One of the main reasons why natural deodorant is good for you is because it does not contain aluminum, which is a common ingredient in most commercial antiperspirants. Aluminum can clog your sweat glands and prevent you from sweating, which can lead to a buildup of toxins in your body.
Natural deodorants, on the other hand, work by neutralising the bacteria that cause body odor, rather than preventing you from sweating. This means you can still sweat, which is a natural and healthy process for your body. Where Valor Pit Stop differs is that it uses natural ingredients that also absorb the sweat keeping you drier as well as odor free.
Another benefit of natural deodorant is that it is gentle on your skin. Unlike commercial antiperspirants that can cause irritation and itching, natural deodorants are made with ingredients that are mild and soothing to the skin. If you have been sensitive to products previously, we recommend you try our Wategos scent, which contains extra soothing ingredients.
Our Valor Pit Stop natural deodorant is also good for the environment. It won’t hurt enviro tanks and comes in , sustainable packaging, that can be reused or recycled.
If, like many other people, you are looking for a safe and effective way to stay fresh throughout the day, try Valor Pit Stop natural deodorant - it is a great option to consider made from organic and natural products. It is gentle on the skin, does not contain harmful chemicals, and is environmentally friendly. So, be sure to give it a try and see the difference it can make to your body and the environment.
First time using Natural Deodorant? Read our Detox Your Pits feature here.
]]>One of our most popular products is our face balm, designed to nourish and protect. Made with a blend of rich botanical oils and butter, this face balm provides intense hydration and helps to soothe dryness and irritation.
Containing pomegranate oil, Valor face balm is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and vitamin C. This help protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Pomegranate oil also helps to improve skin texture and elasticity by stimulating collagen production. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, making it perfect for post-shave application and even for acne sufferers.
What sets our face balm apart from other moisturisers is its unique formulation with a high concentration of antioxidants to help to protect the skin against environmental damage and prevent premature aging. Additionally, Valor face balm contains many important ingredients, including aloe, frankincense, bergamot and rose oil, which work together to nourish and revitalise the skin.
As with all skincare products, versatility is important, so our anti-ageing face balm can be used as a daily moisturiser and an overnight treatment to help the skin retain moisture and heal. Its rich, creamy texture melts into the skin, leaving it soft and smooth to the touch.
Add the Valor face balm to your daily skincare routine to help achieve healthy, radiant skin.
]]>Whether you are a seasoned Pit Stop user, have used other brands of natural deodorant, or just starting out on natural deodorant for the first time, it’s worth taking a few moments to familiarise yourself with how and why Pit Stop works and what to expect when transitioning from more toxic (aluminium based) products.
There is an increasing number of natural deodorants on the market and we often hear people say that many don’t work for them. In truth, there are quite a variety of products out there and they are not all equal. However, we can say with confidence that Pit Stop has a huge following, is highly effective and really does work.
The cause of bad odour under your arms is not your sweat but a build-up of bacteria (called Corynebacteria) breeding in your nice wet and sweaty armpits. The secret to a good natural deodorant is its ability to take away the environment that the bacteria need to grow. Pit Stop does this in several ways. Firstly, it increases the PH level of your underarms to create an environment that bacteria cannot breed in. However, it doesn’t stop there, Pit Stop also contains oils that have known antibacterial and deodorising properties and also tapioca whose absorbent properties assist to soak up a sweat making you feel more comfortable.
Most people will be able to switch seamlessly from chemical products to natural deodorant but for some there can be a transition period during which they will be aware of changes in their underarm area.
You have probably been using chemical antiperspirants or deodorants for years right? Well, these will have been absorbed by your skin (hence the concerns about aluminium based deodorants and breast cancer) and so you may find a “detox” phase occurs. During this time you may see increased sweating, a temporary increase in body odour and occasionally irritation caused by the body’s reaction to a new product.
The good news is that, once you cease to use chemical products your body will automatically start to detox but for a small number of people this may be a bit of a process involving a 2 to 4 week transition period.
