NourishUs Naturals Blog

NourishUs Naturals makes many products with a wide pH range, and we have had some customers rather irritated that we "obviously don't understand skin or pH requirements", so we want to explain why our range is wide. We have a pH range of 4.2–5.8 on most products and this might seem wide, but there's a good reason for it! Because most of our products are sold as customizable bases, many of our customers add their own actives, extracts, or specialty ingredients. When those additions are made, the pH of the final product can shift. So, we design our bases to stay stable and effective across a wider range on purpose! This way, the formula still performs beautifully, even after you've made it your own. The entire base is formulated and tested to stay stable throughout that range, so whether your end pH ends up at 4.3 or 5.7, you're still getting a safe, high-quality product. If you're ever unsure about how your added ingredients might affect pH, we're more than happy to help you troubleshoot or recommend ways to keep everything balanced.

At NourishUs Naturals, we're always keeping a close eye on industry changes that might impact your business—and one of the biggest shifts in 2025 is the rollout of new U.S. tariffs on imported goods. These tariffs, which are essentially taxes on materials and products coming into the country, are part of a broader government effort to support domestic manufacturing and respond to changing global trade dynamics. While these policies aim to strengthen the U.S. economy, they can create ripple effects in the personal care and skincare industries.

Please note that we here at NourishUs Naturals do not adhere to the “comedogenic” chart as it depends on many different issues. These charts can be misleading because pore-clogging potential depends on many factors beyond a single ingredient score.  The reasons why are: The test was conducted on rabbit ears which are far more sensitive than human ears and have a different pore setup. This test was first conducted in the 1970’s, and then retested on male prisoner’s backs in the 1980’s. The comedogenic scale ranks ingredients from 0 to 5 based on their likelihood to clog pores, but it was developed using rabbit ears and not to predict performance on human skin. So while it can be a helpful reference, it’s not a one-size-fits-all rule. An ingredient might be “comedogenic” at 100% concentration, but in a well-formulated product, it might only be used at 1-5%, where it has no comedogenic effect at all. Remember, once you add one ingredient to another, it’s a completely different chemical makeup. The way ingredients interact with each other in a full formula changes everything. A “comedogenic” oil in one product might not behave the same in another. The base, emulsifiers, texture, occlusive nature, and skin affinity all affect how a product behaves. Remember again, once you add one ingredient to another, it’s a completely different chemical makeup. Everyone’s skin reacts differently. What clogs one person’s pores might be totally fine for another. Genetics, environment, skin condition, and microbiome all play a role. An oil like coconut might get a bad reputation for being comedogenic, but often it’s not the oil itself — it is when oils and ingredients become rancid and oxidize that it can cause skin issues. Fresh, stabilized oils in proper formulations can perform very differently.   While we here at NourishUs Naturals do not adhere to the comedogenic scale, our Equalizer line has shown to be great for all skin types. Created without the use of Coconut oil in all except the exfoliant, we use some of our favorite teas, vitamins, and skin-conditioning botanicals that help balance and nourish the skin, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin… but remember to patch test first!  How to Patch Test for Pore Congestion (Comedogenicity): Apply a small amount of the product to an area of skin with active oil glands, such as behind the ear. Leave it on and monitor the area for a few days to see how your skin responds before incorporating it into your routine.  How to Patch Test for Skin Sensitivity: Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet, thinner-skin area such as the inner elbow (crick of the elbow) or behind the knee. Leave it on and observe for a few days for any signs of irritation before full use.    Our Equalizer Line Our favorite teas, vitamins, and nutrients come together to equalize and hydrate skin of all types. Equalizer Cream Facial Cleanser: This light, non-foaming cleanser glides smoothly across the skin and rinses clean, leaving the complexion feeling soft, refreshed, and comfortably conditioned. Always the first step in any skincare routine. Equalizer Facial Exfoliant:  Designed to provide soft, gentle exfoliation while offering a comfortable, hydrated skin feel, featuring Aloe Leaf Juice and Coconut Oil for a smooth, conditioned skin feel. This cream-based formula supports a smooth, refreshed appearance and complements a wide range of skincare preferences.. We highly recommend exfoliating a few times a week, as the second step in your skincare routine.  Equalizer Cream Facial Mask: Focus on hydration retention and balanced skin with this creamy yet lightweight mask. Deliver comforting nourishment with star ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, vegan DMAE, and MSM that make this mask feel truly special. Skin will feel soft, conditioned, and refreshed after this pampering treatment.  Masks and exfoliants aren’t part of the “everyday skincare routine”, but should come after the cleanser, and can be done as frequently or as little as you or your customer pleases.  Equalizer Facial Serum:  A lightweight serum featuring responsibly sourced herbal extracts that help support skin’s natural moisture balance. This creamy, fast-absorbing formula glides on smoothly and leaves the skin feeling soft, comfortable, and conditioned.  Designed to complement any skincare routine, it offers a gentle, hydrating feel suitable for a wide variety of skin preferences. Featuring extracts of Rooibos, Calendula, White Tea, and Lavender, along with sustainably sourced MSM and moisture-supporting Hyaluronic Acid. Unscented for easy customization with your preferred aroma.  An essential part of the everyday skincare routine, this should come as step two or three (depending on if an exfoliant or mask is used).  Equalizer Facial Moisturizer:  A lightweight facial moisturizer enriched with vitamins and herbal extracts to support a soft, hydrated, and well-conditioned skin feel. This smooth, fast-absorbing formula layers beautifully under additional skincare and can be used both day and night.  Featuring botanical extracts and supportive ingredients such as OptiMSM, vegan DMAE, and Hyaluronic Acid, this moisturizer helps enhance the look of refreshed, well-cared-for skin.  Use this morning and night as step three or four (depending on if an exfoliant or mask is used) in your skincare routine. 

