OLD STRATHCONA (BARBERSHOP) BEARD BALM

[tab name=”Description”]

Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, White Patchouli, Basil, Tarragon, Rosewood, Geranium, Tree Moss Blend, Mushroom Absolute, Carnation Absolute, Vetiver

Strathcona was a trading town on the southern banks of the North Saskatchewan River, serving as neighbour and a trading partner with the city of Edmonton north of the river. A few short years after finally reaching “city” status, Strathcona was absorbed by the faster growing Edmonton and was amalgamated in 1912. Today, this area is recognized as “Old Strathcona” and is home to the city’s cultural center, hosting many of our festivals, independent theatres and music venues, all while communicating its history through original architecture.

It makes sense then that we chose this story as the inspiration for our barbershop scent. A barbershop (as it applies to the perfumery world) has a strong “fougere” element (lavender, geranium, coumarin), a combination that was discovered by perfumers in the 19th century. Fougere has become a staple in the fragrance industry with many modern innovations that have continually revitalized the scent, keeping tradition alive while still moving forward.

Our version makes a bold herbal opening with the inclusion of basil and tarragon, both of which share some similarities with anise but remain distinct. Bergamot and lemon round out the opening, folding into a floral heart of rosewood, carnation and geranium. The base of the scent is the true star, featuring white patchouli, tonka bean, a trio of tree mosses (oak, cedar, pine), a touch of vetiver and tenacious mushroom for a touch of earthy saltiness.

We’ve excluded the classic lavender addition to make room for rosewood which gives ours a floral sweetness distinct from the more common lavender fougeres.

Please note that I am using natural tree mosses which are suspected to cause skin sensitization in some individuals, although there is some controversy behind that. All the same this is your warning so you can make a decision that best suits your skin.

[tab name=”About Our Beard Balm”]

• Four kinds of wax– Japanse Sumac Wax, beeswax, rice bran wax and Cera Belina — make a unique feeling balm that’s bolstered with a complimentary range of premium hair conditioning oils and butters.
• Our beard balm will tame your beard, add shine and control “beardruff’ by keeping your skin moisturized.
• Each scent is formulated in house
• Available in 2 oz tins

[tab name=”Ingredients”]

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter), Diheptyl Succinate (and) Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer (Luxglide), Rhus Succedanea Fruit (Japanese Sumac Wax), Mangifera Indica Seed (Mango) Butter, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol (and) Butylene Glycol (BTMS-50), Argania Spinosa Seed (Argan) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax (Cera Bellina), Tocopheral (Vit E), Squalane Olive (Neossance Squalane), Equisetum Hiemale (Horsetail) Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Algae Extract)

Beeswax: bulk of the hold comes from this, also an excellent humectant.

Japanese Sumac Wax: protective, velvety texture

Cera Bellina: a derivative of natural beeswax where the free fatty acids have been converted to polyglycerol esters, therefore increasing the hydrophilicity (having an affinity for water; readily absorbing or dissolving in water) of the molecule. Elimination of these fatty acids improves stability, oil gelling, and increases overall consistency of a formula.

Ricebran wax: similar to beeswax but is more emollient

Btms-50: Plant derived conditioner. Prized for its effective detangling abilities, it’s able to penetrate the hair shaft making it an excellent moisturizer and conditioner, while remaining gentle on the hair and skin, without coating the scalp or causing buildup. It also has hair thickening properties. Lends a creamy feel. Helps with washing out the heavier oils/waxes

Coconut: standard oil for skincare

Jojoba oil: similar to sebum, our skin’s natural barrier, making it easily absorbed.

Argan oil: Extremely effective in healing damaged skin & hair; Increases hydration, elasticity and youthful appearance in mature skin; Repairs painful skin conditions (flaky/dry/scaly skin, psoriasis / eczema & acne) relieves insect bites; Prevents hair breakage, reduces split ends & counteracts hair fragility while promoting hair growth

Cocoa butter, Shea butter, Mango butter

Squalane: our body produces a small amount. However, most people do not synthesize enough of this vital oil, which can lead to rough, dry aging skin. Because Squalane oil is so fine it is absorbed deep into the skin leaving no oily film-with amazing quickness. It prevents sun UV damage and age spots from forming. It promotes cell growth and is also an antibacterial. Much like a leave-on conditioner, Olive Squalane can hydrate hair, increase shine, prevent breakage, replenish your strands, and protect your hair from further damage. A few drops in your palm massaged into your hair before a shower can help boost moisture.

Algae Oil: works to enhance barrier function, as loss of moisture is a key component of skin aging. By replenishing the skin’s lipids, its natural moisture levels are restored, therefore minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

In hair care, algae oil can moisturize and condition the hair thus reducing breakage, while also serving to repair split ends, provide shine, reduce frizz and improves hair manageability.

Horsetail Extract: The antioxidants properties associated with horsetail make Horsetail Extract is a beneficial additive for shampoos,conditioners, facial cleanser and treatments designated for moisturizing, soothing and repairing damaged hair and skin.

Luxglide: Natural plant derived silicone substitute, ideal for improving the after-feel on the skin by decreasing the greasy feel left by oils and butter. A light and fast spreading emollient that absorbs quickly to provide a slight cushion with an exceptional, soft after-feel suitable for a broad range of beauty care applications. Derived from 100% renewable and sustainable building blocks, such as coconut, castor bean and sugarcane. In hair serums it offers smoothness, softness, flyaways, and shine.

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Apply a dime sized portion to the palm of your hand. Work wax from base of beard outwards, as needed. A little goes a long way.