For the past five years, I have conducted extensive research in the formulation of skincare products. I have sourced and tested high quality ingredients to create natural products that work in synergy with the skin.
The Deodorant
The health and beauty industry is in a constant state of renewal. There has been an emergence of numerous natural deodorants in recent years in response to health concerns of mainstream products. However the availability of truly skin friendly and gentle deodorants is still in short supply. Many, although natural are prone to causing irritation. A known culprit is baking soda deodorants. This is due to being very alkaline which can disrupt our skin’s naturally acidic and protective barrier over time. I have been on a quest to perfect the natural deodorant and create one that respects the skin’s natural microflora. ITHACA deodorant has been through many many variations.
Deodorants/Antiperspirants
It is important to emphasise the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants operate by reducing odour but do not stop you from sweating, while antiperspirants aim to block or minimise sweat production. However, perspiration is an important function for our bodies so we shouldn’t try to block this natural process.
ITHACA deodorant
ITHACA deodorant uses a strategic blend of active ingredients to neutralise odour without blocking sweat production and whilst maintaining the integrity of the skin’s microbiome.
These are well researched ingredients used within the green cosmetics industry and known for their gentle action: Zinc Ricinoleate (Zinc Salt found in Castor Oil) and Triethyl Citrate (from fermentation of vegetable products). This is supported by a botanical blend of antimicrobial and soothing plant extracts; Sage, Ajowain, Oregano, Clove, Curcuma, Liquorice and Hops. Essential oils are functional fragrances as they have been chosen for their fragrance as well as their antimicrobial properties.
For extra sensitive skin there is the fragrance-free option which is very minimal and has all essential oil and plant extracts removed. Although this may not be as effective as the fragranced option, this will be dependent on the individual.
Ethos
This deodorant contains no palm oil or its derivatives. The paper tubes are recyclable and compostable. Upcycled ingredients such as Rice Starch and Rice Wax are used within the deodorant stick. These are waste by-products that are then turned into products of greater material value. Ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers who have sustainability at their core.
As you set out for Ithaca
hope the voyage is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.
Laistrygonians and Cyclops,
angry Poseidon- don't be afraid of them:
you'll never find things like that on your way
as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,
as long as a rare excitement
stirs your spirit and your body.
Laistrygonians and Cyclops,
wild Poseidon- you won't encounter them
unless you bring them along inside your soul,
unless your soul sets them up in front of you.
May there be many a summer morning when,
with what pleasure, what joy,
you come into harbors seen for the first time;
may you stop at Phoenician trading stations
to buy fine things,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
the sensual perfume of every kind-
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
and may you visit many Egyptian cities
to gather stores of knowledge from their scholars.
Keep Ithaca always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you are destined for.
But do not hurry the journey at all.
Better if it lasts for years,
so you are old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaca to make you rich.
Ithaca gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her, you would not have set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca won't have fooled you.
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you will have understood by then what these Ithacas mean.
C.P. Cavafy
