Halina André Professional FAQ

General

1. Who is Halina André?

A professional botanical skincare house founded in 1974 by European esthetician Halina Prądyński, who trained in Warsaw and Paris, and her husband, research chemist Andrzej Prądyński. For five decades we have sold exclusively to licensed professionals: backbar products for use in the treatment room, and retail products that professionals offer to their clients for at-home care. More than a thousand licensed professionals have worked with the line, and our Enzyme Performing Masque™ has been part of over three million facials.

Our philosophy is simple: support the skin, never stress it. Our formulas are gentle enough for sensitive clients and effective enough to deliver visible, lasting results.

2. Who can open a professional account?

Halina André is a professional line, made for licensed estheticians, cosmetologists, and dermatologists working within the scope of their license, and for the spas, clinics, salons, and wholesalers that employ or supply them.

To get started:

Create your account at halina-andre.pro/account/register. Once your account is set up, you’ll see professional pricing and stock availability.
Submit your credentials. Email a copy of your license or certification to info@halina-andre.com with your name, business name, and account email, so we can keep it on file.
Place your opening order. Orders have a $130 minimum.

3. What makes the line different from other professional brands?

Our formulas combine clinical actives with botanical extracts that work in synergy: gentle on the skin, with visible, lasting results. Every product is designed to honor the skin barrier.

These are products that have stood the test of time, trusted by more than a thousand estheticians over five decades and now refined for today. We'll continue to bring back more Halina André formulas, refined the same way.

4. Which products should I start with?

The core line of three is designed to work as one system. The Enzyme Performing Masque™ resurfaces; the Botanical Gel Masque calms and replenishes; the Azelaic Lotion is the daily corrective for uneven tone, redness, and congestion. Together they cover resurfacing, calming, and daily correction, in the treatment room and at home. If you'd like to trial the line before committing to a full opening order, the Retail Variety Bundle brings all three together, 4 units of each, at professional pricing. For application guidance, see our Product Protocols.

5. What sizes are available?

Enzyme Performing Masque™: 8 oz backbar, 2.8 oz retail
Botanical Gel Masque: 8 oz backbar, 2.8 oz retail
Azelaic Lotion: 4 fl oz retail

Retail sizes are sold to pro accounts in 12-unit bundles.

6. Are the products suitable for sensitive skin clients?

Yes. All our formulas are free of synthetic fragrance, parabens, and sulfates, and are designed to support barrier health. Like any botanical formula, they contain plant ingredients that can cause a reaction in clients with specific allergies.

Every skin is different, so screen every client for allergies during consultation, patch test before introducing the Enzyme Performing Masque™ or Azelaic Lotion for the first time, and use your professional judgment on contraindications. Client-safety guidance for each product is listed in the product sections below.

7. Are your products cruelty-free? Where are they made?

Yes. We have never tested on animals. Our formulas are built on premium botanical ingredients sourced from around the world, and every product is made in the US.

8. Do you provide protocols and product education?

Yes. Download our Product Overview and Product Protocols for application steps, frequency, and client-safety guidance for each product.

For ingredient questions or a specific client case, email info@halina-andre.com with your account details and the treatment or product you’re working with. We’ll send what you need or talk it through with you.

9. Can my clients buy the products for home care?

Yes, and we encourage it. Using the products between professional treatments helps clients extend and enhance their results. Retail products are sold to pro accounts as 12-unit wholesale bundles at wholesale pricing.

10. Can I use your product images and descriptions in my own marketing?

Yes. While your account is in good standing, you're welcome to use our product names, images, and descriptions to promote the line in your treatment room, on your service menu, on your website, and on your social channels. Please don't alter our images or logo, and don't list our products on third-party marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay. Full details are in our Terms of Service.

Please keep what you say about our products accurate and consistent with our published product information. Any claims that go beyond our brand materials, including medical or treatment claims, are made at the provider’s own risk.

Enzyme Performing Masque™

1. What results can this masque help achieve?

Smoother, brighter, more refined-looking skin with no downtime. A pH-balanced complex of vegan protease, lipase, and amylase, with prickly pear enzymes, breaks down dull surface cells and buildup while supporting skin barrier health. Texture looks more refined and skin looks more radiant right after treatment. It’s gentle enough to be a regular step in a protocol rather than an occasional reset.

2. How does it compare to an acid peel in treatment?

A chemical peel applies acid to the skin to create a controlled chemical injury. Depending on the acid and its strength, the injury reaches the epidermis or extends into the dermis. The skin then sheds the damaged layers and regenerates through a wound-healing response. This is why peels can cause irritation, sensitivity, visible peeling, or downtime, and why deeper peels need longer recovery.

