SunLeaf Blog
Wash your produce! ...with Fresh & Clean Kitchen Purifying Soap
Doesn't it seem like we're seeing more and more cases of foodborne illness from seemingly innocuous foods? Foods that should, in theory, be safe to eat with little preparation – lettuce and spinach, for example. The reality is that harmful bacteria may be in the soil or water where produce grows, and, if so, it can come in contact with fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. Fresh produce may also become contaminated after it is harvested, such as during storage or preparation. A surprising number of Americans don't wash their fruits and vegetables prior to eating them – and even if they're not contaminated, they may still have dirt, debris from transit, and other residues on them that really should be washed away. The takeaway: giving your fruits and vegetables a thorough rinse is just an all-around good idea. Some Quick & (Hopefully Not) Dirty Tips: Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fresh fruits and vegetables before preparing and/or eating It probably goes without saying, but it bears mentioning: throw away any produce that looks rotten Wash all produce thoroughly before preparing and/or eating, including produce grown at home or bought from a grocery store or farmers’ market Even if you do not plan to eat the skin, it is still important to wash produce first so dirt and bacteria are not transferred from the surface when peeling or cutting produce Washing Produce: A Primer Fruits and vegetables with a thick or shiny peel that will be discarded can often be rinsed prior to peeling with little more than a stream of warm water. Many vegetables and some citrus fruits are coated in a layer of edible wax for protection during transit and on the grocery shelf. A rinse in very warm water can help to remove some or all of this waxy layer. If you're concerned about potential residues on your produce and want to give your fruits and veggies a more thorough cleaning prior to eating them, our Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Soap was developed specifically to provide a food-safe way to wash even the most delicate of fruits and veggies.* Made with whole plant oils and infused with a purifying blend of grapefruit, tea tree, and lemon essential oils, this soap helps to emulsify dirt and residues that cling to produce so that they can be easily rinsed away. To use, make a cold water wash by running a steady stream of cool water over the surface of the soap to fill your sink. Once the basin of your sink is filled to your desired level, submerge your produce in the sudsy water. Remove and rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soapy residue. Dry and proceed with your recipe as you typically would. Keep Your Cutting Surfaces Clean Clean produce is only as clean as the surface it is prepared on. To clean and help neutralize bacteria on your kitchen surfaces, sprinkle a few drops of our Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Essential Oil Blend on a rag or directly onto the surface you wish to clean, then wipe thoroughly to spread the blend evenly across the surface. Follow by wiping with a rag saturated with hot water to remove and residue that remains. Repeat as necessary. Click here for more on the science behind our Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Collection. Shop This Story
Learn moreWinter Skincare: How to Amp Up Your Routine to Beat the Cold
In Minnesota, fall turns into winter in what feels like the blink of an eye. Last week, we were raking leaves; this week, we are shoveling the first dusting of snow off the driveway. Yikes! Just as quickly as the weather changes, so too, does skin – with the cold comes dryness, irritation, and a general feeling of skin discomfort. But there are a few ways you can amp up your routine to help provide resilience against the cold. Here are a few of our favorite ways to stave off the winter skin blues: 1. Switch up your total body cleanser Our Moisturizing Shampoo & Body Soap is a great foundation for any bathing routine. Made with a blend of soothing plant oils plus 100% essential oil aroma, it cleanses total body from head to toe, without leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Skin already extremely dry? Try our Bee-Friendly Honey Soap! It's made with whole plant oils and essential oil aroma, plus SunLeaf honey, propolis, and beeswax, which help to attract and lock in needed moisture. Choose from a sunny citrus or luxe floral aroma. 