Effective Date: 01/11/2025

At 5 Elements Cosmeceutics, safeguarding your personal information is fundamental to how we do business. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act 4 of 2013 of the Republic of South Africa.

By using our website, services, or engaging with us on any platform, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

1. Definitions

  • “Personal Information” and “process/processing” carry the meanings assigned in POPIA.

  • “We,” “us,” or “our” refers to 5 Elements Cosmeceutics.

  • “You” or “your” refers to any user accessing our platforms, including our website, online store, or social media channels.

2. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information when:

  • You sign up on our platforms.

  • You purchase a product or request a service.

  • You engage with us via customer service, social media, or WhatsApp.

Types of information collected:

  • Name and surname

  • Contact details (email, phone number, physical address)

  • Date of birth

  • Gender

  • Payment details (processed securely via third-party platforms)

  • IP address, browser, and device details

  • Online identifiers

  • Social media handles (if applicable)

If you are under the age of 18, we require verified consent from a parent or guardian.

3. Purpose for Processing

Your information is used to:

  • Fulfill product orders and deliver services.

  • Communicate regarding purchases, queries, or returns.

  • Provide updates on new products, offers, or changes to terms.

  • Improve user experience, platform performance, and our product range.

  • Comply with legal and tax regulations.

  • Conduct anonymised market research and analytics.

4. Storage and Retention

Your data is kept only for as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill its intended purpose.

  • Comply with financial, legal, or regulatory obligations.

Where applicable, we retain only anonymised records for long-term analytics or historical referencing.

5. Transfer of Data Outside South Africa

Your personal data may be securely transferred to and stored with trusted third-party service providers (e.g., cloud hosting, payment processors) outside South Africa. All transfers comply with the conditions set under POPIA, ensuring equivalent data protection standards.

6. Protection of Your Information

We implement robust technical and organisational security measures including:

  • Data encryption and secure storage

  • Access controls and authentication

  • Regular audits and breach response protocols

  • Contracts with third-party processors enforcing confidentiality

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

You may, at any time:

  • Request access to or correction of your Personal Information.

  • Ask for deletion (unless required by law to retain it).

  • Withdraw consent to use your data (which may affect service availability).

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

8. Updates to Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. The current version will always be available on www.theformulary.co.za and will apply from the date of publication.

9. Contact Us

For any privacy-related concerns, requests, or complaints, please contact us:

📧 Email: care@theformulary.co.za
📱 WhatsApp: [Insert business WhatsApp number]
🌐 Website: www.theformulary.co.za