INTERVIEW #123 BODEO

Based in: Paris, France

Founded in: 2021

Founded by: Elena and Jérôme Laurent

Stores: www.mybodeo.com, shipping worldwide

Price range: 26€

Instagram: @bodeo.paris

Hi Bodeo, welcome to A Sustainable Closet! Happy to have you here, tell our readers about Bodeo, who are you?

Hello and thank you for the invitation! BODEO is a French brand of natural skincare products created by two experts with over 15 years of experience in the field of natural skincare and cosmetics. Our story begins with a passion for beauty and a deep environmental concern. Through our experience, we have come to understand that reconciling luxury and eco-responsibility is challenging. Many brands often have to compromise between quality, beauty, and effectiveness.

By creating BODEO, we had the desire to demonstrate that nowadays we can develop products that are natural, effective, eco-responsible and aesthetically pleasing. Our mission is clear: create high-quality, natural products that are safe for your skin and body, while also minimizing our impact on the environment.

We have to say, the packaging of your products is very appealing. How and where are the products produced, and who are your workers?

Thank you for the compliment. It is true that we aimed to create a product that is both beautiful and effective. We believe that beauty enhances the desire to preserve, which applies to all aspects of life, especially when it comes to nature.

We love the idea that today a natural and sustainable cosmetic product can also be aesthetically pleasing. The fragrance quality serves as an additional element that enhances this beautiful image. We have partnered with an independent laboratory located in Provence, in the southeast of France, to develop our formulas. This small team is highly specialized and loyal and we thoroughly enjoy collaborating with them on a daily basis.

What are the ingredients and where do you source them?

To meet the strict requirements for the natural cosmetics that we are seeking, we must adhere to the highest ecological standards. This is why our Ecocert Greenlife certification, according to the COSMOS reference, is very important.

The two main active ingredients are derived from plants that are readily available in Europe through direct short circuits. The milk thistle (Sonchus Oleraceus), which has dandelion-like flowers, greatly limits the proliferation of of odor-causing bacteria, while the ingredient derived from citrus fruits, such as lemon, has inhibitory properties.

Why is Bodeo the best choice for people's armpits?

BODEO is not just a deodorant; it is a true revolution in body care. Our natural deodorant is certified COSMOS ORGANIC, vegan, and is composed of 99.5% natural ingredients. It is designed with natural actives and does not contain any synthetic ingredients, providing a healthy alternative to traditional deodorants. This highly effective organic deodorant has a clean formula that is both gentle on the skin and powerful against body odours, preventing the discomfort of sweating. And, it also smells divine.

Where on the planet are your customers based?

We were surprised to discover that our customers can come from distant locations such as the USA. However, the majority of our customers today come from Northern Europe (UK/Scandinavia) and Southern Europe (Italy/Spain), as well as France.

What have been and are the major challenges of starting Bodeo?

One of the major challenges we faced in the beginning, was the task of identifying and bringing together partners who not only understood but also shared the same vision that BODEO. It was crucial for us to find like-minded individuals and organizations who believed in our commitment to the environment. This commitment extends beyond just the natural formula of our product. We took great care in designing our packaging to not only be visually appealing but also environmentally friendly, thanks to its PP/PE label.

Additionally, we made sure that our shipping boxes were manufactured in France using recyclable and recycled cardboard, which is certified FSC. By choosing BODEO, you are not only selecting a vegan cosmetic product but also supporting an aesthetically pleasing and ethical brand.

What have been and are the largest gains?

Let's clarify that we have not yet achieved financial gain, and it is unlikely to happen for some time. Our primary objective is to continue investing in expanding the BODEO universe and its concept, focusing on everything related to natural body care. Our motto is "My body is my home," emphasizing the importance of taking care of our bodies as we would take care of our own homes. Our bodies are naturally fragile, and we should adopt a healthy lifestyle and consumption habits, while still taking pleasure in it. Just like we would at home!

How do the ingredients react when contacting textiles? Some deodorants, when mixed with sweat and contact clothes, create yellow stains.

This was one of our challenges. We personally have tried so many different natural deodorants before and knew that white stains on clothes can be a real issue. Our choice of a fluid and translucent formula was evident. You will no longer have to worry about annoying residues or stains on your clothes. Our natural deodorant is the ideal choice for women who prioritize quality while also caring for the planet.

What's up next, do you have anything fun to share with our readers?

Our product line will expand in the upcoming year of 2024. However, with BODEO, we aim to surpass the typical offerings of a natural skincare brand by venturing beyond the traditional range of skincare products. We are considering the idea of introducing a natural and certified intimate lubricant. We believe this is completely achievable!