How to cancel Function of Beauty and protect your custom skincare investment in south africa
What Function of Beauty is and why you might want to cancel
Function of Beauty is a personalised haircare and skincare brand that formulates custom products based on an online assessment tailored to your specific needs. Unlike mass-produced alternatives sold on retail shelves, every order is manufactured to your exact specifications, which fundamentally shapes how cancellations and refunds operate.
Most customers subscribe to Function of Beauty for recurring monthly deliveries of their customised formulas. The subscription model offers convenience, but it also means you must understand the cancellation process to avoid unwanted charges and prevent product stockpiles accumulating in your bathroom cabinet.
Why cancellation matters for custom skincare
Because Function of Beauty products are made to order rather than stocked as finished goods, standard return and refund policies are stricter than for mass-produced alternatives. Understanding your cancellation options upfront helps you avoid paying for formulas you no longer want and protects your household budget.
Yafee exists to help you navigate exactly these situations. We break down the cancellation process step by step so you stay in control of your subscription and your money.
When cancellation makes sense
You might cancel if a formula did not work for your skin type, if your budget changed, if you are relocating overseas, or simply because you want to trial a different brand. Whatever your reason, you have options, and Yafee is here to guide you through them transparently and with no jargon.
Your consumer rights under south african law
South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2008, gives you specific protections when buying online, even for custom-made products.
What the CPA guarantees you
The CPA requires that goods be supplied as advertised and be fit for the purpose for which they are intended. If Function of Beauty delivers a formula that does not match what you ordered, or if the product arrives defective, damaged, or with items missing, you have grounds to request a refund or replacement under section 55 of the CPA.
The CPA also grants you a cooling-off period for distance contracts-which includes all online purchases. You typically have 5 business days to request cancellation after receiving goods, provided you have not used them substantially. This is crucial leverage if you change your mind shortly after an order arrives.
Your legal position: You are not required to provide a reason for cancellation within the 5-business-day cooling-off window. Function of Beauty must honour your request, regardless of whether the product is custom-made.
When to escalate to the national consumer commission
If Function of Beauty refuses to honour your refund or cancellation rights under the CPA, you can lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC handles disputes between consumers and businesses and can compel companies to comply with consumer protection law.
Yafee recommends documenting all communication with Function of Beauty-emails, screenshots, order confirmations, and payment receipts-so you have evidence if you need to escalate your case to the NCC.
Cancellation methods: where and how to stop your subscription
Function of Beauty offers multiple ways to cancel, depending on how you manage your account and which payment method you used.
Cancel via the Function of Beauty website
This is the fastest and most transparent method. Follow these steps:
- Log into your Function of Beauty account on the official website using your email address and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, click the "Forgot Password" link and reset it via the email confirmation link sent to your inbox.
- Navigate to your account dashboard and locate "Manage Subscription" or "Subscriptions".
- This section is usually found in your profile settings or account menu.
- Select your active subscription and click "Cancel Subscription".
- Function of Beauty may ask you to select a cancellation reason-this is optional and does not affect your right to cancel.
- Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
- Function of Beauty will process the cancellation immediately and your recurring charges will stop.
- Check your email for a confirmation message within 24 hours.
- Keep this email as proof of cancellation in case you are charged again in error.
Cancel by email or postal mail
If you cannot access your online account or prefer written communication, you can cancel by contacting Function of Beauty directly. This method creates a paper trail and is advisable if you have experienced service issues.
- Send a cancellation email to Function of Beauty's customer service address.
- Use clear language: "I request cancellation of my subscription effective immediately" or "I wish to cancel my recurring order."
- Include your full name, email address, and the subscription or order number you want to cancel.
- Request a read receipt or reply confirmation so you know Function of Beauty received your request.
- Yafee advises sending your email from the same email address linked to your Function of Beauty account.
- Allow 3 to 5 business days for Function of Beauty to process your cancellation.
- If they do not confirm cancellation within this timeframe, follow up with a second email or contact their support line.
- Alternatively, send a registered letter to the postal address below (see the Contact and Cancellation Address section).
- Registered mail provides proof of delivery and is your strongest protection if Function of Beauty claims they never received your request.
Cancel via your payment method
If you used a credit card or debit card to pay for your Function of Beauty subscription, you can request cancellation through your bank or card issuer. This is a secondary option and should be used only if Function of Beauty does not respond to direct cancellation requests.
