Body Products

Super Deodorant Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

Super Deodorant is a natural deodorant that is free of fragrance, baking soda, coconut, AHAs, BHAs, essential oils and aluminum that provides 24-hour protection from body odor. This deodorant is safe for everyone. In addition to the underarms, it can be used on the feet, groin area and under/between the breasts.

Active ingredients: Pure medical-grade silver (non-nano), zinc oxide, magnesium hydroxide

Base ingredients: Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, allergenic protein/peptide-free, phytoestrogen-free, isoflavone-free ultra-refined soy butter, oryza sativa (rice) bran wax, maranta arundinacea (arrowroot powder), d-alpha-tocopherol (non-GMO vitamin E)

Silver is used as an antibacterial rather than baking soda that creates an alkaline environment or AHAs/BHAs that create an acidic environment on the skin to kill bacteria. Deodorants that alter the pH of the skin can cause irritation and damage to the microbiome. I had tried The Ordinary’s AHA toner on my underarms for odor and hyperpigmentation and while it does work for odor control, it does not last all day and can be irritating. For dark underarms, I use Bush Balm’s Bermuda Oil and First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser. I thought I had read a blog post from Super Deodorant that explained why deodorants with acidic formulas stop working over time, but now cannot find it. I emailed Super Deodorant and will update with the article if/when they respond (update September 24, 2022 – Here is the response from Super Deodorant “When an AHA is used as an active ingredient in deodorant, it comes with limitations. First, how much of this active is bioavailable? For example, mandelic acid has a pH between ~3 to 4. At this strength, most people can use it as an exfoliating peel. When used in any “leave on” product, such as deodorant, it has to be balanced to a pH of 4.5 for the skin to tolerate it. This is also governed by local health regulators (eg. Health Canada). pH above 4.5 is close to the skin’s natural pH and there isn’t much of the active ingredient readily available to continue performing. It will reach equilibrium in a few hours and get neutralized when constantly mixed with sweat and other bodily fluids”). Though I have not experienced deodorants that stopped working after a while (though for review purposes, I do not usually stick with one product long-term), I have seen reviews and comments on various deodorant brands where customers had loved the deodorant, but longer term, it did not control body odor as well as it had.

Zinc oxide prevents rashes and injury to the skin. Magnesium hydroxide balances pH. Rice bran wax makes the deodorant stick to the skin when wet or sweaty. Arrowroot powder absorbs sweat and reduces wetness. Vitamin E improves shelf life.

This is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, so will not prevent wetness from sweat, though does reduce it somewhat.

Using a pea-sized amount on each armpit every day, a tin will last about 45 to 50 days. As this product contains no preservatives, an unopened tin lasts about 6 months. This product can be stored in a Ziploc bag in the fridge or freezer before opening to extend shelf life (Super Deodorant offers a discount if purchasing more than one).

Directions: Exfoliate the underarms before using Super Deodorant for the first time and once to twice a month if the skin does not exfoliate itself effectively (I use First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser). Click here to find out why. Apply a pea-sized amount to each underarm in a sweeping motion. Wait a minute before putting on a shirt.

Super Deodorant is a light grey paste that has a minimal clay scent. It rubs in well and leaves a bit of a grey cast until it warms up a bit and is rubbed in a second time. There is no grittiness. In warmer temperatures, particularly when shipping, there can be some separation of the product and it can be put in the fridge for a creamier consistency. This does not stain clothes so long as it is rubbed in well.

I have used three tins of this deodorant so far. I put it on after a shower in the evening and it really does last 24 hours. It can be applied after shaving with no stinging. I generally get underarm odor during sleep and if I forget to apply in the evening, I use it in the morning and Super Deodorant immediately eliminates odor. I really put the deodorant to the test the other day – I applied before bed and the next day worked in the office, cleaned and vacuumed the house, went to the gym, and mowed the lawn in 30oC weather. Though I was very sweaty and hot, I had no body odor at all.

Super Deodorant is fantastic. It works very well and is long lasting for odor protection, better than other deodorants I have reviewed, including my previous favorite from Kopari. I have found the one and will continue to purchase.

Thanks for visiting.

BIA Skin Whipped Body Créme Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

BIA Skin is a Canadian company formulating clinical grade skin care for the body to clear blemishes, improve tone, tighten skin, smooth bumps, reverse signs of aging, and protect skin against environmental stressors.

The Whipped Body Créme is a smoothing, firming, antiaging moisturizer with fatty acids, caffeine and antioxidants that claims to nourish skin and leaving a tightened, toned, and velvety appearance.

