Natural Deodorants

How do I use the push up deodorant stick?

Remove the cap and push up from the base of the deodorant tube (marked with a floral ‘push’ symbol) using your finger or thumb.

Gently apply a thin layer (several swipes) onto clean, dry underarms after showering and allow it to absorb  into your skin before getting dressed.

To lower the deodorant back down into the tube firmly tap the tube on a bench, or use a clean finger or thumb to push it back down before replacing the lid to keep it fresh.

I’m having difficulty pushing the deodorant stick up.  What should I do?

The push-up disc at the base of your deodorant can occasionally become temporarily ‘stuck’.  This can happen during the pour & setting process or if the deodorant melts slightly with temperature changes.

A few firm taps using the blunt end of a bathroom or kitchen utensil, eg. the blunt end of a toothbrush, a spoon handle or a pencil etc, can help get the disc moving upwards again.

My deodorant is melting, what should I do?

Pop it in the fridge.

We  suggest you store your deodorant away from direct sunlight below 25° C  (77°F).

There’s some product that builds up around the top edge of the tube that gets pushed down when I replace the lid.  What’s the best way of removing this?

If this happens wipe around the outer rim with a dry paper towel to remove any product build up.  If you reapply the deodorant during the course of the day we also suggest wiping across its surface with a  dry paper towel occasionally to remove any body oils that may transfer back and to help keep it fresh.

How long does a deodorant tube last?

Based on daily use we estimate usage rate of approximately 1oz (28g) per month.

What is the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?

Antiperspirants stop you sweating by blocking your sweat glands with ingredients such as aluminium salts*  (Aluminium chloride, Aluminium trichloride, Trichloroaluminium)  while deodorants help combat what makes you smell.

Deodorants don’t stop you sweating.  When you apply deodorant to your underarms and play sport you will still perspire.  The deodorant works to combat the smell that’s produced  from the fats and proteins that migrate to your skin’s surface and interact with the bacteria there. Deodorant targets the bacteria.

*Aluminium salts have been linked to breast cancer, tumour formation and growth,  Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.  Recent research has demonstrated how aluminium chloride blocks sweat glands and mimics the effects of estrogen.  Switzerland recently approved a bill to stop their use in antiperspirants/deodorants.

I’ve been using an antiperspirant. Will it take time for my body to adjust?

You may go through a brief period where your body clears out a backlog of toxins that have built up in your armpits and you may have a very smelly day or two.  We suggest you drink plenty of water and let your body do its thing.  This will clear naturally.

A clay-based armpit detox, using a product like bentonite clay, can help eliminate toxic chemical build-ups.

Is there a difference between vegetable waxes and beeswax?

Yes.   Vegetable waxes simply work better for some people.  The reasons for this are varied, eg. skin type, climate, hydration levels, scent (essential oils), activity etc.    This is in addition to any allergy and ethical concerns.

Vegetable waxes are generally harder than beeswax with a higher meltpoint resulting in a firmer deodorant stick.  They are ‘lighter’ in texture than beeswax and also provide excellent glide/slip, easy spreadability as well as easy removability.

Some people find that vegetable wax based deodorants work longer for them, that they extend the duration of the scent of the essential oils, whereas they have to reapply beeswax based deodorants more often.  For others the reverse holds true.  Others alternate between the two.

Beeswax can soften and round out the scents of essential oils while at the same time provide a protective barrier depending on the amount used.

There are many benefits to both types of waxes.  For this reason we offer both options and are also able to provide Sample Packs of a combination of scents/bases in eco travel size pots for you to try.  Here at Oakbank Organics’ we use 100% pure Australian organic beeswax and a selection of organic and pure natural vegetable waxes.

How do I test a scent to see if I really like it?

The scent will likely be faint while still in the packaging as these oils need the warmth of your bodyheat to release and start working intimately and personally for you.  In addition, the scent of some essential oils are easily detected while others are more subtle.

To help release the scent we suggest you scrape a small amount from the surface using a fingernail and rub it into the back of your hand to test the smell.

