Keeping Bugs at Bay - A Guide to Citronella Products

As the warm summer breeze beckons us outdoors, so do the unwelcome companions of the season – bugs! These bothersome little bugs can wreak havoc on your outdoor adventures and leave you scratchin’ more than relaxin’. 

But fret not, as Sage Stone Botanicals has the perfect bug-repelling solution: the natural power of citronella. We’ve harnessed this natural bug repellent and turned it into skincare products you’ll actually want to use (and they actually work!) 

In this blog post, we delve into the wonders of citronella, explore our specially crafted Citronella Spray and Lotion, and discover why they're the ultimate bug-repelling heroes you need this summer!

What is Citronella

Citronella is an essential oil derived from Cymbopogon grasses, primarily referred to as lemongrass. Its distinctive tangy scent has made it a popular ingredient in bug repellents for decades. 

Don’t get it twisted though, Citronella is not ~technically~ a lemongrass. While these plants share a lot of characteristics, enough that they often share a name, Citronella does vary slightly in its leaves and scent. Citronella works as a natural insect deterrent due to its potent compounds, including citronellal and geraniol, which bugs find highly unpleasant. While humans may find its scent refreshing, bugs are repelled by it, making citronella an eco-friendly and non-toxic alternative to chemical bug repellents.

Sage Stone Botanicals Citronella Products

At Sage Stone Botanicals, we've used citronella to create two effective bug-repelling products: our Citronella Spray and Lotion. Let's explore their unique features:

a) Citronella Spray: Our Citronella Spray is your go-to outdoor solution for pesky bug encounters. It comes in a convenient spray bottle, making application a breeze. Infused with pure citronella essential oil and other natural ingredients, this spray creates a barrier against mosquitoes, flies, and other annoying insects. Simply spritz it on your skin, clothing, and even around your outdoor seating area to keep bugs at bay while you enjoy the great outdoors.

b) Citronella Lotion: For those looking for a more targeted approach, our Citronella Lotion is a dream come true. This creamy lotion is perfect for those with tough, dry skin or anyone in need of extra moisturizing. Just slather on the lotion, and let it work its magic in keeping bugs away.

Why They Work

The secret to citronella's effectiveness lies in its powerful natural compounds. As insects perceive citronella as an off-putting sensory experience, they instinctively avoid the scent, making it an efficient insect repellent. Oftentimes, spiders will also find this scent to be something they’d rather avoid. Moreover, citronella's non-toxic nature makes it safe for use around humans and pets, without causing any harm to the environment. While you shouldn’t use it directly on your pets, having it on yourself while you’re around them shouldn’t cause any problems. Unlike chemical repellents, our Citronella Spray and Lotion provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. It’s an added bonus that it smells lovely too!

As you spend your summer days outside, don't let pesky bugs hinder your outdoor fun. 

With Sage Stone Botanicals' Citronella Spray and Lotion, you can enjoy the warm weather without worry. You can keep you and your family bite-free all season long. And you can let your summer adventures be memorable and bug-free!

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Essential Steps for Summer-Ready Feet

Summer is here! 

You know what that means-pedicure season. Your little piggies have been under wraps all winter long and now the sun's out and so are your feet. What are you going to do about it? 

It’s time to tend to the toes-that’s what you’re going to do about it!

At Sage Stone Botanicals, we believe that self-care should extend to every part of your body, including your feet. We have curated a comprehensive guide to help you achieve soft, smooth feet in time for the sunny season. With our range of natural and cruelty-free products, you'll be stepping into summer with confidence and style!

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is the first step towards achieving summer-ready feet. 

While we don’t currently offer a scrub in our product lineup, we do have a simple and straightforward recipe you can use to make your own-all natural version! 

For a gentle scrub you’ll need: 

• Brown Sugar or Coffee Grounds 

• Coconut Oil or Shea Butter 

Combine ingredients into a paste and start scrubbing! 

Gently massage the scrub onto damp feet in circular motions, paying extra attention to rough areas like heels and the balls of your feet. Don’t forget to hit the cuticles around your nails too! Rinse off to unveil smoother skin. 

You’re now ready for the next step.

Moisturize

After exfoliation, it's time to indulge in deep hydration for your feet. 

Our Hand & Heel Creme is a luxurious treat that deeply nourishes and moisturizes your skin. If you’re looking for a lighter option, our lotion will also do the trick! Both are infused with natural ingredients and pure essential oils that provide long-lasting hydration, leaving your feet feeling silky smooth and revitalized. 

To use, massage the creme or lotion onto your feet, focusing on dry areas once again. Allow it to absorb fully and enjoy the benefits it provides. Whichever you choose, creme or lotion, this is essential to combating dryness and maintaining supple feet all summer long.

