Kakiebos is something we all know, it is a weed that grows prolifically all over South Africa, what you probably do not know is how it got here from the Americas, and why on earth we would use it in a soap! The common name of Tagetes minuta in English, khaki-weed, is derived from its supposed introduction by English khaki-clad soldiers during the Anglo Boer War (1899–1902). The weed was introduced with the imported fodder for the British Army’s horses. The earliest record in South Africa appears to be in 1905 at Vlakfontein. In 1909, it was recorded at Grahamstown as a troublesome weed. The first record for KwaZulu-Natal was noticed in Newcastle in 1910. By 1920 it was widespread in South Africa.
Leaves, stalks and flowers are picked when plants are in seed, mechanically chopped and the oil is then steam-distilled. Initially the oil has a wild unpleasant smell, but after 12 months of maturity, it achieves a pleasant sweet-fruity (mango-like) smell and attains a stable composition. During maturation, the oil thickens and the colour darkens. The aroma of the oil develops further in the following 5 years, after which the oil quality deteriorates. This essential oil blended with a few others presents itself as a somewhat 'familiar' fragrance as most of us knows the strong, pungent smell when breaking any bits off the growing plant. We added some woody-ness, some sweetness and some classic smelling Patchouli to create another basic, earthy, sweet fragrance. It remains quite an unrefined strong fragrance, with quite a deep citrusy side, strong, simple, basic...some like it this way.
Solid colognes are such a brilliant concept, the small tin can literally go anywhere and the cologne can be applied very discretely. Slide open the tin and gently rub your tumb over the waxy goodness, your body heat will convert the cologne from its solid state to a softer state which is then picked up on the thumb. With the fragrant balm on your thumb, you can now then rub it between your thumb and index finger and apply to any or all pulse points, your neck, behind ears, your wrists and inside of elbows being the most popular ones that are easiest to reach and apply to.
This product is made right here in South Africa using only natural main ingredients sourced from small scale farmers and businesses. Although the main purpose of a solid cologne is to project a fragrance profile, we have not skimped on formulating the best carrier for the fragrance. We have used natural beeswax to control the consistency and way it bahaves when heated up under your thumb, and when carried in your pocket. Fragrance and essential oils can be quite harsh on your skin when applied in a concentrated form, and that is why we have used Baobab and Marula oils to supplement the formulation. Baobab acts as an antioxidant, It protects the skin from free radical damage that can cause ageing, it is also anti-inflammatory and boasts a high quantity of omega fatty acids can help get rid of dry and itchy skin. It has excellent moisturising benefits, and promotes active wound healing. Marula oil doesn't clog pores because it is non-comedogenic, its antioxidant properties helps it to protect and heal the skin and it has anti-aging properties. In addition to hydrating skin, it can also prevent and soothe redness because of its anti-inflammatory properties
The product has no colorants in it, texture and color (off white to golden yellow) is determined by the ingredients and oils used in the specific balm.
The tin contains around 15 ml of product and weighs between 20 and 30 grams.