Frequently Asked Questions

We currently offer two hero formulas: Barrier Balance Water Gel Cream — a lightweight, all-season hydrator for normal to combination skin, and Barrier Resilience Rich Cream — a deeper, comfort-rich formula for dry and sensitive skin. Both are crafted with precision-selected actives to support a healthy skin barrier.

A good starting point: if your skin feels oily or balanced most of the time, start with Barrier Balance. If your skin regularly feels tight, dry, or reactive, Barrier Resilience is formulated for you. When in doubt, take our 2-minute skin quiz — four questions, and we'll point you to the right formula.

Yes. Both formulas are dermatologically compatible and designed to be gentle on sensitive skin. All fragrances are IFRA certified, and both products are free from parabens and harsh irritants. We always recommend a patch test before first use.

Absolutely. sootheKA is proudly cruelty-free. We do not test on animals at any stage of development or production.

Yes. Our formulas are vegan — free from animal-derived ingredients at every stage of formulation.

Both products contain a fragrance that is IFRA certified — meaning it meets the highest global safety standards for cosmetic fragrance. If you are highly fragrance-sensitive, we recommend the patch test and consulting your dermatologist.

We use clinically studied, named actives — not just generic ingredient categories. Our formulas include trademarked complexes like Aquaxyl™, Pentavitin®, Olivem® 1000, and Amvifeel® 1101, alongside botanicals and biomimetic ingredients chosen for synergy, not just marketing appeal.

Aquaxyl™ is a patented moisture circulation complex derived from Xylose sugar. It works on three levels: replenishing surface moisture, stimulating skin's natural aquaporin channels to improve water transport, and helping the skin retain hydration over time. It's one of the hero actives in Barrier Balance Water Gel Cream.

Pentavitin® (Saccharide Isomerate) is a biomimetic ingredient that mirrors the skin's own natural moisturising factors. It binds to the skin for up to 72 hours, continuously releasing moisture — making it ideal for the Barrier Resilience Rich Cream formula.

The complete INCI ingredient list for each product is published on the individual product pages. We believe in full transparency — no hidden ingredients.

Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin: cells held together by lipids, working as a seal that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Everyday habits can wear it down — hot water, over-cleansing, too many strong actives at once — along with environmental stress like UV, wind, and dry indoor heating. When the barrier is under pressure, skin tends to feel tight, look dull, and react more easily. Barrier-first skincare focuses on supporting that seal rather than stripping it.

Texture should follow your skin, not the other way around. A gel moisturiser like Barrier Balance suits normal, combination, and oily skin — it hydrates without shine and sits well under SPF, which makes it a natural morning step. A cream like Barrier Resilience suits dry and sensitive skin, cold or windy weather, and evenings. Many people use both: gel by day, cream by night.

Peak UV in New Zealand runs up to 40% higher than at matching latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere (NIWA) — a result of thinner ozone, cleaner air, and the Earth's orbit bringing the Southern Hemisphere closer to the sun in summer. For skin, that means more cumulative exposure in everyday life, not just at the beach. It's why we recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, and why sootheKA formulas are designed with UV-stressed skin in mind.

Yes — Barrier Balance is designed for exactly that. Apply it, give it around 60 seconds to absorb, then layer SPF or makeup on top; its non-occlusive texture won't pill. Barrier Resilience is richer, so most people prefer it as an evening step, though it also works under SPF on very dry days.

It's formulated for exactly that skin: dry, sensitive, and easily stripped. The formula is paraben-free with an IFRA-certified fragrance, and we recommend a patch test on your inner forearm before first use — standard practice for reactive skin. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, check with your GP or dermatologist before adding any new product.

Hydration and comfort you should feel from the first applications — that's what humectants like Sodium Hyaluronate and Betaine do. Changes in how skin looks — softness, smoothness, less visible dryness — build with consistent use over several weeks. Barrier care rewards consistency more than intensity: one formula used daily beats five used occasionally.

We are launching soon in New Zealand, with Australia to follow. Join our waitlist to be the first to know — waitlist members receive 48-hour early access before the public launch, plus an exclusive welcome offer.

At launch, we ship within New Zealand — with Australian delivery planned to follow. Waitlist members will be notified as new regions open.

Standard delivery is $8 NZD flat rate within New Zealand, or free on orders over $85 NZD. Estimated delivery is 3–7 business days once dispatched. Australian shipping details will be confirmed at launch.

At launch, yes — checkout uses your sootheKA account, which is also how you track orders, save addresses, build a wishlist, and earn KA Points on every purchase. Creating one takes under a minute, and guest checkout is on our roadmap.

We want you to love every product. If for any reason you are not satisfied, please contact us at hello@sootheka.com within 14 days of receiving your order. We will work with you to make it right — whether that's a replacement, store credit, or a refund. Full returns policy will be published at launch.

Please contact us at hello@sootheka.com with your order number and a photo of the issue within 7 days of delivery. We will arrange a replacement or refund at no cost to you.

You will receive a confirmation email shortly after signing up. As a waitlist member, you will get priority early access when we launch, along with an exclusive welcome discount. We will not spam you — expect only meaningful updates.

Yes, at any time. Every email we send includes an unsubscribe link. You can also email us at hello@sootheka.com and we will remove you promptly.

Yes — KA Points launches with the store. You'll earn 1 KA Point for every $1 spent, and every 10 points converts to $1 off your next order — redeemable directly at checkout. No codes, no friction.

Email us at hello@sootheka.com — we aim to respond within 2 business days. You can also find us on Instagram and TikTok at @soothe_ka.

sootheKA is operated by The KA Collective Limited, based in Auckland, New Zealand. We are a proudly New Zealand–founded brand built for the ANZ market and beyond.