The Botanical Deodorant

'For the past six years, I have conducted extensive research in the formulation of skincare products. I have sourced and tested high quality ingredients to create natural products that work in synergy with the skin.'

Josephine, formulator and founder at ITHACA Botanicals

 

The Deodorant

The health and beauty industry is in a constant state of renewal. In response to concern over mainstream products, there has been a surge of natural deodorants emerging in recent years. However, truly skin-friendly and gentle options remain limited, as many natural formulas still tend to cause irritation.
 
Many natural deodorants rely on high or low pH levels to be effective. This can gradually disrupt the skin’s naturally acidic barrier and lead to irritation. A common irritant is baking soda-based deodorant, which is highly alkaline and can impact the skin’s protective layer over time.
 
I have been dedicated to creating a natural deodorant that respects the skin’s microbiome. ITHACA deodorant has been through numerous iterations to provide a gentle yet effective formula.


Deodorants/Antiperspirants

It is important to emphasise the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants operate by reducing odour but do not stop you from sweating, while antiperspirants aim to block or minimise sweat production.
Perspiration is an important function for our bodies so we prefer not to block this natural process.
 

ITHACA deodorant

ITHACA deodorant uses a strategic blend of active ingredients to combat odour without blocking sweat production and whilst maintaining the integrity of the skin’s microbiome. 
These are well researched ingredients used within the green cosmetics industry and known for their gentle action: Zinc Ricinoleate  (Zinc Salt found in Castor Oil) and Triethyl Citrate (from fermentation of vegetable products). This is supported by a botanical blend of antimicrobial and soothing plant extracts; Sage, Ajowain, Oregano, Clove, Curcuma, Liquorice and Hops. Essential oils are functional fragrances as they have been chosen for their fragrance as well as their antimicrobial properties.
Visit our ingredients page for more detailed information.

Ethos

This deodorant contains no palm oil or its derivatives. The paper tubes are recyclable and compostable. Aluminium tin pots are infinitely recyclable. Ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers who have sustainability at their core . 


Ingredients

Each ingredient has been carefully and thoughtfully selected. Plant extracts have been utilised for their antimicrobial and soothing effects.

Our active botanical blend uses CO2 extraction which preserves more of the plants natural properties through gentle extraction and a cleaner process in terms of environmental impact.

It is always worth noting each individual’s skin and microbiome is unique and responds differently to certain ingredients. Natural ingredients being no exception. Therefore always check the ingredients list for allergens and patch test before use. 

Please consult our ingredients glossary below for further information.

Collapsible content

Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride

Also known as MCT oil or liquid/ fractionated coconut oil. Moisturising for the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Organic Mango Butter

Creamy soft and smooth, our certified organic mango butter nourishes skin and forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture. Sourced from family-run businesses supporting raw material farmers prior to processing.

Arrowroot Powder

From the dried rhizomes of the Arrowroot plant. The soft powder works to absorb excess moisture, sweat, and oil from the skin, keeping it feeling fresh and dry. 

Diisooctyl Succinate

100% natural emollient derived from non-GMO corn oil and castor oil. Provides conditioning and moisturising benefits with a light and silky feel, leaving no greasy residue on the skin.

Rice Bran Wax

Responsible for providing stability to the formula. Nourishing and hydrating, rice Bran Wax is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for all skin types.

Behenyl Alcohol

A saturated fatty acid derived from vegetable sources such as non-GMO corn oil and castor oil. It is used as a waxy ingredient to thicken our deodorant. This is a non drying form of alcohol and serves as a moisturising emollient. Saturated fatty acids are found naturally in butters such as Shea butter.

Triethyl Citrate

A citric acid ester obtained from the fermentation of vegetables and a natural antioxidant. Inhibits bacterial enzymes responsible for causing odour.

Zinc Ricinolate

Diatomaceous Earth

From fresh water algae, this form of silica has a microporous structure that provides excellent absorption properties helping to accelerate sweat evaporation.

