Category: Product Highlights

Home Fragrances That Bring Warmth & Sunshine

Aromatherapy can be enjoyed in many ways, from air diffusers and air fresheners to toilet spays, candles and incense. Unfortunately, traditional air fresheners often contain heavy artificial fragrances and numerous synthetic chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution and health issues. Though synthetic compounds can mask odors, they may also have adverse effects on human and pet health, as well as the environment.

The Benefits of All-Natural Aromatherapy

It’s time to replace artificial fragrances with the natural plant power of essential oils in your home-freshening routines. Switching to pure essential oil-based air fresheners and other plant-based products offers several advantages:

•            Natural Ingredients: Essential oils are derived from plants, providing a pure and authentic fragrance without synthetic additives, which can be safer for all members of your household.

•            Aromatherapeutic Effects: Many essential oils possess properties that can uplift mood, promote relaxation, or invigorate the senses, which is a great way to incorporate different blends into your daily home needs and preferences.

•            Eco-Conscious: We take pride in our responsibly sourced sustainable plant-derived products; they’re vastly better for people, pets and the planet. They are both effective and safe.

Natural Air Care Product Swaps 

Planet-friendly companies like Aura Cacia offer a diverse selection of air-care solutions designed to infuse your home or office with the power of nature, and transform your environment into a fresh, relaxing space — without adding harmful chemicals. Here are some ways to replace chemical-laden fresheners with safer and equally effective (if not more so) plant-based alternatives.Swap out air fresheners and fabric sprays for Aura Cacia Room Sprays and Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mists.

• Swap out air fresheners and fabric sprays for Aura Cacia Room Sprays and Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mists.
• Swap out bathroom deodorizers with Aura Cacia Toilet Sprays.
• Swap out synthetic plug-ins for Aura Cacia Plug-Ins and Refills. 
• Swap out low-quality, adulterated essential oils for certified pure Aura Cacia Essential Oils and Diffusers.
• Swap out paraffin and other petroleum-based candles with Beeswax & Plant-Based Wax Candles made from sustainably sourced ingredients such as coconut and soy.
• Swap out incense containing synthetic fragrances and chemicals with Plant-Based Incense made from natural ingredients like herbs, resins, and pure essential oils.

Enjoy the Many Scents of Summer

Let’s take a look at some of the best summer scents that will bring sunshine, warmth and a welcoming embrace of refreshing calm into your home. The following broad categories should help you discover the ones that resonate with your personal style and needs. We hope you’re inspired by the many fragrances that can elevate your mood and enhance your summer experiences, helping you to enjoy the season to its fullest.

Citrus Grove

Nothing says summer like the bright citrus scents of lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit — perfect for an energizing boost on sultry summer days. Straight-up solo or in a supporting role, citrus scents utilize the olfactory system’s direct connection to the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory; this triggers positive responses like relaxation in stressful or anxious moments, which can enhance mental focus and clarity. In short, a little citrus zzzing! can make you smile, soften your shoulder tension, and help you go that extra mile. If you’d like a Citrus Grove aromatherapy experience, check out these products…

Island Getaway

Capture the essence of ocean air and soothing waves with a fragrance that joins sandy shorelines and gentle floral notes. To evoke an ocean state of mind that carries with it feelings of freedom, relaxation and safety, choose natural products with gentle floral, citrus, and salty notes. Citronella, with its lemony, herbaceous aroma, and the sweet-floral scent of ylang ylang are good choices. (Citronella also serves as an insect repellent, so it’s perfect for your patio and porch excursions.) For a more complex seashore vibe, blend those with oils like sweet orange, lime, lemongrass, or a few drops of homemade coconut oil. (See our DIY Coconut Oil recipe* at the end of this blog.) Escape to your favorite island with these products:

