#caryl b

As cold weather crops up during autumn season, in addition to reaching for hand lotion, there’s lip balm.

Dry, cracked, chapped lips are uncomfortable in chilly weather and can make the seasonal beverages and treats, people usually enjoy like pumpkin lattes, apple cider, etc, a little bit painful.

A really good lip balm does for the lips what a quality hand lotion does for the skin; it moisturizes and protects.

With a U.S. market sales rate of over $3 billion dollars last year alone, there are so many different brands and varieties/forms of lip balm on the market, according to some market analysts, the exact number is uncertain.

Yet based upon the latest data of cosmetic manufacturers in the United States, which is over 4,000, IBIS World reports says that the forecast of growth in this sector grows by at least 3 percent annually.

Moisturizing restores the lips, helping them to maintain suppleness and resist effects of wind and cold.

This is something that Caryl Brandes of Caryl B Personal Care Products understands well.

Like all of her products, Brandes sought to make not only an effective and reliable lip balm but also a high quality one.

“I couldn't find a lip balm that I liked,” she said.

“It either irritated my lips and or was too greasy.” Brandes didn’t like that most lip balm brands are made with petroleum.

Some brands have as much as 45 percent petroleum in their ingredients.

While petroleum jelly has been around for decades, it’s easy to forget that it is a byproduct made from crude oil.

Which means, the lip balm brands that use mostly petroleum jelly also have traces of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) within them. The petroleum ingredient used in many lip balms gets mixed with beeswax.

“The lip balm I offer is Vegan and has no beeswax,” said Brandes.

Caryl B lip balm is all natural.

“And, noted Brandes, “the lip balm I make does not irritate.”

Ironically, petroleum jelly for all its seemingly moisturizing feel and “greasy” texture doesn’t really provide moisture. As featured in USA Today three years ago, all it does is make a greasy barrier on the skin.

More likely what’s being absorbed is things like naphthalene which is in the PAHs group of chemicals.

The skin on lips are thin and even for the rugged individual, can be sensitive to wind and cold.

Again, according to market researchers, the exact number of natural lip balm brands is unknown. Yet this particular niche is growing.

What’s most important to local artisan-producers like Brandes (who is based in Marin County) is as she said. “it’s high quality and my customers asked me for more.”

And for those who wear make up, Brandes reiterated. “it’s not greasy! And, I can put my lipstick on over the lip balm.”

Caryl B Personal Care Products, ‘Gifts that Pamper!’ will be featured at the 17th annual Holiday Boutique - Craft Fair sponsored by the Sonoma Valley Women’s Club. The Caryl B booth will be there on the weekend of Saturday & Sunday November 1 and 2, 2025.

For more information visit the Sonoma Valley Women’s Club website.

This coming weekend of June 7, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center will be the place for Art Fiesta - “Experience The Magic of Art” a fundraiser sponsored by the Kiwanis of Sacramento.

The two-day event will be featuring art of multiple media paintings, pottery, glass, photography, jewelry, and more.

This will be the 67th Suburban Art Fiesta coordinated by the Kiwanis of Sacramento.

In today’s 21st Century of high tech innovations, climate change, economic challenges and a sense of uncertainty amid a seemingly dystopian mood, Kiwanis International seeks to build community.

Similar to fraternal organizations and civic groups, like the Elks, Moose, Rotary and such, the goal of the Kiwanis has always been about serving the community.

Whether it’s about helping other community groups pull together for a common purpose or providing scholarships, the Kiwanis of Sacramento have been working with the community for 100 years, since 1925.

“I’m so looking forward to this,” said Caryl Brandes of Caryl B Personal Care Products.

Traveling the two-hour drive up to Sacramento from Marin County, this will be her third time participating in such an event at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.

With the fundraiser’s theme of art & magic, Brandes will be among the many vendors providing unique and one-of-a-kind merchandise.

For more than a decade, Brandes has established a presence at local craft fairs, maker’s markets and holiday festival events.

Her Caryl B line of personal care products has grown in its outreach and customer base, (not only due to online sales) yet because of her commitment to high quality and exceptional customer service.

Utilizing essential oils and other quality ingredients like Shea Butter, Brandes makes ‘small-batch’ soaps, lotions, creams and bath salts.

Coordinating small batches maintains quality control and ensures excellence in every aspect.

“Experience luxury and nourishment with our best selling Hand Cream with Shea Butter,” exclaimed Brandes.

“Infused with the customer favorite scent of Gardenia, noted Brandes, this cream will leave your hands feeling soft and hydrated.”

