Just the Goods Newsletter - Spring / Summer 2025
Hello everyone!
It has been so much longer since my last newsletter than I originally planned -- I hope this one finds you safe and well, happy, and surrounded with love šš
Things behind the scenes at Just the Goods have been remarkably more busy than I could have ever imagined, but I think some sense of equilibrium is starting to take shape āŗļø Itās thanks to this that Iām writing today.
In the paragraphs below please find information aboutā¦
restocked limited edition favourites
Items by other makers
a question about a new formula possibility
information about a fun little giveaway
production and shipping schedule plans for the weeks and months to comeā¦
Restored shipping schedule!
Iām almost caught up on the wild ride that was February / March / April and itās echo into May largely thanks to Just the Goods returning to a two-person production and shipping situation *yay* Iāll share more details about that in the near future, but for now Iām just happy to let you know your orders have a better chance of reaching you faster now that US-bound parcels will depart on Wednesday and Friday mornings :) And, if things remain status quo with the de minimis exemption, then that will continue for the long term. If anything changes and I end up needing to switch how I broker your parcels in the United States, Iāll be sure to let you know. Thank you!!
Recent restocks
High demand limited edition items are back in stock! I was really, really hoping to have several new ideas formulated and tested and ready to photograph and share by now, but while that hasnāt been possible, I hope this re-stock is helpful š
A classic in the practice of herbalism making it a staple in herbal first aid kits worldwide, this limited edition calendula salve was created responding to popular requests. I've planted calendula and to hope once again offer a formula made from seed to salve; until then, this offering uses calendula oil I've purchased šš§”
Calendula is often used to treat wounds, rashes, infections, and inflammation among other conditions because it contains compounds that can help to decrease swelling and promote new skin tissue growth most likely by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area. It also helps new skin build strength through hydration and oxygenation, as mentioned above. In herbalism its recognized actions include reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and soothing irritated tissue.
Olive oil contains a number of anti-inflammatory compounds including triterpenes and an antioxidant known as oleocanthal that have been observed to help with surface wound healing such as sunburn by assisting with collagen production to reduce the amount of time it takes for a wound to close. Another naturally occurring antioxidant, vitamin E, helps calm redness and irritation in circumstances such as those caused by psoriasis. Relatedly, its alpha-hydroxy acids stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth.
Shea butter nourishes skin with a nutrient dense profile featuring vitamins A, E, and F. It also absorbs quickly and provides lasting moisture
Beeswax is anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and germicidal, all of which are helpful when seeking to care for skin that has been damaged due to irritation, burn, etc. I considered making this with vegan candelilla but ultimately felt it important to ensure this formula could be effective for use on slightly broken skin in the manner it has for centuries
This formula has been made without essential oils to make it accessible to as many people as possible. It is unscented in the sense that no scent has been added for purposes of perfuming the product. Please note, however, that it smells like the ingredients used to make it -- shea butter, olive oil, etc -- rather than being scent "neutral" / smelling like "nothing".
Find it here : https://justthegoods.net/products/just-the-goods-limited-edition-traditional-calendula-salve-made-with-beeswax-1
Just the Goodsā cooling muscle balm with menthol and arnica is back in stock! If youāre not already familiar with this item, the main highlight is that it offers invigorating relief to sore muscles and tight joints with a cooling sensation that helps to beat summer heat š
Arnica infused olive oil is an effective anti-inflammatory that has been used for centuries in various parts of the world to soothe backache, sprains, swollen muscles, and stiff joints by stimulating white blood cell activity and improving circulation
Menthol is a monoterpene drawn from mint plants that helps to relax deeper aches and pains while drawing attention to sensations on the surface of the skin
Peppermint essential oil brings bright and refreshing aromatherapeutic benefit while also soothing aches and pains
A balanced blend of shea butter, olive oil and beeswax make a creamy base that provides lasting moisture to skin
Please find details here: https://justthegoods.net/products/limited-edition-cooling-muscle-balm-with-menthol-and-arnica
Available now until the end of August, the delicious interplay of vanilla and orange in hand and body lotion form. Since Just the Goods uses only natural plant-based essential oils and absolutes, this creamsicle scented hand/body lotion offers a warm scent with a touch of sweetness akin to real food ingredients rather than artificial candy notes. Like all other Just the Goods' scented lotions, this scent holds close to the body and doesn't project or linger so it provides comforting aromatherapy upon application, but is still appropriate to wear in environments where strong scents are discouraged š
Like Just the Goods' regularly available hand/body lotion, this variety is made from nourishing grape seed oil, which is packed with antioxidants including vitamin E to reduce inflammation and supports the production of collagen making it an effective, fast absorbing, and long lasting moisturizer.