If you have been using antiperspirants on a regular basis you may find that you see little change in the first 3-5 days as residue aluminium and other ingredients in your previous product may continue to inhibit sweating. After 3-5 days you should notice increased sweating underarms as your body functions start to return to normal.
During this period Bacteria levels should begin to subside and underarm moisture levels will also normalize.
You may still notice that your underarms are wetter than before although the water-absorbing ingredients in Pit Stop should assist with this.
Remember to wash your Pit Stop off at night before bed. This will give your skin a break from slightly higher PH level - reapply in the morning..
Our unique, best selling Pit Stop Natural Deodorant – Original (also known as Axilla cream or Axilla paste). This Original blend is popular with both men and women a true unisex product – that actually works.
Pit Stop addresses body odour in several ways. It adjusts the PH level of the skin’s surface, making it unsuitable for bacteria to multiply. In addition, our blend of essential oils featuring Frankincense, Cedarwood, Lime and Patchouli, is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial preventing the survival of bad odour producing bacteria. The base oils of organic shea butter and coconut oil add moisturising qualities for your under-arms and Calendula extract is known for its gentle skin-soothing properties. Our oil to powder formula assists absorb perspiration.
No toxic chemicals, no aluminium – just soft, sweet-smelling Pits! Naturally!
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With global issues around environmental protection and sustainability becoming a big part of global consciousness, the worldwide movement towards natural beauty products is gaining momentum. And we’re totally here for it. People everywhere are opting for natural alternatives to popular remedies and the beauty industry has joined in, in a big way. We’re seeing natural hair dye, bath bombs with delish natural ingredients and even natural deodorant.
Let’s talk natural deodorant. It does everything a normal deodorant does, without the parabens, aluminium and Palm Oil
Shea butter is the fat extracted from the kernels of the fruit of the shea tree. The shea tree is native to Africa. Shea butter has a particularly high content of cosmetically valuable ingredients
Coconut Oil, also called Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, is a pale-yellow, semisolid, edible oil. Coconut Acid is a mixture of fatty acids derived from Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is a pretty incredible ingredient. It's packed with rich fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants which help fight damage causing free-radicals (1). Also, coconut oil molecules are quite small which helps with absorption for amazing conditioning and moisturizing benefits
Tapioca is a natural source of resistant starch. As the name implies, resistant starch is resistant to digestion and functions like fibre in the digestive system. Resistant starch has been linked to a number of benefits for overall health
Sodium Bicarbonate
surprisingly, human sweat is odourless. Sweat only gains an odor after it’s broken down by bacteria in your armpits. These bacteria convert your sweat into acidic waste products that give sweat its odor. Baking soda may eliminate the smell of sweat by making the odors less acidic
Kaolin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Tocopherol is the only form of vitamin E that is actively maintained in the human body and thus is the form of vitamin E found in the greatest quantities in the blood and tissues.
Kaolin is a type of clay found in nature. It can also be made in a laboratory. Kaolin is also great for those with acne-prone skin as it removes acne-causing impurities in a gentle manner, without causing any dryness or skin irritation
Calendula is known for its healing properties and its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In cosmetics, the calendula flower is used for its soothing properties as well as for its anti-irritation effects. This ingredient is present in 2.15% of cosmetics
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
A vegetable wax coming from the leaves of the Brazilian tropical palm tree, Copernicia cerifera. Similar to other waxes, it is used to stabilize and give body to products, or to keep stick type formulas solid. It is the hardest natural wax with a high melting point (around 85C) and high gloss making it a great wax choice for lip products.
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
Lime essential oil is refreshing and energizing in both aroma and taste. Limes are frequently used in entrées and beverages for their fresh, citrus flavor. Due to its high limonene content, Lime essential; oil provides internal cleansing benefits* and the citrusy aroma can be diffused to help freshen the air.
Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil
Several studies have demonstrated that patchouli oil has an anti-inflammatory effect:
It was also found that helped with Anti-inflammatory, Pain relief, Skin application, weight loss, antibacterial activity, antifungal activity
Rose geranium oil is an active ingredient in some cosmetic products, like lotions and fragrances. A 2017 review of studies demonstrated that antioxidant properties in rose geranium oil may help reduce the signs of aging. Antioxidants are well-established as natural agents for improving your skin’s ability to heal itself from environmental toxins and exposure
With its anti-inflammatory compounds, Cedarwood Oil can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. In fact, Cedarwood Essential Oil is particularly renowned for its ability to help reduce eczema flare-ups.
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce joint inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years, frankincense appears to offer certain health benefits, from improved arthritis and digestion to reduced asthma and better oral health.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Neroli)
Inhalation aromatherapy using neroli oil may help reduce stress, anxiety, and anxiety-induced depression. When inhaled, neroli oil may help the brain release serotonin, and reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf (Cinnamon) Oil
Used medicinally, Cinnamon Essential Oil is reputed to reduce inflammation, eliminate viruses, boost immunity, facilitate pain relief, and improve metabolic function
You may be surprised that a rose scented soap is one of our BEST sellers. But it's our key ingredients and their benefits that makes it so popular. Our Agatha Fitch Soap has some powerhouse ingredients that is soon going to make it your new favourite soap.
The key ingredients in our Agatha Fitch soap are Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Pink clay.
Rose Geranium is highly regarded for its balancing effects on both mind and body and is great for helping to ease stress, anxiety, depression and even symptoms of PMS. *Adds to Cart*. It’s popular for medicinal skincare and can improve blood circulation making it useful for healing wounds and fighting inflammation such as acne, fungal infections, eczema, dermatitis and muscle strain.
Rose Geranium is also helpful in healing and fading scars, restoring smoothness to the skin. It's stabilising effect helps to balance dry and oily skin, keeping it clear and supple, and is a traditional healer of burns, wounds and ulcers. It's rich moisturising qualities make it ideal for ingrown hairs, “bacne” (back acne) and dry skin. - essentially, it's going to get your life in order.
Ylang Ylang is known for its calming and soothing properties and for strengthening the nervous system. It's heady scent is a perfect combination with Rose geranium.
Other ingredients include pink clay which is rich in Silica and may help to improve skin elasticity and cell renewal, resulting in supple, younger-looking skin. Gently exfoliating and light on the skin, Pink Clay leaves skin feeling silky-soft and smooth. Plus, it can help to minimise blackheads and promote a radiant and balanced complexion. Palmarosa oil which contains a high percentage of geraniol to support clean, healthy-looking skin and balance moisture levels in the skin.
Agatha Fitch is suitable for men and women, and it's incredibly moisturizing making it ideal for acne, ingrown hairs, “bacne” (back acne) and dry skin. It’s even great for shaving (ladies your legs will feel amazing after shaving with this).
Of course, all our soaps are made from Australian Grown olive oils and ethically made, free from Palm & Palm Derivatives.
+ CRUELTY-FREE + VEGAN + AUSTRALIAN-MADE & OWNED + NATURAL + ORGANIC
+ FREE FROM PALM OIL, PARABENS, SLS, PETROCHEMICALS, ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES & FRAGRANCE
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Plus, what to expect when transitioning from aluminium-based products.
There is an increasing number of natural deodorants on the market and we often hear people say that many don’t work for them. In truth, there are quite a variety of products out there and they are not all equal. However, we can say with confidence that Pit Stop Natural Deodorant has a huge following simply because it is highly effective and really does work.
The cause of bad odour under your arms is actually not your sweat but a build-up of bacteria (aka Corynebacteria) breeding in your nice wet and sweaty armpits. The secret to a good natural deodorant is its ability to take away the environment that the bacteria need to grow.
Pit Stop does this in several ways. Firstly, it increases the pH level of your underarms to create an environment that bacteria cannot breed in. In addition, it also contains oils that have known antibacterial and deodorising properties as well as Tapioca whose absorbent properties assist in soaking up a sweat making you feel more comfortable. Finally we support your comfort with a soothing and calming base of essential oils.