Regardless of economic conditions, according to trade publications like Fortune Business Insights, Grand View Research and others, skin care and the personal care market has been resilient. Some estimates have pointed to over $370 billion dollars spent in 2024 and it’s anticipated to continue grow in sales.

The reason for this as RetailNext explains is… “Amidst economic uncertainties and daily stressors… individuals seek solace and self-expression through beauty rituals.”

Little moments of a daily regimen provides some stability. This is especially so when stress and anxiety is high. This is why as Brandes says…

“Treat yourself to a moment of gentle indulgence with every use.”

With more than a dozen fragrances and varieties to select from (including unscented) Brandes’ Caryl B products aim to please with an understated and nurturing elegance.

Art Fiesta - “Experience The Magic of Art” opens at 10:00 AM on June 7 at The Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 6151 H Street in the historic part of Sacramento. Admission is Free as well as Free parking.

Open until 4 PM, the two-day event continues until Sunday, June 8, opening at 10:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM.

All proceeds from the event go to helping youth and families in need in the Sacramento area community. For more info visit the Scottish Rite Masonic Center website.

As February the month for sweethearts, flew by, Marin County’s personal care products maker Caryl B released another variety of cream/lotion and soap; one made with roses.

“The rose fragrance welcomes spring,” said Caryl B founder and owner Caryl Brandes.

The appeal of a rose is universal and its qualities are not only ancient but beneficial.

It’s no wonder that people the world over from Shakespeare to Cleopatra recognized its significance.

Brandes didn’t want to miss the opportunity. Her line of rose-inspired skin care products debuted on February 21.

Now available in Brandes’ signature Shea Butter hand cream and Shea Butter lotion, the windy and often unpredictable weather of March will be deterred from chapping & upsetting skin by this newest addition to the line of Caryl B products.

“Infused with the much loved fragrances of roses, this cream & lotion will leave your hands feeling soft and hydrated,” said Brandes.

Using rose oil from rose petals, Brandes has taken her bestselling hand cream and lotion compound and made it wonderful for all skin types. “But especially for sensitive and delicate skin,” said Brandes.

Pointing as to why the use of roses in health and beauty, has continued over the centuries dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD clarified.

“Rose essential oil is hydrating and anti inflammatory.” Both the essential oil of a rose and the enchanting aroma…

Extracted, usually by steam distilling process… “It comes from the petals,” added Jaliman.

Regardless of anything romantic, from a science perspective “roses contain polyphenol and flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory,” said Jaliman.

And, what that means for the skin as Jaliman explained is… “roses do help in the decrease of redness/inflammation and irritation.”

“This is why roses have been used in skin serums and creams for years and years,” said Jaliman.

Fossil evidence hints that roses in some form have been on the earth for perhaps 35 million years.

While some sources say, roses have been used in some form of skin care for at least 5,000 years, Egyptologists can be more specific.

As explained by the UK’s University of York, Archaeology Department expert Professor Jo Fletcher, PhD., stated.

“I only know of references to roses from very late in Egypt's history,” said Professor Fletcher.

“An example I refer to is the Graeco-Roman Period,” she said.

“Roses were linked to the Greek goddess Aphrodite,” said Fletcher.

“So, when the Greek Ptolemy dynasty (of which Cleopatra was a part of) ruled Egypt we find more evidence for roses since the Ptolemy dynasty equated Aphrodite with Egypt's goddess Isis.”

Professor Fletcher explained further. “Over time, the Egyptian goddess Isis became known as the ‘Rose-breasted Lady'. Cleopatra embraced this.”

And, said Fletcher “as I discuss in my book 'Cleopatra the Great', this most famous female pharaoh (who herself claimed to embody Isis) is described giving one of her legendary banquets in honour of her last husband Marc Antony, when ‘the floors of the dining rooms were strewn with roses to the depth of a cubit’ that’s about (1 and half feet),” said Fletcher.

Appreciating the reference to Cleopatra, Brandes knows that roses are also luxurious. And, that is why Caryl B is including Goat Milk and Glycerin Soap in the rose essence fragrance.

A commitment to high quality and excellence is what Brandes wants to ensure in all of her products, so that her customers can enjoy “gifts that pamper.”

This coming weekend of March 7th 8th & 9th, Caryl B will be among the artisan vendors at The Marin Arts & Crafts Show at Marin Civic Center - Exhibit Hall from 10: AM until 6: PM. For details about Caryl B products visit the website.

With global sales of liquid soap valued at over $22 billion dollars last year, the entrepreneurial spirit of Caryl Brandes of Caryl B Personal Skin Care products couldn’t ignore the obvious. Her new organic liquid soap with shea butter is a lovely addition to the moisturizing soap bars.