Now for the final step.

Glamorize

Now it's time to add a touch of glamor. This step is optional, but fun. 

Treat yourself to a mini pedicure and paint your nails a fun new shade. Choose from an array of vibrant colors that will complement your summer shenanigans. Bonus points if you choose a nail polish that’s cruelty-free and leaves out any harmful chemicals, ensuring your feet remain healthy and your conscience remains clear. Always apply a base coat when painting nails, followed by your desired color, and finish with a top coat for long-lasting shine and protection.

If color isn’t your thing, a nourishing clear coat is a great alternative. It’ll add a bit of shine without being too bold.

Congratulations! You've successfully transformed your feet into summer-ready stunners with the help of Sage Stone Botanicals. 

Our commitment to natural and cruelty-free skincare ensures that you can indulge in self-care while staying true to your values. Just don't forget to maintain your foot care routine throughout the season for continued softness. 

Click here and explore our full range of natural skincare products for a holistic self-care experience.

Common Skincare Problems That Natural Skincare Products Can Solve

What’s one thing we all have in common? Skincare problems. 

Even those with #blessed skin genes suffer from a dry patch here and there or some sensitivity flare ups. If one thing is true, we’ll all face our fair share of skincare challenges over the course of our lifetime. Dryness, sensitivity, and skincare conditions like eczema are commonplace and can make it difficult to live up to your best skin self and maintain a healthy, radiant, hydrated glow. 

This is where natural skincare products come in. Lucky for you, here at Sage Stone Botanicals, we’re all about the natural skincare products-you came to the right place. Our commitment to crafting natural, cruelty-free skincare products stems from a deep understanding of these common skincare concerns. Our founder, Alyson, struggled with her own skincare woes until she’d finally had enough and created her own products.

Read on as we explore some common skincare problems and how natural skincare products can save the day…and your skin.

Dryness

Dry skin is a common skincare problem that millions of people experience. Dry skin can be uncomfortable and often leads to tightness, flakiness, and an overall lackluster appearance-needless to say, less than ideal. Over time, dry skin can become more irritating and as you cycle through product after product, you may end up doing more harm than good. 

Our natural skincare products are carefully crafted with hydrating ingredients that nourish your skin, delivering moisture deep to your skin-this means it’s likely to be the last product you’ll ever try. By using gentle, plant-based ingredients, we minimize the risk of irritating your skin further. Our ultra-hydrating lotions and cremes work wonders, even on the driest of skin types, replenishing and restoring a healthy glow.

Moisture is key when it comes to repairing dry skin.

Sensitivity

Some of us are just more sensitive than others. Sensitive skin is another common skincare qualm that people are faced with quite often. This skincare concern requires extra care and attention so as to not make things worse. Many conventional skincare products contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances that can trigger irritation and redness for those with sensitive skin. 

Our natural skincare products, on the other hand, are formulated with gentle, natural ingredients like aloe, shea butter, vitamin e, and more that are less likely to cause adverse reactions. By opting for our cruelty-free and organic alternatives, you can soothe and nurture your sensitive skin without compromising on effectiveness.

Eczema

Living with eczema can be challenging-if you know, you know. As flare-ups cause intense itching, inflammation, and discomfort, you end up suffering. Eczema can be brought on from a variety of triggers such as stress, harsh ingredients in products, overwashing hands, allergies, or weather. 

Our natural skincare products are designed to provide relief and support for those with eczema-prone skin. By avoiding synthetic additives and focusing on natural ingredients, our products help to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing. The gentle nature of our formulations ensures that even the most delicate skin can benefit from our products.

Skincare problems like dryness, sensitivity, and eczema can significantly impact our self-confidence and overall well-being. Everyone wants glowing, radiant skin. Embracing natural skincare solutions is a transformative step towards healthier, happier skin. 

Experience the benefits for yourself with our ultra-hydrating lotions, cremes, and more, and embark on a skincare journey that prioritizes your well-being. Reveal your skin's natural radiance and embrace the beauty that comes from using products that are both effective and kind to your skin.
Shop all of our products here.

Hand Care 101:Keeping Your Hands Soft and Supple

Hands are the workhorses of our bodies. They help us accomplish everyday tasks like typing, cooking, cleaning, and so much more. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most overlooked parts of our body when it comes to skincare. 

Taking care of the skin on your hands is just as important as taking care of the skin on your face or any other part of your body. In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to know about hand care, including why it's important to take care of your hands, what happens when your hands get too dry, and things that can impact your hands. 

Read on and educate yourself on all things hand care. 