 Mystical Forest

It’s a well-researched fact that a cool and calming, meditative walk under the forest’s shaded canopy offers health benefits. When you can’t get out into the deep woods, bring them into your home with earthy, grounding base scents that complement summer’s lighter notes. Enjoy the spirit of your favorite woodlands with the concentrated aroma of balsam fir needle, pine, and cypress, each on their own, or blended as a trio. Add a few drops of cedar for added depth and a subtle sweetness; adding lime will uplift your blend, permitting a hint of sunlight’s uplifting energy through the dense canopy. Get off the beaten path and discover new territory with a few of these…

Calming Garden

Soft florals are reminiscent of childhood’s carefree summers, cooling breezes, and the soft drone of far-away busyness. Floral fragrances can help adults (and youngsters) enjoy a soothing spa-like experience, perfect to decompress after a long day, or simply to relax anytime. When calm is a requirement, lavender is the world’s favorite go-to. Next in line is the Queen of Flowers: the rose. There’s more to a rose than romance; its pleasant aroma helps trigger relaxation and opens the mind to calmness and trust. Another great floral is jasmine, reputed to promote relaxation. There are a myriad of enticing floral scents widely used in aromatherapy; with so many delightful aromas, it’s no wonder the fragrance of flowers has remained popular for thousands of years.

Love Is in the Air

Summer is a great time of the year to meet new friends — and fall in love! The weather is warmer, you wear fewer clothes, your social life escalates and the next thing you know… romance is on your mind. Immerse yourself in the allure and excitement of the season with the aroma of bergamot, a natural oil that helps create a calming atmosphere for all who encounter it. Deepen connections with the warm, earthy notes of sandalwood, and hit a chord of perfect harmony with the smoky aroma of patchouli. Open your mind and heart to the season’s possibilities with these alluring scents….

Healing & Cleansing Herbals

Though summer may be a balm to the spirit, it also brings hot weather which can do the opposite to keeping your mood relaxed and calm. Keep soothing comfort on hand for when you’re out in the heat, with a few of these helpful scents. Eucalyptus and spearmint may help bring a refreshing aroma, while German chamomile and peppermint offer a cool, calming effect when the heat becomes a bit too much. When refreshing a space, be sure to use natural, plant-based cleaning products, like Seventh Generation, that are safe for all. If you make your own cleaning goods, refer to the essential oils below for refreshing additions.

When temperatures, humidity levels and sun exposure rise, your skin requires special care. Because heavy creams can clog pores and cause breakouts, switching to lighter-weight formulas during summer months is recommended. If you haven’t already, summer is also the ideal time to switch to plant-based skincare.

Why Use Plant-based Skincare Products?

Plant-based skincare is formulated using natural ingredients derived from plants like herbs, fruits, and flowers, with some of the most popular being aloe vera, lavender, mints, jojoba oil, olive oil, and rosehip oil. Plant-based products tend to avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients, making them less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. 

These natural alternatives to traditional skincare products are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, providing clean hydration and anti-aging benefits. The gentle nature of plant-based skincare can be especially soothing and helpful for those with sensitive skin or inflammatory skin conditions.

4 Steps to Your Best Summer Skin

The best summer skin care routines prioritize environmental protection, cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and nurturing. Each step is crucial to achieving healthy, radiant skin. Let’s look at each step in greater detail; and because everyone has unique skin concerns, our experts share a variety of product suggestions, so you can select the ones that will best serve your needs.

Step One: Environmental Protection

During summer months, broad-spectrum sun protection is a top priority. The American Academy of Dermatology and The Skin Cancer Foundation both recommend SPF 30 as a minimum, but many specialists suggest SPF 50 as a better choice for more effective protection. Be sure to apply sunscreen to every exposed part of your body.

Don’t overlook the need to also protect your body from wind, humidity, heat, and ambient air pollution. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from materials such as cotton or linen, so sweat can evaporate, and wear a wide-brimmed hat with vents. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty; drink lots of liquids to replace the fluids you lose from sweating, even if you don’t think you’re sweating.

Remember, the best sunscreen is the one that you will actually use. With that in mind, be willing to try several types. You may prefer one for your face, another for torso, a spray on for hard-to-reach areas…. You get the idea.