Enzymatic exfoliation is designed to act only on the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, leaving the living layers beneath it intact. The masque’s multi-enzyme complex breaks down what builds up on the skin’s surface:

Protease digests the proteins that bind dead skin cells (corneocytes) together
Lipase breaks down excess sebum
Amylase breaks down starch-based residue

The result is surface resurfacing in a pH-balanced formula, with no visible peeling or downtime.

Use the masque when you want resurfacing and radiance with the barrier intact:

On clients who can't tolerate acids
Before events, since there is no downtime
As the resurfacing step in a maintenance facial
To prep the skin for extractions
To enhance absorption of the treatments and products that follow

3. What makes it different from other enzyme masques?

It does more in one step. Alongside its multi-enzyme complex, the formula adds prickly pear enzymes to support natural exfoliation and radiance, plus soothing and brightening botanicals:

Colloidal oat, aloe, and calendula help keep the skin comfortable
An antioxidant complex of licorice, mulberry, rice, goji berry, arbutin, and vitamin C helps brighten and protect
Superoxide dismutase helps defend against oxidative stress

Exfoliate, soothe, and brighten in a single 10–15 minute step. The masque has been part of over three million facials.

4. How is it used in a professional treatment?

Cleanse with an oil-free, water-washable cleanser, since oil-based cleansers leave a film that blocks enzyme activity. Using a dense fan brush, apply a generous, even layer to clean, damp skin on the face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Leave on for 10–15 minutes, monitoring skin response, and do not let it fully dry. Remove with cool to lukewarm water using soft sponges or gauze, then perform extractions if appropriate. The formula is pre-mixed and pH-balanced, so no toner, steamer, or mixing is needed. By removing surface buildup, it helps the serums, masques, and treatments that follow absorb more effectively. Full protocol guidance is in our Product Protocols.

5. Can it be used with other products or treatments?

Don’t mix it with other products. The formula is pre-mixed and should be applied on its own. In the treatment room, it fits within a customized protocol and is often followed by the Botanical Gel Masque to calm and replenish the skin.

The masque is gentle, but its enzymes are still active ingredients and can cause redness, stinging, or irritation on compromised skin. Avoid using it:

In the same session as strong acids, retinoids, or other resurfacing treatments, unless the client’s skin is well conditioned
Within 48 hours before or after treatments that can cause micro-tears in the skin, such as waxing, dermaplaning, or microneedling. After more invasive treatments, wait until the skin has fully recovered
On broken, sunburned, or compromised skin

For home care, clients should use the masque on its own and should not layer it with other exfoliants or actives unless a licensed professional specifically advises it. If they use the full line, follow it with the Botanical Gel Masque and Azelaic Lotion as outlined in our Product Protocols. In the treatment room, combining it with other brands’ products or modalities is at the professional’s discretion and risk.

6. How often can it be used?

In the treatment room, use it as needed, based on each client’s skin condition, treatment goals, and your professional judgment. For home care, clients should use it 1–2 times per week, adjusted to their individual needs.

7. Does it cause peeling or downtime?

No. It provides surface renewal without visible peeling or downtime. Skin looks smoother and more radiant right after treatment, which makes it well suited to pre-event treatments. Always finish daytime treatments with broad-spectrum SPF.

8. Can it help with discoloration and uneven tone?

It can improve their appearance. By removing dull surface cells and buildup, the masque leaves skin looking smoother and more radiant after treatment. Its antioxidant botanical complex of licorice, mulberry, rice, goji berry, arbutin, and vitamin C helps brighten the look of discoloration and uneven tone with regular use.

9. Which clients benefit most?

All skin types can benefit. As skin ages, natural cell turnover slows, so dead cells stay on the surface longer and skin looks dull and feels rough; gentle, regular exfoliation keeps that cycle moving and suits most clients’ treatment plans. It is particularly valuable for:

Dull, rough, or uneven texture
Sensitive skin that can't tolerate acid exfoliation
Mature skin seeking gentle resurfacing
Clients maintaining professional results at home

10. Client safety: who should avoid it?

Screen every client for known allergies or sensitivities during consultation, and patch test before first use. The formula contains these ingredients that may cause reactions in sensitive or allergic individuals:

Oat (colloidal oatmeal and oat extract)
Daisy family (Asteraceae) plants, related to ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds: calendula and yarrow
Mint family plants: peppermint and lemon balm
Soy (soybean peroxidase)
Licorice (legume family) and goji berry (nightshade family)
Aloe, cowslip, and the other botanical extracts in the full ingredient list
A sulfite (sodium metabisulfite), for clients with sulfite sensitivity
Protease enzymes, which can irritate broken or compromised skin

It contains no AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids. It does contain botanical extracts, including goldenseal and arbutin, whose use during pregnancy has not been well studied, so advise pregnant or nursing clients to check with their physician before use.

