dr.bronner`s - Cloudfront.net

DR.BRONNER’S
FAMILY SOAPMAKERS SINCE 1858
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OUR STORY
We are family soapmakers honoring the vision of our
founder Dr. E.H. Bronner by making socially and
environmentally responsible products of the highest quality,
and dedicating our profits to help make a better world.
Dr. Bronner’s was founded in 1948 by Emanuel Bronner, a
third-generation master soapmaker from a German-Jewish
soapmaking family.
He used the labels on his superb ecological soaps to spread
his message that we must realize our transcendent unity
across religious & ethnic divides or perish: “We are All-One
or None!”
Dr. Bronner used all of his profits to further his mission and
support various sustainable projects and causes. Emanuel
Bronner passed away peacefully in 1997.
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OUR TIMELINE: 1858-1970
For more information please visit: www.drbronner.com/our-story/timeline
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OUR TIMELINE: 1980-PRESENT
For more information please visit: www.drbronner.com/our-story/timeline
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HOW DR. BRONNER MARKETED HIS SOAPS
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“Put it on a shelf and it’ll sell!”
Lectured extensively throughout the country
Personal phone number on label gave Emanuel
grassroots ability to connect with those who
called
Became an iconic inspiration to hippies in the
1960s
Earned media coverage in newspapers &
magazines due to personality and personal
exploits
Symbiotic relationship between label and
contents results in really good viral marketing
Label was vehicle for Emanuel to spread his
message
Eccentricities of the label got people talking
about it and sharing it with others
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WHAT DRIVES US
DR. BRONNER’S MISSION & PRINCIPLES
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OUR MISSION
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1ST: WORK HARD! GROW!
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2ND: DO RIGHT BY CUSTOMERS
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3RD: TREAT EMPLOYEES LIKE FAMILY
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4TH: BE FAIR TO SUPPLIERS
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5TH: TREAT THE EARTH LIKE HOME
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6TH: GIVE AND GIVE!
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ALL-ONE REPORT
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ALL-ONE REPORT
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ALL-ONE REPORT
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FAIR TRADE AROUND THE WORLD
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PURE-CASTILE LIQUID SOAPS
THE ORIGINAL! 18-IN-1 USES! DILUTE! DILUTE! OK!!
Available in 2 oz., 4oz.(except Citrus & Rose), 8oz., 16oz., 32oz., ½ gal (Peppermint Only), 1gal.
Available scents: Eucalyptus, Rose, Tea Tree, Citrus Orange, Almond, Baby Unscented, Peppermint & Lavender
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PURE-CASTILE LIQUID SOAPS
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Face, body, hair – food, dishes, laundry,
mopping, pets
Very best for human, home and Earth!
Made with organic & fair trade certified
ingredients
Biodegradable
3x concentrated for superior value
No synthetic petrochemicals or
surfactants
Packaged in 100% post-consumer
recycled (PCR) plastic bottle
Ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide†, Organic
Palm Kernel Oil*, Organic Olive Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil,
Organic Essential Oils, Tocopherol
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
†None remains after saponifying oils into soap & glycerin
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PURE-CASTILE BAR SOAPS
GENTLE! EFFECTIVE! MILD! THE GOODNESS OF OUR LIQUID SOAPS IN A BAR!
5oz Bars Available in Eucalyptus, Rose, Tea Tree, Citrus, Almond, Baby Unscented, Peppermint & Lavender
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PURE-CASTILE BAR SOAPS
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Soft, smooth lather that won’t dry facebody-hair
Made with organic hemp oil & certified
fair trade ingredients
100% biodegradable
Packaged in 100% post-consumer
recycled (PCR) wrapper
No synthetic petrochemicals or
surfactants
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Palm Oil*, Sodium Hydroxide†,
Organic Olive Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Essential
Oils, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
†None remains after saponifying oils into soap & glycerin
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ORGANIC 4-IN-1 SUGAR PUMP SOAPS
SWEET TO BODY AND PLANET! NO-CLOG PUMP!
12oz & 24oz Pumps Available in Tea Tree, Lemongrass Lime, Baby Unscented, Peppermint & Lavender
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ORGANIC 4-IN-1 SUGAR PUMP SOAPS
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Fair trade & USDA certified organic
Keep hands–face– body–hair clean–
nourished–hydrated–smooth!