2. Apply a body oil after bath or shower Warm water opens the skin, making it particularly receptive to moisture – that's why it's especially important to moisturize skin in the winter after bath or shower, before it cools off and becomes susceptible to dryness. Our PlantScent® Soothing Body Oil provides serious benefits for skin, with a blend of seven whole plant oils – safflower, meadowfoam, olive, avocado, jojoba, grapeseed, and hemp seed – rich in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids that skin needs for resiliency. It's superbly hydrating, yet surprisingly lightweight – no greasy after-feel or transfer onto clothing or bedding. Available in five fabulous 100% essential oil aromas to suit your mood. 3. Spot moisturize on-the-go Dry lips, cheeks, knuckles, and elbows are no match for our PlantScent® Moisture Stick – a vegan and cruelty-free formula made with coconut and avocado oils, plus buttery plant waxes and cocoa butter, it glides on like a dream and melts right into skin, making it soft and gently scented with the aroma of 100% pure essential oils. Use wherever and whenever skin needs a little bit of extra moisture – this portable stick is spill-proof and ready to roll with you, wherever you go. 4. Get your balm on For seriously fragile or wind-burned skin, look for products that help to form an occlusive barrier – blocking moisture from escaping while preventing cold, dry air from getting in. Our petroleum-free Moisturizing Body Balm fits the bill nicely, with a blend of richly moisturizing sweet almond and avocado oils, plus cruelty-free beeswax. 5. Be proactive! This may seem obvious, but it bears mentioning: It's easier to prevent irritated skin than it is to correct it. Incorporate gentle, soothing products into your everyday routine and skin will flourish. Shop this Story
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BayBerry Balsam: The Legend
A Scent for the Season Each fall, SunLeaf Naturals President and Master Formulator Teresa Andrys begins anew the process of gathering, evaluating, and blending the raw materials needed to create our signature holiday aroma, BayBerry Balsam. The aroma can be described as the harmonious collision of several unique balsam fir oils, plus spicy clove and precious bayberry essence – a truly special natural ingredient. But what is bayberry anyway, and what makes it unique? Red Gold Bayberry, or Myrica, is a genus of several dozen species of related plants, most of which are evergreen. These plants produce crimson red berries, but despite their alluring appearance, they are coated with a natural wax, making them indigestible to most hungry predators. American Colonists realized that boiling bayberry fruits removed their green-tinged wax coating, which could then be siphoned off and used to make candles. Beyond merely providing light, they were also beautifully aromatic. The Tradition Bayberry candles were said to burn more brightly than other candles available during the Colonial Era; therefore, they were reserved for special occasions, like holiday celebrations. It was perhaps for this reason that they became associated with good fortune – as the saying went, "Bayberry candles burned to the socket, bring health to the home and wealth to the pocket." Honoring the Spirit of the Bayberry Candle Given the history and symbolism of the bayberry candle, there's no more appropriate time than the holiday season to celebrate it with our own modern version. At SunLeaf, we've combined the wax and essence of bayberry with other traditional holiday notes, like warming clove and aromatic balsam fir, to create an aroma bouquet that is truly evocative of this season And although our BayBerry Balsam Candle in Glass and Votive Candle Set are perhaps the most literal translations of the bayberry tradition, we also offer an assortment of accompanying products, from our Pure Essential Oil Reed Diffuser to our Pure Essential Oil Aroma and Room Mist. And new for this year is our Scented Pinecone Gift Set, which gives you a whole new way to adorn your holiday table! As you celebrate the season of Pure Joy, we hope you'll add bayberry as a timeless symbol of good fortune. Enjoy! Shop BayBerry Balsam
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Do it yourself with our favorite body care recipes!
