Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark
Episode: Are Your Personal Care Products Really Non-Toxic? | Zebra Founder Jenn Thatcher
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark, host Alex Clark engages in a profound conversation with Jenn Thatcher, the founder of Zebra USA, a company dedicated to creating non-toxic personal and home care products. Driven by personal tragedy and a commitment to transparency, Jenn shares her journey toward establishing a brand that genuinely prioritizes health and wellness without compromising on effectiveness or aesthetics.
Personal Story and Motivation
Jenn opens up about the catalyst that propelled her into the world of non-toxic product development.
Jenn Thatcher [00:00]: "It is..."
Jenn recounts the harrowing experiences her family endured when her four-year-old daughter developed an ovarian cyst and her son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. These health crises prompted her to scrutinize everyday household and personal care products, revealing unsettling truths about ingredients marketed as "natural."
Jenn Thatcher [07:54]: "So the companies are not as honest as I had thought..."
Hidden Dangers in Personal Care Products
Jenn delves into the deceptive nature of product labeling, highlighting how the absence of FDA definitions for "natural" allows companies to include harmful chemicals under misleading labels.
Jenn Thatcher [00:24]: "Even though it's marketed as natural, there's no definition of natural from the FDA."
Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride in Toothpaste
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on hydroxyapatite, a popular ingredient in natural toothpaste, and its equivalence to fluoride.
Jenn Thatcher [00:27]: "I actually think it's as detrimental as fluoride."
Jenn criticizes the rapid adoption of nano hydroxyapatite in the holistic community without sufficient scrutiny, comparing it unfavorably to traditional fluoride.
Jenn Thatcher [00:52]: "The people that don't like fluoride. Why nano hydroxyapatite?"
The Creation of Zebra USA
Fueled by her discoveries, Jenn founded Zebra USA with a mission to provide truly non-toxic, effective, and aesthetically pleasing personal care products. She emphasizes the importance of transparency and honesty in ingredient sourcing.
Jenn Thatcher [00:54]: "With Zebra, we did ingredients that are black and white because we don't want to trick anyone."
Jenn shares her frustration with the lack of trustworthy options in the market, leading her to develop Zebra's own line of products that meet her stringent standards.
Specific Product Discussions
Non-Toxic Deodorant
Jenn discusses the complexities of creating an effective non-toxic deodorant, addressing common concerns and the importance of a clean diet in the transition process.
Jenn Thatcher [23:16]: "It is a struggle. And so that was top of mind for me because I want products that perform."
She explains how Zebra's deodorant avoids endocrine disruptors by using carefully sourced essential oils and offers formulas both with and without baking soda to cater to sensitive users.
Jenn Thatcher [25:05]: "We're using essential oils that are beautifully sourced."
Toothpaste vs. Tooth Tablets
The conversation shifts to dental care, where Jenn contrasts traditional toothpaste with Zebra's innovative tooth tablets, highlighting their convenience and effectiveness.
Jenn Thatcher [27:34]: "Toothpaste is just for people who want the traditional toothpaste."
She notes that the tablets can even be consumed as breath mints, adding an element of versatility to oral hygiene.
Floss and PFAS Concerns
Jenn reveals alarming information about conventional floss containing PFAS, harmful "forever chemicals" linked to various health issues.
Jenn Thatcher [18:42]: "Most floss that's sold in America is made in China and has PFAS in it."
Zebra's solution involves using silk filament floss manufactured in Italy, ensuring it is free from plastics and petroleum-derived waxes.
Jenn Thatcher [19:46]: "So our floss is manufactured in Italy."
Future Plans and Product Expansion
Looking ahead, Jenn shares Zebra's plans to expand into other personal and home care products, including laundry detergent and skincare items, all adhering to the brand's commitment to cleanliness and efficacy.
Jenn Thatcher [35:48]: "Maybe a little skincare."
Broader Insights and Cultural Healing
Beyond product development, Jenn offers her perspective on healing a "sick culture," emphasizing the role of spirituality and ethical living.
Jenn Thatcher [36:42]: "It's Jesus. If we all... lived our lives the way the Bible tells us to live..."
She believes that embracing values from the Bible and the Constitution can foster a healthier, more compassionate society.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Alex expressing admiration for Jenn and Zebra USA's mission, highlighting the alignment between their goals to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Alex Clark [38:12]: "Yay zebra.com."
Jenn’s dedication to creating non-toxic, effective products serves as a beacon for consumers seeking genuine wellness solutions, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to heal culture through informed choices and honest dialogue.
Notable Quotes
- Jenn Thatcher [00:24]: "Even though it's marketed as natural, there's no definition of natural from the FDA."
- Jenn Thatcher [00:27]: "I actually think it's as detrimental as fluoride."
- Jenn Thatcher [00:54]: "With Zebra, we did ingredients that are black and white because we don't want to trick anyone."
- Jenn Thatcher [23:16]: "It is a struggle. And so that was top of mind for me because I want products that perform."
- Jenn Thatcher [36:42]: "It's Jesus. If we all... lived our lives the way the Bible tells us to live..."
For more insightful discussions on health and wellness, tune into Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark available on Spotify and Real Alex Clark YouTube.