Testers are available for you to try at our retail stockists.  Alternatively, a custom order with testers can be arranged for you by contacting us directly.

I’ve broken out in a rash … what should I do?

If this happens please stop using the product immediately.

This reaction may be the result of a previously unidentified allergy to one of the base ingredients  or a reaction to an essential oil in the deodorant (if applicable).

A rash can also occur as chemicals from past deodorant use are expelled from your underarms or with continued use of deodorants containing bi-carbonate soda.  All of our deodorants are bi-carb free.

I suffer from allergies and/or have highly sensitive skin.  Can I do a patch test at home?

Yes, you can.  Simply smear a little bit of the product on the back of your hand in the area between your little finger and wrist.  Normally it doesn’t take very long for a reaction to occur (a few minutes to an hour) if your immune system has been hyper-sensitized from allergies like contact dermatitis etc.

If you do have a reaction, promptly cleanse the area with soap and water to remove all trace of the product.

If you do not normally suffer allergies then you can try a  patch test on the area inside your elbow, or on your inner wrist, and leave on for 24 hours.

This patch testing is no substitute for professional allergy testing by qualified healthcare practitioners, but it will give you an indication whether or not the product is suitable for you.

I’m allergic to an ingredient.  Do you make customized products?

Yes.  We’re often able to tailor a solution to suit.  Our artisan products are made to order specially for you, so we can either remove or replace the ingredient that you are allergic to with another from our range that you are not allergic to.  Please contact us to discuss.

Do you make totally vegan products?

Yes!  We have several totally vegan products and can modify  others within our collections to meet this requirement if that’s your preference.  Please feel free to ask.

It seems to be staining my clothes.  Is there a way to fix this?

This can be a result of using too much of the product at one time, or not letting it absorb into the skin before putting on your clothing.  We suggest waiting a minute or two after applying the deodorant before putting on a shirt to avoid any staining issues.

Oil residue and rates of absorption can vary depending on the types of oil used in the product and your skin type.

Is this deodorant okay for children and teens to use?

Yes, it is generally safe for children over the age of 2  and teenagers to use.  Although,  deodorant isn’t usually considered for a young person until they reach puberty from around 11-12+ yrs.

People have two types of sweat glands: the eccrine glands which excrete water and salt to cool you off when you’re hot, and the apocrine glands which secrete fats and proteins that react with bacteria and create odor.  These glands don’t generally start to develop and produce body odor until a person reaches puberty.

If you are considering purchasing a deodorant for a young person, we would suggest starting with the neutral deodorant without essential oils.

Are your deodorants free from Palm Oil?

Yes!  Our deodorants, balms and lip balms are all  free from Palm Oil.

Are your products tested on animals?

No.   Our products are not tested on animals.  All of our products are cruelty free.

Is the packaging fully biodegradable, recyclable and compostable?

Our plastic free deodorant, balm and lip balm collections are packaged in eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable, compostable, renewable, reusable and recyclable hand-made paperboard push-up tubes.

All labels are made of paper and are fully biodegradable and recyclable.  The label adhesive used is FDA approved for indirect food contact (food packaging).    The total mass of the ink used for printing on the product labels is less than 1% of the total label mass which is generally acceptable for composting.   This packaging absorbs moisture and will eventually disintegrate. It will eventually decompose in the presence of direct sunlight and with the microbial action of organisms in the soil.

We are experimenting with how quickly the current packaging breaks down  in our test compost bin as well as ideas for other uses once the contents are finished (pictured below).

           

For faster composting we suggest you remove the labels and tear the eco tubes into strips.  If planting the eco tube with sprouting seeds directly into the garden, we suggest you remove the label, the white internal waxed parchment paper and the push-up disc and poke holes into the tube’s side to assist the spread of roots and tube breakdown.

Do you use sustainable energy in your production processes?

Yes!  We generate and use our own solar power in producing all Oakbank Organics’ collections.

I have a question that hasn’t been addressed here.  Can you help?

If  the answer you’re looking for isn’t here please contact us at info@oakbankorganics.com