Businesses that resell NourishUs Naturals products can avoid sales tax by submitting the appropriate certificates in advance. Sales tax cannot be refunded retroactively. NourishUs Naturals uses Avalara to manage tax collection and recommends customers work with their tax advisors to understand where they may have tax obligations.

We all know that projections and budgets are built on "reality hopeful", but can (& often do) change once company budgets are put into effect and "reality happens". If one researches, knows their customers, and understands their business, their plans should be close. However, when the economy takes an unexpected dip, it's easy to assume consumers will cut back on all non-essentials such as beauty. But history tells a different story. Enter the Lipstick Effect... a term Estée Lauder's Leonard Lauder coined during the early 2000s recession. He noticed that while people were spending less overall, sales of lipstick actually went up. Also, his mother, Estee, created her beauty company during the Great Recession. So, the "lipstick effect" shows that even in tough times, people crave small indulgences that make them feel good. While it's coined for lipstick, it refers to the beauty industry for small items you can take home and use to feel better, such as lovely, scented body wash, creams, lotion, etc. What Is the Lipstick Effect? A psychological and economic phenomenon where consumers continue to spend money on small luxury items during a recession or financial downturn, especially on beauty products. It's about affordable escapism, a feel-good pick-me-up that doesn't break the bank. From the Great Depression to the 2008 recession, beauty sales were consistently proven resilient. Consumers might not have splurged on designer bags, but they could have bought a $20 lipstick. That’s still doable and said to be emotionally satisfying. So why is NourishUs Naturals writing about this? Well, if you're in the business of selling beauty, this should give you hope. Even when wallets tighten, your products still offer value, not just functional but also emotional. Lip balm, eye cream, or a fresh shampoo bottle can feel like a little reset for your customers. How to Lean into the Lipstick Effect Position your products as affordable luxuries. Highlight the feel-good factor. Aromatherapy benefits are just as significant as results. Use storytelling. Remind customers of the confidence and joy beauty can bring. Focus on self-care and small wins. Even a swipe of lip balm or a calming cleanser can be part of a powerful daily ritual. The beauty industry isn't just about appearance; it's also about empowerment. And that empowerment doesn't disappear in hard times; it becomes even more essential. So, keep showing up, keep creating, and keep spreading beauty. Your customers still want it - maybe now more than ever. Beauty is resilient because people are resilient. The Lipstick Effect isn't just an economic theory; it's a reminder that hope, confidence, and joy can be found in even the most minor things. So to all the beauty entrepreneurs out there: don't give up. Your products and brand matter; your customers still reach for that feel-good moment. Let them find it with you.

