The Science Behind It All

Why Beef Tallow?

Grass-fed, grass-finished organic beef tallow is rich in natural fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, and K, and natural linoleic acid. This gives it natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, reducing redness, scarring, and discoloration that can aid in healing of acne, age spots, eczema, rosacea, burns, and cuts. It's chemical makeup is very similar to our DNA, and it is non-comedogenic working with your skin barrier to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. While vitamin A acts as a natural retinol, vitamin K fights free radical damage, and linoleic acid acts as an antioxidant that moisturizes, plumps and fights inflammation, beef tallow can help revitalize your skin creating a more youthful appearance without injecting pure toxins into your skin.

What is your rendering process for your tallow?

I do two wet renders of my beef tallow by adding salt and baking soda to help remove impurities, followed by (usually) two dry renders to further remove impurities and any remaining water in the tallow. This is a slow process that takes many days over a double boiler on low heat, utilizing only stainless steel and glass appliances. If moisture seems to still be retained in the tallow, I will dry render additional times to remove it - as additional water in poorly rendered tallow can generate bacterial growth. Careful attention to detail during this process is vital to ensure the nutrient profile of the tallow stays intact and bioavailable.

Where do you source your beef tallow?

My beef tallow is sourced from Illinois pasture raised, 100% grass fed and finished, non-GMO angus beef free from all vaccines, antibiotics, hormones and preservatives. The tallow itself is what is left behind after patiently simmering beef suet, which is the fatty tissue that surrounds the cow's kidneys and liver. Quality beef tallow is vital, as grass-fed tallow contains up to four times the concentration of nutrients than grain fed, which is what makes beef tallow products an all natural miracle for the skin and body.

Why do you hand make all of your products?

It's well known that commercialization of products reduces pretty much all of the given benefits of added ingredients through various sterilization, processing, and preserving stages, and focuses on efficiency and productivity over health, safety, and quality. I'm dedicated to providing quality, reliable, nontoxic natural products for my costumers that I would be (and am) proud to use in my own home, for my own family.

Will your dishwasher detergent actually clean my dishes?

Of course! The ingredients in my dishwasher detergent are designed to help clean and remove excess build up on dishes. However, I do recommend rinsing dishes prior to loading your dishwasher; my products are all natural and do not contain industrial chemical additives like most store bought pods designed solely to remove built up grime - without your health in mind. For particularly soiled dishes (or if you're not the rinsing type), I recommend adding a few drops of liquid castile soap along with the detergent to aid in washing.

What's the difference between the various dry shampoos?

The dry shampoos are all formulated with the same ingredients, but in different ratios to accommodate different hair colors. I.e. someone with blonde or white hair will not want activated charcoal in their dry shampoo to darken the color as someone with black hair would. The oil absorbing portion of the dry shampoos is the organic arrowroot powder, which all products contain the same amount of.

Why glass jars? What is your sterilization process?

I believe in building sustainable practices, and adding more reusable canning jars to your pantry is always a plus! In terms of sterilization, all of my jars are boiled for 10 minutes, and dried in my oven to ensure no moisture is retained (water = bacteria). Once cooled, content is added to the jars which are then sealed with my electric vacuum sealer to further preserve freshness.

What's wrong with my regular laundry detergent?

Most laundry detergents contain chemical additives that are known to be harmful for humans.

Common surfactants used to boost cleaning power like petroleum distillate or naphtha are known to damage mucous membranes and lungs, and phenol can be even more harmful - permeating your body impacting your organs, nervous system, and for some can even lead to death. Any ingredient on the list that ends in "-eth" (laureth-6, sodium laureth sulfate, ceteareth, steareth) are ethoxylated surfactants that are known to create 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct, which is a known human carcinogen and neurotoxin.

Phthalates, which are used to make scents last longer, are linked to endocrine disruption, affecting your hormones and fertility and increasing your risk for cancer. Companies have grown sneakier by listing this as "fragrance", without listing phthalate free on their labels.

Formaldehyde is often added as a low-cost preservative, but has been linked to irritation of the eyes, lungs, respiratory system, cancer and even eczema.

Carcinogens: ethoxylated alcohols, nonylphenol ethoxylate, ethanolamine (DEA, MEA, TEA), optical brighteners, SLES, VOC's Formaldehyde

Allergens: SLS, phosphates, artificial dyes, preservatives, chlorine bleach, parabens

Endocrine disruptors: Parabens, phthalates, VOC's.

Not only are these chemicals harsh on the human body, but they also impact our environment. Phosphate nutrient loading from laundry detergent getting into our waterways can create algal blooms, which takes up majority of the oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem, making it impossible for aquatic life to survive. Surfactants also reduce the surface tension of water, making it easier for bodies of water to absorb other pollutants in the atmosphere, creating a toxic aquatic environment.