As 2025 dawned, Brandes introduced her own Organic Hand & Body Liquid Soap with Shea Butter. 

Always focused on highest quality and the best ingredients for skin and wellbeing, Brandes’ dilemma was “should it be an unscented liquid soap or a ‘foaming’ liquid soap?” 

The debate between regular liquid soap and foaming is extensive. And, there are valid arguments on either side. 

Liquid soap in either form is certainly more hygienic than bar soap, especially where family consumption is prevalent. 

Since 2020 when COVID-19 hit, the concerns of hygiene has transformed the soap and skincare market. 

Yet, while ‘foaming’ soap is considered as more efficient (foam uses less water to rinse), the moisturizing aspect for Brandes is vital. 

“All of our products at Caryl B are designed to be ultra-hydrating, allowing skin to be nurtured and replenished,” said Brandes. 

While ‘foaming’ soap can be made with very simple and organic ingredients, much of the “foam” comes not from the actual soap ingredients but rather from the “air” mechanism in the pump-bottle itself. 

“If you add a rich moisturizing ingredient like Shea Butter, said Brandes, the specially-made pump mechanism in a ‘foaming’ soap won’t work.”

Even as customers of Caryl B were looking forward to a “foaming” liquid soap, Brandes wanted to maintain the same anticipated result and high quality of a satisfying moisturizing product, that her customers expect and trust. 

“And the ultra-moisturizing quality along with high quality fragrances, it’s what makes Caryl B exceptional,” said Brandes. “I bwanted to maintain that level of exceptional in the new liquid soap series.”

Understanding the importance of such an ingredient, Dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD said. “Shea Butter is a natural emollient.” 

As winter continues, Jaliman noted. “Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties, especially for washing hands, which can soothe dry, chapped skin.”  

The fatty acids in Shea Butter create a barrier that contains and holds in moisture. This aspect helps with dry, flaky skin, especially in the wintertime. 

In addition to the Caryl B line of soaps, creams and lotions, Brandes noted. “We offer soothing bath salts.”

“Our therapeutic bath salts are a combination of pure Dead Sea and Himalayan pink salts.”

“These ancient salts, said Brandes, have the highest mineral content which helps for reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation and hydration.”

“Bath Salts are a good compliment to our selection of soaps,” said Brandes. 

“And, I’m so pleased that we can now offer a high quality organic moisturizing liquid soap,” she added. 

Caryl B Organic Hand & Body Soap with Shea Butter is available in three fragrances: Gardenia, Plum Blossom and Fresh Sage. 

Unscented is also available. To purchase directly and for more details, visit the Caryl B website. 

As this fall season begins with a bumper crop of nutritious produce, one of the most important and common vitamins to help us into the oncoming winter is Vitamin C. 

This past September 29 weekend, Caryl Brandes of Caryl B Skin Care Products introduced her Face Cream with Vitamin C at Farmers Market - Marin County Mart in Larkspur, at Larkspur Landing, not far from the Larkspur Ferry terminal. 

Also referred to as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C has been known for centuries for its health benefits.  Primarily through citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. Historians/archaeologist can trace the origins of the importance of this antioxidant-nutrient as far back as ancient Egypt, through the descriptions in ancient records of its lack there of in conditions such as scurvy. 

Egyptologist, professor Joann Fletcher, PhD clarified. “Some scholars have also suggested scurvy is referred to in the Ebers Medical Papyri from c.1550 BC (although the terms used are somewhat vague).”

Yet, as the University of York, England archaeological researcher pointed out.

“It is also worth saying that the Egyptian diet - then and now - has always been very rich in onions and garlic.” “Both are excellent sources of Vitamin C,” she added.

It was during the age of exploration in the 1700s when it was discovered that eating citrus fruits combated scurvy. Citrus was then prescribed as essential for sailors and crew on ships to avoid scurvy by having citrus added to their daily diet. 

And, it wasn’t until the 20th Century when in the 1930s a form of Vitamin C was added to skin care. A Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi, discovered and isolated the particular chemical properties of Vitamin C. From that discovery, Vitamin C became a staple of health. 

His discovery earned him and his team the Nobel Prize in 1937. Since that time, for over 80 years, Vitamin C has become a vital nutrient utilized in many food-nutrition and health care products.

As noted by researchers at Harvard Medical School, “clinical studies have demonstrated that vitamin C can improve wrinkles,” noted Neera Nathan, MD & Payal Patel, MD. 