Most people will be able to switch seamlessly from chemical products to natural deodorant but for some there can be a transition period during which they will be aware of changes in their underarm area.
You have probably been using chemical antiperspirants or deodorants for years, right? Well, these will have been absorbed by your skin (hence the concerns about aluminium based deodorants) and so you may find a “detox” phase occurs as your bacterial microbiome changes. During this time, you may actually see increased sweating and body odour. This is where you get familiar with your pits!
The good news is that, once you cease to use chemical products your body will automatically start to detox but for a small number of people this may be a bit of a process involving a 2 to 4 week transition period.
If you have been using antiperspirants on a regular basis you may find that you see little change in the first 3-5 days as residue aluminium and other ingredients in your previous product may continue to inhibit sweating. After 3-5 days you should notice increased sweating underarms as your body functions start to return to normal.
During this period, bacteria levels should begin to subside, and underarm moisture levels will also normalise.
You may still notice that your underarms are wetter than before although the water-absorbing ingredients in Pit Stop are designed to assist with this.
Remember to wash your Pit Stop off at night before bed. Try Valor Soap bar or Face & Body Wash. This will give your skin a break from slightly higher pH level. Reapply in the morning with a smile, knowing you're looking after your body, naturally.
NEW TO NATURAL DEODORANT? Get familiar with your pits and try the Pit Stop Natural Deodorant
if you are on the sensitive side try our new Pit Stop Watego fragrance (a delicious Grapefruit & Frankincense scent with extra calming properties!)
Have you switched to natural deodorant already or have you tried to? What was your detox experience like? We want to know! Please leave your comments below.
+ CRUELTY-FREE + VEGAN + AUSTRALIAN-MADE & OWNED + NATURAL + ORGANIC
+ FREE FROM PALM OIL, PARABENS, SLS, PETROCHEMICALS, ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES & FRAGRANCE
]]>DON'T DITCH YOUR DEODORANT, BUT DO GO NATURAL
Deodorant is doubly important. First, it neutralises your body’s own signature scent (perhaps musky top notes, with lingering base notes of beer and cheese – we don’t judge). In turn, deodorant assures that your BO isn’t interfering with your expensive cologne. Isn’t it interesting that so many of us spend so much time finding a fragrance to cover odours, yet so little effort on picking a product that actually eliminates negative, opposing smells?
But not all deodorants are created equal. Some embrace aluminium and promise a two-day-long zero-sweat streak. Others are all-natural and offer more of a... 'complement' to your natural aroma rather than a solution to stinkiness. And that’s precisely why you should research your products before you buy them.
Pit Stop adjusts the pH level of the skin’s surface, making it unsuitable for bacteria to multiply. Bacteria that break down sweat is what causes odour, not sweat itself. Pit Stop is not an antiperspirant (which prevents sweating), meaning you can still sweat BUT smell good naturally and stay that way all day, without aluminium or nasty ingredients.
In addition, the blend of essential oils (Frankincense, Cedarwood, Lime and Patchouli) is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, further preventing the survival of bad odour producing bacteria and giving a subtle scent (although we do have an unscented version available too for those who prefer).
The base oils of organic shea butter and coconut oil add moisturising qualities for your under-arms and Calendula extract is known for its gentle skin-soothing properties. Our oil-to-powder formula assists in absorbing perspiration to help you feel more comfortable.
What a lot of people don’t realise is that your body goes through a detox phase when you swap out aluminium-laden anti-perspirant for a natural deodorant. Daily anti-perspirant use can change the bacterial microbiome in your armpits. Which can cause overproduction of bad bacteria and make you smellier when you first discontinue.
A 2 to 4 week transition period can be expected when switching from anti-perspirant to natural deodorant. For some people, this may seem too scary to embark on, but it is so worth it when you realise that then for the rest of your life, you will have the security of knowing you are making a healthier life choice every single day. Thankfully, there are also a few things you can do to help you get through the detox.
TIPS TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH THE DETOX
Have you switched to natural deodorant already or have you tried to? What was your detox experience like? We want to know! Please leave your comments below.
