Description
This formulation is the result of years of trials and tweaks (I have lost count of the number of not-quite-right experiments which have clogged up my bathroom one after the other); even after multiple requests, I wanted to wait until I could release something that I could stand by; which worked, was a joy to use and was truly worthy of adding to the Leafology range.
This natural deodorant is unique. From the fact that the base involves a skin-nourishing green-tea infusion in the nutrient-rich organic sunflower (which is then combined with organic mango and cacao butters), to the addition of soothing aloe vera, marsh mallow root and a little-known type of moss often used in the circus industry (read on for more on this!), this is no ordinary ‘natural deodorant’.
Anti-odour mineral power is brought to you by non-nano zinc and magnesium. Lycopodium brings in hydrophobic (anti-wetness) properties, while a dash each of clay and gentle, moisture-absorbing arrowroot promote a fresh and dry feeling.
Try it. You might find you like it.
Options, options…
It felt important, when formulating, to provide an essential-oil-free option for those who are extra sensitive, and the ‘unscented’ option is a joy to use in its own right; its natural plant ingredients dance for the senses in their own, subtle way, and a refined nose might pick up a delicate waft of chocolate on the skin.
Alongside the unscented version, there are four distinct variants on the same base recipe, each crafted with three essential oils (no synthetic fragrance). All are unisex and individual:
- Lavender, Basil & Sweet Orange: sweetly herbal, rounded & fresh
- Rose Geranium, Petitgrain & Ho Leaf: floral, refreshing, delicious
- Spearmint, Sage & Lemongrass: uplifting, zingy, energising
- Rosemary, Bay & Sandalwood: deep, spicy, calming
Key ingredients/benefits:
GREEN TEA: Not just for drinking, green tea has topical benefits including being calming (and toning) for the skin, anti-inflammatory and full of potent plant antioxidants. The catechins in green tea are antibacterial agents, too. See this page for a more lengthy run-down on the magic of tea.
ORGANIC CACAO BUTTER: A longstanding help for those with allergies and sensitivities, this gentle butter is soothing and moisturising, helping to calm and soothe skin without blocking pores. The gentle, underlying hint of chocolate-y aroma (this is an essential ingredient in chocolate, of course, being a pure, edible vegetable fat extracted from the cacao bean!) gives a lovely subtle scent to the base of the balm without being overpowering.
NON-NANO ZINC & MAGNESIUM: Zinc oxide and magnesium chloride are natural minerals which have an important function in the Leafodorant; with well-documented antimicrobial properties, they both work to minimise the growth of odour-causing bacteria in perspiration. Both are considered safe and gentle. Non-nano zinc particles do not enter through the skin, but instead rest on top of it. While some natural deodorants rely on baking soda for deodorising properties, zinc and magnesium are less prone to causing irritation, even straight after shaving.
ORGANIC MANGO BUTTER: anti-inflammatory, deeply moisturising, soothing and replenishing.
LYCOPODIUM: Lycopodium spore powder comes from a type of clubmoss plant, and is also known as ‘dragon’s breath’. Having traditionally been used in wound healing scnearios and for soothing skin conditions, it also has some rather unique and fascinating uses due to its remarkable qualities – it’s often an important component in special fire & performance effects, such as flame throwing and fire breathing. It’s also highly hydrophobic (meaning it repels water as well as simultaneously absorbing it), to the extent that if you were to cover a glass of water with a layer of lycopodium powder, insert a finger into the water and pull it out again, your finger would remain dry and merely emerge coated in the powder. The benefits of lycopodium in deodorant are rather obvious, then: this magical moss helps to ward off any sensation of underarm wetness and keeps skin feeling dry and comfortable.
ARROWROOT: Edible arrowroot is often used in cooking (and when our skin absorbs what we put on it, we may as well use food-grade ingredients in both our inner and outer recipes!). It imparts an ultra-soft, lightly velveteen texture for a perfect finish on the skin. You’ll find it also in the Naked Baby Powder, where it functions as a replacement for talc.
ALOE VERA: A well-known healing plant (most famous as a sun-damage diminisher!), aloe vera has all manner of brilliances; it helps reduce blemishes, it soothes, it moisturises (it’s decadently hydrating, plumping up skin) and it contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid. So now you know.
KAOLIN CLAY: One of the mildest of all the clays, kaolin is packed full of minerals and absorbs excess moisture.
CANDELILLA WAX: a vegan alternative to beeswax, this succulent plant is full of nutrients of its own, aids with inflammation and, in sinking in, helps form a slight barrier between the skin and the outside world.
ORGANIC SUNFLOWER OIL: a gentle, neutral base oil into which the green tea is infused, sunflower is a light and vitamin-rich oil.
Uses & Directions:
Push the stick up from the bottom and apply in 2-3 strokes (thin layers) to clean, dry skin.
Keep the cardboard container dry, out of direct sunlight.
Go forth in joy.
Little note: you may find you need to push the stick up from the bottom rather firmly for the first use. When doing so, make sure you apply the upward pressure to the *centre* of the cardboard disc so it doesn’t rise up all skew-whiff and wonky!
Ingredients:
Unscented version:
Helianthus annuus (Organic sunflower) seed oil, Magnesium chloride, Zinc oxide (non-nano), Lycopodium clavatum extract, Candelilla cera (Vegan wax), Theobroma cacao (Organic cacao) seed butter, Maranta arundinacea (Arrowroot) root powder, Kaolin (Clay), Mangifera indica (Organic mango) seed butter, Camellia sinensis (Green tea) leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf juice powder, Althaea officinalis (Marsh mallow) root powder, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).
Lavender, Basil & Sweet Orange:
+ Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Sweet Orange) peel oil, Ocimum basilicum (Basil) oil. Natural components of essential oils: d-Limonene, Linalol, Eugenol.
Rose Geranium, Petitgrain & Ho Leaf:
+ Pelargonium graveolens (Rose Geranium) leaf oil, Citrus aurantium (Petitgrain) leaf oil, Cinnamomum camphora (Ho) leaf oil. Natural components of essential oils: d-Limonene, Citral, Geraniol.
Spearmint, Sage & Lemongrass:
+ Salvia officinalis (Sage) oil, Mentha spicata (Spearmint) herb oil, Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemongrass) leaf oil. Natural components of essential oils: Citral, Geraniol, d-Limonene.
Rosemary, Bay & Sandalwood:
+ Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf oil, Amyris balsamifera (Sandalwood) bark oil, Laurus nobilis (Bay) leaf oil. Natural components of essential oils: d-Limonene, Linalol, Eugenol.
All prices are in GBP.
Melanie Brear –
I am really happy with the Leafodorant. It is very effective and it has the most unusual and aromatic scent. It also has the most intelligent design that is compostable.
Laura Goss –
The smell of this deodorant is subtle but divine. An easy to use product which comes in a genius compostable packaging ????????
Nadia –
So effective don’t get smelly at all when using this! Lovely smell too