11. Is this the same formula as the original Halina André powder enzyme masque?

It is the same professional staple, refined to modern standards. The enzyme complex now uses vegan enzyme sources, and the botanical ingredients have been kept to preserve the synergy of botanical extracts and clinical actives. Prickly pear enzymes, antioxidant botanicals, and soothing extracts have been added, so it exfoliates, soothes, hydrates, and brightens in one step. The new formula also comes pre-mixed and pH-balanced, so no toner, steamer, or mixing is needed.

Botanical Gel Masque

1. What does the Botanical Gel Masque do?

A cooling, calming, hydrating masque that soothes visible redness and restores comfort to stressed or sensitized skin. It is the recovery step of the line, used after the Enzyme Performing Masque™ or other treatments that leave the skin surface intact.

2. Which clients is it best suited for?

All skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin. Reach for it on clients with dehydration, visible redness, environmental stress, or temporary sensitivity following professional treatments. It is a dependable choice for the client whose skin you can't predict.

3. How is it used in treatment?

As a standalone treatment, cleanse with an oil-free, water-washable cleanser and pat dry. When used after the Enzyme Performing Masque™, apply it after removal and any extractions. Using a dense fan brush, apply a generous, even layer to the face and neck and leave on for 10–15 minutes. Remove with cool to lukewarm water using soft sponges or gauze. Some absorption during treatment is normal and contributes to its lightweight finish. For an extra-cooling effect, keep the masque refrigerated.

4. What makes it different from other calming masques?

Originally developed for professional treatment rooms, it has remained a long-standing favorite among estheticians for decades. It combines three types of support in one masque: visible redness support from the Rutin and Vitamin K pairing preserved from the original formula, antioxidant protection from green tea, and multi-level hydration from Tremella, multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid, and Polyglutamic Acid. It reflects Halina’s philosophy: support the skin, never stress it.

5. Can it be used after peels, microneedling, laser, or other intensive treatments?

Yes, with timing that depends on the treatment.

Superficial peels and non-ablative laser: apply it once the treatment is complete to calm visible redness and restore comfort.
Microneedling, ablative laser, and medium-to-deep peels: these leave the skin with open micro-channels or wounds. Use only sterile post-procedure products until the skin has closed, then introduce the masque, typically at least 24 hours after microneedling, or later if your post-procedure protocol calls for it.

Once the skin has closed, continuing the masque through the recovery period helps calm visible irritation and supports barrier repair.

6. Can it be mixed with other products or used after active treatments?

Don’t mix it with other products. Apply the Botanical Gel Masque on its own, as a separate step, so the formula performs as intended.

It can be used to calm the skin after treatments that leave the skin surface intact, such as the Enzyme Performing Masque, superficial peels, or non-ablative laser. Apply it once the treatment is complete, then continue with targeted serums, Azelaic Lotion, moisturizer, and SPF.

Do not apply it to compromised skin, including after medium-to-deep peels, ablative laser, or microneedling, until the skin has fully closed. Like all external-use-only products, it is not intended for open or broken skin.

7. How often can clients use it at home?

Recommend 2–3 times per week, or as needed. The formula is gentle enough for daily use, including on reactive skin. After a professional treatment, clients should follow the post-care instructions you give them.

8. Does it leave residue or feel heavy?

No. It is a water-based gel with no oils, butters, or waxes. It rinses clean and leaves skin refreshed and balanced, which makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.

9. Client safety: who should avoid it?

Screen every client during consultation for known allergies to chamomile or any other botanical ingredient in the formula. The formula contains these ingredients that may cause reactions in sensitive or allergic individuals:

Chamomile (Roman and German), from the daisy family (Asteraceae), related to ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds
Green tea extract
Aloe
Vitamin K (phytonadione), which can rarely cause contact sensitivity

It contains no AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids. As with any product, advise pregnant or nursing clients to check with their physician.

Azelaic Lotion

1. What does the Azelaic Lotion do?

A lightweight, milky essence-style lotion that visibly brightens uneven tone, smooths texture, reduces the appearance of redness, and supports overall clarity. Its multi-active formula improves the look of dark spots and post-blemish marks while maintaining barrier comfort. It is the daily corrective in the line and your primary home-care recommendation.