Are you a true do-it-yourself-er? Our 100% Pure Essential Oil Aromas are perfectly blended for use in at-home recipes for bath and body! Here are a few of our favorite ways to use them – all it takes are few everyday household ingredients and a surprisingly little amount of time and you're off and running. These recipes are great for kids and adults alike, and make great gifts for any occasion. Enjoy! Exfoliating Sugar Scrub with Honey 1 tbsp conditioning plant oil† 6-8 drops 100% Pure Essential Oil Aroma 1/2 cup organic cane sugar 1 tbsp honey Mix ingredients in a sealable container. To use, simply scoop out the desired amount, taking care not to introduce water into the container. Massage into skin with hands or a wet washcloth. Rinse. May we suggest: Orange Ginger or Amyris Bergamot Relaxing Bath Soak 1 tsp conditioning plant oil† 4-6 drops 100% Pure Essential Oil Aroma 1/4 cup Epsom salt or coarse sea salt Mix essential oil with conditioning plant oil of your choice. Pour oils over salt in a resealable container. To use, add 2-4 tbsp to warm bath water, taking care not to introduce water into the container. May we suggest: ClarySage Lavender or Rosy Geranium Exfoliating Peppermint Foot Scrub 2 tbsp green clay powder 2 tsp baking soda 1 tbsp conditioning plant oil† 10 drops 100% Pure Essential Oil Aroma, Cedar Mint Mix ingredients in a sealable container. Once thoroughly combined, apply as a masque to feet. Use caution, as feet will be slippery. Scrub in circular motions with a soft loofah or brush. Rinse well and pat dry. Aromatic Massage Oil 1/2 cup sweet almond, apricot, or grapeseed oil 6-8 drops 100% Pure Essential Oil Aroma Mix ingredients in a sealable container. Massage into skin as desired. No need to rinse. May we suggest: ClarySage Lavender (Calming & Soothing), or Cedar Mint (Cooling & Refreshing), or Rosy Geranium (Grounding & Uplifting). Effervescent Bath Bombs 1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup citric acid 1/2 cup Epsom salt 2 tsp conditioning plant oil† 3 tsp water 15-20 drops 100% Pure Essential Oil Aroma Dried herbs for decoration (optional) Muffin tins or other molds, lightly greased using conditioning plant oil of your choice Combine baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine the conditioning plant oil of your choice, water, and SunLeaf Essential Oil Blend. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and quickly mix well. Mixture should hold together when squeezed without crumbling. If needed, add a bit more water to achieve this texture. Quickly push mix firmly into oiled molds. Sprinkle dried herbs on top, if you choose. Allow bath bombs to harden for 24-48 hours and store in an airtight container. Use within two weeks for best results. Just drop a bath bomb into a warm bath, let it fizz, and enjoy! †Conditioning Plant Oil options: Sweet almond oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, safflower oil, or another food-grade oil of your choice. Shop 100% Pure Essential Oil Aromas
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Fresh & Clean Kitchen™: A refreshingly green way to clean
Where do our cleaning and personal care products ultimately end up? As Carrie Jennings (2017), research and policy director at the Freshwater Society writes, "Our cleaning and personal care products do end up going down the drain and then into our waters...They become much diluted of course, but beyond that, we only realize their impact when they emerge as a problem. Chemicals of emerging concern – CECs – that’s the label for water resource specialists" (para. 4). Of course, this should really come as no surprise to us – after all, each time we do the dishes or even wash our hands, we're lathering, rinsing, and flushing a sink full of suds down the drain. It's easy to cognitively distance ourselves from the impact that the use of these products makes – once they leave our home, they're no longer in the forefront of our mind. But it matters – because, as Jennings (2017) writes, "What goes down the drain never really goes away. We will eventually drink it or its reactants," particularly if it's not biodegradable (para. 6). Ingredients Matter At SunLeaf, we're mindful of the impact that our business has on the environment. That's why we formulate all our products with biodegradable pure plant ingredients, sustainably-sourced beeswax, and only essential oil aroma. Our new Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Collection is no exception – it features a functional aroma blend comprised of 100% pure essential oils of grapefruit and tea tree – two essential oils that have been clinically demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial activity (Carson, et. al, 2006; Uysal, et. al, 2011). What the Science Says With regard to tea tree essential oil, in a 2006 study, researchers Carson, et. al (2006) found that "A wealth of in vitro data now supports the long-held beliefs that tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties" (Conclusions section, para. 1). With regard to grapefruit peel essential oil, in a 2011 study, researchers Uysal, et. al (2011) found that, "the essential oil of grapefruit