Ingredients: aqua, caprylic/capric triglycerides, shea butter, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, octyldodecanol, sodium citrate, cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, caffeine, ascorbyl palmitate, mica, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, glycerin, acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium hydroxide, parfum, triethanolamine, citric acid 

Octyldodecanol is a mineral wax (a silicone alternative), providing hydration as an emollient and occlusive. Ascorbyl palmitate is a form of vitamin C with antioxidant benefits. Caffeine is an antioxidant and is said to improve the appearance of cellulite and skin tone. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, performing best over damp skin.

Directions: Massage onto damp skin, particularly the breasts, chest, bum, hips and tummy.

When I purchased the cream, the jar was a very thick, heavy plastic and the scent of the lotion is a combination of rum and plastic, the plastic scent lasting more than a few minutes, then settles into a sort of light vanilla rum scent that lasts less than an hour. BIA has since changed the jars to a lighter-weight 100% post consumer recycled plastic, so I expect the lotion will no longer smell like plastic.

The Whipped Body Créme is a very thick lotion, not as thick as some body butters. It does not spread easily on dry skin, but after a shower on damp skin, it goes on very nicely. The lotion is a bit heavy at first and take a few minutes to absorb. A little goes a long way. The skin is then left with a velvety feeling, lasting about 8 hours; smooth, soft skin until the next day, and a slight shine from the mica that lasts a couple hours. I have used the body cream for a couple months and texture has improved and the skin feels moisturized and nourished. I am not sure about firming the skin, but the crepiness around my bellybutton, inner thighs and breasts from weight fluctuations certainly looks better.

I have had very dry, very itches patches on my lower back and after one use, the dry skin improved by about 50% and was no longer itchy. I am however now left with patches of hyperpigmentation and am going to try Bush Balm’s Bermuda Oil that is formulated to improve dark spots anywhere on the body.

The cream does not work as well on very dry elbows and knees or hands and feet (for these areas I use O’Keeffe’s products; reviews here and here). The Whipped Body Créme however hydrates overall dry, flaky skin elsewhere on the body.

Though this is a thick lotion, I do not think it will be too heavy in the summer; it absorbs so well without being greasy, and my legs and back are prone to dryness even in warmer weather.

Pairing the body cream with First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser gives such smooth, velvety skin. I also bought BIA Skin Body Polish with Glycolic Acid, similar in function to the Bump Eraser that I will use soon.

BIA Skin’s Whipped Body Créme hydrates, improves texture and tone, and gives a soft, velvety feeling and shine. This is a definite repurchase.

Thanks for visiting.

Murad Clarifying Body Spray

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

The Clarifying Body Spray by Murad is a spray that works for application at any angle, even hard-to-reach areas, claiming to reduce the number and severity of breakouts on the body and prevent new breakouts from forming, while soothing the skin.

Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Glycerin, Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract, Panthenol, Glycolic Acid, Menthol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil

Denatured alcohol is the second ingredient, which can be drying to the skin. This contains 0.5% salicylic acid – for home use, the maximum strength is 2%, and this is what I see in many skincare products, so was surprised that this Murad product has only 0.5%. This also has glycolic acid. Glycerin is a humectant. The spray also contains menthol, which provides a cooling effect, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), niacinamide for reducing inflammation and allantoin to soothe and protect the skin. Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil is also known as lemongrass oil, often used for fragrance.

Directions: After cleansing, spray an even layer over affected areas. Start with one application daily, increasing to two of three times daily if needed. If dryness of peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.

My teenage daughter and I both used the clarifying body spray, she for back acne for 1-1/2 months and me for chest acne for 4 months, once a the day in the evening. Her back has larger pimples and hyperpigmentation from the breakouts. My back has smaller pimples and whiteheads. The clarifying body spray is a fine mist that spreads easily, is easy to apply and dries fast. It was not drying to the skin. The scent of the product was odd, first smelling like alcohol for a couple seconds, then I thought a mix of almost a urine smell and licorice for a couple seconds (maybe the lemongrass?), however, the scent does not last long as the product dries very fast.

As above, the spray did not prevent new breakouts from forming and the skin was not particularly improved. Since it was not helping, my daughter stopped applying after 1.5 months.

For me, I used daily in the evening for 4 months on my chest. I did not really feel a cooling or soothing effect, nor see a reduction in inflammation. This also did not help prevent new breakouts nor really improve the texture and breakouts already on the skin. I should add that I’m not sure if the breakouts on my chest are keratosis pilaris (this product has helped the KP on my legs particularly); my chest has looked like this for years now (KP is hard to improve and there is no cure), but the breakouts randomly look worse and better. The Murad body spray may not be as beneficial for KP as other products. In any case, I would not repurchase.

