FAQ
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS REALLY AND TRULY NATURAL?
Yes! We are honest and truthful about our branding to our core. We only use the highest quality food grade oils, botanicals, clays, and essential oils in our products. This also means we will never use any sulfates, parabens, synthetic preservatives, artificial scents, or anything along those lines.
I’M HAVING A REACTION TO THE DEODORANT, IS THAT NORMAL?
Possibly, but let’s try to figure out what is happening. If your pits are red, itchy, or have swollen lymph nodes then odds are you are going through the typical “detox phase” or there’s a pH pit imbalance. This can happen immediately upon making the switch from aluminum anti-persperants to natural deodorant or it can occur at any time. Sometimes it happens in one armpit or it can happen in both. This reaction happens for one of two reasons. Natural deodorant does not clog your pores to keep you from sweating, so your body gets rid of a lot of toxins, bacteria, chemicals, and other junk that it’s been holding onto from prolonged antiperspirant or chemical-laden deodorant really quickly. This can cause the lymph nodes to be overwhelmed with inflammatory substances and become inflamed as a result. Another possibilities is a pH imbalance due to the alkaline pH of the baking soda in our deos. This can happen immediately upon making the switch to our products or after years of use. Armpits are tricky beasts and everything including stress, hormone fluctuations, diet, etc. can affect the pH in there. This is easily taken care of with our Detox Plan below. If you are experiencing any extreme symptoms not listed such as cracking, discolored skin, etc. discontinue use and please contact us as this is most likely an allergic reaction to an ingredient.
I SWITCHED OVER TO BODHI DEO AND I STINK BAD. WHY ISN’T IT WORKING FOR ME?
First and foremost, don’t give up hope! Sometimes making the switch from aluminum antiperspirants and store-bought deodorants is less than pleasant in the odor arena, but it is only temporary. When you start using natural deodorants your armpits are finally able to breathe and sweat. Sweating is your body’s way of detoxing. Since it hasn’t been able to detox for years and years bacteria, chemicals, and toxins have been stock piling in there for a long time and are just now being given the boot. That can cause some extra bad B.O. and make you think the natural deodorant is not working. No need to fear for your social and work status, follow our PIT DETOX PLAN and people will be lining up to stick their noses in your pits.
PIT DETOX PLAN
We have a few tried-and-true options that will help you speed up this annoying phase on the way to clean, healthy, and sweet smelling pits. Our favorite is the pit mask which we recommend to everyone who is switching over from years of antiperspirant or non-organic deodorant:
PIT MASK - with a non-metal spoon mix 1 tablespoon Bentonite Clay with 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 teaspoon aloe vera, and up to 1 teaspoon of water or enough to make a thick paste. Apply an even layer to each armpit and leave on for 5-15 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Repeat this mask daily or until no rash appears when using the deodorant. This will also help clear up any extra potent detox odor that may be happening due to the switch.
DRY BRUSH
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
EXERCISE + SWEATY ACTIVITES
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DIET - this can be a key factor in armpit odor
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH DEODORANT SCENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
The nose knows as they say, but since they haven’t got around to creating smell-o-vision yet (I’m keeping my fingers crossed) our descriptions will have to do. Our scent profiles for each deodorant are pretty different and they do smell differently on each individual, but what they all have in common is that they work. We do have mini deos available in each of our listings. These mini’s are an easy way to test out a bunch of scents and see what is your favorite without committing to a full tube. We also have a number of customers who like to switch it up! Use Lavender in the summer, Geranium Rose + Lemon in the spring, have fun with it!
WILL THE DEODORANT STAIN MY CLOTHES?
Bodhi Basics deodorant should not stain your clothes if applied correctly. If too much product is applied (more than 1-2 swipes) or if deodorant is not given enough time to dry thoroughly, product may transfer to clothes and cause staining. When our deodorant is applied correctly staining is very rare.
WILL I STILL SWEAT WHEN USING YOUR DEODORANT?
Yes. But, trust us, sweating is good! Especially when it doesn’t smell bad. Sweating is the natural way your body rids itself of toxins. Using our deodorant is a win/win, for your body and your social life.
WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR PRODUCTS?
Our products can be purchased on our website, Etsy shop, at pop-up markets, or at one of our brick-and-mortar retailers. For more information click here (add link to retailer page).
DO YOU TEST ON ANIMALS?
No. No way. Our products are tested on humans only. We do offer one soap for dogs which has gone through extensive research for canine compatibility and has been tested on humans first.
WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF YOUR PRODUCTS?
Due to the delicate nature of the botanicals and oils in our products and the fact that we do not incorporate synthetic preservatives, the shelf life of our products is typically 10 - 14 months. We use a number of natural preservatives in our products to keep them at their freshest and slow oxidation: Vitamin E, Rosemary Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract. We also make our products in small batches to ensure that what is going out is freshly made. To insure your product lasts long it is important to store it correctly (see next question for directions). If you purchase a product that you think is past its prime, please contact us and we will get to the bottom of it.
HOW SHOULD I STORE THE PRODUCTS I JUST BOUGHT?
We suggest storing our products in a cool environment (room temperature or below) and out of direct sunlight with the cap on securely in order to keep them at their best.
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS MADE IN THE US?
Yes. All of our products are made by hand in small batches from start-to-finish at our family farm in Central Florida.
WHAT LOCAL INGREDIENTS DO YOU USE?
We strive to incorporate locally sourced ingredients into our products whenever possible. My partner Will is an heirloom organic farmer and I do my best to primarily work with what is growing on the farm. Most of our “Limited Edition” products contain seasonal local produce which limits their availability to certain times throughout the year.
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS GLUTEN-FREE?
All of our products are gluten-free.
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS CERTIFIED ORGANIC?
The majority of our ingredients that we use in all of our products are certified organic, but our company is not yet certified organic. We are working toward getting certified in the future! For now the ingredient list on each product shows details on the organic status.
WHAT IS SMUDGE AND HOW DO I USE IT?
Learn how to use smudge bundles and compare the benefits of different herbs HERE.
How do i plant the seed paper?
Each label contains wildflower seeds! Place paper under 1/8th inch of soil and keep moist. Patience is key as some of the plants in the paper have just a 1 week germination time and some have a six week germination time. Keep watering the planting until you see sprouts, then keep watering it regularly until the plant is established. Seedlings do not have the strength to survive a brief drought until they are established. Enjoy!