• All Good Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 30. This luscious SPF30 mineral lotion contains ultra-moisturizing plant-based hyaluronic acid. Sweat and water-resistant, it provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, is easy to rub in, and doesn’t leave your skin chalky or greasy. Made with reef-friendly, vegan, botanical ingredients.
• Seaweed Bath Co. Sheer Tint Face Fluid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. This radiance-enhancing sunscreen brightens and protects all skin tones. Made with non-nano zinc oxide, sea moss to soothe and help skin retain moisture, Vitamin C for brighter skin, plus deeply nourishing Atlantic seaweed. Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. 
• Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. Enjoy the broad-spectrum protection of a lotion sunscreen in a convenient, continuous air-powered spray! This easy-to-apply mineral sunscreen is enriched with 13 plant-based ingredients, such as aloe vera and sunflower oil, to soothe and moisturize. Created for sensitive skin, it’s fragrance-free and suitable for all ages.
• Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. Formulated for sensitive skin, this hydrating, fast-absorbing sunscreen lotion contains 24 plant-based ingredients, including sunflower oil and shea butter to moisturize and soothe face and body. Created with natural origin clear zinc oxide, this broad spectrum formula is one of the first-ever sunscreens to be EWG Verified to ensure the highest level of safety and quality. Fragrance-free and suitable for all ages.
• Attitude Sunly Baby Unscented SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen. While it’s specially formulated for a child’s delicate skin, adults can also enjoy this gentle yet effective sunscreenFormulated with non-nano zinc oxide to limit impact on the oceans while providing broad spectrum protection, it also contains oat extract, known to revitalize dry skin. EWG VERIFIED™ and dermatologically tested. 
• Eco Lips Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Lip Balm. Protect those sensitive lips from sunburn and damage with organic aloe vera, nourishing Fair Trade Certified organic coconut oil and cocoa butter, and a touch of vanilla to soothe and moisturize.

Step Two: Cleanse

Cleansing your skin is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. In addition to the layer of sunscreen and cosmetics you may be wearing, heat and humidity increase sweat and oil production can lead to clogged pores and breakouts if not addressed properly. Daily cleansing helps remove these build-ups, preventing skin issues and ensuring that your other skincare products can work their magic effectively.

• Sukin Signature Foaming Facial Cleanser. Perfect for a normal to oily skin type, this non-drying, gentle cleanser purifies the skin without stripping its natural oils. It removes make-up, daily dirt build-up and excess oils, and also helps to soothe and tighten the skin with a natural blend of chamomile, aloe vera, green tea and witch hazel. Evening primrose and rosehip oil provide light hydration.
• Sukin Sensitive Cleansing Facial Gel. Sukin’s soap-free gel is the perfect cleansing option for combination/oily skin types who have sensitive skin, providing a gentle, non-drying cleanse to help remove impurities and excess oils. A blend of green tea, cucumber, and avocado oil work to gently clean, refresh and purify.
• Sukin Skin Relief Cream Facial Cleanser. This skin-soothing cleanser is formulated with a maize complex known to help hydrate skin and wash away impurities and excess oils. Native emu and kangaroo apples containing antioxidants help defend the skin against environmental stressors. Plus, select plant prebiotics derived from wheat and beetroot bolster the skin microbiome for softer, healthier-looking skin.
• Sukin Signature Botanical Body Wash. Sukin’s soap-free body wash is enriched with aromatic botanicals and oils to gently cleanse and purify the body without drying. A combination of rosehip, jojoba and avocado oils soften and lightly hydrate, while chamomile and aloe vera soothe the skin.
• Aura Cacia Patchouli & Sweet Orange Foam Bath. Cleanse body and mind with peace and calm. Safe for use in the bath, whirlpool, or spa, this unique foam bath is made with an expertly blended combination of essential oils, coconut oil and jojoba oil. Fresh, free-spirited patchouli offers balancing properties, while sweet orange uplifts and refreshes.