Organic sugar creates a rich caramel color
and sweet scent, functions as a natural
humectant and exfoliant
Organic coconut–olive–hemp oils makes a
creamy castile lather
Organic shikakai powder with a low pH is
traditionally used for hair care in India –
mild on scalp and hair
Contains no synthetic detergents or
preservatives
Ingredients: Organic Sucrose*, Organic White Grape Juice, Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Palm Kernel Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide†, Organic
Olive Oil*, Organic Shikakai Powder, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil,
Organic Essential Oils, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
†None remains after saponifying oils into soap & glycerin
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ORGANIC SHAVING SOAPS
SUPERIOR HAIR LIFTING-WETTING FOR SOOTHING, MOISTURIZING GLIDE!
7oz Shaving Soaps Available in Tea Tree, Lemongrass Lime, Baby Unscented, Peppermint & Lavender
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ORGANIC SHAVING SOAPS
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Fair trade & USDA certified organic
Organic shikakai powder, organic grape
juice, fair trade & organic sugar blended
with coconut-olive-hemp castile soap
base – our soapmaking tradition!
Sugar from Paraguay creates delightful
caramel color and aroma
Nourish-cleanse-moisturize-smooth
face-underarms-legs
For men and women!
Ingredients: Organic Sucrose*, Organic White Grape Juice, Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Palm Kernel Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide†, Organic
Olive Oil*, Organic Shikakai Powder, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil,
Organic Essential Oils, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
†None remains after saponifying oils into soap & glycerin
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ORGANIC LOTIONS
MOISTURIZING OILS KEEP SKIN SMOOTH & SUPPLE - NEVER GREASY!
8oz Lotion Available in Orange Lavender, Patchouli Lime, Peppermint & Lavender Coconut
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ORGANIC LOTIONS
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Fair trade & USDA certified organic
For sensitive-dry-rough-or combination
skin
Can be used on hands, face, body—
anywhere!
Organic jojoba oil heals and soothes
Organic coconut oil moisturizes
Organic hemp and avocado oils keep skin
smooth & supple
Highly emollient, a small amount will do!
Ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Ethyl
Alcohol*, Organic Avocado Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Quillaja
Saponaria Extract, Organic Essential Oils, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
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HAIR CARE
FOR LIGHT STYLING HOLD AND SILKY-SOFT HAIR!
8oz Organic Hair Rinse Available in Citrus
6oz Organic Hair Crème – Available in Peppermint & Lavender Coconut
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CITRUS ORGANIC HAIR RINSE
PERFECT AFTER SHAMPOOING WITH 4-IN-1 SUGAR PUMP SOAP —
OR ANY OF DR. BRONNER’S SOAPS!
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USDA certified organic
Old school recipe is the perfect follow up
to shampooing with any of our soaps
Organic lemon juice rinses and tightens
hair shaft for excellent manageability
Organic shikakai gently cleans,
conditions & nourishes – leaves hair
shiny
Organic coconut, jojoba and hemp oils
moisturize for silky-smooth feel
Ingredients: Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Shikakai Powder, Organic Lemon
Oil, Organic Orange Oil, Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Palm Kernel Oil*,
Organic Olive Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Potassium
Hydroxide†, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
†None remains after saponifying oils into soap & glycerin
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ORGANIC HAIR CRÈME
FOR LIGHT STYLING HOLD AND SILKY-SOFT HAIR!
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Fair trade & USDA certified organic
Organic coconut oil for strong, shiny hair
Organic jojoba oil for excellent
manageability
Organic hemp oil moisturizes and softens
hair
Use after shampooing for additional
conditioning and styling
Ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Ethyl Alcohol*, Organic
Jojoba Oil, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Essential Oils, Organic Quillaja
Saponaria Extract, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
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ORGANIC HAND SANITIZER
SANITIZE WITH A CLEAN CONSCIENCE! KILLS BACTERIA AND FRESHENS AIR TOO!
2oz Hand Sanitizer Available in Lavender
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ORGANIC HAND SANITIZER
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Only fair trade organic ethyl alcohol,
organic lavender oil, organic glycerin and
water to sanitize skin
No GMO-alcohol or petrochemical
thickeners
Certified under same National Organic
Program that certifies food
Spray on children’s sticky hands and
faces—wipe clean
Use as air freshener or deodorizer—spray
into air for wonderful lavender aroma
Ingredients: 62% Organic Fair Trade Ethyl Alcohol*, Water, Organic
Glycerin, Organic Lavender Oil
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
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ORGANIC LIP BALM
ORGANIC BEESWAX AND OILS MOISTURIZE AND PROTECT!