The two Harvard University physicians went on to say… “Topical vitamin C is a science-backed, dermatologist-favorite ingredient that may help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.”

This is why Brandes wanted to incorporate the use of Vitamin C in her face cream product line. “Vitamin C helps, said Brandes - it is just one of many ingredients I use in my specialty skin care products that are beneficial.”

As one who is well acquainted with skin conditions, Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in New York City, added. “Vitamin C, stimulates collagen production so it helps with fine lines.” As a safe and effective ingredient, Dr. Jaliman says, Vitamin C decreases spots, patches of discoloration, and melasma on the skin.” 

Melasma can occur when the skin is exposed to too much sun. Hot weather and intense heat can aggravate the skin. With fall weather temperatures continuing into 80 degrees, Caryl B’s face cream and face serum are a welcome relief to sun-stressed skin.

Because Caryl B products are made essentially for those with sensitive skin, having a high quality face cream is vital. Pleased that her skin care products are well-received, Brandes said. “I just try to educate my customers as to what certain ingredients such as Vitamin C can  do to help.”

For more information about Caryl B skin and personal care products, visit the website.

As the weather turns from winter into spring, no doubt those seeking to be outside will need to moisturize their skin as the shift in temperatures with sun, water and wind make an impact. Skincare product specialist, Caryl Brandes of Caryl B has just “the thing for spring” and that is Shea Butter.

“Shea Butter is extracted from shea nuts from the Karite tree,” said Brandes. “Shea Butter is known for its luxurious moisturizing properties,” she added and Shea Butter melts at body temperature making it easily absorbed into the skin.”

The word ‘Karite’ comes from the French who established a colonizing presence in West Africa where the Shea Tree grows. Known by the people of the Senegal as “ghariti,” The Shea Tree grows naturally in the wild in the dry savannah belt of West Africa from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, and further onto the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands.

“It is a great choice for dry, irritated skin,” said Brandes. “It has been well-documented to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks,” she noted.

Dermatology specialist Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD agreed as she said. “Shea Butter is very moisturizing.” It’s good as long as you aren’t acne prone.”

Still even so, Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe and repair sensitive skin reducing the effects of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. 

Because of its emollient properties, such as the fatty acids and vitamin-rich oils produced by the seeds-nut-kernels, it’s believed that people in ancient times such as Cleopatra used Shea Butter.

“Fortunately I cover this throughout my book 'Cleopatra the Great' (published by Harper Collins),” said Professor Joann Fletcher, PhD an Egyptologist at The University of York in England.

“The perfumes available during Cleopatra's time were many; said Professor Fletcher, using everything from rose and myrtle oils to cinnamon and wine, plus various cleansing creams, bathing products and cosmetics.”

Fletcher noted, “there are lots of websites claiming Cleopatra used pretty much every product out there.” But, as she pointed out with regard to such beliefs, “this is almost always inaccurate.”

“I haven't come across any references of Cleopatra using shea butter either in my research for my biography of Cleopatra, or in our chemical analysis work here in the lab,” said Fletcher.

And while that might be a disappointment, it doesn’t diminish or take away the qualities or efficacy of Shea Butter. Besides, where the Shea Tree has traditionally been grown in West Africa, Egypt is over 2,000 miles away.

Regardless of whether or not Shea Butter was used in Egypt since ancient times, the current popularity of Shea Butter continues to grow. Shea Butter harvesting brings in around $200 million every year for the West African region, according to some accounts. And, according to others such as Polaris Market Research, in 2023, the global Shea Butter market is valued at over $2 billion dollars.

Naturally this is happy news for skincare product manufacturers like Caryl Brandes who has been making exceptional skincare and bath products for 10 years.

Caryl B’s ‘Calm Woods’ and ‘Healing Hand Cream’ are made with an exceptional high percentage-quality level of Shea Butter. Both these are now available. As Brandes emphasized, “just a small amount is needed to keep your hands soft and moisturized throughout the day.”

To learn more about these high quality Shea Butter products available, visit the Caryl B website.

As winter will officially close this year when the Spring equinox lands on March 19, thoughts easily meander to flowers and gardens.

Once the rains subside “the green-thumb” inclined will be eager to tend to the soil. Hyacinths, tulips daffodils and lilies will be in full bloom soon to a garden-lover’s delight. While handling dirt appeals to the child in us, like playing in the mud, many types of soil absorb and pulls out moisture and oil from the skin.

Even, if working with gloves, hands still need moisturizing care, says Caryl Brandes, a skincare product professional, who just participated in the Marin Arts & Crafts Show and marketplace this past February 23 to February 25.

