FAQ's

Ingredients & Safety

We formulate with intention rather than labels. We deeply value plant medicine and the intelligence of botanicals, and they will always be at the heart of Urban Alchemy Lab. At the same time, we thoughtfully blend that wisdom with safe, modern advancements in cosmetic science when they improve performance, stability, or skin support.

Every ingredient is considered for its source, quality, function, and how it works within the complete formula. We are synthetic fragrance-free and avoid unnecessary ingredients that do not meaningfully serve the skin. Organic certification can be valuable, but it is not our only measure of quality — thoughtful sourcing and formulation matter more than a label.

Toxin-free means wenever formulate with harsh acids, inflammatory agents, synthetic fragrances, parabens, or known endocrine disruptors.Every ingredient earns its place — chosen for what it does for your skin, not to extend a shelf life or cut a cost.

We approach the collection as a whole with sensitive, reactive, and barrier-stressed skin in mind — choosing ingredients that nourish, comfort, and support the skin barrier while creating a calming sensory experience.

That said, no product can be universally reaction-proof. Even something specifically formulated for sensitive skin may not agree with every person, because every complexion is beautifully individual. We encourage patch testing when introducing something new, especially for highly reactive skin.

Our philosophy is to support calm from the outside in: nurturing the skin while making the act of caring for it feel grounding, restorative, and unhurried.

100% cruelty-free.We never test on animals, nor do we work with suppliers who do. The majority of our line is vegan; any exceptions (such as rare botanical waxes) are clearly noted on the product page.

Our botanicals are thoughtfully sourced from trusted suppliers around the world and selected for quality, purity, potency, and how they perform within the complete formula. Organic certification is one consideration, but never our only measure of quality. Origin, growing and harvesting methods, processing, freshness, stability, and supplier standards all matter.

We work with experienced chemists and formulation partners to choose the best ingredient for its purpose — whether botanical, naturally derived, or a carefully selected advancement in modern cosmetic science. We will always lean deeply into plant medicine, but never choose an ingredient simply because it carries a particular label.

Products & Formulas

Our formulas are shaped by decades of hands-on experience with real skin. We lead with botanical intelligence and the wisdom of plant medicine, then thoughtfully incorporate modern cosmetic science when it can improve performance, stability, or skin support.

We don’t formulate around trends. Every ingredient has a purpose, and every formula is created to work beautifully on its own while supporting the skin as part of a thoughtful, complete collection.

It varies by formula, frequency of use, and how generously you apply it. Most products are designed to last several weeks to a few months with regular use. To keep your formulas at their best, store them away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and humidity, and always handle jarred products with clean, dry hands or a spatula.

Always. Small-batch production allows us to stay close to every formula and make with intention rather than at mass-market scale. We produce thoughtfully, with careful attention to ingredients, quality, and the finished product that ultimately reaches your skin.

Stevie grew up surrounded by alternative medicine, yoga, and meditation. Release Frequencies are a proprietary energetic imprint embedded into each formula — an intention that the product works not just on the surface, but as a moment of deep self-care and mindfulness. Skin is a reflection of who we truly are from the inside out.

As a final step in our process, our products are exposed to selected sound and vibrational frequencies — a practice inspired by Urban Alchemy Lab’s roots in meditation, intentionality, and whole-person wellness.

For us, it is a quiet reminder that how something is made matters. The skin benefits of each product come from its thoughtfully selected ingredients and formulation; the frequency process is simply another layer of intention woven into the Urban Alchemy Lab experience.

Skin Concerns

Many of our formulas can work beautifully for acne-prone skin. Our approach is to support the skin rather than aggressively strip it — with thoughtful botanicals, barrier-supportive ingredients, and formulas designed to help keep skin feeling balanced, nourished, and comfortable.

Because acne-prone skin is incredibly individual, we recommend introducing new products gradually and patch testing, particularly if your skin is reactive or you are using prescription or active acne treatments.

Skin has a natural 28-day renewal cycle. Most clients notice improved texture and clarity within 2–4 weeks,with deeper improvements in tone and firmness becoming visible by 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Skincare is a ritual, not a quick fix.

