I think they were confiscated by Customs, I didn't receive them.
I was in Cape Town last September and had a box and they were so helpful after my hernia surgery.
Thank you for contacting me.
Laurel Kaftal
- SKU: 8913349
- BARCODE:
- VENDOR: Essence
- TYPE: Nail Base Coat
Essence Active Whitener Base Coat Brightening 8ml
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Product Overview
essence The Active Whitener Base Coat (8ml) is a brightening nail treatment designed to give natural nails a fresh, healthy-looking appearance. It features a subtle blue sheen texture that works through color correction to neutralize yellowing and stains. Enriched with Vitamin C, this base coat doesn't just mask discoloration; it provides a protective barrier against the staining effects of darker nail polishes while offering a clean, "pro-manicure" finish. In South Africa, it is a popular, budget-friendly staple in the essence nail care range, known for its vegan and cruelty-free formula.
What the Product Is Used For
- Anti-Yellowing: Visibly neutralizes yellow tones caused by frequent polish use or environmental factors.
- Nail Brightening: Provides an instant "whitening" effect, making nails look cleaner and brighter.
- Stain Protection: Acts as an insulating layer to prevent pigments from dark or vibrant polishes from seeping into the nail plate.
- Manicure Prep: Creates a smooth, even surface that helps colored polish adhere better and last longer.
- Natural Look: Can be worn alone for a minimalist, "clean girl" aesthetic with a healthy glow.
Key Benefits
- Enriched with Vitamin C: Provides antioxidant protection and supports a well-groomed nail appearance.
- Optical Brightening: The shimmering blue-violet tint uses light-reflecting properties to cancel out warmth.
- Vegan & Clean Beauty: Free from parabens, perfumes, and animal-derived ingredients.
- Fast-Drying: Formulated for quick application, drying down in seconds to a smooth finish.
- Versatility: Works effectively as both a standalone treatment and a high-performance base coat.
Active Ingredients
The brightening formula includes:
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate: A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that provides protective and nourishing benefits.
- Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract: A traditional natural brightening agent.
- Bis(T-Butyl Benzoxazolyl) Thiophene: An optical brightener that absorbs UV light and re-emits it in the blue spectrum to counteract yellowing.
- Citric Acid: Helps to stabilize the formula and maintain nail health.
Dosage Form
Liquid nail polish with a built-in applicator brush.
Quantity / Size
Pack size: 8 ml Glass Bottle. (Estimated retail price in SA: R39.95 – R49.95).
Directions for Use
- Preparation: Start with clean, dry nails. Ensure all traces of old polish are removed.
- Application: Apply one thin, even layer using the built-in brush, starting from the base of the nail and working toward the tip.
- Standalone Use: For a natural, radiant look, apply one or two coats and let dry.
- As a Base: Allow the base coat to dry completely before applying your favorite colored nail polish on top.
Warnings / Safety Information
- Flammable: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources. Do not smoke during application.
- Irritation: Avoid contact with eyes and stop use if skin irritation or redness occurs around the nail bed.
- External Use: Use only on the nails. Not for internal consumption.
- Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in vapors.
Storage Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the cap is tightly closed after each use to prevent the formula from thickening or drying out.
Product Search Terms
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Overview
SA Pharmacy proudly serves customers across the globe with fast, secure, and professionally handled international delivery. Our products are dispatched through trusted international logistics partners who specialise in the safe transport of health, wellness, and pharmaceutical items.
At this time, we ship exclusively to international destinations. Orders are processed promptly, packaged with care, and handled in accordance with international pharmaceutical shipping standards to ensure product integrity throughout transit.
Our goal is to provide a smooth, transparent, and dependable delivery experience for every international customer—regardless of location.
Shipping Options
1. DHL Express Shipping (Non-Codeine Products Only)
- Delivery time: 3–7 business days depending on destination.
- Fully tracked door-to-door delivery.
- Suitable for OTC medicines, supplements, beauty/skincare, natural/herbal products, and non-restricted pharmaceuticals.
- DHL cannot transport codeine-containing products due to courier restrictions.
Learn more about DHL handling and timelines on our Shipping & Delivery page.
2. DSV Untracked Postal Service (Codeine Products Accepted)
- Delivery time: 4–6 weeks to most destinations.
- No tracking available for this method.
- Only option for products containing codeine or other restricted substances that cannot be transported via DHL Express.
- Customers must ensure import laws in their country permit receipt of such items.
For full guidelines on restricted items, please visit How Import Duties Work.
Important Notes
- Processing time before dispatch is typically 24–48 hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.
- Delivery times may vary depending on customs clearance in the destination country.
- Products are securely and discreetly packaged for customer privacy and product integrity.
- Any import duties, VAT, or customs charges are the responsibility of the customer.