Please find it here: https://justthegoods.net/products/limited-edition-just-the-goods-vanilla-and-orange-creamsicle-hand-body-lotion
New Retail Product: Natrapel Icaridin/Picaridin-based insect repellent
Over the years I've been asked if Just the Goods would ever create a plant-based insect repellent, and I've always said no because such products must undergo rigorous laboratory testing to ensure they can safely protect against health risks associated with biting insects. Icaridin/Picaridin-based products are now scientifically proven to provide necessary protection, and Natrapel is a product made in New Hampshire that has been granted approval for sale across Canada (Reg No. 34555 P.C.P. Act.)
After using several insect repellents last summer, I concluded this was my favourite, and I'm pleased to be able to offer it now on a retail basis.
From Natrapel.com: Enjoy all day outdoors without the bugs with Natrapel Picaridin insect repellent. This 20% Picaridin travel size bug spray provides the whole family with up to 12 hours of effective protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.
12 Hours of Protection ā Stay bite free all day with Natrapel's maximum 20% Picaridin formula, proven to repel mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours. PLEASE NOTE: Even though this product has been tested to protect against ticks, it's still a good idea to wear appropriate clothing in high risk areas to guard against ticks falling onto skin/latching on -- leg coverings, long sleeves, etc.
Family Friendly ā Use this kid-friendly insect repellent with confidence on the whole family. PLEASE NOTE: Health Canada indicates this product should not be used on infants younger than 6 months old.
Travel Size Bug Spray ā The convenient 3.4 oz. pump spray fits easily into your pack and is the maximum size approved for airplane travel in carry-on bags.
CDC-Recommended Active Ingredient ā Picaridin is an active ingredient recommended by the CDC to repel disease-carrying insects, mimicking the Piperine compound found in pepper plants to keep you bug free.
Protection from Disease-Carrying Insects ā Natrapel repels ticks and mosquitoes that may carry Lyme disease, Zika virus, malaria, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, and West Nile virus.
Safe on Gear ā Apply Natrapel Picaridin without fear of damaging your camping gear as it won't harm plastic or other synthetic materials
Find it here: https://justthegoods.net/products/natrapel-deet-free-icaridin-picaridin-tick-insect-repellent
In case you missed itā¦ Attitudeās EWG Verified Sunscreen
Attitudeās EWG Verified sunscreen offerings are quite extensive! Last year I carried a rather wide unscented selection and it was a great way to find out which varieties are most appealing to everyone, so this season Iām focusing on four most popular offerings: two sizes of plastic-free stick format sunscreens for face and body, and one size of liquid sunscreen for the face, and one size of liquid sunscreen for the body.
Attitudeās sunscreen products are:
EWG Verified and dermatologically tested
SPF 30 with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Unscented, non-greasy, fast absorbing, and leave no white residue behind
Free from ecotoxic chemical UV filters such as octinoxate and oxybenzone, so theyāve achieved the Ocean Lovers Seal as proven safe for coral reefs
Available in plastic-free Forest Stewardship Council / FSC-certified biodegradable cardboard packaging
Please note, these are not waterproof formulas so it is suggested they be reapplied approximately every two hours, especially in the case of heavy sweating.
Find them all here: https://justthegoods.net/collections/37-outdoor
SPF indicates the amount of UVB rays blocked by any tested sunscreen. But, did you know higher SPF doesnāt correlate to higher protection? Whereas SPF 30 will block 97.4% of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks 98%. As you can see, the difference is relatively small. Although the numbers increase, your degree of protection isnāt significantly better. In fact, the difference between SPF 30 and 50 is minimalāSPF 50 only blocks an extra 0.6% of UVB radiation.