Just in time for spring, she has developed and created a new skin cream ideal for soil-tenders & horticulture enthusiasts. Labeled simply “A Gardener’s Healing Hand Cream,” Brandes has put together a unique new formula-mixing Orange and Rosemary with a blend of Tamanu or Foraha oil.

“This cream was created for those with dry, rough, callused, and cracked skin,” says Brandes. “Skin areas such as hands, feet, elbows and knees, I also kept in mind,” she added. Gardening also involves being down in the dirt on hands and knees, sometimes up to the elbows.

Adding the oil from the Tamanu tree into the compound, this new hand cream product is made with the oil extracted from seeds or nuts of the tree. The Tamanu tree, as described by Wikipedia, is from Polynesia-Asia and parts of Australia.

While the Tamanu tree does have fragrant flowers and its oil is beneficial, it isn’t to be eaten or ingested. It’s strictly an externally used oil for the skin.

As noted by Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD on WebMD, “it is often used in skin care for its wound-healing properties.” It’s sometimes thought of as an essential oil. But as Dr. Jaliman explained. “It’s actually a fatty nut oil, which can be used to dilute and or facilitate essential oils to heal the skin.” (Those with nut allergies might take precautions, testing a tiny bit on skin first before considering to buy).

Even so, Brandes upholds the benefits as she said. “It offers deep hydration and protection for the skin, while offering the wonderfully soothing fragrance of Orange and Rosemary.”

This new product is an addition to the Caryl B ‘Gardener’s Collection.’ “It’s perfect for gardeners, farmers, and carpenters,” exclaimed Brandes.

Maintaining the highest quality for her artisan-boutique approach to specialty products, all of Brandes’ skin and bath products are made in small batches to ensure exceptional quality and consistency.

“When I started my line of skin, bath and personal care products almost a decade ago, it was with sensitive skin in mind,” said Brandes.

Brandes is always seeking new and innovative ways to help enhance the skincare, bath and personal care products she provides.

“Foraha or Tamanu ( which is same species), says Brandes is a plant whose seeds (or nuts) are used to treat wounds, rashes, burns and other ailments.” That’s why she sought it out.

“I have made a compound-mixture that is gentle yet effective,” said Brandes. “Use as often as needed for a calming skin-cellular repair treatment.”

Visit the Caryl B website to learn more about the new addition to ‘Gardener’s Collection’ now in Orange & Rosemary with Tamanu oil.

With the harvest glow of pumpkins comes the reminder that the winter holidays will be here soon. Amid the array of an Autumn/winter cornucopia there’s the familiar orange, especially Seville oranges in particular. And, one who understands the distinctive elements/properties of the Seville oranges is Caryl Brandes of Caryl B Personal Care Products- Gifts That Pamper!

This October, as pumpkins and everything pumpkin spice/flavored make their annual appearance, Brandes debuted her Seville Orange line, now available in the Caryl B ‘Gardener's Soap’ and ‘Hand Cream.’

Known for a unique flavor and aromatic essence, the Seville Orange can do much more than make a delicious batch of marmalade. The bitter/acidic aspects of this particular orange have been utilized for centuries.

Introduced to Europe in the Seventh Century by the Islamic sultans who ruled the Andalusia area of Spain, oranges were used in perfume and medicine. Sailors in the days of early exploration were given citrus to fight off scurvy.

Historians believe the origin of oranges centered in Asia and can be traced as early as 300 BC. Just as in Arabic medicine, the Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine practitioners observed the orange could help exfoliate and moisturize the skin. And oh the aroma! It helped refresh as well as soothe.

In fact, it was the aroma that inspired Brandes as she said. “I love the fresh simple fragrance.”

While the orange is often associated with Summer and tropical weather, the peak of the Seville Orange is in Fall. It begins in November/December and runs through to February. Perhaps this might be why an orange was considered a rare and uncommon gift for Christmas in olden days.

With the introduction of oranges to Florida and California, it was easier for people in the United States to encounter an orange at winter time. During the Great Depression, oranges were a stocking stuffer and a prized treat.

As familiar as oranges are, be it as marmalade or as juice to go with a cup of morning coffee, they are often overlooked and underestimated.

In addition to providing Vitamin C and potassium, an orange helps the body make collagen. Categorized as a protein, as Hansa Bhargava, MD, of WebMD verifies, collagen heals wounds and provides smoother skin.

The Vitamin C in oranges helps to absorb iron to fight anemia. Sort of like the old adage “an apple a day…” an orange can invigorate the immune system, which is the body's defense against germs.