Skincare 101
Frequently Asked Questions about our Skincare
1. Why is maris & oak Skincare formulated specifically for midlife skin?
Hormonal shifts in perimenopause and beyond change your skin's biology in measurable ways — thinning the lipid barrier, slowing ceramide production, and reducing your skin's ability to retain moisture. Most skincare isn't formulated around these changes. Every maris & oak Skincare formula is developed in partnership with a pharmacist specifically to address what midlife skin is actually missing.
2. What does pharmacist-formulated mean?
It means our formulas were developed in partnership with a pharmacist — someone trained to understand how ingredients interact, what concentrations are effective, and how compounds behave in the body. That scientific foundation shapes every formula decision we make.
3. What is the skin barrier and why does it matter?
Our skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin — a thin but critical structure made up of cells and lipids that keeps moisture in and environmental stressors out. Hormonal shifts accelerate barrier thinning, which is why midlife skin often feels drier, more sensitive, and less resilient than it used to. Every maris & oak Skincare formula is designed with barrier integrity as the first priority.
4. What is a cleansing oil?
A cleansing oil is an oil-based facial cleanser that works on the principle of “like dissolves like” to effectively remove oil-based impurities. Formulated with nourishing botanical oils, it is designed to be massaged onto a dry face, where it binds to makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil before rinsing cleanly away with water. This process cleanses the skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier, leaving it soft, hydrated, and refreshed.
5. What is a cleansing milk?
A cleansing milk is a gentle, non-foaming facial cleanser with a creamy, liquid formula that cleanses the skin by removing makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping natural oils. Designed to be massaged onto either dry or damp skin, it contains emollients such as oils and butters along with gentle cleansing agents that hydrate and soften the skin, making it an ideal choice for dry, normal, or sensitive skin types.
6. What is the double cleanse method?
The double cleanse method is a two-step facial cleansing routine that uses an oil-based cleanser first to dissolve makeup and dirt, followed by a water-based cleanser to wash away remaining impurities and sweat, ensuring a deep, thorough clean. It prepares skin for the treatment steps that follow, so active ingredients can perform more effectively. Our double cleanse products are made with care and leave the skin soft, balanced, and radiant, never feeling stripped.
7. Is the orange bitter fragrance the same as the orange blossom fragrance?
They are similar in scent. Orange bitter and orange blossom come from the same plant (Citrus aurantium), but they’re made from different parts. The fragrance of the orange bitter comes from the fruit peel of the bitter orange tree while that of the orange blossom comes from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. They both elicit a fresh, citrus scent that we think you will love.
8. Do I need to use the oil and the milk products in a particular order?
It is best to begin with the cleansing oil on a dry face — a gentle formula that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and other oil-based impurities. Follow with the cleansing milk, which can be used on either dry or damp skin to remove remaining traces of dirt, sweat, and environmental pollutants, leaving your skin clean, soft, and comforted.
9. Is the Renewal Moisturizer safe to use every day?
Yes, with one important consideration: the Renewal Moisturizer contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which may increase sun sensitivity. For this reason, we recommend evening use and a broad-spectrum SPF every morning during use and for one week after discontinuing. If you have particularly sensitive skin, start by applying every other evening and increase frequency as your skin adjusts.
10. What order should I apply my maris & oak products?
For best results, follow this order: Step 1 — Cleansing Oil on dry skin. Step 2 — Cleansing Milk to complete the double cleanse. Step 3 — Renewal Moisturizer on clean, dry skin. Step 4 — Triple Lipid Replenish Serum as your final step to seal in hydration. Steps 3 and 4 are optimized for your evening routine. In the morning, cleanse with the Cleansing Milk and follow with a broad-spectrum SPF.
11. Can I use these with other products?
Yes. Our formulas are designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing routine. For best results, use the Cleansing Oil and Cleansing Milk as your first steps, followed by any serums or treatments, and finish with the Triple Lipid Replenish Serum as your final step to seal in everything beneath it.
12. Why small-batch formulation?
Many active ingredients — particularly antioxidants and barrier-repair compounds — lose potency over time and in large-scale production environments. By formulating in small batches, we control freshness at every stage, ensuring the active concentration in your product performs the way it was designed to.