Try the duo you didn’t know you needed.
Ensure a successful transition to natural deodorant by pairing it with the Valor Soap bar, full of anti-bacterial properties, to minimise the smell throughout the process.
*Unless you already know if you have an underarm sensitivity to an ingredient, the only way you will know is to use the product. Patch testing a deodorant on your hand or arm will not work as the skin under your arm is a different country. It is a damp and dark country and ingredients in a damp enclosed area will respond differently than on surface skin.
Cleanse away the battles of the day with the Valor Soap – Original blend of script natural scents. handcrafted to leave you feeling thoroughly refreshed. Originally created for Sea Shepherd using Essential Oils that promote Valor, Protection, Determination, and Persistence.
]]>The recent trend of interest in all things traditional (Hipsters are not the only ones!) including "old fashioned" shaving methodologies, maybe a reaction to the recent worldwide recession or just a natural swing back to using well-made products that are durable and that can be passed on rather than thrown away. New generations are discovering that LOW-TECH may cost more upfront, but be cheaper in the long run, as well as being more satisfying and an opportunity to create a ritual that can bring calmness and focus to one's life.
A driving force for me in creating Shaving and Beard and Skincare for men is my fond memories of sitting with my Dad as he shaved. His method was to fill the basin with warm water, wet his face then apply the shaving stick straight to his skin and whiskers, then use his brush to lather up directly on this face. He then used a safety razor - taking several passes over his face to come up smooth and kissable. Needless to say, I have been fascinated with men and their whiskers ever since!
The beauty of using a great piece of design with a sharp stainless steel blade is you can get a great shave every time, for the rest of your life - only needing to discard the fine steel blade when it becomes blunt, rather than a bundle of plastic to clutter the earth for the next 5000 years.
"Safety" Razor is a relative term - they were safer than the other alternative of a Cutthroat razor, but they still require a little more thought and slow passes than a Bic or Gillette. With a little practice, a great shave with less pain with no nicks can be achieved every day.
Here are my 5 TOP TIPS FOR USING A SAFETY RAZOR:
We stock classic Safety Razors as well as organic men's shaving products.
Organic Shaving Serum is a smooth oil that provides glide for your shave while nourishing the skin. Can be used as a pre-shave lubricant cream and whisker softener.
For those men who prefer a quicker shave without the shaving puck and brush, we created the perfect Organic Shaving Serum with a gentle, silky glide to apply to wet skin. It not only helps give a smooth shave but also provides a cushion layer between the blade and skin, protects and hydrates, leaving skin soft and silky.
Features our signature scent of Cedar, Frankincense, Patchouli and Lime.
An organic Australian Olive Oil Shaving Soap that will make a fine lather (like a cross between a shaving cream and a gel), that will give great glide and provide a smooth shave. Comes complete in a custom stainless steel bowl.
Original Blend was our first Valor scent created – the scent was designed for a soap we produced for Sea Shepherd – embodying the qualities that Warriors need. Shave with it for a week and notice the difference in how your skin feels. Essential Oils of Sweet Fennel, Clove, Lime and Patchouli were chosen for the qualities they can induce: Strength and Valor in the face of adversity, Protection, and Courage, Raises energy, Sharpen the wits and banishes Lethargy. No shrinking violets here – this sweet Aniseed smelling blend, is always in demand.
Enjoy your daily shave with this double edged safety razor with 3 piece construction and a 5-pack of blades included.
After all, a thorough wet shave in the morning enables you to start off the day refreshed and well-groomed – and still feel well-shaved by evening.
This quality chrome-plated razor is styled after the original DE razor introduced by Gillette in 1904. You can’t mess with perfection!
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Made from the finest organic macadamia and hemp oils, as well as an array of other essential oils, Valor Beard Tamer (formally known as Beard Balm) moisturises the skin and prevents dryness. The combination of oils used has been carefully curated to ensure designed to tame your beard, nourish hair and cultivate healthy skin. Beard Tamer can be applied directly to a bushy beard, or immediately after a close shave to keep your face hydrated and smelling great.