A summary of percentage of blocked UVB rays by SPF:
SPF 15: 93%
SPF 30: 97.4%
SPF 50: 98%
SPF 60: 98.3%
For more information, please visit Attitude's article titled "Is an SPF 50 really better than an SPF 30?": https://attitudeliving.com/blogs/lifestyle/truth-about-high-spf-sunscreens
And, if youāre curious to know why Just the Goods does NOT offer handmade sunscreen and prefers to work only with makers that employ precision manufacturing equipment, and subject their formulas to clinical trials, please visit this text I wrote a few years ago: https://justthegoods.net/pages/additional-questions#tab-1-does-just-the-goods-make-sunscreen
Thanks so much and enjoy the sunny weather ahead!
Possible new Just the Goods formula
Years ago a friend invited me to create a botanical formula to support sensitive tissue atrophy, the sort of which results from menopause, diabetes, autoimmune concerns such as lichen sclerosis, and medical hormone therapies. The formula was a success and, since Iām making it available at a community space in Winnipeg, Iām curious to know if this is something any of you may like to see available at justthegoods.net š Please let me knowā¦ details are as follows:
This hydrating balm is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and contains a diverse range of nutrients and antioxidants, designed to support tissue regeneration and relief from vulvovaginal* atrophy (also known as atrophic vaginitis*). This is a skin care formula designed to provide surface relief to sensitive tissue and does not include any ingredients that are pharmaceutical in nature.
Jojoba oil is uniquely like our own skin's sebum, so it is remarkably effective at penetrating deeply to both deliver necessary moisture and control excess oil in every skin type. It also contains essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and -9, rich antioxidants, and nourishing vitamins A, D, and E, all of which combine to soothe, protect, and repair cellular damage.
Coconut oil is rich in lauric and capric acid, which hydrate skin and help it retain moisture, while also making it naturally antimicrobial. Coconut oil's antioxidants work to provide anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritation.
Kokum butter is an oil extracted from the fruit of a kokum tree (aka mangosteen). It is packed with vitamins (especially E and B-complex), minerals (potassium, manganese, and magnesium), and fatty acids (stearic, oleic, palmitic) offers powerful moisturising properties to restore elasticity to skin while reducing inflammation to treat redness, itching, and other skin irritation. It can also help quicken skin healing.
Calendula is often used to treat wounds, rashes, infections, and inflammation among other conditions because it contains compounds that can help to decrease swelling and promote new skin tissue growth most likely by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area. It also helps new skin build strength through hydration and oxygenation, as mentioned above. In herbalism its recognized actions include reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and soothing irritated tissue.
Gotu kola, also known as Indian pennywort, is a herb in the parsley family high in triterpene constituents such as asiaticosides, madecassoides, asiatic acids, and madecassic acids, which help skin produce collagen for thicker, stronger skin. Rich in minerals (i.e. potassium, calcium), vitamins (B & C), and phytonutrients (i.e. polyphenol), gotu kola also helps reduce inflammation, revitalizes texture, and speeds wound healing. It has also been used historically to relieve the effects of vaginal dryness and bacterial vaginosis.
Beeswax is anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and germicidal, all of which are helpful when seeking to care for skin that has been damaged due to irritation, burns, etc.
Giveaway!
A recent restock of Mother Earth Essentials candles, soap, and liquid smudge included twelve 10 ml bottles of patchouli essential oil as a free gift, and Iād love to share them with you! Mother Earth Essentials has discontinued this variety to focus on their medicine wheel offerings, so these bottles feature their old product labels.
Claim one bottle for yourself for the cost of shipping only by visiting https://justthegoods.net/products/mother-earth-essentials-patchouli-essential-oil-10-ml then entering the coupon code āpatchouliā at checkout š¤
In order to share this gift as widely as possible, please limit one per person. This coupon code will expire when all twelve bottles have been distributed. Thank you!
Future scheduled closure
Planning ahead, Iād like to share that Just the Goods will be closed for summer rest from August 2 - 10, 2025 š
Orders placed by July 25 will ship on or before August 1. Orders placed July 26 - August 8 will ship Aug 13, 15 or 20. I don't tend to take weekends away from work, so I'm aiming to be offline for the duration of this scheduled absence and look forward to responding to accumulated email when I return š Thank you so much for understanding!
Iāll be sure to send a reminder in July š Thank you again!
About this newsletter
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As always, thank you for your ongoing support! It is an absolute pleasure to handcraft natural skin and body care products, providing a healthier, small-scale alternative to the corporate "beauty industry". I wouldn't be able to do it without you!
With all best,
Milena (she/they)
Just the Goods (Winnipeg, MB)
handmade natural + affordable skincare for everyone
http://www.justthegoods.net