Why It’s Important to Take Care of Your Hands 

The skin on our hands is generally thinner and more delicate than the skin on other parts of our body. It also has fewer oil glands, making it more susceptible to dryness and cracking. Using harsh soaps, washing your hands frequently, and exposure to cold weather can all contribute to dry and rough hands. Neglecting your hands can lead to painful cracks, bleeding, and even infection. Depending on your line of work, you may not have a choice over how frequently you need to wash your hands-those in healthcare, education, construction, and food service will know that frequency well. But it doesn’t mean you have to live with the consequence of dry, rough, and cracked hands. You have options and we’ll get to them!

One of the main reasons to take care of your hands is to keep them looking young and healthy. Our hands are often the first part of our body to show signs of aging. By keeping your hands moisturized and protected from the sun, you can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Many of us keep the sunscreen use to heavily exposed areas like the face, chest, back, and arms during those hot summer months. We should, however, be using sunscreen year round and especially on our hands. They’re likely to see more sunlight year round (along with the face) than other areas of our skin do. 

What Happens if Your Hands Get Too Dry

Knowing that your hands may get more dry than other parts of the body is one thing. Knowing what to do about it is another. When your hands get too dry, they can become red, itchy, and flaky. The skin may also crack, which can be painful and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. In severe cases, the skin on your hands may even bleed or become infected as a result of these open patches on the hands. 

By properly drying your hands after hand washing and using one of our high-quality cremes or lotions, you can get rid of dryness. Our lotions are great for those with any level of dryness. This lotion can be kept for convenience in the bathroom or by any sinks to remind you to use it after you wash. The cremes are formulated for more intensive moisturizing and are great for use at the end of the day when you’re looking for a deep repair to the day's deeds. 

Things That Can Impact Your Hands 

There are many things that can impact the health of your hands. Some of the most common factors include:

• Harsh soaps and cleaning products

• Frequent hand washing

• Cold weather

• Sun exposure

• Age

• Medical conditions like eczema and psoriasis

To keep your hands healthy, it's important to avoid harsh soaps and cleaning products that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, opt for gentle, moisturizing products that will nourish your skin, like our hand and body washes here. When cleaning, opt for a pair of gloves to protect your hands from any cleaning products. 

Bonus: you’ll protect your hands from germs when you choose to clean with gloves on too! 

You should also try to limit your exposure to cold weather and wear gloves when you're outside in the cold. Protecting your hands from the sun and heat is also important. UV rays can cause age spots and wrinkles on your hands, just like they can on your face. Remember to put your SPF on your hands as well. At least SPF 30 should do the trick. 

Since we’re a natural skincare company, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention natural sunscreen options even if we don’t offer any ourselves. Many countries have banned ingredients that we still use prevalently here in the USA. These ingredients have been banned not only because they can be toxic to humans, but they also pose toxic threats to nature and wildlife. Playing it safe with a natural mineral sunscreen is a good choice (although they can be thicker and more challenging to rub in thoroughly) but ingredients you should steer clear of are: 

• Oxybenzone 

• Avobenzone

• Octinoxate 

Those are just to name a few. Check out this resource for a more comprehensive guide of what to look for in sunscreens. 

Taking care of your hands is an important part of any skincare routine-bottom line. By keeping them moisturized with a high-quality, natural product, protected from the sun, and avoiding harsh chemicals, you can keep your hands looking young and healthy. Don't forget to treat your hands with the same care and attention as you do for the rest of your body. With a little bit of TLC, your hands will be soft, smooth, and supple for years to come.

To pick up your hand care supplies in the form of lotions and cremes, click here. 

Being Leaping Bunny Certified - What This Means for Us

The natural skincare industry has seen a significant increase in demand for cruelty-free and natural products as of late. The rising concern among consumers about the harmful effects of chemicals that some skincare products contain and their animal testing has led to a shift towards more ethical and sustainable practices and products in the beauty community. 

As a result, natural skincare companies are on the rise, and being Leaping Bunny certified has become a highly sought-after achievement. Why exactly does being Leaping Bunny certified matter though? 

Let’s dive into it!

What is Leaping Bunny? 

Leaping Bunny is an internationally recognized certification program that verifies that a company has met their rigorous cruelty-free standards. Born out of a need to streamline standards, Leaping Bunny has set out to determine a clear-cut definition of what “cruelty-free” means. 

The standards include a commitment to no animal testing at any stage of product development, both for the company and its ingredient suppliers. This standard is upheld to a high degree with both the business selling the products and all manufacturers and suppliers involved showing their compliance and commitment to the cruelty-free way. 