Step Three: Exfoliate

In the summer, aim to exfoliate 2-3 times a week, adjusting frequency based on your skin type and how your skin reacts. If your skin is super sensitive, you may want to exfoliate just once a week, and add a dab of Sukin Signature Cream Facial Cleanser to your scrub to soften the level of exfoliation.

• Sukin GLOW ACTIVE-C Vitamin C 2-in-1 Exfoliator. Improves skin radiance, brightness, and texture, with just one use. This clinically proven dual-action treatment is formulated with a blend of physical and chemical exfoliating ingredients and enriched with Kakadu plum, dragon fruit and liquorice root extract. Gently buffs away dead skin cells, whilst harnessing the power of 6% AHAs; pH optimized to actively enhance overall skin exfoliation and renewal.
• Sukin Signature Revitalizing Facial Scrub. Perfect for normal to dry skin types, this cream-based scrub uses gentle granules of biodegradable bamboo extract and walnut shell powder. A refreshing combination of aloe vera and chamomile soothes the skin while jojoba, sesame and rosehip oils hydrate, leaving your complexion silky soft and smooth.
• Seaweed Bath Co. Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser. Reveal your most radiant skin with this 2-in-1 cleanser and gentle exfoliator made with fine volcanic powder and peptide-packed seaweed. This non-foaming, oil-based formula thoroughly removes mineral and waterproof sunscreen, pollution and other impurities to leave skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth, with sustainably harvested Atlantic seaweed and 65+ vitamins and minerals that nourish and detoxify skin. Gentle enough for everyday use.
• Giovanni Cool Mint Lemonade Salt Scrub. This pleasant little slice of summer is also an invigorating whole body exfoliator that tingles with refreshing fragrance while polishing the skin’s surface, removing cellular debris. The richly scented lemony mint formula contains exclusive Giovanni Eco Chic Technology blend. An intoxicating experience!

Step Four: Moisturize & Nurture

With thousands of skin moisturizers available, which should you choose? Keep it simple, with pure plant-based oils and moisturizers that help to hydrate, soothe, nurture, and protect your skin from the effects of summer sun and heat. Just massage them into your skin… and enjoy the natural benefits!

• Aura Cacia Sweet Almond Skin Care Oil. Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular natural skin care ingredients. Due to its weight and nutrient density (zinc, protein, and vitamin E), it’s excellent for bath and after-shower applications. A good option for all skin types, and especially helpful for dry skin.
• Aura Cacia Apricot Kernel Skin Care Oil. Apricot kernel oil is high in skin-nourishing essential fatty acids. Its light, smooth properties restore skin vitality, so massage it all over your body.
• Aura Cacia Jojoba Skin Care Oil. An all-around winner for all skin types! Rich in vitamins E and B-complex, which help repair and control skin damage, jojoba oil is readily absorbed, deeply penetrating the skin without clogging pores. It’s also very similar to sebum, the oil your skin produces naturally, making it one of the best for your face. 
• Aura Cacia Chamomile Body Oil. Our carefully crafted blend of skin-nourishing grapeseed, apricot kernel, and sweet almond oils is enhanced with calming chamomile, lavender and balsam fir essential oils. Especially suited for decompressing and relaxing after a day of hard work or play.
• Aura Cacia Organic Argan Skin Care Oil. Lightweight, easily absorbed, and rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, this deeply nourishing oil is an excellent choice for moisturizing and protecting your body, face (and hair).
• Aura Cacia Organic Vegetable Glycerin. A humectant, vegetable glycerin has powerful moisture-attracting properties and is a common ingredient in soaps, creams and lotions. It’s a clear, odorless liquid that’s pure, safe, and very effective! Rub a small amount directly on dry, cracked feet or hands; add just a little to your current body care products for a big moisturizing boost.
• Sukin Signature Hydrating Mist Facial Toner. The ultimate multi-use product, it can be used before and after cleansing, in the office as a 3pm pick-me-up, after makeup application to give you a dewy complexion, or anytime your skin is feeling stressed or overheated. TIP: Keep in the refrigerator to instantly refresh skin on hot days. 
• Sukin Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum. Sukin’s hydrating, nutrient-filled serum has a light consistency for speedy absorption, and infuses detoxifying extracts of kale, spirulina and parsley to promote a radiant, even skin tone. Antioxidant-rich acai and goji berry extracts fight the signs of aging.

