The Freshie Folk balm guide

This is a short reference guide to Freshie Folk deodorant balm. Read it on this page, or enter your email below and we'll send it to you as a two-page PDF.

What the balm is

A natural deodorant balm, handmade in small batches in Freshwater, NSW. It is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant: there is no aluminum, so you still sweat.

• Odor: sodium bicarbonate.
• Moisture: arrowroot powder and kaolin clay absorb some moisture.
• Base: shea butter, coconut oil, cold pressed sunflower oil (high oleic), beeswax and vitamin E oil.
• Scent: essential oils only, named on every label. Lemongrass Lift (lemongrass, tea tree, lavender, cedar wood), Wild Awake (peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree), Classic Botanic (lavender, rosemary, cedar wood).

How to apply it

1. Start with clean, dry underarms.
2. Take a pea-sized amount for each underarm, with the bamboo applicator or your fingertips.
3. Hold it for a few seconds so it softens, then smooth it on.
4. Let it sink in for a minute before you get dressed.
5. Rinse the applicator and let it dry.

How much to use and how long it lasts

A pea is roughly 0.1 to 0.25 mL, which is about 100 to 250 mg of balm. In practice, a pea-sized amount on each underarm, plus what stays on your fingers or the applicator, comes to about 1 g a day. Karina's own 50 g balm lasts her 6 to 8 weeks of daily use. We use the shorter figure, 6 weeks, for the price per day shown on each product page. Using less makes it last longer; reapplying on hot days uses it faster.

Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place. Shea butter and coconut oil soften in heat, so the balm can turn soft in summer or in a car. A short time in the fridge firms it up again. Use within 6 months of opening.

Switching from antiperspirant

Antiperspirants reduce sweat with aluminum salts. A deodorant balm does not, so you will sweat as normal. Some people notice a difference for the first week or two after stopping antiperspirant; it varies from person to person.

The Underarm Detox Mask is optional. It is a clay mask for about once a month, or as needed while you switch. Leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse, and apply the balm once your skin is dry.

Skin notes

Patch test on a small area first. Avoid freshly shaved, broken or irritated skin. If your skin turns red or itchy, stop using it. Some people find bicarb doesn't suit them. External use only.

Questions

Email [hello@freshiefolk.com](mailto:hello@freshiefolk.com).