FAQ
What Defines OWRA
What makes OWRA different from other brands?
OWRA formulates with effective ingredients that are as free as possible from petrochemical and synthetic molecules.
We work with natural substances and ingredients directly derived from them through enzymatic processes, clean oleochemistry (such as esters of natural fatty acids and alcohols), or controlled fermentation of natural sugars by bacteria, fungi, or yeasts. These processes transform natural substances into versions that are better suited for application on the skin while remaining biologically aligned.
The common assumption that everything edible is automatically beneficial for the skin is incorrect. The skin is more selective than the digestive system and reacts differently to substances. What is safe to eat is not automatically suitable for skincare.
All products are developed and manufactured entirely in-house — from the individual raw materials to the finely tuned final formula. We do not work with white-label bases or ready-made formulations. Every component is deliberately selected and evaluated for its functional relevance.
Our know-how is built entirely in-house through experience, research, and independent development. That autonomy defines OWRA.
Skin Science & Formulation
How do antioxidants work?
Free radicals can initiate chain reactions that damage many other essential molecules along their path.
Antioxidants interrupt this process by binding and neutralizing free radicals. They effectively “sacrifice” themselves to stop the chain reaction immediately, preventing further cellular damage.
What is desquamation and why is it important?
Desquamation is the skin’s natural renewal process, in which old skin cells are continuously shed.
This constant movement from deeper layers outward makes the skin a dynamic and efficient protective barrier. It allows the skin to defend itself against external stressors while continuously renewing.
Why must OWRA ingredients be biodegradable?
Due to the natural desquamation process, substances applied to the skin eventually reach the environment unless they are fully absorbed.
For that reason, OWRA selects ingredients that are environmentally neutral and readily biodegradable. This ecological responsibility is a fundamental formulation principle.
Preservation & Packaging
How do you ensure preservation without synthetic preservatives?
Preserving fully natural formulations is challenging. Stability is achieved through synergistic ingredient combinations and extensive testing.
We do not use synthetic preservatives, radical-forming agents, or compromised substances. At the same time, we do not claim indefinite shelf life. Our products are designed to be used within a realistic timeframe after purchase.
Because no synthetic compounds are present, harmful degradation by-products cannot form — regardless of storage time before use.
Why does OWRA use airless packaging?
Most products are packaged in a fully airtight airless system (except for the serum).
As the pump is used, the bottom of the container rises, preventing outside air from entering. This minimizes oxygen exposure and protects the formula from contamination by microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mold spores.
The packaging is:
Hygienic
Leak-proof
Durable
Fully recyclable within the PMD stream
This ensures optimal protection throughout the entire usage period.
Why doesn’t OWRA offer refillable packaging?
Refill systems are generally not hygienic. Used containers are typically rinsed with tap water, which contains bacteria and fungal spores. Refilling would therefore introduce contamination and require stronger — often synthetic — preservatives.
Additionally, refill systems are not automatically more sustainable. Each refill still requires new materials, production, and transport.
For OWRA, sealed airless packaging represents the safest and most responsible solution.
How should the serum packaging be recycled?
The serum bottle is made of glass.
The glass bottle and glass pipette can be recycled in the glass container
The rubber bulb belongs in the PMD stream
The pipette can easily be separated from the bulb by gently pulling the glass tube from the rubber top.
Daily Use & Routine
Should I use a moisturizer both morning and evening?
Regular use, morning and evening, is recommended for optimal skin function.
Morning:
Apply the serum first, followed by the day cream, which focuses primarily on hydration.
Evening:
The night cream is designed to deliver restorative ingredients and support the skin’s recovery during sleep. It absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. Hydration is less central at night; restoration and balance are prioritized.
During nighttime, sebum production increases. Sebum naturally contains antioxidants and absorbs lipid-phase components, helping prepare the skin for protection the following day.
Together, the serum, day cream, and night cream form a balanced daily foundation. Additional products are optional.
During periods of strong UV exposure (summer or holidays), a broad-spectrum UV shielder can be added (currently in testing phase with proven protective and hydrating performance).
Sun & Protection
What does SPF mean?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how much longer the skin is protected against UVB radiation — the type responsible for sunburn — compared to unprotected skin. It does not measure UVA protection.
SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of UVB
SPF 30 blocks approximately 97%
SPF 50 blocks approximately 98%
The additional protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is limited, while significantly higher filter concentrations are required to achieve SPF 50.
Do you always need high SPF in Western Europe?
UV intensity depends on geography and season.
In Western Europe — particularly the Benelux — the sun’s angle is lower than near the tropics, where radiation reaches the earth more directly. High SPF is primarily necessary during peak summer, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Outside that period, UV intensity is considerably lower. At the same time, full-spectrum sunlight remains biologically important, particularly during autumn, winter, and early spring.
Sunlight also plays a role in hormonal and mental well-being.
Seasonal guidance:
Autumn: SPF 15–25 is generally sufficient
Winter: SPF is often unnecessary
Peak summer midday: higher SPF is advisable
What is the difference between UVA and UVB?
UVB contributes to sunburn and skin cancer risk.
UVA primarily contributes to skin aging and penetrates clouds and water vapor.
Because UVA remains present even on cloudy days, protection should be adapted to light intensity rather than automatically selecting the highest SPF year-round.
This reasoning is based on international UV research and WHO data analyzing UV intensity by geographic region.