Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Ohmaia Scent Free, our products, and how we work.
What does fragrance free actually mean at Ohmaia?
When we say fragrance free we mean exactly that. No synthetic fragrance, no essential oils, no natural fragrance extracts, and no masking agents used to cover the smell of other ingredients. Most products labelled fragrance free still contain one or more of these. Ours do not.
What is the difference between fragrance free and unscented?
Unscented usually means a masking agent has been used to neutralise the scent of a product so it smells like nothing. The fragrance compounds are still there, just cancelled out. Fragrance free should mean no scent-contributing ingredients were added at all. In our case it means both, nothing added, and nothing masked.
Nothing is ever added for fragrance. Occasionally, a raw ingredient may carry a very faint natural aroma of its own, which is simply part of what that ingredient is, not something added to create a scent.
Why no essential oils?
Essential oils can be one of the most common triggers, and even small amounts can cause significant issues for the people our products are designed for. They are also one of the most misunderstood ingredients in skincare, often marketed as natural and safe when in reality they contain highly concentrated volatile compounds that are known skin sensitisers.
We recognise that essential oils, when used within the concentration limits set by the International Fragrance Association, can be considered safe for the general population, and many reputable brands formulate carefully within these guidelines. However, those thresholds are developed with the general population in mind, not specifically for people with MCS, for whom even a compliant, trace level can still trigger a reaction.
We made a deliberate decision to exclude them entirely, no exceptions.
What is MCS and who is Ohmaia for?
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, or MCS, is a condition in which a person experiences significant symptoms in response to chemical exposures so small most people never notice them at all, yet the reaction itself can be severe. Fragrance is one of the most common triggers. Symptoms can affect breathing and cognitive function, trigger migraines and nausea, cause muscle fatigue and loss of balance, and affect the joints and skin. MCS can be profoundly disabling and isolating.
Ohmaia was created for those living with MCS, and the other conditions that so often travel alongside it, and for those who care about what they put on their skin and into their bodies. If you have ever had to give up products you loved, go without skincare entirely, or brace yourself every time you try something new, Ohmaia was made for you.
Are your products suitable during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Our products are formulated without synthetic fragrance, essential oils, and many of the ingredients most commonly flagged during pregnancy. We believe our range is a considered choice during this time, however we always recommend checking with your GP or midwife before introducing any new skincare during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
INGREDIENTS
How do I know what is in your products?
Every ingredient is listed on the product label and on each product page on our website. We also have a dedicated ingredients page where each ingredient is explained: what it is, what it does, and where possible why we chose it. We believe you have the right to know exactly what you are putting on your skin, and we want that information to be easy to understand, not just a list of words you have to google.
Do your products contain preservatives?
Some of our products do contain preservatives and we want to be upfront about why. Any product that contains water, or that is used near water, creates conditions where bacteria, mould and yeast can grow. Without preservation those products would not be safe to use. Rather than avoid this topic, we would rather be honest about it. We have chosen what we believe to be the cleanest preservative options available, and importantly for our customers, ones that are not fragrant, as some natural preservatives do carry their own scent. Full ingredient lists are available on every product page so you always know exactly what you are using.
Can natural ingredients still cause a reaction?
Yes, they can. Natural does not automatically mean safe for everyone. Some people have genuine allergies or sensitivities to natural ingredients, just as they do to synthetic ones. This is exactly why we list every ingredient clearly and encourage patch testing before use. Knowing what is in your products gives you the information you need to make the right choices for your skin.
Does it really matter what is in your skincare?
Yes. Your skin absorbs what you put on it, and your lungs inhale it. The ingredients in many everyday skincare products carry health concerns that most people are simply not aware of.
Parabens, used as synthetic preservatives in a huge range of skincare and personal care products, have been linked to hormone disruption as they can mimic oestrogen in the body and interfere with the endocrine system. They are also known allergens and irritants, particularly for sensitive skin.
