Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tui products contain parabens or other nasty chemicals?
No. Our products are altogether natural.
Are your products GE free?
Yes. All ingredients contained in our products are free of genetically modified substances.
Are your essential oils used in accordance with the principles of aromatherapy?
Yes. All our products are formulated using the accepted principles of aromatherapy.
My skin has a reaction to a Tui product. What do I do?
This does happen occasionally and is usually related to an allergy to a particular ingredient. Don’t try and remove the product but instead soothe the affected area by applying cold yoghurt or water. Should the reaction become severe, take an anti-histamine tablet and/or seek medical advice immediately. Do not hot shower as this could aggravate the effect.
Also, please let us know of any adverse effects you might experience with any Tui Balms product, as we want to follow up on it.
I am allergic to nuts. Which Tui products don't contain nut oil?
The following products do not contain nut oils: Bee Balm, Baby Balm, Bug Balm, Throat & Chest Balm, Cooling & Soothing Balm, Warming & Easing Balm, Foot Balm, Coconut & Aloe Vera Body Butter, as well as all Lip Balms and Tui Extreme Bug Spray.
Almond oil is an ingredient in all massage balms in pots and pump bottles, and in Myofascial Release Balm.
I am allergic to bee stings. Can I still use Tui products?
There is no bee venom in the beeswax we use, nor do we use bee venom at all. So people with allergies to bee stings should have no problem with our products. However, the choice is always in the hands of the individual and if there is any doubt then apply a small test patch to the inside of the elbow first.
What is the shelf life of the Tui products?
The shelf life of our Balms is at least two years (typically more) when stored properly – in a cool place out of direct sunlight. The bottom of each pot has a sticker printed with the ‘Best Before’ date and a batch number.
Vitamin E is used as a natural anti-oxidant and preservative.
Do the Tui products need to be kept in the fridge?
No. Keeping the product in a cool dark place is sufficient for achieving long shelf life. In hot conditions refrigeration will be beneficial.
Can I still use Tui product after its ‘Best Before’ date?
Likely YES. If a product smells and looks normal it is probably fine to use, but this is very much a personal choice.
The ‘Best Before’ date (on the bottom of the pot) is based on a conservative shelf life and products typically last much longer (assuming storage in a cool place out of direct sunlight – for best results, store it in the fridge).
If the color has changed to a very pale hue then you should discard the pot. If rancidity is indicated by a smell of stale fats or oils you should also discard the pot.
Note, that some of our products do have their own unique color, although seasonal variations in ingredients mean that the color of a product can vary from time to time.
Can I recycle my Tui Balms tins & pots?
We are acutely aware of our responsibility as manufacturers for our containers and we are constantly monitoring changes to containers and the recycling industry.
Alu tins and Bug Spray bottles are recyclable similar to cans. Cardboard pots can be composted or used as a fire starter, and also be recycled with cardboard, if wiped clean. Plastic pots are Grade 5 which is recyclable by most (but not all) councils.
Can the massage balm pump bottles be recycled?
The bottles are made of No 5 plastic and can be recycled. Check with your local council.
Can the Bug Spray bottles be recycled?
The bottles are made of aluminium. These are recyclable once the spray mechanism is removed.
Are your products safe to use during pregnancy?
All of our products can be used during pregnancy according to our Safety Data Sheets. However, there are contradictory opinions regarding various essential oils and pregnancy, so our recommendations are Baby Balm, Unscented Massage Balm, Bee Balm and Coconut & Aloe Vera Body Butter, especially for the first trimester.
What products do you recommend for baby skin care?
We recommend Baby Balm, Bee Balm or Unscented Massage Balm for babies. However, all our Massage Balms are also safe to use. Baby Balm is a great barrier cream for the prevention and healing of nappy rash and can be used for baby massage as well.
Further baby-friendly products include Throat & Chest for coughs and colds, Bug Balm as insect repellent, and Coconut & Aloe Body Butter for after-sun. See individual product pages for full instructions.
Are the insect repellents safe for children?
Bug Balm is safe to use on children from 6 months of age, Tui Extreme Bug Spray is recommended from 1 year or older.
Take care to keep it away from eyes. Insect repellents need to be re-applied after swimming. For very young children and babies, you may choose to dilute Bug Balm by mixing it with Bee Balm or Unscented Massage Balm.
How do I use Throat & Chest Balm on babies and young children?
Apply on their chest and top of back as a decongestant. Take care around eyes. When applying at night, rub it onto the chest under PJs to ensure that they can’t rub their hands in it and then touch their eyes. Another great method is to rub onto the soles of the feet just before bed (then put socks on for best results). For very small babies with delicate skin you might apply a little on a tissue and place it under their sheet to inhale, or apply to adult’s chest when carrying and holding baby close.
See label for full instructions.
Can Tui products be used for treating severe conditions?
The short answer is MAYBE!
We do regularly get grateful customers thanking us. Some examples include… Bee Balm really helped with their burn recovery, scar tissue, eczema or psoriasis, Cooling & Soothing gave terrific relief from bruising and/or inflammation, or Warming & Easing Balm relieved their arthritis or rheumatism. Often they tried our products as a last resort!
However, as with all treatments, nothing works with everybody, so the golden rule here is to try it and because our products are all-natural you have nothing to loose.
Which is the best product for helping with scar tissue?
Bee Balm is the best one to use as it is formulated specifically for healing and nourishing the skin, including assisting with skin regeneration.
How is the ARNICA COOL Balm different from HEAT Balm?
