FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Your frequently asked questions about purchasing, delivery, essential oils, hydrolats, aromatherapy, natural skincare and fresh cosmetics

We understand that you may have all kinds of questions! They say that when you find the answers, the questions change. So where do you look for answers?

• You may find yours below; we are constantly updating this section of D.U.K.
• For aromatherapy, essential oils, hydrolats, natural skin care, you can find answers on the blog and in publications.
• You can also send questions to info@aromata.lt

about the product

How do I use a discount voucher?

How do I pay for my purchases?

How long does it take to deliver abroad?

What are the conditions for free shipping?

How much does shipping cost?

How do I get discounts?

How do I use a gift voucher in the e-shop?

The website indicates that the item I am interested in is not currently available. When will you have it?

Can I return a cosmetic product if I change my mind?

In which cities are there Fragrance House showrooms?

About the PRODUCTS

There are many essential oils available anywhere; what is special about Scent House essential oils?

What is the difference between an essential oil and an absolute? Which one is better?

Why do your creams have such a short shelf life?

Why do you sometimes feel grains in the cream?

What do you recommend for mature skin?

Why is there a residue on the bottom of the balm, is the product broken?

On the labels you say you are the manufacturer, but the countries of origin of the oils are very different. How do I understand this?

The essential oil has thickened or the expiry date on the bottle has passed. Can it continue to be used or has it broken down?

Are the essential oils of the SWEAT HOUSE therapeutic grade or can they be taken internally?

Why have exclamation mark icons appeared on essential oil labels?

Are the essential oils in the House of Quapaw pure or diluted?

Can essential oils be used during pregnancy?

Can I use essential oils if I have a dog or cat in the house?

How do I properly vaporise essential oils, is a jar with a candle at the bottom suitable? What if I don't have a special vaporizer but want to use essential oils?

I see that most of your products are labelled as organic, but I can't find the certification mark.

Could it be that the scents in the bottle or in the room fade over time? I don't seem to smell it anymore...

about the product

• How do I use a discount voucher?

It's easy - when you buy goods, enter the discount or gift voucher code in the "Coupon/discount code" field.

• How do I pay for my purchases?

You can pay by e-banking (both cards and banks - the Paysera system collects payments) or by bank transfer.

• How long does it take to deliver abroad?

On average, delivery abroad can take 4-6 days, depending on the country of destination.

• How do I pay with a gift voucher in the e-shop?

Only gift vouchers purchased online can be redeemed in the e-shop: please enter the unique gift voucher code in the "Voucher/voucher code" field when purchasing. Both paper and online gift vouchers are valid in physical stores.

• The website indicates that the item I am interested in is not currently available. When will you have it?

We cannot always give you an exact time when a product will be back. We will notify you automatically if you leave your email address by clicking on the "i" next to the item.

• Can I return a cosmetic product if I change my mind?

No, cosmetic products belong to the category of non-returnable goods.

• In which cities are there KVAPŲ NAMŲ stores?

There are KVAPŲ NAMŲ stores in Vilnius (4), Kaunas (2) and Klaipėda (1). Addresses and opening times can be found here.

• What are the conditions for free shipping?

We send purchases > €49 in Lithuania free of charge. For more information about shipping, please click here: https://aromata.lt/lt/948/pristatymo-salygos

• How much does shipping cost?
• We deliver free of charge within Lithuania for items over €49.
• You can pick up your e-shop purchases free of charge in all showrooms (except PC Panorama).
• Delivery prices: by OMNIVA post office - 3,5 eur., by VENIPAK courier - 4 eur.)
• Abroad: the delivery price is fixed at €12 and is valid for shipping to all countries. We send via AB Lietuvos paštas.
• Residents of Latvia and Estonia can also order delivery to an OMNIVA post office in Latvia (4,50 eur) and Estonia (5 eur).
• Deadlines: upon receipt of payment, the goods will be dispatched within 1-2 working days
• How to get discounts?
• Special discounts are always available to newslettersubscribers - we invite you to become one!
• We announce our discount promotions on our website and social networks - become a follower on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtube.
• You can find discounted products in the Promotions section.
• For the latest discounts, please contact our showrooms, here we also offer discounts on products with an expiry date < 3 months.
• POLA card holders -20%, vaporizers -10%
• For FAMILY CARD holders -10% on everything

about the PRODUCTS

• What is the difference between an essential oil and an absolute. Which one is better?

The method of extraction differs: essential oils are extracted by distillation and pressing (in the case of citrus), while absolutes are extracted using solvents, most commonly hexane. The latter method is usually used to extract the aromatic molecules from the extremely fragile petals when distillation is not suitable. Absolutes are more widely used in perfumery than in aromatherapy. If there is both an essential oil and an absolute from the same plant, e.g. rose, we recommend the essential oil for cosmetic and aromatherapy purposes and the absolute for perfumery.

• There are many essential oils available everywhere; what is special about the essential oils of the House of Quapaw?