The Original Beard Tamer is an exotic combination of Cedarwood, Cinnamon and Frankincense, with a healthy whack of Lime and Neroli Blossom. The Firewood Beard Tamer offers more rustic aromas like Sandalwood, with smoky undertones of Cade and Vanilla.
The base oils we use were chosen for their molecular ability to behave similarly to the skin’s natural sebum. That means they aren't going to leave your skin feeling oily and greasy but will be easily absorbed by the whiskers and skin. The natural scent made from plant sources and no synthetic chemicals will last all day on your skin and whiskers.
All ingredients in Valor products are organic and fair trade, so you can feel good about shaving with Valor.
Argan Oil - A desert tree Anti-oxidant, renowned for thousands of years for its nutritive effects on skin and hair. Adds shine and fortification to hair.
Borage Oil - Helps prevent loss of skin elasticity and dehydration, as well as reducing the incidence of fine lines. Excellent for Acne, Psoriasis, and Eczema
Coconut Oil - Excellent protection and healing qualities for hair and skin
Hemp Oil – Grown and harvested in Australia. Excellent for skin and whiskers – reducing dryness, itching and lesions. Highly absorbed by hair follicles and skin.
Macadamia Oil – A native to Australia and specifically, organically grown and pressed in the Northern Rivers, NSW area. A close match to the skin's sebum – has a restorative and protective effect on skin and hair shaft.
]]>As we know, short of a vaccine, hand-washing with soap and water is the number one way to prevent infection. And yes, this applies to all soap (as long as you're washing for minimum 20 seconds).
This is because, at the molecular level, soap breaks things apart including microbes such as the corona-virus.
The motion of vigorous scrubbing with soap and water is what removes these microbes from the skin, which is partly why hand-washing is more effective than sanitizer. Alcohol-based sanitizer is a good backup when soap and water are not accessible.
We like to follow the advice from the Canadian health officer, Bonnie Henry - “Wash your hands like you’ve been chopping jalapeños and you need to change your contacts.”
So, are all soaps equal? Yes, while any soap is effective for hand-washing.. it doesn’t hurt to have extra power on your side to make all this washing a better experience for yourself and your skin!
Valor soaps retain ALL the natural, nourishing glycerin, which locks in your skin’s natural moisture and prevents over-drying (as many of us are currently experiencing). This makes for an incredibly gentle skin-conditioning soap for using on your face, hands and body. Handmade with ethically sourced ingredients, all our soaps contain maximum permitted levels of essential oils with the added benefits of anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.
Our formulas provide a soap that is gentle on the skin and the environment, containing a blend of over 70% Organic Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil with added Organic Coconut Oil, Castor Bean Oil, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil.
Every recipe has slightly different ingredients and qualities, of course, however, we follow very simple criteria…
SIX PACK! 6 Valor Soap Bars
Get your favourites in bulk. Three bars of each or Six of one variety or whatever number combo you choose
There are ample ways to improve your self-care and grooming routines through attainable, affordable products that only take seconds to minutes to implement. Read about the benefits of some of these products and, if you haven’t already, get yourself to the store and start revamping your morning routine!
Maybe you’ve already been taking advantage of some of these products. Maybe you’ve never even heard of them, or maybe you’ve been hearing about them and have wanted to try them for some time now. There is no need to wait any longer!
It’s time for all men to prioritise their own physical and mental health through acts of self-care. Remember to always put yourself first with a few minutes each day, and you’ll begin to see your style improve and a spark in your spirit. Whether you’re going to work, going to the gym, or nowhere at all, it’s important that you feel good about yourself and the way that you look.
Now, here are a few of our most valued tips to take care of YOU and your well-being:
Positive Self-Talk: Work at counteracting the negative critic in your head with positive language. You’re the sh*t, remember that.
Set Goals: Nothing anchors you more than planning goals that mean something to you personally, and nothing feels better than achieving them. Plus, remember you totally get to reward yourself when you do.
