Modern Botany : Natural Deodorant

As summer begins, so does our search for the perfect deodorant. And we’re happy to report that at The Amazing Blog, we’ve found the optimal match for our needs; Modern Botany's Natural Deodorant. What we love about this award-winning Irish brand Modern Botany, is that it’s inspired by the principles of botanical science, utilising the best natural product sourced from Ireland and all over the world.

In 2016, Modern Botany was developed and co-founded by John Murray CEO, and pharmacognosist Dr Simon Jackson in West Cork, Ireland. Dr Simon Jackson is the founder of several companies, including the award-winning Dr Jackson's Natural Skincare. Dr Jackson has a rich background, including 20 years of worldwide expeditions and research; fascinated by the study of ethnobotany (a cultural and regional study of people and their relationship with indigenous plants). He went on an expedition to Indonesia, where he decided to continue learning and returned to London to complete his PhD in pharmacognosy. In an interview with The Clean Beauty Edit, Dr Jackson said, "In setting up skincare brands like Modern Botany, I was able to use this as a vehicle to transfer this knowledge of the natural world, and the wealth of learning I had obtained through the years both academically and also first-hand from ethnic communities from around the world." Modern Botany started with the simple belief - it's time to do better by creating personal care products that are kind to our bodies and the planet. Sustainability and inclusivity are of paramount importance to the Modern Botany brand; Dr Jackson said, "Likewise, sustainability was always going to be a central element to the brand DNA in terms of ingredient sourcing, production, and packaging. Inclusivity is also very important to the brand as the universal flavour of our products were designed to keep the focus on skin and problem skin and not gender per see." Modern Botany focuses heavily on their ‘Power of Five’ - Flaxseed for giving, Borage for gratitude, Seaweed for loving, Calendula for nature, and Chamomile for sleep. They also believe that no more than five or six key ingredients should be used in any one formulation and that a good product should have multiple uses and be suitable for all skin types. Modern Botany’s products are made in Good Manufacturing Practice facilities, are all 100% natural and’ Cosmos Natural’ as a minimum benchmark only using botanical and mineral extracts. They were awarded 'The Best New Brand' at the 2021 CEW UK Beauty Awards. Furthermore, the Natural Deodorant won ‘Best Natural Deodorant- Spray’ at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards.

The Modern Botany Natural Deodorant is a unisex natural spray-on 100ml deodorant made with powerful plant-based active ingredients. They also offer the option of a 25ml travel-size or a 500ml refill bottle for when you run out. As members of 1% For The Planet, Modern Botany donates 1% of its revenue to environmental causes. The deodorant is made from astringent and deodorising active ingredients, which naturally counteract underarm bacteria and prevent odour. We love that it can also be used as a multipurpose product such as a body mist or perfume. The blend of 11 essential oils leaves the underarms with a clean, fresh scent, a delicate and natural fragrance. The formula is clinically and dermatologically tested, suitable for all skin types and contains no parabens, petrochemicals, or aluminium salts. With more and more health issues being linked to cosmetic ingredients, it is vital for consumers to know exactly what their products are made of, which is why Modern Botany is very transparent with its ingredients. Here these include witch hazel, water, lavender, sandalwood, eucalyptus leaf, vetivert, coriander, lemon tea tree, clove leaf cedarwood, frankincense and chamomile.

Let’s look at the ingredients in more depth: Witch hazel is derived from bark and has a fresh woody scent and has traditionally been used as a natural astringent and an anti-inflammatory for centuries. Lavender, apart from its floral signature scent, has strong germ-fighting, antibacterial and relaxing properties. Sandalwood has a sweet woody scent and is traditionally used for skin disorders and as an antimicrobial. Eucalyptus has a camphoraceous aroma and is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial. Vetivert has slightly citrusy/soapy notes and has good antiseptic properties. Coriander has a lemon/nutty/spicy scent, it can be used as a skin detoxifier and is rich in powerful antioxidants like vitamin C. The lemon tea tree has a zesty scent and is a strong skin healer helping to eliminate microbes and fungi. The frankincense has an aromatic sweet, warm woody and soft balsamic scent and is often used for wound healing as it’s cytophylactic (protects the cells of the organism). Clove leaf has a spicy/woody/warm sweet scent used for skin-calming and is anti-bacterial. Chamomile has a herbal/ floral scent and is also a soothing, hypoallergenic and anti-inflammatory agent. And finally, with its sweet wood scent cedarwood, is good for skin-calming, particularly for those with rashes or eczema.

Many antiperspirants aim to block the body from sweating and releasing toxins. The natural way, however, is with this formula which allows the body to sweat and also helps to minimise perspiration. With its key ingredient of witch hazel, it closes the pores and tightens the underarm skin, promoting the healthy function of the sweat glands and reducing perspiration. it has a fresh and subtle scent and makes a superb effective deodorant for our morning routine. Plus, because we like the fragrance, it’s another quick spritz to freshen up at midday and in the evening. It’s another one of our #amazingfinds and one we heartily recommend. To purchase the 100ml Modern Botany Natural Deodorant for £22, see here, or for the 500ml refill at £84 here. NB, apologies, we’ve just seen that due to its popularity - it seems to have sold out! So, If you would like to try the travel size at 25ml at £15 see here, where it’s currently in stock.

