Frequently Asked Questions

We are a family business in Hastings, Hawke's Bay. Real World started after years of raising four young kids and using harsh supermarket dish liquids left our hands a cracked, sore mess. We couldn't find a solution that worked, so we made our own. Every product is handcrafted right here in our Hastings factory.

Every single product is made by us, from scratch, in our Hastings factory in Hawke's Bay. We control the entire process from start to finish — something that is incredibly important to us to ensure the highest quality.

It really started out of necessity. Hands that were red, dry and painful made simple chores a struggle, and we realised the harsh chemicals in everyday products were the culprit. We wanted something real, plant-based and genuinely restorative. When our first hand care products worked so well, we knew we had to share them.

Absolutely. We use only the most necessary and nourishing plant-based ingredients. You won't find any harsh chemicals here — just honest formulations that are better for you, your family and the planet.

Never. We love animals, and our products are strictly cruelty-free.

Yes, our formulations are vegan-friendly. We harness the power of plants, not animal by-products.

We use high concentrations of New Zealand native extracts — harakeke, hoheria, kōwhai, mānuka and kawakawa. Each is chosen for its own combination of soothing and cleansing properties.

Our golden rule is: flush, drop, done. Put a few drops in the bowl after you flush — never before. It leaves the bathroom smelling fresh and clean for the next person.

You certainly can. All our washes are formulated to be gentle and restorative. That said, our hand washes are specifically designed to tackle the daily grime hands face while adding moisture back in, so we do recommend keeping a dedicated hand wash by the sink.

Our Repair Balm is a true multi-tasker. It is brilliant for dry, cracked skin, scrapes, burns and itchy patches. A travel essential, and a lifesaver for hard-working hands.

We ship right across New Zealand, and we also ship to our friends over in Australia.

We know you want your Real World goodies as soon as possible. We typically dispatch orders within 1–2 business days from our Hastings factory.

We do. Please check your cart or the banner at the top of the site for the current free shipping threshold.

Yes. Once your order leaves our factory you will receive a tracking link by email so you can follow its journey to your doorstep.

We are real people making real products, and while we try our absolute best, sometimes things go wrong. If your order arrives damaged or isn't quite right, email us at hello@realworldnz.com and we will sort it out for you immediately.

Our refund and returns policy lasts 30 days from purchase. Items must be unused, in the same condition you received them, and in their original packaging. You can read the full policy on our returns page.

We absolutely do. We offer refill options across hand wash, body wash, dishwashing liquid and bench spray, plus much of the rest of the range. It is a great way to reduce waste and keep your bottles in use. Shop refills.

We make considered packaging choices. We want our products to look beautiful in your home while being kind to the earth, and offering refills is a big part of our commitment to reducing single-use plastic.

You get to play curator and choose exactly which products you want. There is a $100 bundle (3 items under $50), a $150 bundle (5 items under $50) and a $200 bundle (7 items under $50). A great way to try a few different things, or stock up on your favourites.

Yes. We have several curated bundles, including the Founder Bundle which features our favourite everyday essentials.

We certainly do. Our products make beautiful, purposeful gifts. If you need help putting together corporate gifts, get in touch through our contact page and we would be thrilled to help.

We love partnering with beautiful stores that share our values. Fill in the form on our wholesale page and we will be in touch to talk it through.

We would love to see you in our Hastings store. We also have a wonderful family of stockists across New Zealand — you can find the full list here.

Yes, they are formulated with sensitive skin in mind — after all, Real World was born out of our own severe skin irritation. We use gentle, plant-based ingredients and native extracts such as pōhutukawa and hoheria.

Our products are plant-based and gentle, but everyone's skin is different. We list all our ingredients clearly on our website and packaging. If you have a known allergy, please check the ingredient list carefully, and we always recommend a small patch test first if you are unsure.