SLS and SLES, the ingredients responsible for lather in cleansers and shampoos, are harsh surfactants that strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity over time.
Phthalates, most commonly found in synthetic fragrance, are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormone balance and affect the body's reproductive system. As fragrance is airborne, these chemicals can also be inhaled, posing a risk to respiratory health. For those living with MCS, fragrance is not just an irritant. It can be genuinely debilitating.
PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), commonly used in skincare as an emulsifier and texture agent, may contain known carcinogens.
These are not obscure or rare ingredients. They are in products sitting in most people's bathrooms right now. You deserve to know exactly what is in your products and why it is there. At Ohmaia nothing is chosen by default or convenience. Every single ingredient earns its place.
USING THE PRODUCTS
Should I patch test before using a new product?
Yes, always. Even the most carefully formulated products can cause a reaction in some individuals, as skin is deeply personal. Patch testing before use is something we genuinely recommend, not just as a precaution but as good skincare practice with any new product regardless of the brand.
How do I patch test?
Apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your arm or the bend of your elbow, somewhere it is unlikely to be rubbed or washed away. Leave it on for 24 hours and watch for any redness, itching, swelling or irritation. If you are testing a cleanser, apply it, leave for a few minutes, then rinse as you normally would. If no reaction appears after 24 hours you should be good to go.
What if my skin reacts?
Rinse the area gently with water and do not use the product again. Take note of the ingredients as this can help identify the cause, which is useful to know going forward. If the reaction is mild it should settle on its own. If it is severe or does not improve, we recommend seeing your GP or a dermatologist who can provide a more thorough assessment and help identify the specific cause.
ORDERS AND SHIPPING
How long will my order take?
Orders are processed and dispatched within 5 to 7 business days of payment being received. Delivery times will vary depending on your location. Remote areas of Australia may take longer than estimated.
Do you ship Australia wide?
Yes, we ship to all areas of Australia. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location. Please note that delivery to remote areas may incur additional costs or longer delivery times than standard estimates.
How will I know when my order has been sent?
Once your order has been dispatched you will receive a shipping confirmation email with your tracking details so you can follow your order on its way to you.
What payment options do you accept?
We currently accept credit and debit card payments. All transactions are processed securely.
RETURNS
What if my product arrives damaged?
If your product arrives damaged or faulty please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order at ohmaiascentfree@outlook.com with a photo of the item and your order details. We will arrange a replacement or refund where applicable.
I have received the wrong item.
We are sorry if this has happened. Please contact us at ohmaiascentfree@outlook.com within 7 days of receiving your order with your order details and a photo if possible. We will sort it out for you as quickly as we can.
Can I return a product if I change my mind?
Due to the nature of our products, being skincare applied to the skin, we are unable to accept change of mind returns on opened or used products. This does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
What is the expiry date on your products?
All products should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light and kept below 25 degrees Celsius. The batch number and expiry date can be found on the product label or on the bottom of the jar or bottle. Each product also has a Period After Opening symbol on the label which indicates how long the product should be used once opened.
Are your products made in small batches?
Yes. Every product is made with care and attention. Small batches mean greater quality control and fresher products reaching you.
THE BRAND
Why did you start Ohmaia?
Because I could not find what I needed. After 25 years in the beauty industry and a personal journey with fragrance sensitivity, I could not find a single product I truly trusted on my own skin. Everything I tried either contained essential oils, masking agents, or ingredients that did not align with what I knew. So I made my own. Ohmaia exists because the gap was real, and I had both the knowledge and the lived experience to fill it.
Will you be adding more products?
Yes, there is always something being created in the background. If you would like to be the first to know, sign up to our mailing list.
Why do you care?
Because fragrance is one of the most widely used and least regulated ingredients in personal care products, and for many people it causes real harm. See our full answer under the Fragrance Free section above.
Still have a question?
We are always happy to help. Reach out and we will get back to you as soon as we can.