Mokosh : The Ultimate Nutritious Starter Pack

With so many different skincare products to choose from, mixing and matching products can often feel like trying to solve a puzzle! So, today at The Amazing Blog, we thought we’d keep it easy by featuring a set of products that work together in perfect synergy. Meet The Ultimate Nutritious Starter Pack, a sample-sized 4-step routine created by the organic skincare brand Mokosh.

Former medical scientist, veterinarian, and pathologist Marion O'Leary founded Australian brand Mokosh in 2006 after discovering many of the mainstream skincare brands she used contained toxic ingredients. She worked with her friend Jayne Bland who introduced her to the Indian science of Ayurveda, which focuses on working with the body's natural healing systems. The result is 10 years of research and experimenting, refining, and perfecting an organic skincare range that doesn’t compromise on ingredients - using the purest and most beneficial. Marion was determined to make "the world's cleanest skincare range" by creating Mokosh. She wants to target the root cause of skin imbalance and restore the skin's equilibrium with products that are potent, healing all made with simple botanicals. All products are formulated without water, or the skin-disrupting emulsifiers and preservatives. As a waterless brand, Mokosh products have a higher concentration of healing, natural ingredients that don't disturb the skin's microbiome or barrier. In addition, all Mokosh products are free from synthetic ingredients, fillers, palm oil, and artificial fragrances. They're cruelty-free, certified organic, and packaged only with refillable or recyclable materials. Mokosh offers a skin-match quiz on their website to recommend products based on your skin type, concerns, and needs. With natural products that are suitable for any skin type, it's no wonder that Mokosh is a multi-award-winning brand and recently received the "Most Revolutionary Skincare Brand" Award in the Luxlife Health, Beauty, & Wellness Awards 2021.

Mokosh sent us their Ultimate Nutritious Starter Pack,  a set of four different products designed to meet the needs of dry and mature skin. These products focus on hydration, replenishing the skin's protective barrier, removing dead skin cells, rebalancing skin pH, and delivering potent nutrients to promote collagen production and enhance elasticity. The first product in the pack is their Facial Cleanser, Exfoliator, and Mask,  a 3-in-1 formulation that removes superficial cell debris, clarifying, refining, and renewing the skin. It delivers humectants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory molecules, minerals and α- and β- hydroxy acids that promote cell regeneration and collagen growth. It contains aloe vera gel powder to soothe and moisturise skin, meadowsweet leaf and flower powder which contains salicylic acid to exfoliate naturally, and pomegranate fruit juice powder to provide hydration and deposit vitamin C in the skin. This Facial Cleanser, Exfoliator, and Mask comes in a powder form, so to use it, take about ½ to 1 teaspoon of powder and add water to make a smooth paste. To cleanse, gently massage the face and rinse, and to use as a mask, apply it to the skin and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. We liked using this product in the shower to make it easier to mix and rinse, but be careful not to allow water into the jar!

The second product in the pack is the Pure Hydrosol Toner made with a blend of damask rose and lemon balm hydrosols. Hydrosols are made by distilling fresh flowers, leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. They're water-soluble and contain as many nutrients as essential oils but are much gentler on the skin. Rose hydrosol is a mild astringent, so it controls sebum production, tightens pores, and balances skin pH. It also maintains moisture in the skin, delays the formation of wrinkles, and has anti-inflammatory properties, decreasing redness and repairing irritated and damaged skin. Lemon balm Hydrosol also soothes inflamed skin, tightens pores, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Both of these hydrosols also have aromatherapeutic properties, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. You can spray this onto your face and neck after cleansing and before applying the serum. We also liked using it throughout the day, as it’s a refreshing pick-me-up.

The third product is the Raspberry and Pomegranate Beauty Serum, a hydrating concentrate that Mokosh designed for normal and dry skin. The serum is a blend of ten organic botanical seed oils that work together to protect dermal elements and plump and soften the skin to reduce signs of ageing. Pomegranate and raspberry seed oils contain high concentrations of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that fortify the skin's barrier, as well as Vitamin E, C, and A that provide deep moisturisation that helps to restore damaged skin and fade scars. After cleansing, warm about 3 to 4 drops of this serum in your hands before patting gently into your skin.

