I’m not here to change the world. I am here to stop the stink, one pit at a time. But when you really think about it, maybe that is changing the world?
My story:
When I was 10 years old, my father started making me wash under my arms every day. I am of the belief that kids don’t need to wash their arm pits every day, because kids don’t tend to stink, but I did stink. “You smell like a polecat!” my father would say. It wasn’t long before someone older and seemingly wiser, introduced me to the “chemical wonder” that is anti-perspirant. Now, with children of my own, I find the thought of them applying aluminum-laced, toxic and unnatural creams and gels to their skin even more troubling. We have all heard the saying “You are what you eat,” but a lesser-known truth is that we are also what we rub on our bodies. Our skin, the largest organ we have, can soak up every last bit of those parabens, steareths and aluminum compounds found in an off-the-shelf deodorant.
Over time, I found that commercial anti-perspirant would stop “working” halfway through the stick. To try and counteract the lack of effectiveness, I would resort to continually switching to another product midstream. Despite all this, I would actually sweat a LOT and there would often be nasty, caked-on crud in the pits of my shirts. On laundry night my boyfriend would literally scrub my shirt pits with stain remover in an effort to get rid of the stains left by a multitude of different deodorants (now that’s true love!). Finally one day I was introduced to the blessing of handmade, all-natural deodorant that actually works; and believe me there are a lot of natural deodorants that just don’t. This discovery changed my life. I tinkered with the formulation, using my own formidable pits as a testing ground and began making a product for myself and my husband (that great guy who scrubbed countless shirt pits). One year we decided to make some for family members as Christmas presents. We decided it needed a label and my husband made some with the name STINKA, as in “the one that gets rid of the stink.” The name stuck. I started to get requests for refills and little by little, friends started asking me to make some for them too. I realized that this discovery was bigger than me. And now I want to share it with you, every day.
From the pit of my heart,
Shelley
Directions
Massage a pea-sized amount into underarms.
FAQ’s:
Summer STINKA??? Help, my cream has melted!
STINKA contains no emulsifiers. As such, it will melt if too warm or harden if too cold. It continues to work great either way! Simply stir and apply if liquefied. If hard, simply massage a small piece with your fingers, it will soften up right away. Keep your STINKA at room temperature for ideal consistency.
My pits are irritated!
STINKA contains pure baking soda which can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. You may even find some small particles of baking soda in your jar since each batch is handmade. I do not recommend applying directly after shaving. If you do react in a negative way, try rubbing some plain coconut oil or some other natural oil under your arms first. And try using less until your underarms adjust to the product.
Why am I so sweaty?
Be warned that when you move from a commercial anti-perspirant to an all-natural deodorant, your pits may undergo an adjustment period. This will sort itself out and arrowroot powder acts as a great moisture absorbent.
How long will my jar last?
This all depends on how stinky you are! STINKA contains no preservatives but the ingredients are all naturally bacteria-fighting. Oils can go rancid however so it is recommended to use within 6 months of opening.
About the oils:
My jars are heavy-wall PET plastic, recognized as a safe plastic for cosmetics containing essential oils.
I use a 2% essential oil dilution. I am happy to reduce this for children and pregnant women if requested. On the topic of pregnancy, lemongrass is not recommended when pregnant — stick with the lavender option.
Tea tree is known as an anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral powerhouse…. need I say more?
Lavender is also known as an antiseptic and anti-fungal oil which also has an amazing calming scent.
Lemongrass, my fave, is known to be anti-bacterial and anti-fungal with an energy-boosting scent.
Need more STINKA? Or have any questions? Contact us!