The scented liquid sold in a small bottle is not necessarily a true natural essential oil, even if it is called that. There are many fakes on the market in Lithuania and around the world, as shown by our own and other laboratories' research, and these "oils" can be dangerous to health. We are the only essential oil and aromatherapy company in Lithuania (and the Baltic States) with our own research laboratory. We are the only one in the region to fully test every batch for phthalates, pesticides and other hazardous contaminants, which means that we guarantee quality not with paper, not with sweet talk, but with reality. In addition, we source most of our essential oils directly from experienced grower-distillers, organic, true lovers and masters of their craft, so our oils are not only pure, but also have a great smell. Only genuine, authentic and contaminant-free essential oils are good for your health and can be used in aromatherapy. Be careful when buying essential oils at Fragrance House - as much as 51% of genuine lavender essential oils are counterfeit (more on this here)

• Why is the shelf life of your creams so short?

Because they don't contain preservatives. Our fresh creams hit the shelves as soon as they're made, they're designed for quick daily consumption, so there's no need for preservatives and emulsifiers to ensure the stability of the cream - all the ingredients in the cream, from the first to the last, are for the benefit of your skin, not the beauty of the cream. The antimicrobial extracts and essential oils in these creams create an antimicrobial environment. The effectiveness of the cream is the most important thing, not its longevity or "beauty". Therefore, we strive to ensure that our creams contain only the ingredients that the skin needs, rather than technological additives (emulsifiers, stabilisers, hardeners, etc.) that improve the cream's durability, appearance, consistency, etc., but which are not needed for the skin. After all, we prefer freshly baked bread, cake, fresh yoghurt and other foods without coservatives, even if they have a short shelf life, rather than products laden with various preservatives and additives that can sit on the shelves for years without going off.

• Why do I sometimes feel grains in the cream?

Grains form in vegetable butter as temperatures change, a normal phenomenon called 'crystallisation', which is common to many vegetable butters. Stearic fatty acid crystallises because it has the highest melting point. If the butter is left in heat at ~30C and then cooled, it can produce stearic grains which dissolve on skin heat. This does not affect the effectiveness of the product.

• What do you recommend for mature skin?

For mature skin, the recommended products can be found here: https: //aromata.lt/lt/shop/category/26/brandziai-odai As a reminder, any skin care routine should be based on the following basic steps: cleansing-moisturising-nutrition.

Although our products are multifunctional and not necessarily suitable for one specific problem, for your convenience we have grouped the products according to their suitability for different skin types. In the cosmetics section, there is a sub-section "By Purpose ": https://aromata.lt/lt/shop/category/9/odos-tipas. There you will find products suitable for specific skin types.

• Why is there a residue on the bottom of an oil or balm, is the product broken?

This can be the valuable bioactive deposits of unrefined oils (cuticle waxes, membrane waxes, complex lipids) or heavier ingredients such as plant powders, resinous extracts that have settled on the bottom. As we do not use emulsifiers that are not necessary for the skin, the heavier insoluble fractions may settle to the bottom over time. Simply shake before use and the ingredients will redistribute themselves.

• On the labels you say you are the producer, but the countries of origin of the oils are very different. How to understand this?

We buy our oils and other products from a wide range of countries - from trusted, verified producers and suppliers. Where the crops are grown, they are distilled. But we pack them at Kvapų дом, after testing the batch in our own laboratory (and beyond) - we are committed to providing only the highest quality products to our customers. Our packaging process is legally obliged to call us a producer, although in reality essential oils are produced where the plants from which they are extracted grow - so we indicate the country of origin, which is a common practice in the fields of herbs, aromatic plants, spices, as there are differences due to the different climates, species, varieties, etc.

• The expiry date of the essential oil on the bottle has expired. Can it be used again or has it gone bad?

Citrus and conifer oils age (oxidise) quickly - do not use them after the expiry date because of the risk of allergy. However, there are essential oils that get better with time, like wines or aged cheeses etc. These include vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, rose essential oils - the more mature, the deeper and more luxurious the scent. Distilled from resins and gums, these oils can thicken and polymerise over time. These essential oils can be diluted in a little alcohol or warmed in the hands, as is often done with thicker oils. Please note that essential oils that are not stored properly (e.g. in a bright place, in heat or changing temperatures, or with a leaky seal) may deteriorate and oxidise before the expiry date. This can happen if there is not much oil left in the bottle, when there is more air than essential oil. If the empty bottle has been left untouched for a long time, for years, it is better not to use the residue because of the risk of allergy.

• Are the essential oils of SWEAT HOUSE therapeutic grade, or can they be taken internally?

Although there is no such "class", it is safe to say that House of Scent essential oils are "therapeutic grade", i.e. they are authentic, pure and safe for use in aromatherapy treatments, including those carried out in clinics. For 16 years, we have been sourcing essential oils from experienced distillers we know, true masters of their craft, and proven suppliers. In addition, we are the only ones in Lithuania with a specialised laboratory and a team of highly qualified scientific specialists who carry out in-depth analyses of essential oils and other extracts, GS-MS/DC-MS analyses, checking for possible phthalates, pesticides and other synthetic impurities dangerous to health; and only after confirming that the highest quality has been achieved, the oils and products are then sent to the production line and to the shelves of the showroom. IF prescribed by a physician, Fragrance House essential oils can be used "internally", following their instructions.