- Contact your bank's customer service and request that they block or cancel the recurring charge from Function of Beauty.
- Provide your bank with the transaction details, including the merchant name and the last four digits of the card used.
- Request a confirmation from your bank in writing or via email.
- Ask your bank to flag the transaction as a cancelled subscription so no further payments are attempted.
- Simultaneously, send a cancellation email directly to Function of Beauty as described above.
- This prevents disputes later and ensures Function of Beauty's records show your cancellation date.
Understanding refunds and what you can expect
Function of Beauty's refund policy depends on whether you are cancelling an active subscription or requesting a return of a product you have already received.
Refunds for unopened or unused products
If you cancel your subscription and have unopened or minimally used products in your possession, you may be entitled to a refund under the CPA cooling-off period. Function of Beauty must process refunds within 15 business days of receiving your cancellation request.
Yafee advises packing the product securely and keeping the shipping receipt as proof that you returned it. Do not assume Function of Beauty will accept the product back without you initiating the return first.
Refunds for opened or used products
Once you have used a custom skincare product substantially, Function of Beauty is unlikely to accept it for return due to hygiene and safety regulations. However, you can still cancel your subscription to prevent future charges. If the product was defective or did not match the advertised formula, you may still qualify for a partial refund or credit toward a replacement under the CPA.
Refunds for cancelled subscriptions
Cancelling your subscription stops future recurring charges immediately. You will not be refunded for the last order you received unless that order was faulty, damaged, or did not arrive. If Function of Beauty charged you after you cancelled, contact them immediately and request a reversal of the unauthorised charge.
| Scenario |
Refund eligibility |
Timeline |
| Unopened product within 5 business days |
Full refund |
15 business days |
| Opened product within 5 business days (minor use) |
Full or partial refund |
15 business days |
| Defective or damaged product |
Full refund |
15 business days |
| Subscription cancelled (no product return) |
No refund on past orders |
N/A |
| Charged after cancellation (error) |
Full reversal |
5 business days |
| Opened product after 5 business days |
No refund (return not accepted) |
N/A |
What happens after you cancel your subscription
Cancellation is not the end of your relationship with Function of Beauty-several steps follow to ensure your account is fully closed and you are not charged again.
Verify no further charges occur
Monitor your bank statement or credit card for the next two billing cycles after you cancel. Function of Beauty should not charge you again, but errors do occur. If you see a charge after your cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and file a dispute for unauthorised charges.
Delete your saved payment information
Log back into your Function of Beauty account and remove any saved credit card or payment details. This prevents accidental reactivation of your subscription if Function of Beauty experiences a data breach or if you accidentally reorder in the future.
Unsubscribe from marketing emails
Function of Beauty may continue sending you promotional emails after cancellation. Click the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email, or log into your account and disable marketing communications in your preferences. Yafee recommends doing this within a week of cancellation to reduce unwanted contact.
Request confirmation of closure
If you cancelled by email or postal mail, send a follow-up email 7 to 10 days later asking Function of Beauty to confirm your subscription is closed and no further charges are scheduled. This creates a second documented record and helps if you need to escalate a complaint to the NCC later.
Common mistakes that delay or prevent cancellation
Cancellation is straightforward, but small errors can cause delays or unexpected charges. Below are the pitfalls Yafee has seen derail cancellation attempts, and how to avoid them.
Not waiting for email confirmation
Many customers cancel online and assume the process is complete without reading the confirmation email. Function of Beauty sometimes sends special offers or retention deals in response to cancellations. Check your email-including spam and promotions folders-within 24 hours to verify that your cancellation was processed, not just submitted for review.
Confusing account deactivation with subscription cancellation
Some online accounts allow you to deactivate your profile without cancelling the subscription. If you only deactivate your account, your subscription will continue and you will still be charged. Always click "Cancel Subscription" explicitly, not just "Deactivate Account".
Allowing recurring charges to bounce
If you cancel your subscription but Function of Beauty attempts to charge an invalid card or closed bank account, the payment may fail but your subscription may not automatically cancel. The company may retry the charge, incur bank fees that you have to pay, or flag your account as delinquent. Always cancel first, then monitor your account.
