Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Afrika Botanicals use the term “lipid oils”?
The cosmetic industry commonly uses terms such as carrier oils, fixed oils and vegetable oils. We generally use lipid oils because these materials are functional lipid ingredients in cosmetic formulation, rather than simply carriers for essential oils.
The terminology is not universal, so you will still find references to carrier oils where this assists with product identification and search.
Which oils do you supply?
Our core portfolio includes Marula, Baobab, Kalahari Melon, Mongongo, Ximenia and Rosehip Seed Oil, together with selected specialist African oils and Mafura Butter.
We continually evaluate additional African lipid oils but add products only where we can establish appropriate quality, provenance and commercially viable supply.
Are your oils cold-pressed?
Most of our lipid oils are mechanically cold-pressed without solvent extraction.
Processing and filtration differ by product and customer specification. Where relevant, these details are provided in the product Technical Data Sheet or specification.
Are your oils refined or unrefined?
Our core oils are generally supplied unrefined, although filtration and other physical processing may be used to improve clarity, stability or meet a particular specification.
We clearly identify the processing specification applicable to each product.
Are your oils certified organic?
Certified organic options are available for Marula, Baobab, Kalahari Melon, Mongongo, Ximenia and Rosehip Seed Oil, subject to availability and volume.
We currently supply Prickly Pear and Moringa as conventional oils.
Organic certification is product- and supply-chain-specific. Please tell us at the enquiry stage if certification is required so that we can quote the appropriate material.
Are wild-harvested oils automatically organic?
No. Wild harvesting and organic certification are not the same thing.
Many African oil-bearing fruits and seeds are collected from naturally occurring plants rather than commercial plantations. However, an oil may only be sold as certified organic when the relevant harvesting, processing and supply chain are covered by recognised organic certification.
What documentation is available?
Depending on the product, documentation can include:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Organic certification
- Allergen declarations
- Country-of-origin and traceability information
- Additional analytical or regulatory documentation where required
Representative documentation can be supplied during product evaluation, with batch-specific documentation supplied where applicable to confirmed commercial orders.
Do you provide samples?
Yes. Samples are available for commercial evaluation and formulation work.
Our standard samples are generally 50 ml, with larger evaluation quantities available where justified by the project. Customers are normally responsible for courier costs.
When requesting samples, please tell us about your application and anticipated commercial volume so that we can recommend the appropriate oil and specification.
What quantities can you supply?
Afrika Botanicals supplies quantities ranging from small formulation and development requirements through to commercial bulk orders.
Typical supply formats include 1 litre, 5 litre, approximately 20–25 kg bulk containers and 180–200 kg drums, depending on the product.
For commercial enquiries, please provide your anticipated order quantity and annual requirement. This enables us to quote the appropriate specification, packaging and logistics.
Do you offer wholesale and bulk pricing?
Yes. Afrika Botanicals is primarily a B2B supplier.
Pricing depends on the oil, specification, certification, quantity, packaging and destination. Please get in touch with us with your required product, volume and delivery destination for a quotation.
Do you keep stock?
We deliberately maintain limited stock and work closely with our production and supply partners to provide fresh material and manage commercial requirements.
Availability varies by product, harvest season and required specification. We may supply larger orders directly from the producer or consolidate them through Afrika Botanicals, depending on the most practical logistics route.
Can you supply consistent quality at commercial volumes?
Yes, subject to product availability and agreed specification.
For larger requirements, we work with our production partners on batch selection, production planning and, where appropriate, blending to achieve the required commercial volume while maintaining agreed quality parameters.
For customers with recurring requirements, advance volume forecasts are particularly useful.
How long do the oils last?
Shelf life varies by oil and processing specification. Most of our oils have a typical shelf life of approximately 24 months when stored correctly, although some products may have longer stability.
The applicable shelf life and storage requirements are stated in the relevant product documentation.
How should the oils be stored?
Oils should generally be stored tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and sources of oxidation.
Product-specific storage recommendations are provided in the relevant technical documentation.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Afrika Botanicals supplies customers in South Africa and international markets.
Courier generally ships small international consignments. Larger commercial orders can move by air or sea freight depending on quantity, destination, urgency and customer preference.
We prepare export documentation according to the product and destination requirements.
Which Incoterms do you offer?
Incoterms depend on the product, quantity and destination. We can quote appropriate export terms once we understand the shipment requirements.
Customers are welcome to use their own nominated freight forwarder.
How quickly can you supply?
Lead times depend on stock availability, product origin, quantity, certification and destination.
Small orders may be dispatched from available stock. Bulk orders can require production, consolidation, testing and export preparation.
We provide an estimated lead time with each commercial quotation.
How can I pay?
South African customers can pay by EFT or secure card payment through Paystack (www.paystack.com).
International commercial orders are generally settled by bank transfer according to the terms stated on the quotation or pro forma invoice. We can also arrange secure card payment for smaller orders and sample courier charges.
How do I request a quotation?
Please send us:
- Product required
- Organic or conventional specification
- Required quantity
- Estimated annual volume, where known
- Delivery country and destination
- Intended application or any technical requirements
This information allows us to provide an accurate quotation and identify the most appropriate product specification and supply route.