Questions

Good to know

The simple answers to what families ask us most. Still curious about something? We're always happy to help.

What makes Bear Basics different?

Short ingredient lists you can actually read. Every product is built on one simple base — organic coconut oil or grass-fed beef tallow — with just a few supporting ingredients like beeswax and vitamin E. No synthetic fragrance, no parabens, no phthalates, no fillers. We make everything in small batches in Colorado, for the whole family.

Beef tallow in skincare — really?

Yes, and it's one of the oldest skin ingredients there is. Tallow's fatty-acid profile is remarkably close to the oils skin already makes on its own, so it absorbs cleanly and feels nourishing rather than heavy. We use grass-fed beef tallow, gently rendered and whipped into a soft balm.

If tallow isn't for you, every product also comes in an organic coconut oil base — same simple approach, different starting point.

Is the deodorant an antiperspirant?

No. Our deodorant is made for everyday odor control, not for blocking sweat. It's aluminum-free and baking-soda-free — baking soda is a common source of irritation in a lot of "natural" sticks, so we leave it out. It helps you stay fresh while letting your body do what it naturally does.

I've heard switching to natural deodorant is rough. Any tips?

It's normal to go through a short adjustment period when you step away from conventional antiperspirants. Most people find that reapplying once midday during the first week or two makes the transition easy. Because it's a smooth twist-up stick, you can reapply anytime and anywhere without getting anything on your hands.

What does "unscented" mean — is it fragrance-free?

We don't add any synthetic fragrance or essential oils. What you might notice is the gentle, natural smell of the ingredients themselves — a faint sweetness from coconut, or the mild, clean scent of tallow and beeswax — and it fades quickly. No parfum, no masking agents, nothing added to cover anything up.

Is it good for kids and sensitive skin?

Our products are designed for the whole family, with simple ingredients and no synthetic fragrance or dyes — the kind of short, transparent formulas people with sensitive skin tend to look for. Everyone's skin is different, so with any new product we suggest a small patch test first, and if you have a specific concern, check with your doctor.

Why is your lip balm bigger than a normal chapstick?

Our lip balm tube holds 0.5 oz — more than three times the size of a standard 0.15 oz chapstick. You get far more balm per tube, plus a wider surface that covers your lips in just a swipe or two. More product, fewer passes, longer between reorders.

How do the twist-up sticks work?

Just twist up a small amount from the base and glide it straight onto skin — no scooping and nothing on your fingers, which keeps the product cleaner over time. A little goes a long way, so twist up sparingly and reapply as needed.

My product arrived soft or a little melty — is that okay?

Completely okay. Because we skip synthetic stabilizers, our balms can soften in a hot mailbox or car during warm months. It doesn't affect the quality at all — just set it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes and it firms right back up.

How should I store everything, and how long does it last?

Keep your products in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight. Stored that way, they're at their best for about 12 months after opening.

Where are Bear Basics products made?

Everything is made in small batches right here in Colorado. We're a family-run brand, and the simple rule behind every product is that we won't sell anything we wouldn't use on our own kids.

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