M. Carya – Frequently Asked Questions
About the Brand
Q: What is M. Carya?
A: M. Carya is an elegant, natural skincare brand inspired by American landscapes and ingredients – crafted for mature, dry, or sensitive skin. Our hero ingredient is cold-pressed pecan oil sourced from orchards in San Saba, Texas.
Q: Who is behind M. Carya?
A: M. Carya was founded by Maria Acosta, a certified skincare formulator with a background in business and a passion for natural, results-driven products.
Q: What does “For Skin That Tells a Beautiful Story” mean?
A: It’s our promise to create products that honor you and your skin’s history while helping it look and feel its best—hydrated, nourished, and radiant.
Q: Where are your products made?
A: All M. Carya products are made in Texas in small batches to ensure quality and freshness.
Ingredients & Formulation
Q: Are your products natural?
A: Yes. We use natural and/or organic ingredients, including cold-pressed pecan oil, grass-fed tallow, cocoa butter, shea butter, and candelilla wax. All are chosen for their well-recognized skin benefits.
Q: Are your products vegan?
A: No. We use animal-derived ingredients like tallow and beeswax for their superior skin-nourishing properties.
Q: What are the benefits of pecan oil for skin, and how is it different from other oils typically used in skincare?
A: Cold-pressed pecan oil is uniquely rich in skin-supporting nutrients compared to more common oils like sunflower or jojoba. Pecan oil offers a balanced fatty acid profile—oleic acid for deep nourishment and softness, and linoleic acid to help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier.
Pecan oil also contains higher levels of γ-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E with notable antioxidant activity, and β-sitosterol, a plant sterol that helps calm and condition skin. This combination delivers both barrier support and environmental defense in a single ingredient.
Because our pecan oil is cold-pressed, it retains these delicate antioxidants, phytosterols, and naturally occurring vitamins that can be lost during high-heat refining. Refined oils may feel similar on the skin but often lack the same concentration of micronutrients, aroma, and fresh-pressed quality—making cold-pressed pecan oil a more potent, naturally nourishing choice for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
Q: Is cold-pressed pecan oil comedogenic?
A: It’s considered low-comedogenic, meaning it’s less likely to clog pores for most skin types.
Q: Why do you use grass-fed tallow?
A: Grass-fed tallow is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K, closely mirroring skin’s own lipids for deep nourishment and barrier support.
Q: Are your products scented?
A: We offer both unscented options and products with light natural fragrance from essential oils or botanical extracts.
Q: Are your products safe for sensitive skin?
A: Our Unscented formulas are free from added fragrance or essential oils, which are common triggers for irritation. While they are designed with sensitive skin in mind, everyone’s skin is different, so we recommend patch testing before first use.
Products & Use
Q: What is the Tallow & Pecan Balm?
A: A multi-purpose balm—four times the size of a typical lip balm—made to comfort dry skin anywhere on the body, from lips to cuticles.
Q: What is the Body Butter Bar?
A: A solid oval moisturizer made from plant butters and oils. It melts on contact to deeply nourish without leaving a greasy feel.
Q: How do I use the Body Butter Bar?
A: The Body Butter Bar is a concentrated solid moisturizer — not a soap or cleanser. Glide it directly onto dry skin and let the blend of butters and oils melt in. Use daily, after a bath, or before bed for lasting hydration and a moment of care.
Q: Can I use the Body Butter Bar on my face?
A: It’s formulated for the body, but many customers use it on extra-dry areas of the face. We recommend patch-testing first.
Q: Can I use your products during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Our Unscented products are a gentle choice, but please consult your healthcare provider for personal recommendations.
Q: Which M. Carya products might be suitable for eczema-prone skin?
A: Many customers with very dry or sensitive skin — including those who describe their skin as eczema-prone — choose our Unscented Tallow & Pecan Balm and Body Butter Bar. While we can’t claim to treat eczema, these products are formulated without added fragrance or essential oils, which are common triggers for irritation. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice specific to your skin.
Q: Can your products help with cracked heels or elbows?
A: Both the Tallow & Pecan Balm and Body Butter Bar can help soften and condition thick, rough areas of skin, such as heels or elbows.
Storage & Troubleshooting
Q: How do I store my products in hot weather?
A: Store in a cool, dry place. During summer, avoid leaving products in hot cars or direct sunlight.
Q: Do your balms melt in summer?
A: Tallow, plant butters, and natural waxes will soften or melt in high heat — it’s part of their nature. If your balm or Body Butter Bar arrives soft, place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it back up. This doesn’t affect quality or performance.
Q: Why is my balm softer/harder than last time?
A: Natural products can vary slightly in texture with seasonal temperature changes, but performance remains the same.
Sustainability
Q: Is your packaging recyclable?
A: Yes. For example, our balm tubes are made of recycled PP (#5) plastic, which is widely recyclable. The Body Butter Bar is packaged in compostable glassine paper and a beautiful recyclable and reusable corrugated box.
Q: Do you use sustainable farming for your ingredients?
A: Our pecan oil comes from orchards in San Saba, Texas, where our supplier is working toward a zero-waste operation. Producing pecan oil is a key part of that effort, allowing more of the harvest to be used in ways that benefit both people and the planet. We partner with suppliers who share our commitment to quality and mindful practices.
Ordering & Shipping
Q: Where can I buy M. Carya products?
A: Directly from our website (mcarya.com) and select retail partners. Please contact us if you are interested in carrying our products at your retail location.
Q: Do you offer free shipping?
A: We offer free shipping promotions at certain order minimums—check our website for current offers.
Q: How long will my order take to arrive?
A: Orders ship within 2–3 business days. Delivery times vary based on the shipping method selected and by location.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Currently, we ship within the United States only.
Q: Do you offer wholesale pricing?
A: Yes. Please contact us for wholesale inquiries.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Due to the personal nature of skincare, we cannot accept returns unless the product arrives damaged or defective.
Testing & Safety
Q: Do you test on animals?
A: Never. We test on willing human testers (our “Insiders”) before launch.
Q: Are you MOCRA compliant?
A: Yes. As a small business under $1M revenue, we follow MOCRA’s labeling, safety, and record-keeping requirements.