0.15 oz Lip Balm Available in Orange Ginger, Lemon Lime, Naked & Peppermint
Also Available in Lip Balm Display (12 Count Shelf Case) and Mixed Lip Balm Display (48 Count Display)
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ORGANIC LIP BALM
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Not just for lips! Use for dry hands and feet,
chapped chins and cheeks!
Organic beeswax to protect against cold,
wind, dry weather
Organic jojoba-avocado-hemp oils for extra
moisture
Only the finest organic essential oils for
fragrance
Certified organic to USDA National Organic
Program standards
What you put on your lips goes into your
body
Ingredients: Organic Avocado Oil*, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Oil,
Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Essential Oils, Tocopherol
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
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ALL-ONE TOOTHPASTE
BRUSHING WITH DR. BRONNER’S JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT BETTER!
5oz Toothpaste Available in Anise, Cinnamon & Peppermint
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ALL-ONE TOOTHPASTE
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70% organic ingredients including
coconut flour and coconut oil
Low-foaming formula
Helps freshen breath, whiten teeth &
reduce plaque
Vegan, fluoride- and cruelty-free
No artificial colors, flavors, synthetic
detergent foaming agents, preservatives
100% recyclable box and tube
Brush regularly—Breathe deeply—Health
is Wealth!
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INGREDIENTS
Organic Glycerin, Organic Aloe
Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrated
Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xanthan
Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking
Soda), Potassium Cocoate (made with
Organic Coconut Oil*), Organic Illicium
Verum (Anise) Seed Oil, Organic
Mentha Arvensis (Menthol) Crystals,
Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut)
Flour,* Organic Cocos Nucifera
(Coconut) Oil,* Tocopherol, Citric Acid,
Organic Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf / Stem
Extract.
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
Organic Glycerin, Organic Aloe
Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrated
Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xanthan
Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking
Soda), Potassium Cocoate (made with
Organic Coconut Oil*), Organic
Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Oil,
Organic Mentha Arvensis (Menthol)
Crystals, Organic Cocos Nucifera
(Coconut) Flour,* Organic Cocos
Nucifera (Coconut) Oil,* Tocopherol,
Citric Acid, Organic Stevia Rebaudiana
Leaf / Stem Extract.
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
Organic Glycerin, Organic Aloe
Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrated
Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xanthan
Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking
Soda), Potassium Cocoate (made with
Organic Coconut Oil*), Organic Mentha
Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Organic
Mentha Arvensis (Menthol) Crystals,
Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut)
Flour,* Organic Cocos Nucifera
(Coconut) Oil,* Tocopherol, Citric Acid,
Organic Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf / Stem
Extract.
*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
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FEATURES & BENEFITS
DR. BRONNER’S VS. COMPETITION (FLUORIDE-FREE)
BENEFIT
Organic Ingredients
DR. BRONNER’S ALL-ONE TOOTHPASTE –
FLOURIDE FREE
COMMON INGREDIENTS IN COMPETITOR
FLOURIDE-FREE TOOTHPASTES
Organic glycerin, aloe vera juice, mint, cinnamon
Very rare to see organic ingredients, though many
and anise seed oil, menthol crystals, coconut flour
use organic aloe vera leaf juice
and coconut oil
Whitens Teeth
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium Carbonate
Anti-Plaque
Hydrated Silica
Hydrated Silica
Foaming
Potassium Cocoate (low foaming)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauroyl
Sarcosinate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate,
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleaning
Potassium Cocoate, Hydrated Silica, Baking Soda
(Sodium Bicarbonate)
Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium
Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl
Taurate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Freshens Breath
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Menthol
Crystals
Zinc Citrate, Mint Oil, Herbal Extracts
Toothpaste Aesthetics
(makes toothpaste white)
None – our toothpaste is naturally beautiful!
Titanium Dioxide
Mild-abrasive exfoliates the inner surface
of mouth/provides very mild and nutty
flavor
Organic Coconut Flour, Organic Coconut Oil
None!