For complete details, please refer to:
At South African Pharmacy (SA Pharmacy), we believe international customers deserve a clear understanding of how their orders move from South Africa to their doorstep.
This page explains the international shipping process step by step, outlines realistic timelines, and clarifies responsibilities—so you can order with confidence.
Step 1: Placing Your Order
You place your order directly on the SA Pharmacy website by:
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Selecting your products
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Entering your international shipping address
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Completing payment securely
Once your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email.
Step 2: Order Review & Preparation
Before dispatch, every international order is reviewed to ensure:
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Product accuracy
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Suitability for international shipping
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Compliance with our internal policies
Orders are then carefully packed to protect product integrity during transit.
If we identify any concerns that may affect shipment, we may contact you before dispatch.
Step 3: Dispatch from South Africa
Orders are shipped from South Africa using selected:
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International postal services, or
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Courier partners (depending on destination and service availability)
Once your order is dispatched:
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You will receive a shipping confirmation
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A tracking number will be provided where available
Step 4: International Transit
Your parcel travels from South Africa to your destination country.
During this stage:
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Transit times vary by region
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Tracking updates depend on the carrier and destination
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Some postal services provide limited tracking once parcels leave South Africa
This stage is managed by international carriers and is outside SA Pharmacy’s direct control.
Step 5: Customs Processing (Important)
When your parcel arrives in your country, it will pass through customs clearance.
Customs authorities may:
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Inspect the parcel
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Assess duties or taxes
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Request additional documentation
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Delay, return, or reject the shipment based on local regulations
Please note:
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Customs decisions are made by your local authorities
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SA Pharmacy cannot influence clearance outcomes
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Import rules differ by country
Step 6: Local Delivery
Once cleared by customs:
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Your parcel is handed to a local postal service or courier
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Final delivery is completed to your address
Delivery speed at this stage depends on your local carrier.
Estimated Delivery Timeframes
Delivery times are estimates and may vary:
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Africa: 7–14 working days
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UK / Europe: 10–21 working days
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USA / Canada: 10–25 working days
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Asia / Australia: 14–30 working days
Factors that may affect delivery time include:
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Customs inspections
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Public holidays
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Peak shipping periods
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Local postal delays
Customs Duties, Taxes & Fees
International shipments may be subject to:
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Import duties
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VAT or sales tax
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Customs clearance fees
These charges:
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Are determined by your local authorities
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Are not included in your SA Pharmacy order
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Are the responsibility of the customer
If Your Parcel Is Delayed or Held
If customs holds your parcel:
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Respond promptly to any requests from customs or your carrier
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Provide documentation if required
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Contact us if you need assistance understanding the process
While we are happy to help where possible, SA Pharmacy cannot override customs decisions.
If a Shipment Is Rejected or Returned
In rare cases, shipments may be:
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Returned to South Africa
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Confiscated
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Destroyed by customs
Please understand:
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These outcomes are beyond our control
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Refunds or reshipments may not be possible
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This risk is part of international medicine importation
We encourage customers to confirm import legality before ordering.
Storage & Handling After Delivery
Upon receiving your order:
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Store products according to manufacturer instructions
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Protect medicines from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
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Keep products out of reach of children
If you have concerns about product condition on arrival, contact us promptly.
Our Commitment to Transparent Shipping
SA Pharmacy is committed to:
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Honest delivery expectations
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Clear communication
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Responsible international dispatch
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Supporting customers with information—not unrealistic promises
We would rather explain the process clearly than oversimplify it.
When to Contact Us Before Ordering
Please contact us before ordering if:
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You are unsure whether a product can be imported into your country
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You have questions about delivery timelines
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You plan to place a larger-than-usual order
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You need clarification on customs or tracking
We are here to help you order responsibly.
South African Pharmacy
Shipping transparently. Delivering responsibly. Serving globally.
Reviews
What our customers say about us
Fast Shipping to Canada
My order arrived faster than expected, and the tracking updates were accurate throughout. Packaging was secure, and everything was exactly as described. Excellent international delivery experience.
Excellent Customer Support
The support team responded to my questions within minutes and resolved everything professionally. It’s rare to find this level of service. I felt confident ordering again.
Easy Ordering Process
The website is simple to navigate, and checkout was smooth. Finding my products took seconds. I appreciated the clear layout and quick confirmation email.
Trustworthy Service
I was hesitant at first, but the entire process was transparent and professional. The order updates and delivery tracking gave me peace of mind.
Reliable International Delivery
Even with long-distance shipping, my package arrived well-packed and on schedule. No issues with customs, and communication was excellent from start to finish.
High-Quality Products
Everything I received was authentic, sealed, and properly packaged. The quality exceeded my expectations, and I appreciate the attention to detail in presentation.