Drunk Elephant Kamili Cream Body Cleanser Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

Kamili is a body wash from Drunk Elephant for all skin types, formulated with mild surfactants to gently cleanse and plant oils and amino acids to soothe, strengthen and moisturize the skin. This product claims to create a rich foam that lifts dirt and other residue without drying the skin.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Coconut Alkanes, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Carbomer, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Lactate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, PCA, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Aspartic Acid, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Acetate

Kamili contains coconut-based surfactants, an amino acid blend to strengthen and soothe skin and plant-based oils that provide moisture. There is no added fragrance, just the natural scent of the ingredients (sweet almond).

Directions: Apply to wet skin, massage and rinse. It is suggested to follow with Drunk Elephant’s Sili Body Lotion. Drunk Elephant says Kamili can be used to cleanse the face as well.

I have combination skin on my body; dry legs and back and oily chest. I have keratosis pilaris on my legs and arms and acne on my chest. I usually use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash which I do not need much of to make a rich, long-lasting lather due to the sodium laureth sulfate. When I use the Aveeno, my back tends to feel dry and itchy, so I wanted to try something else.

Kamili has cocamidopropyl betaine, a surfactant often used in sulfate-free shampoo that makes the lather. Kamili has light, soft, rich bubbles when massaged onto a bath poof (if using just the hands, it does not lather much), but I need to use about twice as much body wash than I would using a wash containing sulfates (perhaps to be expected).The foam does not last long on the body or the poof. I’ll wash my whole body, shave one leg (I just use body wash to shave) and by the time I go to the other leg, the bubbles are almost gone. I tried to “reactivate” the bubbles on the poof by massaging again and adding water, which does not work, and I have to add more body wash.

The body wash itself cleanses well and rinses well with no residue. My skin feels moisturized and a bit softer and my back does not get dry or itchy. Kamili is more enjoyable to use than other body washes; I think because of the softness of the bubbles and the almond scent. The acne and breakouts on my chest remained the same (though I did not really expect the body wash to help).

I’ve used Kamili a few times on the face as well. I have oily/combination skin. This product foams a bit while massaging with the fingers. It cleanses well (needs a double cleanse for makeup and sunscreen) and rinses well, however, after rinsing and drying, the skin feels quite dry on its own and to the touch and I would not continue to use this product as a facial cleanser.

While Drunk Elephant’s Kamili Cream Body Cleanser is moisturizing, has soft bubbles and is nice to use, the bubbles do not last long and I need to use quite a bit of product. I likely will not repurchase.

Thanks for reading.

Lush Silky Underwear Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

Silky Underwear from Lush is a body dusting powder that claims to leave skin feeling smooth, silky and dry, with cornstarch and koalin clay to absorb moisture and cocoa butter to nourish the skin. This does not contain talc.

Ingredients: Corn Starch (Zea mays) , Kaolin , Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao) , Magnesium Carbonate , Fragrance , Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum) , Vetivert Oil (Vetiveria zizanoides) , Cinnamyl Alcohol , Benzyl Cinnamate , Linalool 

Directions: Sprinkle all over body and rub in. Can also be sprinkled on bed sheets and hair.

Silky Underwear is a very fine powder that has a jasmine/vetiver scent. Vetiver is related to lemon grass and citronella. The scent is light and sophisticated and does not interfere with other scented products. The scent fades over time, lasting about an hour on the skin.

Once rubbed into the skin, Silky Underwear leaves a silky, soft, invisible layer on the skin. It does not leave a dry feeling on the skin and is slightly moisturizing. It does absorb some sweat while hanging out at home or working at the office and leaves the skin relatively dry, but on a hot day or when working out, the skin will get sweaty.

Silky Underwear is quite versatile. I put this product on the inner thighs to help with chafing when wearing skirts or oversized sweatpants, over deodorant and under and between the breasts. It helps the most under the breasts where there is chafing from a bra strap or, when not wearing a bra, absorbs some sweat. The skin looks much better and less red here when I use Silky Underwear. It does not work as a dry shampoo, but leaves a nice scent in second- and third-day hair. Sprinkled on the sheets before sleeping leaves a nice, light scent. It can be applied to the feet and sprinkled in shoes.

Silky Underwear needs a better lid. After a few uses, powder gets clogged in the hole and does not dispense. A shaker lid would be much better.

While Silky Underwear could have better packaging, the skin feels soft and silky, chafing and redness are improved and the powder has many uses. I will continue to purchase.

Thanks for reading.