My Discovery
Our skin is the largest organ of the body. Therefore, we want to take extra special care to protect it. Did you know that women use an average of 12 cosmetic products a day?! Much of what we put on our skin can be absorbed directly into our bodies. After doing extensive research regarding toxicity in our bath & beauty products, I decided to start exploring more natural alternatives. I found a lot of great products, but felt most were very expensive. The “all natural” market is hot right now and consumers are willing to pay big bucks for products labeled as such. I don’t mind paying more for a better product, but my research was telling me that companies were overcharging.
I thought to myself, I think I could make a few of these things. I started out simply enough and made DIY body butter and lotion bars. One day, I peeled back the label on my beloved lip balm and was surprised to find that it contained parabens. I am a bit of a lip balm addict, so this was disappointing! The same thing happened when I carefully read the label on the mineral foundation I had been using for years. Shortly thereafter, I tackled making my own lip balm and foundation.
Next I read up on my deodorant & began researching others. I didn’t like what I found there either, as many contained several questionable ingredients. When I announced I was making my own deodorant, I found the majority of people I told where very interested and most wanted to try what I was making. An idea was forming and this Brave Little Bird decided to take flight with it!
BLB (A Brave Little Bird) Products
It became my goal to create quality, all natural, beauty products that were also affordable. All BLB Products have been carefully researched and created. Ingredients are natural and many are organic. The full ingredient list is indicated on each product, as well as the “Additional Information” section of each product page. Each ingredient has been carefully selected with a purpose for each individual product. I have a number of trusted companies that I am using to source my ingredients. If you have a question about a listed ingredient, please feel free to send me an email on the contact page. I will be happy to send you additional information.
Preservation
When I decided to sell BLB, I wanted to make sure that my products were not only all natural, but also safe. You might be wondering what that means? When you decide to make a product that is all natural, without the presence of chemical preservatives, you must tread carefully. Anytime, that you introduce water or any water based ingredient (including aloe, witch hazel, floral waters, and even honey) into a product, you must be concerned with the threat of mold, bacteria, and yeast. All of my research states a preservative absolutely must be used.
At this time, the following BLB products contain water: BLB Relax Magnesium Rub with Menthol & BLB Relax Magnesium Rub with Lavender. I have also decided to include a preservative in ALL of my sugar scrubs. While they do not contain any water based ingredients, it is likely that water will be introduced into the product while it is being used. I am also in the process of developing a few new products that will contain water based ingredients.
The all natural preservative I have chosen is Leucidal® Liquid SF and Leucidal® SF Complete (please link to the company website for additional information). As copied from the Active Micro Technologies website, Leucidal® Liquid SF and Leucidal® SF Complete contain a probiotic based ingredient created by the fermentation of Lactobacillus in a defined growth medium. Lactobacillus is one of the species of microorganisms used to produce fermented products such as sauerkraut and kimchi, a Korean dietary staple, from cabbage. Like many members of the lactic acid bacteria family, Lactobacillus is capable of restricting the growth of other microorganisms by acidifying its environment. However, in addition to acidifying its environment, Lactobacillus also produces novel antimicrobial peptides, also known as 
bacteriocins, that are capable of providing broad spectrum antimicrobial protection. In addition, the Leucidal® SF Complete product also contains AMTicide® Coconut, developed by fermenting Cocos Nucifera (coconut) fruit with Lactobacillus. This adds antifungal protection against yeast and mold. It is important to note that these all natural preservatives do NOT contain parabens, formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol, or anything synthetic.
The majority of BLB products are oil based & anhydrous and therefore do not require a preservative. I have also chosen to use Vitamin E (MT-50 Full Spectrum), Rosemary Antioxidant CO2 Extract, & Grapefruit Seed Extract in many of my oil based products. These antioxidants will extend the shelf life of the oils.
Safety & Allergens
There is sometimes an adjustment period when switching to an all natural product. This can sometimes cause slight irritation. I emphasis the word slight! I have noticed a trend with some of the all natural products on the market. They advertise a possible “detox” period, claiming that you may detox from your old products, which may have contained chemicals. This alleged detox is said to cause irritation. I have not found this to be accurate and I feel that in most cases if you have prolonged irritation, it is likely you are having a reaction to an ingredient in the product. If you experience continued irritation or discomfort while using any BLB products, please discontinue use. You can try the product again after the irritation has subsided. If you still experience any irritation, you are likely reacting to an ingredient in the product. Remember, all natural does not mean that you can’t have an allergy or reaction to an all natural ingredient.
Allergens
In regards to Allergens, I do not use any ingredients that contain nuts in any of my products. (including commonly used almond oil, macadamia oil, & argan oil) However, I do use ingredients that would be considered tree nuts like coconut oil & shea butter. I will list all ingredients on each product page and on the label of each item. Please carefully read the ingredients listed for possible allergen concerns. If you need additional information about an ingredient, please email me on the contact page. I am happy to address any questions or concerns.
Fragrances
A special note about fragrances: Fragrances are protected by trade secrets. This is why many products in the marketplace will simply list “fragrance” as an ingredient on the label. The actual fragrance formula and the process in which it was developed does not have to be disclosed by the creator. I mention this because I did create some fragrance balms. They are meant to be fun, portable, perfume type products that simply smell good. I do list the specific type of fragrance on the label, but I have no way of knowing the actual formula used to create that specific fragrance. If you have an allergy concern, I would not recommend purchasing the fragrance balms.
Pregnant & Nursing Women, Children
I do not recommend using my products on children under the age of 10. Essential oils are especially strong and even when diluted, can cause irritation to sensitive skin. I would recommend patch testing on older children. Pregnant & nursing women should consult a doctor before using essential oils. If you have a question about an ingredient, please email me on the contact page. I will be happy to send you additional information.
Usage, Storage, & Shelf Life
- Wash hands thoroughly before using any products in jars. This will help minimize the transfer of bacteria.
- Do not expose to heat. Oils are heat sensitive and will go rancid if exposed to heat.
- Close containers with lids after each use.
- BLB products should maintain an average shelf life of approximately 1 year from date of purchase.
Special Orders
I am willing to discuss special orders. For example, if you would like your BLB Lip Balm or Sugar Scrub to have a certain scent, I may be able to accommodate that. If you would like for a product to have no scent, I can do that as well. Send me a message on the contact page or feel free to call me (815)955-4094.
Medical Disclaimer
BLB Products and statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Information and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical treatment. Check with your healthcare provider if you are currently taking medication before using products containing essential oils.