In most cases, yes — our gentle, non-reactive formulas complement prescription treatments well. However, we always recommend consulting your dermatologist if you are on retinoids, antibiotics, or other active prescriptions before introducing any new skincare.

Orders & Shipping

Most orders are prepared within 2–3 business days. Please allow up to 10 business days from the date of purchase for standard U.S. delivery.

Complimentary standard shipping is available on U.S. orders of $125 or more. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout for an additional charge.

You’ll receive tracking information as soon as your order ships. Delivery times are estimates and may vary during holidays or carrier delays.

We want you to feel confident in your Urban Alchemy Lab purchase. If there is an issue with your order, please contact us within 30 days of delivery so we can help.

Unopened products may be returned within 30 days of delivery. Customers are responsible for return shipping, and original shipping charges are non-refundable.

Because skincare products cannot be resold once opened, opened or used products are generally not returnable unless they arrive damaged, defective, or incorrect. If something isn’t working for your skin, please reach out — we’re always happy to help.

Not at this time. Urban Alchemy Lab currently ships within the United States as we thoughtfully prepare for international expansion.

We are, however, accepting inquiries from established international distributors, retailers, and wellness partners interested in representing Urban Alchemy Lab in select markets. Exclusive territory opportunities may be available.

For international distribution inquiries, please contact us through our For Professionals page and one of our Alchemists will be in touch.

About Stevie & Our Story

Stevie Batyuk is a CIDESCO Diplomat, esthetician, massage therapist, and educator with nearly 30 years of experience in the professional skincare and wellness industry. Her background includes more than 20 years of hands-on treatment-room experience alongside more than 20 years educating for professional skincare brands.
Her lifelong interest in botanicals, aromatherapy, and holistic practices continues to shape the philosophy behind Urban Alchemy Lab — blending plant wisdom with thoughtful advancements in modern cosmetic science.

Urban Alchemy Lab was born during COVID as a brand within Stevie Batyuk’s long-established Houston practice, Heights Skincare. As clients became understandably hesitant about hands-on facials, Stevie created an interactive Custom Skincare Mixing Bar to stay connected, personally crafting products for their individual skin.

That unexpected pause also gave her the space to work closely with her chemists, developing formulas that paired her deep belief in plant medicine with modern cosmetic science and a desire to bring both nourishment and a sense of calm during an uncertain time. What began as a new way to care for her clients grew into Urban Alchemy Lab.

In 2020, Stevie stopped waiting for someone else to create what she knew was missing in skincare. She founded Urban Alchemy Lab to build a sanctuary where botanical wisdom meets modern science— a place where every product honors your skin's intelligence rather than fighting it.

Urban Alchemy Lab is based in the Houston area, with offices in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas. Our Houston Flagship & Education Center is located at 2200 N Loop West, Suite 332, Houston, Texas 77018. Visits are by appointment only.

Guests are welcome to explore and shop the collection in person, while the space also serves as a professional training facility. Stevie also reserves a limited number of appointments for those wishing to experience The Alchemy Facial firsthand.

CIDESCO is the world's most prestigious esthetics credential, recognized internationally. Holding a CIDESCO license means Stevie has met rigorous educational and practical standards across anatomy, physiology, skincare science, and advanced treatment protocols — ensuring every formula is grounded in deep professional expertise.

Stevie’s approach is shaped by nearly 30 years in the professional skincare and wellness industry. She is a CIDESCO Diplomat and a Diplomat of The College for Holistic Studies, with extensive additional education across aesthetics, bodywork, botanicals, and holistic wellness.

CIDESCO is an internationally recognized Swiss-based qualification and is regarded as one of the highest standards of professional education in aesthetics, beauty, and spa therapy worldwide. Its rigorous training encompasses skin science, anatomy and physiology, cosmetic science, advanced treatment techniques, and professional practice.

Stevie’s career has also included serving as Director of Education for multiple U.S. and European professional skincare brands and training estheticians and spas around the world for decades. That combination of hands-on treatment experience, advanced education, and global professional training continues to inform Urban Alchemy Lab’s approach to skin, formulation, botanical intelligence, and professional education.