Vitamin E

Extracted from soy beans, vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant and therefore protects the natural butters and oils in our formula, keeping them fresher for longer.

Bisabolol

Soothing and helps to calm irritated skin. Bisabolol is found naturally in chamomile flowers. The active ingredient has proven wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sage

A well known herb for reducing excessive sweating. Antiseptic and antimicrobial. Soothes the skin.

Turmeric Root

Used for it's skin soothing properties on inflamed skin and its antimicrobial action.

Oregano

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Glyceryl Caprylate

Completely plant based ester of glycerine with caprylic acid (from coconut oil). Its antimicrobial activity boosts the efficacy of the deodorant whilst also being skin conditioning.

Organic Frankincense

'The king of oils' has been in use since ancient times in perfumes and cosmetics. It provides a relaxing and grounding fragrance. Anti inflammatory and antibacterial. Our Frankincense is certified organic by the Soil Association. Its a aromatic gum resin from the Boswellia Serrata tree found in Somalia.

Cypress

Found in the Mediterranean, Cypress essential oil energises, promoting positivity and a clear mind. Antibacterial and antimicrobial,

Mandarin

Cold pressed from the fruit providing us with a uplifting sweet citrus aroma.

Hops

Effective against gram-positive bacteria responsible for body odour. As a bonus, Hops also contributes to soothing sensitive skin.

Ajwain Fruits

A natural antioxidant with antimicrobial and fungicidal properties. Its main active component is thymol, which has a strong germicidal effect on bacteria and fungi.

Clove

The active component, eugenol, contained in clove extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial poperties. Traditionally used to treat inflammation in the mouth.

Geranium

Medicinal and aromantic plant providing a rosy aroma, with floral, fresh, sweet, fruity and woody olfactory notes. In addition, Geranium oil provides us with antibacterial and antifungal properties as well as astringent activities. Helps to reduce skin inflammation and irritation. Good for oily complexions with frequent used in acne treatments. Geranium essential oil major components are citronellol, geraniol, and linalool.

Juniper Berry

Juniper essential oil is crisp, fresh and woody.

Renowned for its detoxifying properties that helps clear congestion in the skin, by encouraging healthy circulation and lymphatic system.

Liquorice Root

Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Excellent for sensitive skin. A source of polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, minerals, phytosterols, and vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and E).

Lavender

Prized for its therapeutic properties with use dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans. After testing out many different variations of lavender oils, ITHACA deodorant uses a superior quality oil from France grown at high altitude. This results in a more potent and aromatic oil which allows us to use less.

Its properties include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming effects. Promotes relaxation, relieving stress, and aiding sleep. In skincare, it's valued for its ability to soothe skin irritations, combat acne, and reduce the signs of aging.

Manuka

Renowned for the healing, antibacterial honey that the bees make from its tiny white blossoms. Manuka oil has proved to be effective against bacteria and pathogenic fungi that affect the skin – such as ringworm, tinea (athlete’s foot) and candida albicans/thrush.

ITHACA

Poem by Constantine P. Cavafy

As you set out for Ithaka
hope your road is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops,
angry Poseidon—don’t be afraid of them:
you’ll never find things like that on your way
as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,
as long as a rare excitement
stirs your spirit and your body.
Laistrygonians, Cyclops,
wild Poseidon—you won’t encounter them
unless you bring them along inside your soul,
unless your soul sets them up in front of you.

Hope your road is a long one.
May there be many summer mornings when,
with what pleasure, what joy,
you enter harbors you’re seeing for the first time;
may you stop at Phoenician trading stations
to buy fine things,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
sensual perfume of every kind—
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
and may you visit many Egyptian cities
to learn and go on learning from their scholars.

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you’re destined for.
But don’t hurry the journey at all.
Better if it lasts for years,
so you’re old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her you wouldn't have set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you.
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

Copyright Credit: C. P. Cavafy, "The City" from C.P. Cavafy: Collected Poems.