2. Which clients is it best suited for?

All skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is especially suited to clients with uneven tone, post-blemish marks, redness, congestion, or rough texture, and for anyone maintaining tone-correction results between treatments.

3. What makes azelaic acid different from other exfoliating acids?

Unlike AHAs and BHAs, whose main role is exfoliation, azelaic acid is valued for helping with visible redness, uneven tone, and blemish-prone skin. It is generally well tolerated, which makes it a good fit for sensitive and redness-prone clients.

4. What makes this formula different from other azelaic products?

It combines two actives that work together. Azelaic acid targets visible redness, discoloration, and uneven tone, while a low level of salicylic acid gently exfoliates to clear and refine pores. Both are used at levels balanced for daily use: gentle on the skin, while still delivering visible results in tone, clarity, and texture. This pairing has been at the core of the formula since its original professional version, relied on by estheticians for decades.

The formula also includes licorice extract for brightening, and allantoin, betaine, bisabolol, rice lipids, and jojoba oil for comfort and barrier support, so tone correction and comfort come in one product.

5. How should clients use it?

Twice daily, morning and evening. Cleanse with an oil-free, water-washable cleanser and pat dry, then press 3–5 drops evenly into the face and neck until fully absorbed. Follow with serum or moisturizer as appropriate, and in the morning finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Clients new to actives can start once daily and increase to twice daily as tolerated.

6. Can it be layered with other actives?

Clients should avoid combining it with strong exfoliating acids in the same routine unless directed by their esthetician or dermatologist. Under that professional guidance, azelaic acid can be used alongside retinoids or other corrective treatments.

7. Can it be used after professional treatments?

Yes. Its gentle refining and calming profile makes it suitable for ongoing maintenance after treatments. Clients can resume use once the skin is no longer compromised, based on the treatment performed and your post-care instructions.

8. What results can clients expect, and when?

With consistent twice-daily use:

Weeks 1–2: skin feels smoother and more comfortable. Texture begins to refine and redness looks more even.
Weeks 3–4: visible improvement in tone clarity, fewer visible post-blemish marks, and more refined-looking pores.
Month 2 and beyond: continued brightening, refined pores, and long-term clarity.

Results vary by skin condition and consistency of use. Pairing it with the Enzyme Performing Masque™ 1–2 times a week can enhance results between professional treatments.

9. Client safety: who should avoid it?

Salicylic acid: avoid for clients with a known allergy or sensitivity to aspirin or salicylates
Lavender floral water, which contains naturally occurring fragrance compounds
Edelweiss extract, from the daisy family (Asteraceae), related to ragweed
Oat (hydrolyzed oat protein)
Legumes: pea extract and licorice
The other botanical ingredients in the full ingredient list

Azelaic acid is commonly considered suitable during pregnancy, but guidance on salicylic acid varies, so advise pregnant or nursing clients to check with their physician.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

1. Is there a minimum order?

Yes. All professional orders are subject to a $130 product minimum, calculated before shipping and tax.

2. How do I see pricing?

Professional pricing is visible after you set up your account. If you’re logged in and still can’t see prices, email info@halina-andre.com and we’ll look into it.

3. How long will my order take?

Orders leave our fulfillment center within 2–3 business days, and UPS Ground typically delivers within 1–5 business days after that, depending on your distance from California. Altogether, expect 3–8 business days. You'll receive tracking by email as soon as your order ships. Full details are in our Shipping Policy.

4. What does shipping cost?

Shipping is charged at the carrier's rate, calculated at checkout from your address and the weight of your order. We don't mark up carrier rates. From time to time we run free-shipping promotions for professional orders over a set amount; when one is running it will be shown on the site and applied automatically at checkout.

5. Do you ship internationally?

Not yet. We currently ship within the United States only, including Alaska and Hawaii. We're unable to deliver to PO Boxes or APO/FPO addresses, so please use the street address of your business at checkout.

6. What if my order arrives damaged, incorrect, or incomplete?

Inspect every shipment on delivery and contact us at info@halina-andre.com within 5 business days with your order number and photos of the product and outer box. We'll send a replacement or credit your account for the affected items; in most cases we won't need the product back. There is no restocking fee on a valid claim. Full details are in our Refund Policy.

7. Can I return product I no longer need?

Professional orders are final sale. Because our products are cosmetics, we can't restock them once they've left our control, so we don't accept returns for over-ordering or products that haven't sold through. If you're unsure about quantities for an opening order, start smaller or email us and we'll help you size it. Full details are in our Refund Policy.

8. I have a question that isn't answered here.

Email info@halina-andre.com with your account details and we'll get back to you within one business day.