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We’ve all been there. You’re at the end of your day when suddenly your feet demand a little TLC. As much as people shy away from talking about feet, that’s exactly why this blog is needed. Feet deserve love too! Plus, sandal weather is pulling at our sock-sheathed feet. Set yourself up for sandal success with foot care essentials as Summer approaches. Whether you’re getting your feet ready for pedicure season or helping them recover after a lengthy hike, we’ve got your (head, shoulders) feet and toes covered. Soaking and Soothing Foot bath, anyone?Goat milk is a beauty secret as old as time and that's because of its extreme soothing capabilities (shoutout Cleopatra)! Many of us here at NourishUs Naturals enjoy a good relaxing Goat Milk Bath Soak for our tired and overworked feet. A centuries-old beauty secret, delivering an array of soothing and nourishing vitamins to keep skin looking bright and fresh. With its natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid helping to support, balance and moisturize the skin. This soak is finely blended and dissolves instantly giving your skin the royal treatment! We recommend you use 1-4 tablespoons per bath. It’s absolutely wonderful unscented, or if you prefer to add a little aromatherapy to your soak, you can add up to 1% essential oils. Easy hack: Simply close the drain when you take your shower. Then put two ounces of Goat Milk Soak and a few drops of your Essential Oil of choice in the tub. Turn on the shower and bath your feet in luxurious, silky, fragrant water. Instant Moment of ZenPut about one ounce of Goat Milk Powder Soak, scented or not, into a basin of warm water. Add some fresh rose petals or rosemary stems and let your hands relax and your mind wander. Double the fun and put your feet in a large bowl with small round stones (you can Netflix and chill while you relax), warm water and about an ounce or so of Goat Milk Powder Soak. Add fresh flowers like calendula blossoms or orange and lemon slices. Make Paste While The Sun ShinesIf you want a little exfoliation and a little moisturizing, too, stir the Goat Milk Powder Soak with herbal tea (I love Hibiscus tea) to make a paste. Scrub, rinse, and you’ll get the soothing, refreshing properties of the tea as well as the Goat Milk. I like to blend with sparkling water for an effervescent experience. Our COO likes to mix with Kefir or yogurt to create a luscious and sensuous body mask. We also recommend mixing it with our Essential Oil Blends like Women’s Balance or Citrus Burst. We don’t recommend adding carrier oils though, as the powder gets clumpy and hard to use. Don’t stop with a soak, did you ever consider exfoliating and following with a mask on your feet? When we think of masks, we usually think of how great they are for facial treatment, but they also work wonders on your hands and feet. Exfoliation Exfoliation is important to create supple heels and soft toes (especially in the Summer)! Here’s what we recommend: Scrubs and PolishesWalnut Polish is a great exfoliant for feet because it combines cleansing ingredients as well as the wonderful exfoliation properties of walnut shell powder. This is where you should go to town on those calluses! Foot Masks for the Summer, or anytime!After you relax with our lovely Goat Milk Bath Soak and Walnut Polish, treat your feet to a Glycolic & Rose Gel Mask. This rosewater based mask helps reduce the build-up of excess skin cells, allowing your skin to breathe and show off its glowing beauty. If you have very sensitive skin, this particular mask with 10% glycolic acid is not recommended for your face but should be ok on your feet. Glycolic masques can cause anything from slight tingling to burning sensations. Apply a thin layer to your newly rejuvenated toes for a great way to soften your cuticles. Rinse off after five minutes or sooner if your skin becomes irritated. Also helps with the look of your nail bed. Cuticle Care Treat YourselfUse our Tune Up Blend to pamper your nails and cuticles with a mix of carrier oils, delivering antioxidants in a light, non-greasy oil. Grapeseed and argan oil has fatty acids and Vitamin E that is great for brittle nails. Helichrysum essential oil may help your nails and cuticles look like they’ve been professionally done. Cool, Soften and Moisturize CreamNow that your feet have been restored to their youthful glory, for a wonderful cooling effect try our Simple MSM Muscle Cream. This cream also has a warming effect due to this product having our Muscle Essential Oil Blend. This blend is spicy due to Peppermint, Cinnamon Leaf, Ginger Root and Cajeput Essential Oils. GelPapaya & Pineapple Mask is perfect for those hot feet at night (we suggest during menopause too!). The enzymes from the pineapple and papaya help with softening the skin while the rest of the gel continues to hydrate. SpraySpritz our Calming Calendula Spray, whenever you want a refresh on tired feet. Formulated with calendula extract and poppy seed oil, this mist helps maintain soft-feeling skin while providing a gentle, lightweight nourishing finish. Add Peppermint essential oil to heighten this product for a nice cooling effect.