Cancelling via the bank without notifying Function of Beauty
If you ask your bank to block the charge without sending a cancellation request to Function of Beauty, the company's system will show your subscription as active. Function of Beauty may continue to manufacture your custom formula and flag your account for non-payment. Always cancel directly with the company as well as with your bank.
Not preserving proof of cancellation
Save your cancellation confirmation email, screenshots of the cancelled subscription status, and any responses from Function of Beauty's support team. If a dispute arises-for example, if you are charged again-you will need this evidence to claim the charge was unauthorised. Yafee advises creating a folder on your computer or cloud storage specifically for cancellation records.
Pricing and subscription costs in south africa
Understanding Function of Beauty's pricing structure helps you calculate the financial impact of cancellation and assess whether you are paying a fair rate for custom skincare.
| Product type |
Price (ZAR) |
Frequency |
Total annual cost |
| Customised shampoo or conditioner |
R 280-R 420 |
Monthly subscription |
R 3,360-R 5,040 |
| Customised skincare serum or moisturiser |
R 350-R 550 |
Monthly subscription |
R 4,200-R 6,600 |
| One-time custom order (no subscription) |
R 300-R 600 |
Once only |
N/A |
| Subscription with loyalty discount |
10% off recurring orders |
Monthly subscription |
R 3,024-R 5,940 |
| Starter kit (multiple products) |
R 500-R 850 |
One-time purchase |
N/A |
| International shipping surcharge |
R 150-R 300 per order |
Per shipment |
R 1,800-R 3,600 |
Prices in South Africa are converted from USD and may vary depending on exchange rates. Function of Beauty typically charges in South African Rand (ZAR) when you pay via a South African bank account or local payment method.
When you should keep your Function of Beauty subscription
Cancellation is right for some customers, but others may benefit from staying subscribed. Consider whether your reasons for cancelling outweigh the benefits of continuing.
Reasons to keep your subscription
If your custom formula is working well for your skin and you have seen visible improvement, cancelling may undo that progress. Custom skincare is designed to address long-term concerns, and products often perform better after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use. Furthermore, if you have invested time in taking the online assessment and had a formula created, cancelling means starting from scratch if you change brands later.
Function of Beauty also offers a loyalty discount-typically 10% off recurring orders-which reduces your annual cost significantly. If budget is your concern, pausing your subscription for a few months may be more cost-effective than cancelling permanently.
Reasons to cancel
Cancel if the formula is causing irritation, redness, or allergic reactions. Cancel if you have moved to a country where Function of Beauty does not ship or where customs charges make the product unaffordable. Cancel if you are genuinely not using the product and money is tight. Yafee always recommends cancelling rather than letting charges accumulate on a subscription you do not value.
If you need to reach Function of Beauty by post or require a formal mailing address for a cancellation letter, use the details below:
Function of Beauty Cancellation Address (International HQ):
Function of Beauty
166 Crosby Street
10th Floor
New York, NY 10012
United States
Send cancellation letters via registered post to this address if you cannot cancel online or via email. Include your full name, email address, order number, and a clear statement of cancellation. Allow 10 to 15 business days for postal processing.
For South African customer support, check your Function of Beauty account or email confirmation for a local support email address. Many subscription companies maintain separate support channels for different regions, and a local email may receive faster responses than the US headquarters address.
Protecting yourself: a final checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and your account is secure:
- Log into your Function of Beauty account and verify your subscription status shows "cancelled" or "inactive".
- Save your cancellation confirmation email and screenshot the cancelled subscription page.
- Delete your saved payment methods from your Function of Beauty account.
- Check your bank statement or credit card for charges during the next two billing cycles.
- Unsubscribe from Function of Beauty marketing emails.
- If you cancelled by email or post, keep copies of all correspondence for 12 months.
- File a complaint with the National Consumer Commission if Function of Beauty charges you after you cancel.
Final thoughts
Cancelling Function of Beauty is straightforward when you know your rights under South African consumer law and follow the correct procedure. The CPA protects you-whether you are cancelling within the cooling-off period, requesting a refund for a defective product, or disputing an unauthorised charge. Document everything, cancel clearly, and do not hesitate to escalate to the NCC if Function of Beauty refuses to comply.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions, dispute unauthorised charges, and recover refunds by providing clear, legally grounded guidance. Whether you are leaving Function of Beauty permanently or pausing your subscription temporarily, our framework ensures you know exactly where you stand and what to do next. Your money is yours-cancel with confidence.