NourishUs Naturals Blog

Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, body sprays and perfumes are not the same. While at first glance, the differences between them may seem negligible, if you accidentally buy the wrong thing, you certainly won’t get what you paid for. To clear the air, read on to learn the differences between body sprays and perfumes. What Are Body Sprays? As the name indicates, body sprays are typically applied directly to the body; this is because the scent of body sprays is usually very mild and won’t overwhelm the senses. Additionally, the concentration of fragrance oils in comparison to the water and alcohol content is very low, which allows the scent to be milder. Body sprays are also best used when reapplied in increments throughout the day, as the scent does not last very long. Overall, the scent of a body spray blends better with a person’s natural scent, much like a scented body wash. What Are Perfumes? Perfumes have a high ratio of fragrance oil when compared to the water and alcohol content of the product and can also be applied directly to the body. Perfumes also have a few subcategories, including parfums, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne. Parfum has the highest ratio of fragrance, making up about 20 to 30 percent of the product, and lasts up to eight hours. Eau de toilette will last up to three hours, with the fragrance concentration making up about 5 to 15 percent of the product. Lastly, eau de cologne has the lowest concentration of the three, making up 2 to 4 percent of the product, and only lasting about two to three hours. What Are the Differences Between Them? When compared to any type of perfume, body sprays have the lowest concentration of fragrance oils. Additionally, you can apply body spray on much larger areas of the body than perfumes because the scent is so mild. Because of the low concentration of fragrance oils, body sprays are also more affordable and accessible, especially in terms of daily use. With body spray, you’re much less likely to overspray yourself and smell too strong, but with perfume, you get the amount of scent you pay for. Now that you know the differences between body sprays and perfumes, you can make better and more informed decisions about the cosmetics you choose to buy. And if you’re looking for a body spray that will help you smell fresh but won’t break the bank, we have you covered. Check out our Lavender Body & Linen Spray that can be applied to the skin, as it is highly natural, and gentle on skin. Otherwise, we recommend our face spray/toner category, which promotes the natural process of exfoliation and the shedding of dead skin cells.

ACTIVE SERIES: Keep Your Gear Fresh Summer adventures bring the thrill of the great outdoors and invigorating workouts, but they also come with the inevitable sweat, dirt, and grime that cling to our beloved exercise and camping gear. As the temperatures rise, the need for a reliable and refreshing cleaning solution becomes increasingly important. Well, we’ve got you covered! We called it our Yoga Mat Spray, but it is so much more than that! This highly versatile spray will become your go-to whenever you want to refresh your gear, especially during the sweaty summer months. Yes, it works great on yoga mats, but it is just as effective as a cleaner for camping gear, spa tables, gym equipment, and more! We've been getting asked about this multi-purpose spray since it left our site, and we're excited to now share the not-so-secret recipe with you. Here’s how to make your own: DIY Yoga Mat Spray Ingredients: 55.79g Castile Soap (Head to your local grocery store for this!) 3.68g Polysorbate 20 390.5g Deionized Water 0.28g Patchouli Essential Oil 0.28g Tea Tree Essential Oil 0.28g Lemongrass Essential Oil 2.79g Lavender Essential Oil Bulgarian How to Use To use, simply spray onto a wet cloth, wipe down the surface, and allow it to air dry. For a deeper clean, spray directly onto the surface or equipment and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Then, scrub vigorously with a wet cloth to work the Castile Soap base into a rich lather. Once sufficiently cleaned, wipe off the lather with a clean wet cloth and allow your mat to air dry. Start spraying and enjoy the calming floral notes, crisp freshness, earthy depth, and bright citrus aroma of this delightful scent blend. Final Note This formulation is based on our experience and knowledge of cosmetic formulations, but there is no guarantee of its effectiveness as we only create a small prototype to ensure the suitability of all ingredients in the product. We assume no liability for this formula. As with any new product, we highly recommend that our customers have all their products undergo third-party lab testing, at a minimum, to check the preservative's efficacy. This formula is provided as a gift for your creative experience, written and created with a blend of fun and expertise.