Arnica Cool Balm is a cooling recovery rub for inflammation relief – used on localized areas, especially after sporting or other physical activities. It contains extra arnica and is especially useful for repetitive strain injury, muscle strain, bruising and inflammation resulting from impact injuries and soft tissue damage. It also contains other powerful ingredients such as yarrow, chamomile and hypericum.
Heat Balm is a deeply penetrative, warming & easing balm which enhances circulation to treated areas. This can be helpful with chronic aches or muscular tension. It can also be used to warm up muscles prior to sporting activities. It contains a powerful blend of black pepper, cajeput, camphor, peppermint, capsicum and ginger essential oils.
The two products can be use alternating when a hot/cold treatment is required.
What are the best selling Massage Balms?
Unscented and Sports are the two biggest sellers, followed by Lavender and Woman’s Blend.
What is the best method of applying Tui Balms and where should they be applied?
Our massage balms are primarily intended for full body massage, whereas the specialty balms are for healing and typically applied to localized body areas.
There is no one ‘right’ method of application. ‘Less is best’ is a good guideline. The product should always be worked into the skin completely so that there is no sense of greasy or oily residue for the client. The client should be able to put their clothes on afterwards and not feel the need to shower.
You can control the friction obtained by using more or less product, changing the storage temperature, manually softening the product before application or mixing in a small amount of almond oil.
How do I get staining out of my sheets, towels etc?
By their very nature, our products can stain linen and it is hard to avoid completely when massaging. You can remove stains by rubbing some dish-wash liquid into any stains then hot washing.
Do you offer different consistencies of Massage Balms?
We have 3 groups of Balms in relation to consistency: The Coconut & Aloe Vera Massage Butter contain our lightest balm with most flow. Our range of Massage & Body Balms has a mid-range beeswax content. The Myofascial Release Balm and Foot Balm have higher wax contents and provide more grip.
Can I mix in my own essential oils with the Massage Balms?
Essential oils enjoy a deserved popularity these days for their inherent, natural aroma-therapeutic qualities. While we already make 9 Massage & Body Balms carefully formulated with a variety of essential oils, our versatile Unscented Massage & Body Balm can be spooned out into a bowl for easy blending with your own essential oils. Simply stir and re-pot the mixture for a truly creative and personalised blend retaining all the advantages inherent in our range.
How do I best dispose of the new 600g CARDBOARD pots?
Composting in your garden would be the most environmentally friendly way, as there’s no plastic liner in the pots. They also make a good fire starter.
For putting into cardboard recycling, please clean out well to remove any balm residue.
Any tips on the LIDS of the new 600g CARDBOARD pots?
The lids of our new pots open best with a twist: Twist & Pull to OPEN, Twish & Push to SHUT.
1-2 holes in the lid with a pin eases air pressure and makes for even easier opening.
Can I use Tui Massage Balms for reflexology?
Absolutely. However, Foot Balm was specifically created for this, because reflexology practitioners generally prefer a medium with a thicker consistency to provide the ideal friction. Many practitioners still use Massage Balm, compensating by using a lesser amount.
Is your massage schools promotion scheme still operating?
Yes. We offer a free massage balm sample to massage and beauty therapy schools that register with us. The schools receive one free sample for each new student enrolled with them. We also offer substantially discounted product for our associated schools to use in class. Contact us to join.
What is the function of arnica in the Massage Balms?
Arnica is excellent for the relief of bruises, sprains and muscular aches.
Why is there a minimum order requirement?
We are a manufacturer and wholesaler.
By not selling small quantities at retail prices, we actively support rather than compete with our NZ retail outlets.
Another reason for the minimum order value is to prevent the wasteful processing and freighting of very small parcels.
How do I pay for a website order?
NZ customers must pay for their first order via credit card. Subsequent orders can either be paid by credit card at the time of ordering, or by the 20th of the month following the invoice date. In the latter case, our preferred method of payment is via online direct credit (Our Bank No. is A/C 03-1711-0020416-00).
All customers outside of NZ must pay by Credit Card – Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted.
How long will my parcel take to arrive?
The indicative delivery times for your country are shown on your order confirmation email. If your parcel does not arrive within the stated range, it is important that you contact us immediately so that we may trace the progress of your parcel.
In New Zealand delivery takes 2-3 days by Post Haste courier. International delivery times vary and you will be advised of the time frame in your confirmation email.
Do international prices include GST and do they vary with the exchange rate?
Because we supply international customers directly from NZ, there is no GST applicable. To provide international customers with certainty, international prices are fixed in AUD$ or US$, and do not vary.
Why can’t I buy from your website, if I live in the UK or Europe?
Our UK distributor Andy Harrod has been granted exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute our range in the UK and Europe. He trades as Songbird Naturals and we direct all UK & Europe enquires to him. Having Andy produce locally has reduced both his UK and our NZ carbon footprint considerably.
Are you a non-for-profit organisation?
Yes, our co-operative is registered with the NZ Charities Commission as a charity and with the Inland Revenue Department as a tax exempt organisation. Our constitution requires that any co-op profits not reinvested into the business are donated to registered charitable trusts within New Zealand. Our commitment is to donate at least 5% of all sales annually.
Co-op staff are paid wages and do not hold shares nor draw dividends from the co-op.
How much does Tui Balms donate to charities each year?
All the profits of Tui Balms that are not used to develop the business are donated to NZ registered charitable trusts. Most years, we’ve donated at least 5% of our annual turnover.
The range of charities receiving our donations has been extensive and 34 charities benefited from our turnover in the 2023/24 financial year. This year we were able to donate a total of $71,126!
Is Tui Balms associated with the Tui Community?
Although the Tui Balms co-operative is a separate legal entity, there are strong informal links with Tui Community and most co-op staff are Tui Community residents.