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SYNTHETIC FOAMING AGENTS
IN COMPETITIVE TOOTHPASTE FORMULAS
SYNTHETIC FOAMING AGENTS
PROCESS
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
All of them are synthesized by multi-step
chemical reactions
(often from coconut oil base)
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Potassium Cocoate (what we use) is made
from a single step reaction of Coconut Oil
and Potassium Hydroxide
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Sodium Cocyl Glutamate
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TOOTHPASTE FAQS
Why is Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste low-foaming?
Our toothpaste is low-foaming because it does not contain any synthetic
foaming detergents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Lauroyl
Sarcosinate. Instead of these synthetic foaming detergents we use
Potassium Cocoate (made from Organic Coconut Oil in a single step
process) which has excellent cleansing properties but does not foam as
readily as synthetic foaming agents do. Foaming does not indicate that
your teeth are being cleaned and is not essential to an effective
toothpaste, though many consumers have been conditioned to expect it.
Having a low-foaming toothpaste means that we are able to formulate an
effective toothpaste that contains no synthetic foaming detergents.
Why does Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste have glycerin, I’ve heard
that glycerin can damage tooth enamel?
There have been no significant scientific studies done on the effects of
glycerin on tooth enamel (although one can find many unsupported
claims to that effect on the internet).
Why is Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste fluoride-free?
Although there is evidence that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, many
researchers have also concluded that through water fluoridation, many
Americans are receiving more fluoride than they really need.* By
providing an effective fluoride-free toothpaste option, we are giving
consumers the ability to reduce their fluoride intake to a level they are
comfortable with.
*http://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-says-too-much-fluoride-in-water/
Which foods can interact with Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste?
Acidic foods and beverages can cause a harmless soapy taste if you
brush your teeth right afterwards. Turmeric is known to act as a litmus
test and will turn different colors depending on the pH of what it comes in
contact with, including our alkaline toothpaste. This is also harmless.
Is the Baking Soda in your Toothpaste aluminum-free?
There is no aluminum in the baking soda we use in our toothpaste.
What is the quality of the coconut oil and coconut flour that Dr.
Bronner’s uses?
We use food-grade organic coconut oil and organic coconut flour.
What is the RDA (relative dentin abrasivity) of Dr. Bronner’s All-One
Toothpaste?
We have not had the RDA of our toothpaste tested yet but believe it is
similar to that of most toothpastes on the market. We do plan on having
the RDA of our toothpaste tested and will share the results once we have
them.
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ORGANIC VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
FOR COOKING, BAKING, HAIR AND BODY!
14oz Coconut Oil Available in White Kernel & Whole Kernel
30oz Coconut Oil Available in Whole Kernel
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ORGANIC VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
White Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
• Versatile and healthy
• Expeller-pressed from fresh, carefully dried
coconuts—brown inner skins removed for milder
flavor and more delicate aroma
Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
• Loved for its taste, equally great for body and
hair
• Expeller-pressed from fresh, carefully dried
coconuts—inner brown skins left on for nuttier
flavor
• Stir-fries, sauces, baked goods, body care
• Healthy, delicious and moisturizing too
White Kernel Ingredients: Organic Unrefined White Kernel Virgin Coconut Oil
Whole Kernel Ingredients: Organic Unrefined Whole Kernel Virgin Coconut Oil
100% Certified Fair Trade Ingredients (Fair Trade Certified by IMO)
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SAL SUDS BIODEGRADABLE CLEANER
THE ULTIMATE MULTI-PURPOSE HOUSEHOLD CLEANER!
Sal Suds Available in 16oz, 32oz, 1 gal
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SAL SUDS BIODEGRADABLE CLEANER
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Dishes-floors-laundry-more—the ultimate
multi-purpose household cleaner!
Biodegradable!
Plant-based surfactants and natural fir
needle and spruce essential oils
No cheap, harsh pine stump oil. No
synthetic dyes. No fragrances or
preservatives!