In some industries you hear a lot about seasonality, but what does that mean for your particular brand, and how can you take advantage of it? This blog outlines seasonality, tips to help cope with the quiet times, prep for your busy season, and how to make the most out of both your busy season and the fact that your business (or those you deal with) experience seasonality. As always, our focus is on skin care, hair care, and beauty brands, but this article can apply to any industry. What is Seasonality in a Business? Seasonality refers to trends and events that happen on a predictable schedule. Busy shopping events and holidays, summer vacations, and crop harvests are all examples of seasonality. Seasonality clearly affects many sectors of retail sales. The main “holiday shopping period” is focused, in the United States at least, around the months of October through December. This can trigger seasonal employment, too. We’ve seen how Amazon.com hires over 150,000 seasonal workers, and that’s true for many other large national retailers like Target. Cyclical effects, on the other hand, are not bound by calendar years but instead are cycles of events or factors that occur at less predictable times. Think of cyclical recessions, unemployment, and trends that come and go and then come again, like fads in the makeup and fashion worlds. However, because seasonality is predictable, we’re going to focus on it and how you can make the most of it. Why is this useful to know? Seasonality is about predictability and is used to make buying, inventory, staffing, product launches, and advertising decisions, so it’s important to understand how it affects your particular business. Prices can also vary depending on the type of business you’re purchasing from. Supply and demand will shift as different types of consumers place orders for various seasons. For example, crop harvest times for certain ingredients shift around the world, and understanding when supply is highest means you’re more likely to get a better price. Even if your business isn’t affected by seasonality, your suppliers may be. Unsure about seasonality in your business? Here’s how to find it (if it exists) You may instinctively know which are your busy and which are your quiet periods, but you may realize that you always sell out of that one product in April so for that item, you may be subject to seasonality. Here’s a rough guideline: Review sales data from the past 3-4 years. Covid-19 altered many sales cycles and trends, so it’s wise to go back a few years before 2020 if you have the data. Look for notable increases or decreases in sales and track them—is there a month or period that stands out? Try to remove that natural growth over time your business might experience. How to Cope with the Quiet Times The most obvious challenge with seasonal businesses is managing cash flow during the quiet times. You’ll need to create and sustain reserves of cash as much as possible in the busy seasons, but luckily most beauty brands are not as vulnerable to seasonality as other industries. Activities Before and During Quiet Periods Marketing! Develop brand awareness, and work to create and promote content. Stay “top of mind” for either the good times to come that are associated with your seasonality or simply how your amazing products are the perfect purchase year-round. If you sell a sea salt hair spray, create a video of how to make it work on winter hair. Follow up with leads for both customers and retail partners. This is a time to remind them of your services, availability, and good fit. Get Feedback. Solicit referrals, reviews, and testimonials to get ‘social proof’ that feels more authentic to your customer. Take time to remind your customers of your brand and consider offering incentives for them to provide testimonials or reviews you can use in your own marketing. Diversify. Spend time preparing for the busy season or finding new ways to tap into a different type of seasonality. In skin care, for example, the spring and summer are the busy season for sun-based products like sunscreen or body oils. If you find the winter sunny vacations aren’t providing enough business, consider tapping into what is seasonal in the winter: think body and hand balms, holidays spices, and more. Subscriptions can be an excellent tool to maintain sales numbers during the off-season. Consider offering products at a slight discount if they agree to purchase one a month. Optimize and streamline any processes that need a little work. This might be upgrading equipment, or finally getting that website up and ready. Take time to polish up skills, confirm your processes make sense, and perhaps even give your storefront a facelift. Preparing for Your Busy Season Work with suppliers early—several months in advance—to secure your hero products or ingredients with time for any unexpected delays. You’ll need time to fully stock your own shop or retail partners. At NourishUs Naturals we recommend customers place orders for products about 3 months in advance for this year’s holiday shopping season. Rising Shipping Costs are very common leading up (and during) the bustling holiday season. Plan your inventory by trying to avoid larger purchases during this period. If all goes well, you can wait until the late winter/early spring, when shipping goes back down to pre-holiday rates.Nurture any soft leads for sales opportunities. This might be reaching out to a local retailer, booking a slot in a farmer’s or craft market, or perhaps preparing and sending samples out via giveaways. How to Take Advantage of Seasonality Market and sell your services when your customers need you. This is mostly relevant to people who sell on to other retailers: the retailers are buying in advance of their busy season, so start selling to them in advance of their buying time to raise awareness. Be sure to market your seasonal products well in advance to increase awareness and “warm up” your buyers. Consider an event or giveaway during the launch of your product to build hype around your product launch, while leaning into what makes your brand special. Within the beauty industry, introduce trends and show lifestyle ads using your product in a certain setting or season so customers understand why they should buy it. Create scarcity by only selling a product at one time of the year. We’ve all seen the “here for a limited time” that fast food restaurants and coffee shops market, encouraging the sale of the specific seasonal item (think pumpkin spice lattes and unique flavors). This is a common tactic in promotions when you hear “limited time”. It may feel a little gimmicky, but it can create