There’s something magical about how summer and cooking on the grill go hand in hand to form patio bliss. Whether you’re firing up your grill for dinner, a social event, to expand your culinary horizons, or to simply be outdoors, our brief guide to grilling will up your game. Plus, we’ve included two of our favorite recipes for you to enjoy!

Where to Start: Charcoal or Gas?

A gas grill is generally considered to be easier for beginners, as it takes practice to learn the best way to stack your coal and use the vents with a charcoal grill. But you won’t get the practice if you never get started, so use what you have on hand. Just be sure to read the manual for instructions and all safety guidelines before starting. 

If using a charcoal grill, invest in a chimney starter to get your coals going easily. Cook with natural lump charcoal; it’s the best choice to achieve a signature smoky flavor without the chemical residue and awful taste of lighter fluid.

Tip 1. Gather Your Tools Before You Start Patio Bliss

When grilling, things can get hectic quickly. Gather all your grilling tools so they’re within reach when you need them. Experienced grillers with a humble heart might share the woeful tale of how they learned this valuable lesson. Essential grilling tools include these basics:

• Long matches or stick lighter. Always think safety first.
• Sturdy metal turner. You want a turner with single-piece steel construction, stainless steel rivets, an angled blade, and off-set handle for optimal strength, durability, and leverage to handle food without breaking it apart. 
• Sturdy metal tongs. Long tongs with scalloped grips will more securely hold foods and drain liquids and cooking oils for mess-free cooking, plating and serving your foods.
• Instant-read thermometer. No need for expensive, complicated gadgets; unless you’re a paid pro cooking for crowds, opt for a simple, affordable digital instant-read meat thermometer. 
• Timer. Distractions happen! It’s always helpful to have a reminder, especially at a social gathering.
• Basting brush. Our pro-quality baster is made from natural boar bristles and has a solid ferrule that’s fully sealed to eliminate bacteria growth and the worry of cross contamination of food.
• Oil sprayer. We recommend the EVO Stainless Steel Oil Sprayer. Every pull of the trigger delivers a precise 1.35-milliliters in a pattern that covers more cooking surface with less oil. It requires no pumping, priming, and it won’t clog. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, it won’t shatter or melt.
• Two rimmed baking sheets. Use one for raw food and another for cooked. Rims keep juices on the tray. Be sure they’re nice and sturdy.

Tip 2. Prep Your Grill for Patio Bliss

Make sure your grates are clean before cooking. Start by heating the grill to burn off any food or buildup. Using a wad of aluminum foil (with tongs) or your grill brush, scrub off the ash, then wipe the grates with vegetable oil that has a high smoke point, like canola, sunflower, avocado, or peanut oil. You’re ready to grill!

Tip 3. Develop Your Grill Plan: Zone It

Zone cooking, or direct and indirect grilling, refers to the location of the heat source on the grill. The zone method works for cooking various meats, vegetables, and other foods that require different heat levels during cooking. Though experience is the best teacher, there are a few basics that can help get you started. 

With direct heat cooking, the food is placed directly over the flame, or the high-heat zone. This area is for searing and developing a flavorful crust on foods. Indirect heat is the low-heat zone, where the food is placed on the grate adjacent to the flame. On a gas grill, that means one or two burners are lit and the food is placed over the unlit burner. On a charcoal grill, the coals are arranged into a pile on one side of the grill, and the food is placed on the opposite side. Low-heat zones are best for a gentle, slow roasting.

Tip 4. Dry Rubs or Marinades?

Ask 100 grillers and you’ll get 100 answers as to why they prefer one or the other. It’s best to learn a bit about each and some general guidelines, then try them both before deciding which you prefer. We believe dry rubs and marinades both add great flavor and value to a grilling repertoire.