peel had a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Proteus vulgaris" (Summary section, para. 1). Importantly, and as these studies acknowledge, grapefruit and tea tree essential oils are both recognized as safe for daily use as we are using them in our Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Collection (Carson, et. al, 2006; Uysal, et. al, 2011). About Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ The three products in our new Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Collection were truly designed to be used as a system to tackle all your kitchen cleaning needs – and beyond: Use the Purifying Soap to wash dishes, cleanse produce, or make a sudsy mix to wipe down countertops and cabinetry. Use the Air Purifying Spray to neutralize odors from cooking, or to simply refresh the air throughout your home whenever – and wherever – needed. Use the Purifying Essential Oil Blend to power through tough, baked-on grease, to purify cutting boards, or to augment the cleaning power of your everyday cleaner. The entire Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Collection is vegan, biodegradable, and made without synthetic detergents, fragrances, colors, or preservatives. For additional recipes and tips for use, check out this earlier blog post. Shop This Story References Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/ Jennings, C. (2017). Water, nature's solvent. Retrieved from https://freshwater.org/2017/09/20/water-natures-solvent/ Uysal, B., Sozmen, F., Aktas, O., Oksal, B. S. & Kose, E. O. (2011). Essential oil composition and antibacterial activity of the grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi. L) peel essential oils obtained by solvent‐free microwave extraction: comparison with hydrodistillation. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 46: 1455-1461. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621.2011.02640.x
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Guest Blog: 4 Reasons to Ditch Your Shampoo Bottle for a Bar
4 Reasons to Ditch Your Shampoo Bottle for a Bar Shampoo bars are greener, cheaper, and much more travel-friendly. By Amanda Ogle This Guest Blog is taken from National Geographic, and was originally published here on 14 August 2018. This story is part of Planet or Plastic?—our multiyear effort to raise awareness about the global plastic waste crisis. Learn what you can do to reduce your own single-use plastics, and take your pledge. Shampoo bars—hair cleanser in bar soap form—are the latest trend in hair care products. Usually made of natural ingredients to promote hair health, they’re also easier on the environment and great for travel. Here are five reasons to make the switch from bottle to bar. Reduction of Plastics Currently, about nine million tons of plastic get thrown into the ocean annually, which breaks down to one garbage truck full of plastic being dumped into the sea every minute. Shampoo bars cut out the need for plastic bottles, and most come wrapped in recycled paper or in paper boxes. They’re also convenient for traveling—just pop them in a metal tin available for that purpose. No Worries About TSA Limits A traveler’s nightmare is having TSA agents raid your bag, asking if you’re over the 3.4-liquid-ounces limit, or worse, opening your suitcase after a flight and finding that your shampoo bottles leaked all over your favorite outfit. Shampoo bars eliminate both scenarios, as TSA isn’t going to take soap that’s in bar form and a shampoo bar won’t ruin your clothes. It might make them smell good, though. Concentrated to Last Longer Most shampoos are 80-percent water and conditioners can be even more—up to 95-percent water. Why pay for water when you can add it in yourself? Shampoo bars are megaconcentrated and generally last longer than bottled versions. On average, a shampoo bar will outlast two to three bottles of liquid shampoo, meaning you save money and extra trips to the store. Cruelty Free and All Natural Many brands that produce shampoo bars are striving to protect the oceans, wildlife, and ecosystems that are being affected by the mass production of chemical-laden products in the beauty industry. Many traditional bottled shampoos are filled with preservatives and chemicals that can strip hair of its natural oils and leave your scalp feeling dry. Oftentimes, these chemicals are not found in shampoo bars. Many bars contain essential oils and natural ingredients and are cruelty free. Another plus? Many shampoo bars are free of palm oil, an ingredient linked to deforestation and habitat degradation. Shop This Story At SunLeaf®, we introduced our solid Moisturizing Shampoo & Body Soap in 2007. Made from pure plant ingredients and 100% essential oil aroma, each bar is fully biodegradable, including the recycled paper packaging. Thanks to our customers who have purchased and re-purchased our Shampoo & Body Soap, in just over ten years, we have prevented more than 180,000 plastic bottles from being introduced into the waste stream. All this while also saving more than 20,000 gallons of fresh water during production – proof that even simple choices can make a big impact.
