What is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The term "Ayurveda" is derived from the Sanskrit words *"Ayur" (life)* and *"Veda" (science or knowledge)*, translating to "the science of life." This holistic approach emphasizes achieving balance in the mind, body, and spirit for overall health and well-being. Ayurveda focuses on preventing and treating ailments by balancing the three fundamental energies, or *doshas*: 1. Vata: Linked to air and space, governing movement and flexibility. 2. Pitta: Associated with fire and water, governing metabolism and transformation. 3. Kapha: Representing earth and water, governing stability and structure. Through personalized regimens that include diet, herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle changes, Ayurveda aims to restore and maintain this balance. What is Ayurvedic Skincare? Ayurvedic skincare applies these ancient principles to beauty and skin health. It emphasizes the use of natural, plant-based ingredients that align with an individual's *dosha* to nourish the skin and promote a radiant, balanced complexion. Core Features of Ayurvedic Skincare: 1. 100% Natural Ingredients: Formulations include herbs, essential oils, and natural extracts like turmeric, neem, sandalwood, saffron, and rose. 2. Tailored to Your Dosha or Skin Type: Products and routines are customised based on an individual's skin type and dosha imbalance. 3. Holistic Care: Skincare is not just external; it integrates diet, hydration, and stress management for lasting results. 4. Free from Chemicals: Avoids synthetic additives, ensuring gentle and sustainable care. 5. Focus on Long-Term Health: Prioritises healing and strengthening the skin barrier rather than offering temporary fixes. Benefits of Ayurvedic Skincare: • Promotes natural glow and vitality. • Reduces skin concerns like acne, dryness, or pigmentation by addressing root causes. • Supports anti-aging with potent herbs like ashwagandha and amla. • Balances oil production for smoother, more even-toned skin. By combining ancient wisdom with modern needs, Ayurvedic skincare offers a truly natural, sustainable, and effective way to care for your skin while connecting with your overall wellness.

Read here on how to use your 100% Ayurvedic Skincare : https://www.shankara.co.za/how-to-use-shankara-ayurvedic-skincare (https://www.shankara.co.za/how-to-use-shankara-ayurvedic-skincare)

Yes they are. Shankara's Gheesutrā Face Emulsion Moisturiser (https://www.shankara.co.za/product-page/gheesutr%C4%81-face-emulsion-moisturiser)and Timeless Kumkumadi Oil (https://www.shankara.co.za/product-page/timeless-kumkumadi-oil)are unique products rooted in ancient Ayurvedic texts dating back 5,000 years. Handcrafted with care, they are formulated to deeply penetrate the skin, providing nourishment, replenishment, and intense moisturisation to restore a natural glow.

All of our products are non-comedogenic. Our oils are designed to absorb quickly and deeply without clogging pores. The herbal oil blends we use are carefully selected for the needs of each Ayurvedic skin type. Each skin type has a different requirement for attaining balance and maintaining balance . Each formulation has its own therapeutic essential oil blend that serve as a carrier for all the other nutrients and actives to get absorbed into the skin. We also use olive-derived squalane which resembles the chemical composition of human sebum. It is a very beneficial and hydrating substance that contributes to the moisturizing factor in the skin. The skin recognizes it and welcomes it in quickly which also means that it is not going to clog pores.

Simply, no. There products absorb quickly and are non-comedogenic so will not clog pores. Shankara's 100% Pure Timeless Kumkumadi Facial oil and Gheesutrā Face Emulsion Moisturiser are rich in nutrients and renewing antioxidants. Specially formulated to rejuvenate and maintain dynamic balance in the skin.

Currently, all Shankara products imported into South Africa are suitable for all skin types. Our potent formulas are crafted to rebalance the skin. Moving forward, we plan to introduce more products tailored to specific skin types and conditions.

A Tri-Dosha product is suitable for all skin types. According to Ayurveda, the five natural elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) are present in your mind and body, too—in the form of the doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha. These influence everything from your physical shape, and digestion to how you process thoughts and emotions. It also impacts skin and skin type. Vata = Space + Air Pitta= Fire + Water Kapha= Earth + Water By subscribing, you will receive insightful content on the ancient science of Ayurveda, its impact on skin health, and access to products tailored to each dosha.

Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine and is made by heating butter until the milk solids separate from the liquid. The milk solids are then removed, leaving behind a golden, nutty flavored fat that has a high smoke point and longer shelf life than regular butter. In addition to being a common cooking ingredient, ghee has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is believed to have various health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting immunity. A2 ghee is made from the milk of cows that only produce A2 beta-casein protein, which is a form of protein found in milk that some people find easier to digest than A1 beta-casein protein . The cows that produce A2 milk are typically older breeds, such as the Indian Desi cow and the African Zebu cow, rather than newer breeds like the Holstein cow, which produces A1 milk. Some studies suggest that A2 milk may have various health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain health conditions like heart disease and type 1 diabetes.

Our products are highly active and will help bring the skin back to a balanced state. If you have used chemically-based products in the past that has left your skin dehydrated, irritated or congested your skin will go through some period of adaptation. As the skin starts to rehydrate and get the nutrients it needs, it will perform more effectively and will start eliminating toxins that were trapped in the skin if present. This is a very temporary state and should pass quickly. You may wish to ease up a little on product usage, use less of the product, and if using twice a day, cut to once a day for example or exfoliate less often, etc and make sure you drink more water to help the process.

It is recommended to store your products in a dark, dry, and cool place. Avoid keeping them on the bathroom counter or dressing table. And definitely out of the sunlight.

All products are certified vegan, except those that contain honey powder, yogurt, and/or milk. These products specifically are: Deep Cleanse Treatment, Anti-Age Serum, Moisturising Mask, Dead Sea Salt Scrub and Allure Mineral Bath Salts. (Some products are not yet available in South Africa, but they will be coming soon)

We use many organic and wildcrafted ingredients, but no, not entirely organic.

No, we do not test our products on animals.

Most of our retail products are packaged in glass to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.