 A dry rub is a blend of spices and herbs that you generously sprinkle on the meat (or veggies and fruit) you will cook, giving delicious flavor. A rub works on the meat’s outer layer, often producing a nice crust of flavor on the finished product. You can pat the rub on your food a few hours before cooking or apply the rub and refrigerate overnight, which gives it even more flavor, as a rub doesn’t penetrate far.

Any dry rub can be made into a wet rub by adding a small amount of liquid to create a nice, thick paste. For instance, you might use honey, fruit juice, wine or beer. Simply massage this paste onto the food and like the dry rub, the wet rub won’t permeate very far. 

While a dry rub adds flavor and crust to your food, a marinade adds taste and tenderness, especially to protein-rich foods. A marinade is a mixture of liquids, spices, herbs and other seasonings combined with oil that can be used to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Marinating times vary depending on the protein, but generally, marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended. For tougher cuts, marinating overnight is ideal. Safety Tip: To avoid the chance of cross-contamination, do not use the marinade for basting the meat as it cooks! It’s been holding raw protein for hours. Plan ahead and reserve a bit for basting before marinating your meat.

Bottom Line: The dry rub, wet rub, and marinade are all excellent ways to impart flavor to grilled foods. Base your decision on which to use on the situation at hand. Here are some general guidelines:

• Use a dry rub: If you want to create a nice sear or crispy crust, plus add flavor, especially on meats or moist veggies that cook quickly and don’t need tenderizing.
• Use a wet rub: When you want to add flavor and moisture, particularly when cooking meats low and slow. Wet rubs also impart an appealing glossy finish. Think BBQ sauce on wings, pork butt or pork shoulder….
• Use a marinade: When you have a very lean or tough meat, a soak in a marinade will help tenderize it. Marinades are also perfect if you want to add flavor to vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, corn on the cob, portobellos, and artichokes.

Tip 5. Use Expertly Crafted Grilling Spices

Ready-to-use rubs and marinades elevate every griller’s game. They impart expertly balanced flavors that you can count on every time you use them and provide instant options to prepare the foods you have on hand to grill. Take a look at our wide variety of these essential grilling spices, all guaranteed to help you consistently grill like a pro!

• Essential Dry Rubs. Created by our grillers extraordinaire with all natural and organic ingredients, our dry rubs make it easy to spice up your grill game, with mouth-watering flavors like Buttery-Herb, and Maple Vanilla Bourbon, or robust Sweet-Heat, Cajun,  and Santa Maria Style. You’ll want to try them all! 
• Essential Marinades.  From Teriyaki and Caesar to Chimichurri and Coconut-Garlic, you’ll find a flavor to please every palate. These versatile marinades can also be used in dips, dressing, and many other recipes, so you’ll want several on hand.

Tip 6. Try New Flavors & Recipes

Part of grilling like a pro is a willingness to expand your horizons and try new things. Though every griller has their favorites, trying new flavors and recipes keeps grilling interesting and fun; plus, sharing your new culinary creations with others makes it even more gratifying. Here are links to two of our favorite grilling recipes to get you started on your journey to grilling like a pro! 

Savory Pepper & Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

Chicken may be a blank canvas, but that’s exactly what makes it so versatile. This Savory Pepper & Herb Grilled Chicken recipe uses our perfectly-proportioned Organic Prime Cuts Savory Pepper Blend — a bold, aromatic mix of 10 organic spices including garlic, coriander, dill and chili pepper — to create something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re throwing drumsticks, thighs, or breasts on the grill, this recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful result that goes way beyond basic.

Citrus Pepper Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Craving the ultimate grilled shrimp? This Citrus Pepper Grilled Shrimp recipe is a total flavor bomb! Fresh shrimp meet the bold, citrusy punch of our Organic Prime Cuts Citrus Pepper Blend — a vibrant mix of lemon and orange peels, cracked black pepper, and parsley that was practically made for seafood. This recipe is summer on a skewer — fresh, fast, and seriously satisfying.