What in the world is Batana oil and why do you use it?

Batana oil is extracted from american oil palm tree nuts. Despite its name, it resembles a butter more than an oil that is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E which can help strengthen hair overtime, nourishing the root and strand, preventing hair loss and breakage, and promoting overall scalp health. It is an excellent treatment for dry skin and hair, and as the skin gets the moisture it craves, hair follicles are more abundant and productive, and hair is fortified to grow stronger and longer.

Okay but what's wrong with my normal dishwasher detergent?

Dishwasher detergent contains many of the same chemicals as laundry detergent (see previous question for information), however ingestion of these chemicals can lead to even greater problems.

One of the main culprits is alcohol ethoxylates, which have been shown to have detrimental effects on gut cells. Residue left on dishes can plausibly trigger a variety of inflammatory diseases in humans, including destruction of the gut's epithelial layer, and altering expression of genes involved in cell survival and cytokine signaling and metabolism - leading to "leaky gut" syndromes.

What carrier oils do you use in different products and why?

Other than tallow, the other oils I use in my products are coconut oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil.

Jojoba oil is lighter than most other face oils and easily absorbs into the skin. While tallow is very similar to our skin's composition, this oil is very close in composition to our skin's normal sebum. It is rich in vitamin E and B, antioxidants, and minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc which are essential for wound healing, fighting free radicals and oxidative stress, collagen formation, and improving elasticity and hydration. Postpartum and other hair loss issues can often be due to a zinc deficiency, which this can also help with.

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is a potent fatty acid that can protect and moisturize the skin barrier. Ricinoleic acid can also act as a natural pain relieving analgesic, which can ease discomfort associated with sunburn, and other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease pimples, soften skin, and reduce appearance of large pores as well as antioxidants that fight free radicals responsible for the aging process.

Coconut oil is made up of medium chain fatty acids - mainly lauric acid, that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can aid in wound healing and has antioxidants that help stabilize free radicals and neutralize reactive atoms contributing to inflammation. It is a great option for body soaps and creams, however it does have the potential to clog pores which is why I do not use any coconut oil in any of my face products.

What is arrowroot powder and why would I want to put it on my hair?

Arrowroot powder is made from the root of the maranta arundinacea plant that is native to Indonesia. It is rich in folate, phosphorous, and potassium. Folate is a naturally occurring folic acid which can aid in keratin production, which is a protein that makes up the structure of hair. This can strengthen hair and help reduce hair loss. The powder itself can be compared to cornstarch, and helps absorb excess oil naturally with no harsh additives. It can make hair feel more voluminous, textured, and clean, and is great for sensitive scalps.

Commercial dry shampoos can irritate the scalp leading to hair breakage and shedding, and can lead to seborrheic dermatitis creating an itchy, scaly rash on your scalp. There has also been a massive recall on commercial dry shampoos due to potentially elevated levels of benzene, which is a known carcinogen, and many contain talc which is also a known carcinogen. Aerosol propellants in dry shampoos like LPG's, Butane, Propane, and Isobutane are known to deplete and damage our ozone layer. Studies show that phenyoxyethanol can lead to developmental and reproductive issues, and is commonly listed as a "natural ingredient" that is synthetically made and included in dry shampoos. Cetrimonium chloride is added to conventional dry shampoos to reduce hair static, but is classified as toxic, irritating, and allergenic and can be lethal if ingested. Aerosol dry shampoos may be nice for convenience of seemingly blasting away grime, but come with the price of blasting harmful chemicals directly onto your scalp, and unavoidably onto your face and into your respiratory system.

How does magnesium spray work?

Magnesium is an important nutrient in the body that can help regulate nerve and muscle function, manage blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and aids in manufacturing and supporting protein, bone, and DNA health. Applying magnesium spray to the skin can help raise magnesium levels in the body through transdermal absorption. This can help regulate neuromuscular signals, muscle contractions, and balance calcium levels within the body, aiding muscles in relaxation, easing pain and reducing cramps - which can be beneficial for sore muscles and premenstrual syndrome. Magnesium also helps regulate GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which helps reduce anxiety and promotes a good night's sleep.

What does your hair oil do?

My hair oil contains a combination of batana oil, fenugreek oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, and rosemary oil.

The benefits of batana oil can be found in a previous question.

Fenugreek may interact with a chemical in the body known as DHT, that attaches to hair follicles resulting in hair loss. Fenugreek may slow down the ability of DHT to attach to your hair follicles, helping slow additional hair loss. It also contains mucilaginous fibre, which encourages hair to absorb moisture, giving hair a softer, shinier appearance. It's also rich in proteins, iron, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids which can have nourishing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.