Groom like a pro: For our bearded brothers, we recommend keeping it neat with a Beard Tamer. If you shave, try taking up the traditional method with a puck, bowl and brush. For everyone above and in between, stay clean and fresh with Valor organic soap and our non-toxic, natural Pit Stop deodorant. You’ll feel the difference a little grooming can do.
Spend your time with like-minded people: We’re not suggesting you drop your best mate, but sometimes we do grow apart from our original crew and it’s important to find people you connect with. The best way to find people with similar interests is no doubt by taking up a hobby and getting amongst it by joining a local group.
Ask for help when you need it: Don’t feel like you have to take the whole weight of the world on your shoulders. There are awesome resources available to everyone for a reason – because most of us will need them at some point in our lives. Sourcing help is how we move forward and improve ourselves.
Remember though, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so just be mindful of being as consistent as possible.
]]>Historically, soap was made from vegetable oils, such as olive oil, aromatic oils (such as Thyme or Laurel oil) and lye (al-Soda al-Kawia) and was first produced by Muslim chemists in the medieval Islamic world. Some theories maintain the Romans first discovered Soap when the fat from the roasting meat trickled through the ash from the fire into the river, making foam. Either way, the basic formula for soap hasn’t changed since then. Get the dirt about soaps and everything you need to know about Olive Oil Soaps.
Olive Oil Soap is the most famous of soaps – well known as Castile Soap in Spain and Italy and Marseille Soap in France. Traditionally soap could only be called Castile if it was made from all or predominantly Olive Oil.
Unfortunately, these days in Europe much of what is sold as “Castile” or “Marseille Soap” contains mostly Palm Oil!
Valor soaps contain a blend of over 70% Organic Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil with added Organic Coconut Oil, Castor Bean Oil, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil. Our formulas provide a soap that is gentle on the skin and the environment. Every recipe has slightly different ingredients and qualities, of course, however, we follow very simple criteria...
And of course, a sharp Razor is essential!
Around 95-98% of soap available today has PALM OIL in it. (And soap is just a drop in the bucket in terms of overall palm oil usage). SEE “What’s the Fuss about Palm Oil” for Information about Palm Oil.
Many so-called “handmade” soaps are actually made from premade “Soap Mix” (just like instant “Cake Mix”).
WHY? It's Simple! However, when pre-made soap base is used, the maker is not controlling what ingredients have gone into the soap – it may have olive oil in it for example, but where did it come from? What sort of oil was it? – refined, bleached, or deodorised? What is the actual percentage in the soap mix? - we obviously have too many questions for that method
NOTE: Valor soaps are handmade from SCRATCH – not a pre-made soap base. Our soap is cured for a minimum of 6-8 weeks before being sold.
Genuine soap is made with “Lye” (Sodium Hydroxide). Lye also know as Potash, was originally made from wood ash from fires, but is now made commercially. Properly made soap has no Lye left in the final product. It is transformed in the saponification process.
If soap is being sold as “soap without Lye”, then it will contain a detergent base such as Sodium Laurel Sulphate. It is not true Soap!
As the Lye is part of the saponification process, you're not required to list Sodium Hydroxide or Lye as a separate ingredient but rather listed as the end product name. Look for Saponification of.. , Sodium Palmate (Palm oil and Sodium Hydroxide), Sodium Olivate (Olive oil and sodium Hydroxide)
The main end product of saponification is Glycerin. In commercial soap manufacturing, much of the Glycerin is removed after the soap is made (then reused in face creams etc), while the soap is re-milled into a bar form. Our Valor soap retains ALL of the natural, nourishing glycerin, which makes an incredibly gentle soap for using on your face or anywhere!
Handmade Artisan Soap is different from commercially made soap, which has been “milled”. Milling means the natural glycerin has been removed from the soap (and then synthetic – cheaper – glycerine added back in! Go figure!) and it has been pressed back together by heavy machinery – making a harder bar, but usually more drying to the skin.
