Skin Anarchy Episode Summary: "What’s Really In Your Deodorant And Why It Matters With TIARA"

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: Dr. Ekta (Elise Hu)
Guest: Zuli Matayana, Founder of Tiara

Introduction to the Discussion

In this enlightening episode of Skin Anarchy, host Elise Hu engages in a profound conversation with Zuli Matayana, the passionate founder of Tiara, a brand dedicated to creating natural and non-toxic deodorants. The discussion delves deep into the hidden dangers of conventional deodorant ingredients, the mission behind Tiara, and the broader implications for consumer health and industry practices.

Zuli Matayana’s Journey and Mission

Personal Background and Inspiration

Zuli begins by sharing her transformative personal journey, which significantly influenced her entrepreneurial path:

• Overcoming Adversity: "[...] I had a brain surgery and I almost died. So when I had my brain surgery, I was in a hospital for three months and I actually lost the ability to walk or to run." (02:52)
• Global Exposure to Sustainability: Her involvement in environmental campaigns in Puerto Rico and social programs in Colombia fostered her commitment to sustainability and community welfare.
• Family Health Concerns: The loss of her grandmother and aunt to breast cancer further propelled her mission to create safer, non-toxic personal care products.

Mission Statement

Zuli articulates her mission clearly:
"[...] my mission is a mission of connection with families. My mission is a mission of explaining the importance of not using aluminum, but not only aluminum." (09:00)

Hidden Dangers in Conventional Deodorants

Harmful Ingredients Identified

Zuli highlights several concerning ingredients commonly found in traditional deodorants:

• Aluminum Compounds: Widely used for their antiperspirant properties, aluminum has been linked to health issues, including breast cancer.
• BHD, Parabens, Phthalates: These are potential cancer-causing agents and endocrine disruptors. Zuli notes, "[...] many of the deodorants in the market contain potential cancer causing ingredients and endocrine disruptors." (10:43)
• Synthetic Fragrances: Often masking harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances can lead to skin irritation and systemic health issues.

Regulatory Discrepancies

Zuli points out the stark differences in ingredient regulation between regions:

• Europe vs. USA: "Europe has banned over 1300 cosmetic ingredients, while in the US we only have less than 50." (30:21)

Challenges in Creating a Safe Deodorant

Formulation Hurdles

Developing a natural deodorant that is both effective and non-toxic posed significant challenges:

• Ingredient Selection: "I decided to go with baking soda because it's the number one deodorizer in the world, despite my allergy to it." (20:49)
• Packaging Solutions: Transitioning from paper to recycled plastic containers to prevent deodorant hardening due to moisture exposure.
• Performance vs. Safety Balance: Ensuring the deodorant is both effective for daily use and free from harmful chemicals.

Market Barriers

Zuli discusses the difficulties in entering a market dominated by large corporations:

• Retail Challenges: Gaining shelf space in major retailers like Costco requires substantial investment, which is a significant hurdle for small, bootstrapped businesses.
• Consumer Skepticism: Overcoming trust issues where consumers are misled by marketing tactics and "natural" claims that don't hold up under ingredient scrutiny.

Ingredients and Sustainability in Tiara’s Deodorants

Key Ingredients in Tiara Deodorants

Zuli emphasizes the importance of transparency and safety in her product formulations:

• Sunflower Sea Wax: A sustainable ingredient that hydrates the skin without the harshness of other compounds.
• Baking Soda: Utilized for its natural deodorizing properties, ensuring the product remains effective.
• Natural Fragrances: Adhering to ISO 9235 standards, Tiara uses pure fragrances derived from essential oils and natural extracts.

Commitment to Vegan and Ethical Practices

• Avoiding Animal-Derived Ingredients: "I decided to not put tallow in the deodorants. They are vegan-friendly." (11:56)
• Sustainable Sourcing: "Sunflower sea wax...some flowers don't need a lot of water to grow. And this ingredient is sustainable." (20:49)

Health Implications and Consumer Education

Impact of Toxins on Health

Elise and Zuli explore the broader health impacts of toxic ingredients:

• Endocrine Disruption: Ingredients like phthalates can interfere with hormone regulation, exacerbating conditions like estrogen-positive breast cancer.
• Systemic Absorption: "We're exposing ourselves to a greater probability of absorption of certain ingredients, certain chemicals. And that can go systemically." (28:23)

Educational Efforts and Advocacy

Zuli is committed to educating both consumers and retailers:

• Retailer Engagement: Asking retailers why they sell harmful products and promoting the benefits of safer alternatives.
• Community Outreach: Through speaking engagements and collaborations, Zuli aims to increase awareness about the dangers of conventional deodorants and the benefits of switching to natural options.

Future Goals and Industry Change

Expanding Product Line

Zuli is not stopping at deodorants and aims to introduce more sustainable, non-toxic products:

• Roll-On Deodorants: Currently in development, focusing on maintaining the same efficacy without compromising safety.
• Broader Product Range: Future products will continue to prioritize sustainability, fair trade, and high-quality ingredients.

Market Transformation Vision

Zuli envisions a significant shift in the personal care industry towards greater transparency and safety:

• Regulatory Advancement: Advocating for stricter ingredient regulations akin to those in Europe.
• Corporate Partnerships: Seeking collaborations with large corporations to scale the availability of non-toxic deodorants.

Notable Quotes

• Zuli Matayana on Personal Mission:
  "[...] my mission is a mission of connection with families. My mission is a mission of explaining the importance of not using aluminum, but not only aluminum." (09:00)

• Zuli on Ingredient Safety:
  "When you look at a deodorant, you have to look at, you know, like some of the deodorants contain bhd. This is a, you know, like most of the deodorants in the market contain potential cancer causing ingredients and endocrine disruptors." (10:43)

• Elise Hu on Industry Standards:
  "Europe is far ahead when it comes to ingredient safety and transparency in the USA. The EU has banned over 1300 cosmetic ingredients, so they're banned in Europe, while in the US we only have less than 50." (30:21)

• Zuli on Consumer Power:
  "Protecting your body is a form of power. So I invite you to take that power. Take that power and choose what is right for you." (37:32)

Conclusion

This episode of Skin Anarchy serves as a critical wake-up call to consumers about the hidden dangers lurking in everyday personal care products like deodorants. Through Zuli Matayana's inspiring journey and unwavering commitment, listeners gain valuable insights into the importance of ingredient transparency, the challenges of creating safe and effective products, and the urgent need for industry-wide change. Zuli's message underscores the power of informed consumer choices in driving meaningful change towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

Connect with Tiara:
For more information on Tiara’s natural deodorants and to support their mission, visit Tiara’s Website and follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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