting or the acrylic from becoming brittle and snapping. It also keeps your manicure looking fresh and “salon-quality” for longer.
Absolutely! Hyaluronic Acid is highly versatile and acts as a soothing base. It pairs perfectly with Vitamin C in the morning to brighten and protect, or with Retinol at night to help minimize the dryness or irritation often associated with active anti-aging ingredients.
Yes! Our lip balm acts as a perfect hydrating primer. Apply a thin layer and let it absorb for 60 seconds before applying your lipstick. This prevents matte lipsticks from settling into fine lines and keeps your color looking smooth and hydrated all day.
Unlike traditional heavy balms, our Non-Slip Cracked Heel Repair Serum is formulated to absorb quickly into the skin. It provides deep hydration without leaving a slippery, oil-based residue, making it safer for use even if you aren’t wearing socks.
While a standard balm isn’t a bleach, keeping your lips deeply hydrated and protected from the elements prevents the “thinning” and irritation that can lead to darkening. Consistent use of a nutrient-rich balm helps maintain a healthy, natural pink tone by supporting skin cell regeneration.
While you don’t have to wear socks because of our fast-absorbing, non-slip formula, wearing cotton socks at night can help “lock in” the moisture for an intensive overnight treatment.
Hyaluronic Acid is a powerhouse for mature skin because it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. By “plumping” the skin cells with moisture, it immediately reduces the appearance of fine lines and dehydration wrinkles, giving the face a smoother, more youthful glow.
Since we use natural oils and butters, we recommend using your lip balm within 12 months of opening. To keep the texture perfect, store it in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in a hot car, which can cause the natural waxes to soften or lose their effectiveness.
All real soap is made using Sodium Hydroxide (lye) to turn oils into soap (a process called saponification). However, after the curing process is complete, there is zero lye left in the final bar. We “super-fat” our bars, meaning we add extra oils (like Shea Butter) to ensure the lye is fully reacted and the bar is extra moisturizing.
With proper care, a standard bar of Lab & Leaf soap will last about 3–4 weeks for one person with daily use. You can extend the life of your bar by keeping it out of the direct spray of the shower and allowing it to air dry completely after each use.
Most users notice a visible difference in skin softness after the first application. For deep fissures or severe cracking, we recommend consistent daily use for 7 to 14 days to fully restore the skin barrier.
For maintenance, once a day (ideally before bed) is perfect. However, if you have dry, cracked skin or live in a dry climate like South Africa, we recommend applying it 2–3 times a day, especially after washing your hands, to lock in moisture and prevent hangnails.
Yes! Unlike mineral oils that sit on top of the skin, botanical oils (like the Jojoba and Almond oils used in Lab & Leaf) have a smaller molecular structure. This allows them to penetrate the nail plate and skin deeply, providing true nourishment rather than just a temporary shine.
Yes. Because Hyaluronic Acid is a lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) hydrator, it is ideal for oily skin. It provides the water-based moisture your skin needs without adding heavy oils that can lead to breakouts, helping to balance your natural sebum production.
Our recipes are formulated with skin-loving fats like Shea Butter and Castor Oil, which provide a creamy, conditioning lather. By avoiding harsh sulfates (SLS), parabens, and synthetic hardeners, our soap is much gentler on sensitive skin and helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance.
Many of our customers are looking for diabetic-friendly foot care. Our serum uses gentle, botanical ingredients; however, we always recommend that individuals with diabetes consult their healthcare provider before starting a new foot care regimen to ensure it fits their specific needs.
Because we prioritize botanical ingredients and avoid harsh synthetic fragrances or petroleum, our lip balms are gentle enough for the whole family. If you have extremely sensitive skin, we recommend our unscented version to ensure zero irritation.
For the best results, apply the serum to clean, dry skin—ideally after a shower or foot soak. This is when your skin is most receptive to the botanical oils and active ingredients, allowing for deeper penetration into the thickened skin of the heels.
For maximum hydration, always apply our Hyaluronic Acid cream to damp skin. Hyaluronic Acid is a “humectant,” meaning it pulls moisture into the skin. If your skin is damp, it draws that water inward; if your skin is bone-dry, it can actually pull moisture out of your deeper skin layers, leaving you feeling tighter.
Most commercial “soaps” are actually synthetic detergent bars that strip the skin of its natural oils. Lab & Leaf soaps are made using the traditional cold-process method, which preserves the natural glycerin—a powerful humectant that draws moisture into your skin. We use a base of Olive and Coconut oils for a gentle, nourishing cleanse that detergents can’t match.
At Lab and Leaf, we focus on effective absorption. Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt form of HA with a much smaller molecular size. This allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin than standard Hyaluronic Acid, which often just sits on the surface. Our cream is formulated to ensure hydration at multiple levels.
Hand creams are designed for the surface of the skin, but they often can’t penetrate the thick, protective seal of the cuticle. A dedicated cuticle oil is formulated to seep into those tight spaces to prevent the “splitting” that leads to painful peeling and infections.
Many commercial lip balms contain “drying” ingredients like menthol, camphor, or alcohol which provide a temporary tingle but actually dehydrate the skin. Lab & Leaf lip balms are formulated with natural occlusives like beeswax and shea butter that seal in moisture without creating a “dependency” or drying out your lips further.
Because our soaps are rich in natural glycerin (which is usually removed from commercial bars), they “attract” moisture from the air. This is a sign of a high-quality, hydrating bar! To make your soap last longer, always use a draining soap dish to keep it dry between uses.