genuine buzz. For skin care, however, most consumers want their daily products on a daily basis, so ‘scarce’ products are best suited to truly unique smells with more limited appeal—only offer a mango-scented room spray during August, for example. Holidays Seasonality often comes hand in hand with some sort of emotional or nostalgic factor. Winter holidays are full of nostalgia, excitement, warmth, travel, and family time. Do you have products that complement those experiences? Or perhaps you can market your normal products in a way that speaks to those emotions? If you have the time or the staff, offering gift wrapping can be a nice touch and makes it easy to offer your products as great gifts. Create a gift guide for your brand. This can be as simple as advertising “for those with dry skin” or reference geography to highlight how family and friends in northern states might need a winter skin balm, or a rejuvenating body polish. Seasonality with NourishUs Naturals As we mentioned, our prices don’t change based on seasonality, so our tip instead is to give yourself enough time to order in advance for your busy season. Sourcing specific ingredients, planning production schedules, and receiving packaging all shift during the busy season, meaning you should order now (early summer) for the holiday shopping season. Let us know what influence, if any, seasonality has in your business. We’d love to hear any tips or tricks you’ve learned to manage seasonality, or avoid it altogether!

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The topic of preservatives often stirs up a lot of controversy and confusion. With so much misinformation circulating, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. Just remember, preservatives are safer than bacteria. One preservative we’d like to shine some light on is the often-debated phenoxyethanol. In this blog post, we’ll arm you with the facts, debunk the fiction, and help you make savvy, science-backed choices. Phenoxyethanol is a widely studied and well-documented preservative with a solid safety profile. It is a glycol ether and a type of alcohol that is naturally occurring in green tea, however phenoxyethanol is synthetically produced for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has reviewed phenoxyethanol and deemed it safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%. Its efficacy in preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold makes it an essential component in maintaining the safety and longevity of skincare products. Unlike some preservatives that release formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol is non-releasing, making it a safer alternative in many formulations. There is no “one size fits all” preservative. Even if you say "well, it's an emulsion so can't I just use caprylyl glycol and phenyl alcohol?". Nope, please note preservation isn’t just a matter of adding a preservative and then blissfully being done. Proper cGMP, packaging, pH, water activity, etc. must be considered. Even just following and understanding Hurdle Technology, it is still not good practice to oversimplify the concern of preservation. As you are aware, NourishUs Naturals uses phenoxyethanol in most of our products. This is because we create and then test based on unknowns. You, as the customer, are purchasing our products and adding small amounts of essential oils and extracts. We test to ensure the products hold up; with that said, we are NOT responsible for any failures once you touch the product, as we are unaware of how you process anything, so please do send your finished product for PET (Preservative Efficacy Testing). We do have phenoxyethanol-free products as well, along with third-party testing where applicable. Looking for Something Phenoxyethanol-Free? Try a Few of our Top-Selling Options: CoQ10 Cream to Gel: Give customers the perfect light and breathable modern moisturizer with our CoQ10 Hydrating Cream to Gel. Packed with plant-based super-star ingredients like astaxanthin, seabuckthorn berry extract, sal butter and more, this innovative cream with the help of the highest antioxidant ingredient, Coenzyme Q10 fights environmental pollutants while rolling back visible signs of aging. Preserved with caprylhydroxamic acid, glyceryl caprylate, and glycerin. Probiotic Shampoo & Body Wash: This gentle shampoo and body wash supports a healthy scalp and skin, while adding shine to the hair, and a dewy glow to the skin with an array of probiotics. Rich in a variety of zizyphus joazeiro bark extract, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide and gentle surfactants for a sudsy cleanse, this dual-purpose wash is especially well-suited for urban environments and pollution exposure. Preserved with lactobacillus ferment, lactobacillus and coconut (cocos nucifera) fruit extract. Rejuvenating Skin Oil: An immediate hit as an all-around wonder oil, premium ingredients like lycopene, CoQ10, and chia seed combine with delicate jasmine and rose scents for a luxurious oil designed to pamper. The antioxidants used (vitamin E + CoQ10) support one another not only for the environmental effects harming your skin & hair, but for the life of the oil itself. Moisturizing Body Cream: This deeply moisturizing cream uses premium plant-based ingredients such as babassu, hemp, avocado and cupuacu which give skin the essential fatty acid and antioxidant boost it needs. This thick cream is surprisingly lightweight and non-greasy while supplying your skin with some of the best nourishment it’s ever had, whether you use it during the day or as a night cream. Preserved with dehydroacetic acid and benzyl alcohol. Essential Exotic Face & Body Oil: Treat yourself with a liquid velvet oil that leaves skin soft and supple with an antioxidant punch from baobab oil, pumpkin seed oil, cranberry oil… the list goes on. On top of this, luxurious neroli essential oil adds an exotic scent profile ideal for premium lines. Similar to Rejuvenating Skin Oil, the antioxidants do all the work to prolong the life of this oil. While it's important to be cautious and informed about the ingredients in your skincare products, it's equally important to rely on science and credible sources. Phenoxyethanol, when used correctly, is a safe and effective preservative that helps ensure the products you use remain free from harmful microbial growth. At NourishUs Naturals we prioritize your safety and the efficacy of our products by carefully selecting and testing our preservatives, including phenoxyethanol. We encourage our customers to continue educating themselves and to reach out with any questions or concerns about their skincare choices.