This routine's fourth and final product is the  Rich Face Cream formulated for mature or dry skin types. It's an award-winning and best-selling cream that delivers potent botanicals and nutrients that protect collagen, build the skin's protective barrier, and support cell growth. This cream contains ten oils mixed with shea butter, including rosehip, avocado, pomegranate, neem, and prickly pear oils - all rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, triglycerides, and vitamins. These nutrients nourish and repair skin, and help to reduce inflammation, and even skin tone. As the last step in your routine, take a half pea-sized amount, warm in your hands, and pat onto skin. It smells amazing and feels luxurious, almost balm-like in texture, and best of all, very little goes a long way. Being small and compact this Ulitmate Nutritious Starter Pack could also be a very good travel companion for a weekend away. To experience the benefits of the Mokosh Ultimate Nutritious Starter Pack, you can purchase it here for $45.00AUD.  

Pit- Tastic! - Rose & Ylang-Ylang and Orris & Sandalwood Zero Waste Deodorant

If there’s one thing all of our morning routines have in common — it’s the use of deodorant! And if everyone used a deodorant that was wrapped in paper, like the one today, there’d be a lot less plastic w­­aste in the world. Luckily, there are companies like Pit-Tastic! that sell plastic-free and biodegradable deodorant bars. If you’re familiar with The Amazing Blog, then you’ll know we are all about trying to be sustainable, and by using these solid Deodorant Bars, we think it’s a great way to help both yourself and the Earth!

Pit-Tastic!, which sells natural solid Deodorant Bars, was created by Alice Bardwell after she had a stroke in 2019. The stroke took her speech, understanding, reading, and writing — but by mixing, stirring, and creating the perfect solid deodorant bar, really helped her rebuild her mind and body. Because of the joy she received from hand-making Pit-Tastic! bars, Bardwell plans to launch a group called “Causing a Stir” to provide mental health support and bring people together to mix, chat, and talk through anything. Pit-Tastic’s deodorant bars are natural, biodegradable, and free of plastics, parabens, and aluminium. The aluminium salts in commercial deodorants, help plug pores, to stop the sweat. However, plugged sweat ducts prevent the body from ridding itself of toxins, and some even believe that using aluminium containing deodorant could lead to breast cancer. That’s why Pit-Tastic! was formulated to reduce sweating and eliminate odour naturally, all without aluminium. The company’s bars come in a paper wrapper to keep the bars fresh — and yes, the wrapper is biodegradable too! There’s also the option of purchasing a reusable hand-embossed travel tin, to keep it in. Pit-Tastic’s deodorant bars are formulated and created in Devon UK with vegan and sensitive alternative too. They and are recommended by a whole host of people, including athletes, breastfeeding mothers, menopausal women, travellers, and those who don’t want nasty ingredients on their body. Bardwell said, “I love my deodorant and use it everyday. I hope you do too!” 

All of Pit-Tastic’s Deodorant Bars are zero waste and as we mentioned earlier, they come in standard, vegan, sensitive, and vegan/sensitive. The standard deodorant bars contain the ingredients of coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, bicarbonate of soda, and distilled natural essential oils. The sensitive deodorant bars contain all the same ingredients as the standard, except have arrowroot in place of bicarbonate of soda. The vegan deodorant bars contain all the same ingredients as the standard, except have sunflower wax in place of beeswax. And lastly, the vegan/sensitive bars contain coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower wax, arrowroot, and distilled natural essential oils. The coconut oil helps the deodorant bar glide, moisturizes, and helps kill the fungi, yeast, and bacteria that contribute to underarm odour. The shea butter improves the glide of the deodorant and helps eliminate odour. The beeswax protects the skin and helps keep the bar solid — the vegan alternative for this is sunflower wax. The bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) helps control the odour causing bacteria that grows in our underarms — the sensitive skin alternative is arrowroot. And lastly, the distilled natural essential oils add fragrance to the bar. All of Pit-Tastic’s ingredients are sustainable and ethically sourced. The first deodorant bar we tried is the Rose and Ylang-Ylang Zero Waste Deodorant, which is described as a “Beautifully floral aromatic fragrance to uplift your day.” The second deodorant bar we tried is the Orris and Sandalwood Zero Waste Deodorant, which is described as “Tangy, zesty mouth-watering that make your underarm smell and feel clean.” We loved how both of these Deodorant Bars kept us feeling fresh and smelling fantastic all day long! They look and feel like a white smooth pebble, and are very tactile. Neither one had an overpowering fragrance, and both were easy to wear, and didn’t compete when we had an on-the-go quick spritz of our favourite Eau de parfum. It is recommended to keep the Deodorant Bars in a cool spot (out of direct sunlight) or even in the fridge. We keep ours in the bathroom cupboard in a tin. To apply, gently stroke the bar onto the armpits a few moments before you dress and re-apply as required. Pit-Tastic! says their Deodorant Bar should last up to four months, and we still have some left, on month three… Ooh and they recommend keeping it in a container — they sell a convenient Travel Tin here for £4.50. Another of our #amazingfinds, and so if you’re looking to help the environment and yourself, you can find the Rose and Ylang-Ylang Zero Waste Deodorant here for £10.00, the Orris and Sandalwood Zero Waste Deodorant here for £10.00. They also offer a subscription service for £40 a year which offers customers one bar per quarter, a free travel tin and free postage here.