In order to become Leaping Bunny certified, companies must provide detailed documentation to prove that they meet these standards. This includes a thorough investigation of their supply chain to ensure that no animal testing is conducted by any of their suppliers. The process is free but is worth far more when considering how many animal’s lives are spared by businesses choosing not to test on them. 

What Makes Leaping Bunny Different?

There is one main reason that sets Leaping Bunny apart from other cruelty-free brands: Animal Testing. While animal testing bans are in place in several countries and states, there are still loopholes in the law that allow brands to test on animals through third party systems that are not established in an area with a ban in place. 

This goes further in that brands can still boast a “cruelty-free” label even if they take advantage of these loopholes or use ingredients that are manufactured by a company that does animal testing. The brand itself may not test their finished product on an animal, but the ingredients that go into it could be. 

What makes Leaping Bunny different is their commitment to no animal testing and holding brands and suppliers accountable. They require those who are certified to perform routine monitoring checks of their suppliers to ensure that nothing is falling between the cracks…and ending up in the fur of a poor, helpless animal. Businesses must recommit annually to uphold their certification. 

Benefits of Being Leaping Bunny Certified 

Being Leaping Bunny certified has numerous benefits for natural skincare companies. 

Firstly, it shows a clear commitment to cruelty-free practices, which is highly valued by consumers these days. No one wants to see a sad dog or an injured bunny. Now more than ever, social media makes these practices more visible and it’s harder to ignore the problem when it’s staring back at you from your phone screen as you scroll. This certification can help build trust and loyalty with customers who are looking for ethical and sustainable products, which in turn leads to increased sales and customer retention. 

Another benefit of being Leaping Bunny certified is that as the demand for being truly cruelty-free and having access to natural products continues to rise, being certified can give companies a competitive edge in the market.

This attention can also open up opportunities for companies to expand their reach and grow their business. By being certified, companies can demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices and gain access to a wider customer base that Leaping Bunny can provide through their audience and spotlight features. 

Moreover, being Leaping Bunny certified can also have a positive impact on the environment. Many natural skincare companies that are Leaping Bunny certified also use sustainable and eco-friendly practices in their production processes. By choosing to use plant-based ingredients and avoiding animal testing, these companies help reduce the environmental impact of the skincare industry as a whole. 

 

So there you have it-all the tea on being Leaping Bunny certified and how crucial it is for natural skincare companies that want to make a positive impact on the industry. 

As consumers become more conscious of their choices, being Leaping Bunny certified will become an increasingly important achievement in the natural skincare industry. Paired with the positive impact on the environment, this certification is making it a win-win situation for both us and the planet. 

At-Home Spa Day: How to Relax and Recharge with Sage Stone Botanicals

 Ahhh.. spa day. There’s nothing quite like it. It’s the self care, glowing skin, and calmer demeanor for us. 

Spa days are the perfect way to relax, recharge, and treat yourself. The best part about them is that you don’t even have to go to a spa. If you're looking to indulge in some self-care without leaving the comfort of your home, an at-home spa day with Sage Stone Botanicals is the perfect solution. With the right products, the right environment, and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy all the benefits of a spa day right at home. 

Read on for a step-by-step guide to having an at-home skincare spa day.

Bath With the Soap 

When it comes to spa days, setting the tone and taking the time to relax is arguably the most important part. If your mind isn’t in the space to relax and take care of yourself, it’s going to make the next few steps less effective. 

Taking a few minutes to breathe in deeply and exhale, letting go of any stress you're carrying from the day, will help ensure your spa day is a success. And what better way to relax than a warm, bubbly bath? With Sage Stone Botanicals Hand & Body Wash, you can enjoy a soothing bubble bath that will have your skin feeling soft and refreshed after your soak. Whether you want a quick dip or an extended soak, adding Sage Stone Botanicals' wash to your tub is a great way to start your DIY spa day.

The bubbles aren’t overbearing and they’re gentle on skin. Plus, they smell amazing!

Hydrate All Over With Lotion

A post bubble bath must-hydrate!

Moisturizing your skin is a necessary part of any self care routine, especially after a warm bath or shower. Sage Stone Botanicals lotion is perfect for full body use and is known for its silky soft feel on skin. Not only does it provide your skin with the hydration it needs, but the lovely scent that the lotions are available in adds an extra layer of relaxation to your DIY spa day. It’s hydration and aromatherapy all in one. 

Pedicure While Face Mask Sets 

If you're looking to give yourself a DIY spa day at home, a pedicure has to be on the list.

This is a good time to multi-task and put on a facemask while you’re doing your toes. While your face mask sets and does its magic, your feet can enjoy a little bit of self care. To get started, you can file your toenails and use a pumice stone to smooth any roughness on your heels and feet. After that, you'll need Sage Stone Botanicals Hand & Heel Creme. This luxurious creme is enriched with natural ingredients that help nourish and hydrate your skin. 

