Cuz you stink!!!

Yes, its the catchy name for this soap offering but there is a story behind the label that we think you will enjoy . The story is the journey from idea to execution, with a fun twist.

Several years ago a friend who is caring for elderly parents approached us and asked if we had heard of using persimmon extract in our soap. As we chatted more she said she has been person odors. Persimmon has been used in japan extensively to neutralize these odors, known as 2-noneal odors. According to the web :

The major odor compound at play is called 2-nonenal. When certain chemicals break down in the body with age, 2-nonenal is one of the byproducts. The breakdown of omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids may be the biggest source of 2-nonenal. Experts have only detected 2-nonenal in people over the age of 40.

https://www.healthline.com/health/older-people-smell-different#cause

Persimmon is not as well known as a fruit in north america, however it is available, generally in the winter months. The fruit is about the size of a tomato, but has a deep orange flesh and skin. (Never eat the skin – The chemical compound in the skin will immediately make you pucker, feeling like all the moisture is drawn out of your mouth. But the flesh of the fruit is a sweet and very juicy pleasant joy.

It took some effort but we did find the persimmon extract, ordered it, and began working on a formula for the soap. Believe it or not the recipe for every different scent of soap does vary because of the chemical compounds of the extract or essential oil. We have spent several years working on finding the persimmon extract and getting the formula right.

In the middle of July’s heat one year we were at Lakeside Chautauqua for an Art Fair, and we were staying at a lovely bed and breakfast known as Idylwild. (By the way this is an unsolicited recommendation – if you are heading to Lakeside Chautauqua and need a place to stay consider Idylwild! its the best breakfast in Lakeside!) A younger couple was also staying there, turns out we knew her as a child. We sat on the porch, rocking and talking as Steve explained the plans for this soap but was puzzled at what to call it. A short silence and our new friend blurted out “”Cuz you stink!” We laughed, but that was it. We wanted to be sensitive to the idea of strong body odors, but we giggled about this name and realized this was the name we were looking for.

Fast forward a few months and Steve made the first batch. It smells very nice, and we had been testing it out ourselves. Luxurious lather, and yes, the musty gusty disappeared.

We released our first batch of Cuz You Stink in 2019, and it has been a run away hit. Some people laugh initially but when they smell it they buy a bar or two, or a dozen. We think it is a clean fresh scent, but we love the store behind it!