Gels, when formulated well, can be highly effective in providing a soothing sensation to tense muscles through the use of different ingredients such as warming Capsicum and cooling Menthol. Despite all of the benefits they provide, are these gels good for your skin? How Do These Gels Work? While warming and cooling gels have different active ingredients to help calm and soothe, here at NourishUs Naturals, our Muscle Gel and Arctic Blue contain some of the same while also containing their own unique ingredients. Muscle Gel contains capsicum and Camphor Oil as the star ingredients, whilst our Arctic Blue Gel contains Peppermint and Arnica. The Camphor Oil is added to provide a cooling sensation in our otherwise warming Muscle Gel, and the Capsicum is the genus of plants that produce fruits such as chili peppers, which contain a compound known as Capsaicin. Similar to the warmth you feel when tasting something spicy, spreading it on your skin provides a warm, tingling sensation, akin to a heating pad for muscles. Our Muscle Gel also contains Basil and Chamomile Oil concentrations as part of a natural, soothing blend. The Arctic Blue Gel’s Spearmint and Lemongrass Oils supply your skin with the much-needed cooling function and the additional benefit of aromatherapy. What Produces Their Vibrant Color? Our Muscle Gel's orange color comes majorly from the Capsicum Oleoresin whilst the Arctic Blue Cooling Gel's color comes from a combination of these plant extracts: Neem Leaf Extract, Neem Flower Extract, Ivy Gourd Fruit Extract, Eggplant Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Holy Basil Leaf Extract, Basil Flower/Leaf Extract, Turmeric Root Extract, Seaweed Extract. Are These Gels Good for Your Skin? It depends; not every muscle gel is necessarily suitable for your skin. While it might not harm your skin, some ingredients, such as methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), can potentially cause skin irritation. Additionally, the active ingredient in muscle gels tends to dry out the skin. However, our muscle gel contains occlusive oils such as Meadowfoam Seed Oil, locking in moisture and allowing your skin to rehydrate. It also contains Rosemary and Oregano Essential Oils, specifically added to soothe skin. One of our favorite oils is in our arctic blue cooling gel; Daikon Radish, which is a versatile, non-greasy, and hydrating oil that provides a delicate slip and excellent moisturizing properties. Who Should Use These Relaxing & Reviving Gels? Anyone can use muscle gel or arctic blue gel, but people with skin sensitivities should be wary of certain ingredients. While warming and cooling gels are designed to go onto your skin, not every manufacturer creates their product with your skin in mind. If you have sensitive skin or are worried about the effects of any topical skincare look for products with more than just the typical cooling and heating ingredients. So there you have it! Whether you're hitting the trails, striking a pose by the waves, or paddling your heart out on the river, don't forget that recovery is just as important as the adventure itself. Our 2 favorite post-workout gels, with their dynamic cold and/or hot sensation, is the perfect companion to keep you feeling your best. They’re versatile enough to be a staple in any spa, massage, or active lifestyle routine. Embrace the post-adventure chill with confidence, knowing that our gels not only soothe your muscles but also take care of your skin. Here's to making your summer/workout outings as relaxing as they are exhilarating!