• Why do you have exclamation mark icons on your essential oil labels?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant chemicals that must be handled with care. If undiluted pure essential oils get into the eyes, on mucous membranes, on the skin, they can cause skin and respiratory irritation and allergies, especially for sensitive individuals, children and the elderly. Therefore, the consumer should be informed that the bottle contains a concentrated substance and should be handled with care and protected from contact with the eyes, children, pets, etc. By the way, our bottle is safe to sniff from because it has a built-in orifice reducer and relatively low levels of aromatic compounds are released into the nose during sniffing. Our products are used by therapists, cosmetologists and professional masseurs - quality and safety are paramount to us.

• Are the oils from the SWEAT HOUSE pure or diluted?

99% of our essential oil range is pure, undiluted essential oils. Some essential oils and absolutes such as rose, jasmine, neroli, tuberose are available in both pure and diluted form. We always indicate whether the oil is pure or diluted on the label and on the product page next to the price if you buy in our e-shop.

• Can I use essential oils during pregnancy?

Essential oils can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but not all of them - be sure to consult the product sales consultants if you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Essential oils with estrogenic, emenagogue properties such as aniseed, tarragon, yarrow and others are not suitable during this period.

• Can I use essential oils if I have a dog or cat at home?

Aromatherapy is widely used for dogs and farm animals, but please consult a consultant for the appropriate essential oils and dosages. Essential oils are not suitable for cats as their liver does not have a digestive enzyme, so direct use can cause irreparable damage. For cats, only hydrolates (distilled plant waters) are suitable. In the home, evaporate as far away from them as possible, ventilate the room, then it will be safe. Essential oils are also unsuitable for rodents, fish and small reptiles.

• How do I steam essential oils correctly, and is a jar with a candle at the bottom suitable? What if I don't have a special vaporizer but want to use essential oils?

There are many different ways to vaporise essential oils, even if you don't have special equipment. You can put it on thicker fabrics such as wool, an old scarf, a thicker napkin, pine cones, etc., which will give off a scent as the oils evaporate. To increase the intensity, you can place such items on warm surfaces, or where there is a draft, frequent passageways, such as near a door - the moving air will spread the oils more widely. Of course, special vaporisers are designed to best diffuse the essential oils, either by heating to a certain heat that is safe for the oils, or by fan or ultrasound. We do not recommend heating a jar of water over a candle, as there is a high chance that you will simply boil or burn the essential oils - the water in the jar will exceed the safe temperature for the essential oils and render all the benefits useless.

• I see that most of your products are labelled as organic, but I can't find any certification on the website that they are indeed organic.

Sustainable, environmentally and human friendly production without the use of synthetic substances is the foundation of our business. We follow the principles of eco-friendly production - we use only physical and mechanical processes, we use only eco-friendly tools for cleaning and hygiene, we pack our products in recyclable glass containers, we don't even use recycled packaging, etc.

Some of our raw materials are certified organic (we have certificates from the producers); others are non-certified but of very high quality, e.g. wild plants.Certification is not compulsory, it's a commercial service and we have chosen not to buy it for the time being, which is why we don't have a certificate of organic status.

WHY did we decide this? Because otherwise we would not be able to produce the high quality products that we do now. There are far fewer organic raw materials available, the quality is not always satisfactory, and we would not be able to use the honest, non-certified farmers' oils that we have known for a long time, which are just as organic, of the same quality, and which we are very happy with.

We do not like the fact that sustainable natural farming is being turned into a certificate business, that the real quality of the products is becoming irrelevant, as long as the 'paperwork is in order'. We are not saying that all certified products are of lower quality or less 'healthy', but there are examples of cynical attitudes.

For information, we put an asterisk on the labels of ingredients that are certified organic (i.e. have a manufacturer's certificate to that effect). If a product contains only one ingredient and it is certified, we call the product organic, e.g. "Organic rose oil", "Organic lily of the valley hydrolat".

Is it possible that odours from the bottle or in the room fade over time? I don't seem to smell anymore...

Firstly, the sense of smell can be impaired by a viral infection (e.g. Covid19, flu). This is usually a reversible disorder, and special training using a set of essential oils for olfactory training helps to recover the sense of smell faster. The sense of smell can also be impaired in the development of diseases of the central nervous system.

Secondly, scent can evaporate from a leaky container, a bottle that is not screwed down properly, because the aromatic molecules are volatile. Therefore, all essential oils and aromatic products must be kept tightly sealed.

Thirdly, there is the phenomenon of olfactory fatigue: when the olfactory receptors are continuously exposed to the same odours, they stop responding. The smell then seems weaker or absent, and we cannot bring ourselves to smell it again (whereas, for example, hearing can be deliberately "switched off" or "switched on"). Depending on the smell, or how long we have been exposed to it, it can take hours, days or weeks to regain our sensitivity to it.