Matierium — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Matierium?

Matierium is a fragrance study house based in Omaha, Nebraska. Each product begins with a subject — moss, salt, vanilla, cypress, golden hour, base material — and translates that subject into scent, texture, atmosphere, and use.

We create home fragrance, parfum, balm, body butter, and body oil through a study-based approach.

What is a Study?

A Study is Matierium’s method of creating fragrance.

Each Study begins with a subject: a plant, material, place, atmosphere, or condition of light. We examine its layers — texture, memory, mood, symbolism, and sensory effect — then translate that understanding into scent.

For example, Vanilla is not treated only as sweetness. It is studied as warmth, smoke, spice, depth, and memory.

Are Matierium products handmade?

Matierium products are made, labeled, packed, and finished in small batches. Because of this, slight variations may occur between batches. These variations are part of small-batch production and do not affect the quality of the product.

Where is Matierium based?

Matierium is based in Omaha, Nebraska.

Omaha is our origin point, not a theme. The brand is built from a small workroom of wax, glass, paper, oil, fragrance, and study.

What does “Base” mean?

Study 000: Base is our fragrance-free foundation product.

Base products contain no added fragrance or flavor. They are studies of material before scent: wax, oil, butter, skin contact, and daily use.

Natural ingredients may still carry a faint material scent.

What does “no added fragrance or flavor” mean?

It means we have not added fragrance or flavor to the product.

However, natural oils, waxes, and butters may still have their own subtle scent. “No added fragrance or flavor” is more precise than saying the product has absolutely no smell.

Are your lip balms flavored?

Some Study Balms may have scent or flavor depending on the Study. Study Balm 000: Base has no added fragrance or flavor.

Always check the product page and ingredient list before purchasing.

Are the 5 mL parfums samples?

Our 5 mL fragrances are called Study Parfums.

They are sized for discovery, travel, and close use, but they are finished products rather than disposable samples.

Can I use the body oil and parfum together?

Yes. Apply body oil first, allow it to settle into the skin, then apply parfum. This can help create a softer, longer-lasting scent ritual.

For a lighter effect, wear either product alone.

Can I use the body butter and body oil together?

Yes. Apply body butter first for softness and comfort, then body oil if you want additional glow and fragrance. You can also use body oil first on damp skin and layer body butter over it.

Use what feels best for your skin.

Are your products for sensitive skin?

Matierium products are not medical products and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition.

If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or known ingredient concerns, review the ingredient list carefully and patch test before full use. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Can I burn a candle all the way down?

No. Stop use when about 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom of the vessel. Burning past this point can overheat the glass.

How should I care for my candle?

For the best burn:

• Trim wick to 1/4 inch before each use.
• Burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Keep away from drafts, pets, children, curtains, and anything flammable.
• Do not burn for more than 4 hours at a time.
• Keep the wax pool free of matches, wick trimmings, and debris.
• Stop use when 1/2 inch of wax remains.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Why does my candle look slightly different from another one?

Small-batch candles may vary slightly in surface texture, color, or finish. Natural wax blends can also show minor frosting, uneven tops, or surface changes over time.

These cosmetic differences are normal and do not affect the candle’s performance.

Do you offer wholesale?

Select wholesale and placement opportunities may be available for aligned shops, salons, studios, and gift spaces.

For wholesale inquiries, contact:

archivist@matierium.com

Subject line: Wholesale Inquiry

Do you offer custom scents?

At this stage, Matierium does not offer custom fragrance development.

We create Studies through our own subject-based process and release them intentionally.

Shipping

Shipping Overview

Matierium ships orders in small batches from Omaha, Nebraska.

Each order is packed with care. Because many products are made and handled in limited quantities, processing time may vary during launches, restocks, holidays, and market weeks.

Order Processing Time

Please allow 3–7 business days for order processing before shipment.

During high-volume periods, such as holidays or new Study releases, processing may take longer. If there is a delay, we will do our best to communicate clearly.

Shipping Time

Shipping time begins after your order has been processed and handed to the carrier.

Estimated shipping time depends on the carrier and destination. Once your order leaves Matierium, delivery timing is controlled by the carrier.

Shipping Rates

Shipping rates are calculated at checkout unless a flat rate or free shipping threshold is active.

Recommended structure:

• Orders under $75: calculated shipping or flat rate
• Orders over $95: free standard shipping
• Local Omaha pickup: free when available

You can adjust these later once you know real shipping costs.

Local Omaha Pickup

Local pickup may be available on select dates in Omaha.

Pickup windows will be announced through the website, email, or The Study List. Orders must be picked up during the selected window unless other arrangements are approved.

If an order is not picked up within the stated window, we may contact you to arrange shipping at the customer’s expense.

Do you ship during extreme heat?

Some Matierium products, especially balms, body butters, and body oils, may soften during warm weather.

During periods of extreme heat, we may delay shipment to reduce the risk of melting or leakage. This is done to protect the quality of your order.

If your product arrives softened, place it upright in a cool room and allow it to return to room temperature before opening or using.

