At Higher Self we’re committed to transparency and here to help you better understand what you're putting on your body.
Look up any of our ingredients to learn about its function and source.
Coconut oil is a plant-derived fatty acid oil that comes from the white lining of coconuts and used in deodorants for a variety of reasons, including:
Antibacterial: Coconut oil can kill odor-causing bacteria in the underarms.
Moisturizing: Coconut oil can help keep skin hydrated and smooth.
Skin barrier: Coconut oil's antioxidants and fatty acids can help build a skin barrier to reduce irritation and rashes.
Fragrance: Coconut oil can be used as a fragrance agent in natural deodorants.
Tapioca starch Tapioca is also known as tapioca flour and comes from the cassava plant, a tuberous root vegetable native to South America.
Tapioca starch absorbs sweat and oil from the skin without clogging pores. It's a natural, gluten-free alternative to aluminum and baking soda, which can be harsh on the skin.
Tapioca starch also helps deodorants glide on more easily and feel smooth and silky on the skin.
Candelilla wax is derived from the leaves of the candelilla plant, which grows in sandy soil in places like Mexico and Texas.
It stabilizes deodorants to prevent them from melting in hot temperatures and also for:
Skin protection: Candelilla wax can form a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss and protect against external aggressors.
Non-comedogenic: Candelilla wax is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores, making it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.
Hypoallergenic: Candelilla wax is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types.
Sustainable: Candelilla wax is an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to beeswax and other animal-derived waxes.
Shea butter, or Butyrospermum parkii butter, is a vegetable fat that nourishes skin and absorbs moisture and sweat, helping the deodorant to keep you dry without blocking your pores and glands.
Arrowroot extract comes from the rhizomes (rootstock) of the arrowroot plant, Maranta esculenta, a tropical perennial native to South America.
Arrowroot extract is a fine, white powder that's made by extracting and drying the starch from the plant.
Arrowroot root extract functions as a natural absorbent, helping to control odor by soaking up excess sweat and moisture that bacteria thrive on, essentially acting as a natural alternative to talc, providing a dry and smooth feel under the arms.
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, fine, sandy powder that's derived from rock and nearly pH neutral, making it safe for sensitive skin. In addition it absorbs moisture and eliminates odors:
Absorbency Diatomaceous earth is a highly absorbent powder that can help limit perspiration and absorb excess moisture.
Odor elimination Diatomaceous earth can help eliminate odors and carry the scents of essential oils.
Magnesium hydroxide is a naturally occurring compound that's used as an alternative to aluminum, baking soda, and other potentially irritating ingredients. It's used because it:
Neutralizes odor-causing bacteria Magnesium hydroxide creates an alkaline environment on the skin that's inhospitable to bacteria.
Balances the body's natural pH Magnesium hydroxide slowly changes the pH of your skin, giving it time to adjust.
Doesn't absorb into the skin Magnesium hydroxide is safe and doesn't absorb into the skin.
Less soluble than aluminum Magnesium hydroxide is less soluble than other natural aluminum alternatives, which can help absorb moisture
Saccharomyces ferment filtrate is a yeast-derived probiotic ingredient that helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria and maintain a healthy skin microbiome:
How it works: Saccharomyces ferment is a yeast enzyme that breaks down compounds in sweat that cause odor, such as ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Benefits: Saccharomyces ferment is a natural deodorizing agent that nourishes the skin and has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It's similar to the bacteria and enzymes found in kimchi and kefir.
Silica is a naturally abundant mineral that's also known as silicone dioxide and helps absorb sweat.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight, plant-based emollient derived from coconut oil, acting as a softening agent that helps to provide a smooth, non-greasy feel on the skin without clogging pores, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
It essentially helps the deodorant glide on smoothly and leave a comfortable texture on the underarm area.
Ozokerite is a naturally occurring wax derived from mineral sources. It stabilizes the deodorant formula by keeping the oil and liquid components from separating.
Patchouli oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves, shoots, and dried leaves of the patchouli plant:
Extraction. Patchouli oil is extracted from the plant through a process called steam distillation.
Scent. Patchouli oil has a musky scent that's not overpowering. The plant itself is odorless, and it's the distillation process that gives the oil its distinctive scent.
Our proprietary essential oil fragrance blend of Rose, Patchouli and Vetiver is 100% natural.
Nannochloropsis oculata extract is derived from a type of marine microalgae. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, and vitamins B12 and C.
It is known for its skin-tightening and rejuvenating properties and can help protect skin from oxidative stress, improve skin elasticity and firmness.
Jojoba esters are a complex mixture of esters derived from jojoba oil, and are another name for jojoba wax. Jojoba is the only botanical source of liquid wax esters, and is similar to the sebum on the skin and scalp.
Jojoba esters can improve the oxidative stability, color, and odor of deodorants. They can also help make skin feel soft and smooth.
Caffeine is a natural astringent that can help reduce sweat production by constricting sweat ducts, acting as a mild antiperspirant alternative to aluminum compounds commonly found in traditional deodorants; however, the amount of caffeine present is very low and is not considered to have systemic effects like consuming caffeinated beverages would.
Tocopherol, also known as vitamin E, is a natural preservative and antioxidant:
Preservative: Tocopherol prevents the degradation of natural ingredients in deodorants.
Antioxidant: Tocopherol protects skin cells and membranes from environmental damage.
Glycerin is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid that's derived from vegetable oils.
Glycerin helps hydrate the skin and absorb excess moisture.
"Aqua," which simply means water, is used as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients, allowing for a smooth, easy-to-apply consistency and to create a base for the other components like active ingredients and fragrances to be mixed into; essentially, it acts as the primary liquid medium in the deodorant formulation.
Acacia decurrens is a wax extracted from the Mimosa plant flower.
It has the ability to create a protective barrier on the skin, helping to prevent moisture build-up and odor by trapping sweat, while also providing a smooth, non-sticky feel due to its moisturizing properties and natural soothing effect on the skin.
Macrocystis pyrifera (kelp) extract is a type of brown seaweed that is found in the colder coastal waters of North America
It has many benefits for the skin:
Soothing: Kelp extract can soothe and reduce skin sensitivity.
Hydrating: Kelp extract can promote skin hydration and tighten the skin.
Moisturizing: Kelp extract contains oleic and linoleic acids, which are moisturizing.
Vitamins and minerals: Kelp extract is full of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamins A and E.
Palmaria palmata (red dulse algae) extract is used in due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to soothe and protect the underarm skin from irritation caused by sweating and friction, while also potentially helping to neutralize odor-causing bacteria due to its antimicrobial activity.
Sunflower wax is a vegetable wax that's made from sunflower oil. It has a high melting point and is a good emulsifier, which means it can bind water and oil together to create a smooth texture. Sunflower wax is also non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic, so it's suitable for all skin types.
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