Our handmade soap retains all the lovely Glycerine produced in the saponification process. For this reason, you should always allow your soap to “Air” between uses. Never leave it sitting in water, as Glycerine is a humectant – attracting moisture and your soap will go too soft.
]]>We are committed to NEVER using Palm Oil or Palm products and their derivatives. It's Easy! However... Palm Oil Tree plantations are a massive industry. Particularly in Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia.
Millions of hectares of rainforest habitats have been cleared and continue being cleared by bulldozing and burning. You may have seen the images taken from space showing dark clouds of smoke over vast areas of Asia & South America caused by burning off native Rainforests, in order to plant more Palm Oil trees.
Many species, including Orangutans, are either endangered or now extinct. In a monoculture of palms, very few species can survive.
Rainforests are being cleared at the rate of 300 football fields per hour to make way for oil palm plantations.
The increased demand for palm oil, which is grown only in tropical environments, is fuelling the destruction of the rainforest habitat of Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, pushing those endangered species even closer to extinction. Estimates show that if something isn't done soon to stop the spread of oil palm plantations into the forests, orangutans will be extinct in under ten years.
Some soap makers say that their Palm oil comes from "sustainable" plantations, but it is hard to prove the true source, and what truly is sustainable by the time it reaches our shores, from an industry that has grown so disproportionately in the last 30 years. While there is such a huge demand, clearing to grow more palm oil will continue.
Keep your eyes peeled - Palm oil is found in many foods we buy from the supermarket at a heavy cost to the Earth's atmosphere & the biodiversity of our fauna & flora. Read those labels!
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]]>First up, we know every man develops his own unique Modus Operandi for shaving, but here is a tried and proven methodology for the cleanest shave, and a good place to start.
We endorse the old fashion wet shave with a brush and safety razor. It is still the most painless and efficient way to achieve the cleanest shave! And multiple blades and turbo pivots aren’t going to change that. Start with a good quality stainless steel razor (you won’t find anything sharper) and it’s going to be a lot cheaper and environmentally friendly, than replacing those disposable plastic cartridges!
If you have never used a safety razor, they will take a bit of getting used to. They are sharp and you will probably nick yourself at first! Be patient, and take your time.
The type of soap you use makes a difference too. Our Australian Olive Oil-based soaps are the most nourishing and gentle shave soaps around, and many customers swear by them particularly if they have sensitive skin. The combination of oils we use creates a finer lather that provides good “glide”.
With regard to lathering, you can take your soap puck out of the bowl, to gather the soap and create the lather in the bowl or alternatively you can lather up in your other hand or another dish, scraping the lather as you go into the bowl.
In a vessel or another bowl, take your Shaving Brush fill to the bristle height with hot water and soak your brush for a minute. Don’t submerge the whole brush, just the bristles.
While soaking your brush, drizzle a little water onto the soap puck to soften the soap slightly. This allows the bristles to do their job of soaking up some water for the upcoming process.
Remove the brush from the water and tap out the excess water … no need to violently shake the brush drenching the bathroom.. just.. tap it gently against the basin.
The bristles will hold still some water, use this to work it into the soap into a rapid circular fashion, for about 30 seconds. This will give you a good load of soap to whip a creamy lather.
With regard to lathering, you can create the lather with your soap in the bowl or alternatively you can lather up in your soap in your hand, scraping the lather into the bowl as you go.
With a rapid circular motion, start whipping your soap in your bowl. The longer you go the more air pushes into it – starting out with a lighter bubblier lather, but getting denser the longer you whip. If the lather is too dense and not building, add a bit of water to the brush and continue whipping. With experience, you will become a pro at judging how much water you need with a particular soap.
Using painterly strokes, work the lather into your whiskers, plumping them up so they stand up and out, making for a clean sweep with your razor. You don’t need a deep lather on your face; the idea is to create a layer of creamy glide to slice off those plump whiskers. Once you are lathered you can begin with your first pass. Use light, gentle downwards strokes, letting your razor do the work. For an extra clean shave, repeat the process.
Don’t forget to take your time and hum a little – enjoy the ritual!
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