Melted Products

Because balms and body butters can soften in transit, especially during warm months, some texture change may occur.

If a product arrives damaged, leaking, or unusable, contact us within 5 days of delivery with:

• order number
• clear photos of the product
• clear photos of the packaging
• description of the issue

We will review and determine the best resolution.

Incorrect Shipping Address

Please check your shipping address carefully before placing your order.

Matierium is not responsible for orders shipped to an incorrect address provided by the customer. If you notice an error, contact us immediately. If the order has not yet shipped, we will do our best to update it.

If the order has already shipped, we cannot guarantee address changes.

Lost or Missing Packages

If tracking shows your package as delivered but you cannot locate it, please check:

• your mailbox
• front door
• side door
• apartment office
• package room
• neighbors
• household members

If the package is still missing, contact the carrier first. Then contact us with your order number so we can review next steps.

Matierium is not responsible for stolen packages after confirmed delivery, but we will do our best to help.

Damaged Packages

If your order arrives damaged, contact us within 5 days of delivery.

Please include:

• order number
• photos of the damaged item
• photos of the shipping box
• photos of packing materials
• short description of the damage

Please do not throw away damaged packaging until the issue is resolved.

Returns & Exchanges

Return Policy Overview

Because Matierium products are personal care, fragrance, and home goods, we do not accept returns on opened or used products.

This includes:

• parfums
• lip balms
• body butters
• body oils
• candles that have been burned
• products with broken seals
• products that have been used or tested

This protects product integrity and customer safety.

Eligible Returns

Unopened and unused products may be eligible for return within 14 days of delivery.

To be eligible, the product must be:

• unopened
• unused
• in original packaging
• in resellable condition
• approved by Matierium before being sent back

Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility unless the item arrived damaged, incorrect, or defective.

Non-Returnable Items

The following items are final sale:

• opened products
• used products
• lip balms
• body butters
• body oils
• parfums that have been sprayed or opened
• burned candles
• gift cards
• sale items
• limited-release products marked final sale
• products purchased at markets or pop-ups unless defective

All lip balms, body butters, body oils, and parfums are final sale once shipped, unless damaged, defective, or incorrect.

Exchanges

We do not offer traditional exchanges at this time.

If you received the wrong item or your order arrived damaged, contact us within 5 days of delivery.

Refunds

Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method.

Shipping fees are non-refundable unless the return is due to a Matierium error.

Please allow several business days for the refund to appear after it has been processed.

Order Cancellations

Orders may be canceled only before they have been processed or shipped.

If you need to cancel an order, contact us as soon as possible at:

archivist@matierium.com

Once an order has shipped, it cannot be canceled.

Scent Preference

Fragrance is personal. We do not accept returns based on scent preference after a product has been opened or used.

If you are unsure where to begin, we recommend starting with:

• 5 mL Study Parfums
• 4 oz Study Candles
• Study Sets
• Study Balm 000: Base for fragrance-free use

Market and Pop-Up Purchases

Products purchased at markets, pop-ups, or in-person events are final sale unless damaged or defective.

Please inspect your product before leaving the event. If an issue appears later, contact us within 5 days with photos and purchase details.

Product Care

Candle Care

Trim wick to 1/4 inch before every burn. Let the wax melt evenly across the surface during the first burn when possible. Do not burn more than 4 hours at a time. Stop use when 1/2 inch of wax remains.

Parfum Care

Store parfum away from heat, direct sunlight, and humidity. Keep cap secured when not in use.

Apply to pulse points or clothing with care. Some fragrance materials may stain delicate fabrics.

Lip Balm Care

Store balm away from heat and direct sunlight. If balm softens, allow it to return to room temperature before use.

Do not leave balm in a hot car or direct sun.

Body Butter Care

Store body butter in a cool, dry place. Texture may change with temperature. If softened or melted during transit, allow it to cool upright before opening.

Use clean hands when applying.

Body Oil Care

Store body oil upright and away from heat or direct sunlight. Wipe bottle neck after use if oil collects around the dropper.

Use caution when applying before dressing, as oils may transfer to fabric.

Gift Orders

Can I send Matierium as a gift?

Yes. Matierium products are designed to be gifted.

At checkout, enter the recipient’s shipping address. If gift notes are available, you may include a message.

Do you include prices in the package?

Recommended policy:

We do not include printed price receipts in gift orders. Order confirmations and receipts are sent by email to the purchaser.

Do you offer gift wrapping?

At launch, gift wrapping may be limited.

Gift sets and Study Sets are already packed with presentation in mind. Seasonal gift packaging may be offered during holidays or special releases.

The Study List

What is The Study List?

The Study List is Matierium’s email list.

Members receive:

• release notes
• restock updates
• local Omaha pickup dates
• first access to new Studies
• occasional notes from the Study Room

Join through the website footer or homepage.

Contact

How do I contact Matierium?

For order questions, damaged items, wholesale inquiries, or general contact:

archivist@matierium.com

Please include your order number if your message is about an order.

Response Time

We aim to respond within 2–3 business days.

During launches, markets, holidays, or restocks, response times may be longer.