Simply massage the creme into your feet and heels, making sure to pay special attention to any dry areas. Once you're done, slide on a cozy pair of socks to help lock in the moisture. Then, remove your face mask and move onto the next spa day step. 

Lip Scrub and Chapstick 

Pucker up. We’re starting off with a DIY lip scrub to get rid of any dead skin on your lips. Just whip up a natural scrub with a little dollop of coconut oil and about a teaspoon of coffee grounds or brown sugar. Now apply to lips and gently exfoliate till they feel soft and smooth.

Finish off with a chapstick from Sage Stone Botanicals for extra moisture and protection throughout the day. Our Peppermint chapstick has the perfect blend to keep your lips hydrated and soft. Enjoy your soft and moisturized lips while you move onto the final step of spa day.

Manicure and Me-Time

Lastly, it’s time to pamper your hands and feet with a manicure that includes our luxurious Hand & Heel Creme again. This product is packed with natural ingredients that help to nourish and hydrate your skin. Your hands do a lot, treat them to something special! 

After you finish your manicure, it's time to relax and solidify all that is “Spa Day.” Make sure to set aside some me-time during your spa day by curling up with a good book or watching a movie to cap the experience. Taking the time for self-care can make all the difference in how you feel after your at-home spa day. 

How are you feeling after all that? Hopefully relaxed and refreshed. 

We’re aiming to make it easier than ever to reward yourself with a relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience right at home. 

Remember that here at Sage Stone Botanicals, we have lotions, cremes, washes, and chapsticks in a variety of scents. Mix and match or collect them all in a certain scent-you can shop for them here. 

Citronella, Your All Natural Insect Repellent

Citronella is an oil that is refined from cymbopogan – also called lemongrass. It’s an interesting essential oil that is most commonly used to repel insects. You’ve probably smelled it in candles during a cookout or other outdoor event.

At Sage Stone Botanicals, we use citronella in our DEET-free bug spray and insect repelling lotions specifically to take advantage of its bug repelling properties. However, keeping mosquitoes away isn’t the only thing that citronella can do.

Five Uses for Citronella

1. Aromatherapy for symptoms of illness and headaches.

2. Massage oil for pain relief.

3. As an additional antiseptic in soaps and cleaning products.

4. In collars to gently calm barking dogs.

5. Finally, citronella oil is a great insect repellent.

How Does Citronella Work as Bug Repellent?

The scent of citronella doesn’t harm mosquitoes and other pests, so how is it such a great repellent? Citronella works by masking the scent of human beings from insects – specifically the smells created by the lactic acid in our muscles and the carbon dioxide we emit.

This oil also has the perk of being nontoxic to both humans and animals alike! So, no animal has to get hurt, but humans can protect themselves against insect bites with this natural ingredient.

Are you ready to discover how citronella works? Buy our insect repellent today!

7 Skincare Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a well-known moisturizer. It’s used in all kinds of skin care products, from lotions to soaps, from shampoo to lip balm. At Sage Stone Botanicals, we use coconut oil in our organic hand and body wash. You may wonder why we decided to include this oil in our soap. We have an explanation below.

Why is There Coconut Oil in my Soap?

Coconut oil is moisturizing, which is always nice to have in soap. But the question we get asked by many clients is why we decided to use this oil in our cleansing products. Here are a few reasons:

• It is antimicrobial. Studies show that coconut oil kills harmful microorganisms.

• It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

• Coconut oil blocks the growth of bacteria including the bacteria that cause inflammatory acne.

• Finally, coconut oil helps create the lather you like to see when using soap. This is a small benefit, but it’s a pleasant one.

On top of all of the above benefits, coconut oil is a great moisturizer, while still being cleansing. Not every moisturizing product can say the same.

Seven Skincare Benefits of Coconut Oil

Not only does coconut oil boast antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, it also improves the health of ordinary skin. Here are seven benefits one can enjoy when using coconut oil:

1. This product is chock-full of antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin A.

2. Studies show that coconut oil can increase collagen production.

3. It’s a soothing, moisturizing oil that can help prevent infection as one cleans cuts or scrapes.

4. Coconut oil has been found useful in the treatment of eczema, acne, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.

5. It doesn’t clog pores.

6. It’s been found to reduce inflammation.

7. Coconut oil has been proven to reduce dryness when applied to the skin.

At Sage Stone Botanicals, we think you deserve to be comfortable in your own skin. Try our soothing soaps and enjoy the deep moisturizing effects of coconut oil.