The benefits of castor oil and jojoba oil can also be seen under the "What carrier oils do you use in different products and why?" question.

Rosemary oil can help stimulate blood circulation to the scalp. This benefits the nerve tissue by increasing nerve growth factor, which helps heal nerve endings and may rejuvenate nerves in the scalp. This supports overall scalp health and hair growth. Recent studies have shown that rosemary essential oil was as effective as minoxidil at supporting regrowth of hair. It can also be used to help with dry or itchy scalp.

Why did I have white residue on my clothes after using the laundry detergent?

There are two reasons this could have happened. The first reason is that you used too much product. You should use no more than 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent per load. Please keep in mind, if you are choosing to use the scent booster as well, you should use no more than 2 tablespoons combined dry product (i.e. 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent + 1 tablespoon of scent booster).

The second reason this could be happening is if you have hard water. To fix this, add about a half cup of white distilled vinegar to your loads along with the laundry detergent. If you're unsure if you have hard water you can perform this simple test:

Fill 1/3 of a clear bottle with your tap water, then add a few drops of plain castile soap (or another pure liquid soap), and shake it. If you have soft water, you will have clear water underneath a large amount of bubbles, while if you have hard water you will have cloudy water underneath minimal to no bubbles.

Why is there muslin closing my dishwasher detergent as opposed to the metal lid being on?

My dishwasher detergent has white distilled vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid in it, which when mixed together form a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide. Though majority of the reaction occurs when I initially mix the ingredients, it may slowly continue over time, which would cause a build up of pressure in the jar. For safety purposes, I send the metal canning lid with the detergent sealed with muslin and the metal ring, to ensure my promise of delivering a usable canning jar with most orders, while maintaining safest practices. You may place the metal lid on once receiving, but be sure to use caution and vent the jar once a day.

Do you only sell online?

Currently, I am only selling online, but I am in the process of opening stands at local farmer's markets - follow me on social media to find out where and when!

@cleanseandbloom

What is in your mineralizing tooth powder and why?

Bentonite clay: A clay formed naturally that is mineralized and highly absorbent and rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It reacts with water and saliva creating a negative electrical charge, allowing it to behave like a sponge, attracting bacteria to cleanse your mouth. It polishes enamel and can naturally whiten teeth while its mineral content may even help to rebuild enamel.

Xylitol decreases acid-producing bacteria in the mouth, which is what attacks the teeth and forms cavities. It also keeps those bacteria from adhering to teeth which overtime decreases plaque build up. It can also aid in repairing damaged enamel and remineralizing teeth.

NOTE: Xylitol is very toxic to animals, as though it is naturally occurring, animals cannot process this sugar like humans can. Keep out of reach of pets.

Activated Charcoal: Helps remove surface stains due to mild abrasive nature and can reduce halitosis due to its absorbent properties.

Cinnamon: Contains flavonoids that can fight inflammation. This can reduce swelling of gums and mouth sores while soothing tender gums and reducing tooth pain.

Cloves: Contain a compound called eugenol that has rich anesthetic and antibacterial properties that can provide relief from toothaches. It can kill bacteria, especially E. coli, that are responsible for gum disease. They are also rich in magnesium and antioxidants which can support bone health and remove teeth stains, respectively.

Dried peppermint leaves: naturally antimicrobial they help reduce halitosis while giving this powder a subtle minty taste expected in toothpaste. Mint is also known to relive heartburn and aid in digestion.

Calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, and sea salt are abrasives that help remove dental plaque.

Why don't you use hydroxyapatite in your tooth powder?

Nano-Hydroxyapatite is the new fad hitting the market as the "safer" alternative to fluoride. However, there isn't extensive research to prove the safety of it long term. the Non-nano hydroxyapatite contains compounds that are actually too large to successfully interact with teeth to remineralize them, essentially adding more cost to the boutique tooth powder, without any added benefit. Nano-hydroxyapatite comes in multiple shapes, with the needle-shaped nano-hydroxyapatite being associated with risks for inflammation or irritation due to its ability to penetrate tissues.

In 2016 Europe banned nHAp use in cosmetic products due to studies showing that nHAp caused congested vessels in the lungs and signs of fatty liver in animals which in high doses led to their death, and in low doses lead to inflammatory processes in the lungs. Histopathology studies revealed that nHAp actually killed liver and kidney cells.

The biggest risk comes from the utilization of nano-particles which overall, we have very limited data to determine their long term effects. So, though nHAp may be beneficial for the teeth - so if fluoride, which overtime has been shown to be harmful to the human body in a variety of ways, and I don't see a point in replacing fluoride with an equally but differently toxic substance.