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From substantial cost savings to diversification of product offerings and beyond, working with a wholesaler can help your business soar to previously unimagined heights. However, choosing the right supplier is a pivotal decision, as it not only affects the quality of the product you can offer but can also impact your wallet. With all these important choices to make, how can you make sure you’re working with the best partner? This article will guide you through how to choose a body care wholesale supplier that perfectly suits your brand and ensure a fruitful and long-lasting partnership. Ensure the Supplier Offers Tops Quality Products Quality is the linchpin of your partnership with a wholesale supplier, as it directly reflects your brand and influences customer satisfaction. You’ll want to begin by researching and/or requesting the supplier’s procurement sources and manufacturing processes. It’s important to double-check that they adhere to high standards and regulations, ensuring their products are safe, reliable, and crafted with quality ingredients. You can do this by purchasing product samples to personally assess the quality. You should also consider the texture, scent, and effectiveness of body care products, as these elements are crucial to customer satisfaction. While you’re at it, look into the supplier’s quality control measures. A reputable supplier should have stringent quality checks at various stages of production to maintain consistency. Take a Close Look at Their Product Range When evaluating a body care wholesale supplier, considering the breadth and depth of their product range is crucial. A diverse product portfolio allows your brand to cater to the varied needs and preferences of your customer base. You’ll want to explore the supplier’s range of products to ensure they align with your brand identity and values. Whether you’re focusing on vegan, responsibly grown, or luxury body care products, the supplier should be able to provide a comprehensive selection that meets your standards. Plus, the ability to source a wide variety of products from a single supplier simplifies inventory management and can potentially lead to better pricing models due to bulk purchasing. Check the Ingredients They Use As mentioned, checking the ingredients in a supplier’s products is an important part of determining the overall quality of their product range. However, this goes beyond simply reading the ingredient bottle. Take some time to inquire about the origins of the primary ingredients used by the supplier. Are they using locally sourced or fair-trade components? It’s crucial to partner with a supplier whose ingredient sourcing aligns with your brand’s ethos. As a result, you’ll want to look for suppliers who are transparent about their ingredient lists and sourcing protocols. Look for the Supplier’s Certifications Certifications and associations are a key factor to consider when selecting a body care wholesale supplier. These recognitions serve as a testament to the supplier’s commitment to standards, quality, and ethical practices. Look for documentation that backs their credibility, such as FDA regulations, proof of product testing, and other bonus certifications that stand as a testament to their quality. By choosing a supplier with relevant certifications, you ensure that you’re offering top-quality products and protecting yourself in the long run. This step greatly enhances your brand’s reputation and can become a compelling selling point in your marketing efforts. Evaluate Their Minimum Order Quantities Minimum order quantities, or MOQ, refer to the least amount of product a supplier is willing to sell in one order. As you can imagine, this number can significantly affect your inventory levels, cash flow, and storage costs. When choosing a supplier, you’ll need to find a balance between securing competitive pricing through larger orders and maintaining the flexibility to respond to market demands without overstocking. A supplier with flexible MOQ options can be particularly beneficial for businesses that are experimenting with new product lines or targeting niche markets. You’ll also want to look for suppliers willing to negotiate MOQs or offer graduated pricing structures to accommodate your business scale. This flexibility ensures you can manage your inventory efficiently while still making the most of wholesale pricing benefits. Compare Pricing Structures Typically, suppliers may offer various pricing models based on volume purchasing, long-term contracts, or loyalty programs. Exploring all available options allows you to negotiate terms that align with your business goals and purchasing capacity. Additionally, consider the full scope of costs involved, including shipping fees, taxes, and any additional charges for custom packaging or formulations. Comparing these pricing structures across different suppliers can help you identify the most cost-effective partnership for your brand. However, quality and ethical sourcing practices should never come at the expense of a good deal. Balancing costs with these essential factors ensures that you maintain the integrity of your brand and the trust of your customers. Choose a Manufacturer With Experience Partnering with an experienced manufacturer can make a significant difference in the quality and consistency of the products you offer. A manufacturer with a proven track record in the body care industry not only brings expertise to the table but also enhances your brand’s credibility. They have established processes in place, which means they can reliably maintain high-quality standards. Ask how long they have been in business and about their familiarity with the specific types of products you wish to market. An experienced manufacturer will also be adept at navigating industry regulations and compliance requirements, so you can trust that their products are safe. By aligning yourself with an experienced manufacturer, you benefit from their accumulated knowledge and industry insights, which can be invaluable as your brand grows within the market. At NourishUs Naturals, we’re a body care and spa products wholesaler, offering a range of products with responsibly sourced, natural ingredients and a nonexistent MOQ. We can help get you to that next level you’ve been striving toward—reach out to us for more information!