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Scent Series #1: ClarySage Lavender
Need to unwind? Look no further than ClarySage Lavender. Eleven years ago, our President and Founder, Teresa Andrys, set out on a mission to leverage her decades-long experience working as a personal care product chemist to bring something completely new to the table: a collection of products for which pure botanical aroma would be the focus, and zero synthetic ingredients would be permitted. What emerged from this work were eight, 100% pure essential oil aromas, known today as our SunLeaf Signature Scents. Each aroma was thoughtfully created from a palette of natural raw materials – oils of citrus, flowers, resins, bark, and more; from there, a collection of products was envisioned to showcase these signature aromas – candles, pure essential oil reed diffusers, and more. Although we love all our aromas, and truly believe we offer a little something for everyone, our customers have spoken, and ClarySage Lavender has become a clear favorite. It's really no surprise why – this calming and relaxing blend, featuring aromatic lavender, grounding clary sage, a touch of sunny citrus, and other botanical notes, is absolutely perfect at the end of a long day. Unlike generic lavender, which is actually quite sweet on its own, this scent is perfectly balanced – it's not overtly floral, nor overtly herbal or citrusy. "No one note really jumps out," explains Chris Lutz, Manager of Marketing & Brand Development at SunLeaf. "It takes on a different expression in each product, which is a phenomenon unique to plant-based product formulas." Even if you're not a fan of lavender, you very well may be surprised to find that you enjoy this aroma – we hear it all the time. If you find yourself reaching for something to help wind down at the end of a long day, give ClarySage Lavender some consideration. Here's how: Get Your Relaxation On... Try adding a few pumps of our PlantScent® Soothing Body Oil in Clarysage, Lavender & Chamomile to a warm bath, then follow by applying the oil all over body, as you would any lotion or moisturizer Experience grounding aroma bliss 24/7 with one of our Pure Essential Oil Reed Diffusers in ClarySage Lavender – just insert the reeds, flip when you want to intensify the aroma, and enjoy! Shine bright with our Filled Candle in Glass in ClarySage Lavender – light, breathe deep, and let the stress of the day melt away Shop This Story
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Green your routine with Fresh & Clean Kitchen™
Pure Joy, Clean & Simple Our NEW Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Collection is a cleaning system that harnesses the power of 100% pure essential oils and other whole plant ingredients to effectively refresh and purify just about every surface in the heart of the home – the kitchen – and beyond. Featuring grapefruit and tea tree essential oils, known for their ability to naturally disinfect and neutralize unwanted odor, the fresh aroma that permeates each product in this collection is as functional as it is joyful. As you clean, the aroma is released into the air, but also works on your surfaces to kill harmful bacteria safely and effectively. We'll be diving deeper into the science behind this collection in future posts, but today, we wanted to share some quick and easy recipes to help you make full use of this powerful cleaning trio. Our Favorite Recipes The Basics To Clean Your Sink: Add 2 tbsp baking soda to a small bowl. Add 5 drops of Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Essential Oil Blend. Using a kitchen utility brush or sponge, gently scrub the mixture over all surfaces of your skin. Rinse. This gentle recipe will help remove layers of grime from porcelain or stainless steel surfaces to reveal a bright, sparkling finish. To Clean Countertops: Sprinkle a few drops of Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Essential Oil Blend directly onto countertop surfaces, then wash with warm water, with or without soap, to clean and refresh. The concentrated essential oil drops will power through even the most tenacious messes so that they can be easily wiped away with a wet cloth. To Clean Floors: Hold Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Soap under a steady stream of warm water to fill a sink or bucket with sudsy water. Add 1 cup white vinegar and 4-5 drops of Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Essential Oil Blend. Wash floors as you would normally do, with a mop or with a non-abrasive cloth. This formula will lift dirt without leaving a tacky residue behind. Odds & Ends To Clean Your Garbage Disposal: Mix 5-6 drops of Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Essential Oil Blend with 2 tbsp baking soda. Sprinkle in drain. Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup hot water, pour into drain, and let set for 5 minutes. Rinse with hot water. This mixture will remove odor-causing food-debris from your disposal without damaging the unit or leaving noxious residues behind. To Clean Your Garbage Can: Sprinkle 3-4 drops of Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Essential Oil Blend on a wet paper towel. Wipe out garbage can. Repeat if necessary. Allow to dry before replacing liner. To Clean Light Switches, Appliance Handles, Etc: Make a warm water solution with Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Soap and Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Essential Oil Blend. Wipe surfaces with a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge. To Get Tough on Odors To Deodorize Your Refrigerator: Combine 3 tbsp baking soda and 6 drops of Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Essential Oil Blend. Mix well. Set in refrigerator to help deodorize. This mixture will absorb odors and can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks. Over time, you may want to replace with new baking soda/essential oil mixture. To Neutralize Odors From Cooking: Simply mist Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Air Purifying Spray where desired. Repeat if necessary. Avoid contact with eyes. Pro Tip: To prolong the life of your Fresh & Clean Kitchen™ Purifying Soap, keep it high and dry on one of our hand-made Cedar Soap Rafts. Explore & Shop
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Earth Day, Every Day
Earth Day, Every Day At SunLeaf we try to do our part each and every day of the year to ensure that we're contributing to a brighter, cleaner future for our children and our planet. Here are just some of the things we do – and a few that you can do, too – to help make a difference this Earth Month, and indeed, all year long. Protecting Our Pollinators Have you heard the buzz about the bees? The global honey bee population has declined dramatically over the past ten years in response to urbanization and the use of certain persistent environmental pollutants. Other pollinators, like butterflies, are being threatened, too. Over 30% of the world’s crops rely on these pollinators.At SunLeaf, we're committed to doing our part to support honey bees. We own and operate a multi-hive honey bee apiary – SunLeaf Apiaries® – in Chaska, Minnesota. Located on protected land in the Seminary Fen Scenic and Natural Area (SNA), our hives benefit from their location in one of the rarest types of ecosystems in the world. The honey from our hives is used, along with the beeswax and propolis, in our Bee-Friendly Honey Soap, where it lends its natural humectant properties to leave skin feeling soft and moisturized. Our honey is also available for purchase as-is, as a delicious, 100% raw natural sweetener. In addition to maintaining our own hives, SunLeaf supports global pollinator research. Your purchase of our Bee-Friendly Honey Soap, SunLeaf Apiaries® Raw Honey, as well as our Filled Candle in Glass, helps to support the research of, education around, and stewardship of bees, with 5% of proceeds donated to the University of Minnesota Bee & Pollinator Lab. Small Acts, Big Impact Flexing your purchasing power to make a difference As a consumer, your ability to choose makes all the difference. By supporting businesses that operate sustainably, you're flexing your purchasing power and supporting initiatives that are important to you. That means something! SunLeaf products are made with whole plant ingredients, sustainably-sourced beeswax, and 100% pure essential oil aroma – and are formulated without mineral oil or petroleum products, synthetic fragrances, colors, and preservatives. Your purchase of our products helps to keep plastic out of the landfill (no plastic bottles!) and petrochemical ingredients out of our water. Thank you for choosing SunLeaf – on Earth Day, and Every Day.
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