Shiva Rose is back, let’s talk with the founder
Through her deeply botanical formulations, Shiva Rose has built a universe where skincare becomes ritual and beauty extends far beyond the skin itself. Following the launch of her long-awaited Venus Rose Deodorant and the reformulation of her cult Radiant Rose Water, we spoke with Shiva about clean beauty, the power of rose, natural fragrance, and her personal vision of wellbeing.
The Venus Rose Deodorant took over two years to create. What made developing a natural deodorant so important to you, and what challenges did you encounter along the way?
The Venus rose deodorant took over two years to create, due to my desire to formulate a clean deodorant that also works. In the past I formulated a deodorant in a collaboration, and the scent was greatly prized. That deodorant was a hit, though some customers complained of a reaction to the baking soda. With the Venus rose, I had to go through many variations to achieve a deodorant that is non toxic, without utilizing baking soda. Many women get lumps from using mainstream deodorants, so having a non toxic product was a must. We now know that aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances cause hormone disruptions, skin issues, and shouldn’t be used too close to our absorbing lymph systems. I first started wearing non toxic deodorants in my early twenties, when you could only find clean brands at crunchy, organic grocery stores. Today we have so many options, however, it’s a good idea to check the ingredients on non toxic brands as well. I use ingredients derived from olive oil, arrowroot, beeswax and magnesium.”
Most deodorants focus purely on efficacy, while Venus Rose feels almost like a fragrance. Why was it important for you to create a deodorant that works with the body's natural pheromones rather than masking them
The Venus Rose works throughout the day not to mask your scent, but to work with it almost like a pheromone perfume. Pheromones are fascinating to me, since they are truly what creates attraction with others. The scent was the dreamy aspect of the process I was most excited about. I use a natural amber resin, mixed with a natural rose oil. At first it was going to be just a sensual, magnetic amber, since this is enjoyed by masculine ones and feminine. I so revere amber for its healing properties, ancient use by priestesses, and the resin essence coming purely from trees. Once I added the rose to the amber though, the scent evolved to an even deeper story. The deodorant scent will become stronger as it warms up to the skin. Like a natural perfume that magnetizes your personal essence.
“Many women get lumps from using mainstream deodorants, so having a non toxic deodorant was a must.”
Radiant Rose Water has become one of your most beloved products. What inspired this reformulation and what improvements were you hoping to achieve? What are the changes?
The Radiant Rose Water 2.0 is an homage to the magic of Persian rose water for the skin. It’s that inspiration combined with revered Japanese and Korean beauty. In this powerful blend I have alchemized the hydrating powerhouse of bamboo with its naturally occurring silica. I take a spoonful of liquid silica and use it topically with this radiance water. It helps so much with the cells of the skin and collagen. I added cucumber since it’s rich with vitamin c and folic, and naturally tightens pores. I then mixed it with one of my favorite ingredient these days: Biomilk rice water mixed with saffron. Rice plumps the skin and saffron brightens the skin. Lastly lactobacillus for good barrier care as well as gentle exfoliation. Then of course La Rosa for its queenly benefits of glowing skin and a happy heart.
Rose has always occupied a very special place in your work. What does this flower represent for you personally, both in beauty rituals and in life?
Rose has been my plant ally since I was a child. Recently a study from Kyoto showed that smelling rose oil can help enhance the gray matter of the brain. This was the part of the brain that worked with cognition, empathy, memory and more. Rose has thorns which show us about boundaries. I also am so entranced with the phases a rose goes through from bud, to blossom, to medicinal rose hip. This is all such a mirror to how we can see the beauty as we blossom in years.
“Rose has been my plant ally since I was a child. Recently a study from Kyoto showed that smelling rose oil can help enhance the gray matter of the brain.”
What’s your vision of beauty and well-being ?
Today my vision of beauty is to use the sun, moon, and stars. I feel they bestow so much healing with their generous offerings. I also love to make a big mason jar of nettle, Oatstraw, and tulsi for my skin, hair and nervous system. I will then place the herbs in my evening bath. After that I scoop the herbs up, and offer them to the land. I also find kindness is a beautifying element. Taking a moment to speak to an elder, or help out a little child or animal can do wonders for our countenance.