Powerful cleaning, gentle on skin, equally
effective in hard or soft water
Rinses free in hot or cold
100% cruelty-free
INGREDIENTS: Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Decyl
Glucoside, Abies Siberica (Siberian Fir) Needle Oil, Picea Glauca (Spruce)
Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium
Hydroxide
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DR.BRONNER’S IS CERTIFIED
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WHOLESALE PRICING
Product
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Pure-Castile Bar Soap
Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
Pure-Castile Soap - Mixed Display
Organic Lip Balm
Mixed Lip Balm Display
Organic Hand & Body Lotion
Organic Shaving Soap
Organic Pump Soap
Organic Pump Soap
Organic Pump Soap Bulk Refill
Organic Hair Rinse
Organic Hair Crème
Organic Hand Sanitizer
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
All One Toothpaste
Size
2oz.
4oz.
8oz.
16oz.
32oz.
Gallon
5 Gallon
5oz BAR
16oz.
32oz.
Gallon
Asst'd
0.15oz.
0.15oz.
8oz.
7oz.
12oz.
24oz.
64oz.
8oz.
6oz.
2oz.
14floz.
30floz.
5oz.
Case Pack
12
12
12
6
6
1
1
12
6
6
1
144
12
1
6
6
6
6
1
6
6
12
12
12
12
Suggested Retail
3.19
4.49
6.69
10.99
17.99
63.99
329.99
4.69
8.99
13.99
44.99
771.36
2.99
2.99
9.99
8.99
9.99
17.99
39.99
9.99
7.99
4.99
11.99
21.99
6.49
Wholesale Each
Wholesale Case
22.92
32.28
48.12
39.54
64.74
38.39
197.99
33.72
32.34
50.34
26.99
462.24
1.79
21.48
1.79
85.92
5.99
35.94
5.39
32.34
5.99
35.94
10.79
64.75
23.99
23.99
5.99
35.94
4.79
28.74
2.99
35.88
7.99
95.88
14.66
175.92
3.89
46.68
1.91
2.69
4.01
6.59
10.79
38.39
197.99
2.81
5.39
8.39
26.99
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2015 SPINS ITEM RANKING
US NATURAL MARKET
LIQUID SOAP
1. Peppermint 32oz.
2. Lavender 32oz.
3. Baby 32oz.
4. Almond 32oz.
5. Peppermint 16oz.
6. Tea Tree 32oz.
7. Citrus 32oz.
8. Lavender 16oz.
9. Eucalyptus 32oz.
10. Rose 32oz.
11. Baby 16oz.
12. Peppermint 8oz.
13. Lavender 8oz.
14. Tea Tree 16oz.
15. Peppermint 128oz.
16. Almond 16oz.
17. Citrus 16oz.
BAR SOAP
1. Lavender
2. Peppermint
3. Baby
4. Almond
5. Citrus
6. Tea Tree
7. Rose
8. Eucalyptus
SHAVE SOAP
1. Lavender
2. Spearmint
Peppermint
3. Unscented
4. Lemongrass Lime
5. Tea Tree
12OZ. HAND SOAPS
1. Lavender
2. Spearmint Peppermint
3. Lemongrass Lime
4. Baby Unscented
5. Tea Tree
24OZ. BODY SOAPS
1. Lavender
2. Peppermint
3. Lemongrass Lime
4. Baby Unscented
5. Tea Tree
HAIR CARE
1. Lavender Coconut Hair Crème
2. Peppermint Hair Crème
3. Citrus Hair Rinse
LIP BALMS
1. Naked
2. Peppermint
3. Orange Ginger
4. Lemon Lime
LOTIONS
1. Lavender Coconut
2. Peppermint
3. Patchouli Lime
4. Orange Lavender
COCONUT OIL
1. Whole Kernel 30oz.
2. Whole Kernel 14oz.
3. White Kernel 14oz.
Source: SPINSscan Natural; Week Ending 7/12/2015
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NATIONAL DEMO PROGRAM
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National demo program includes 23 reps
across 16 states: California, Oregon,
Washington, Hawaii, Colorado, Texas,
Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, North
Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, New
York, & New Jersey
Retailers can request active or passive
demos through Dr. Bronner’s regional sales
managers
Demos are scheduled to line up with Dr.
Bronner’s promotions in both HABA and
grocery averaging at 250 demos per month
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FAQS
What are the “18-in-1” uses? Where can I find recipes and
dilutions for your soaps?
You can use Dr. Bronner’s soaps for washing your face, body, hands and
hair, for bathing, shaving, brushing your teeth, rinsing fruit,
aromatherapy, washing dishes by hand, doing laundry, mopping floors,
all-purpose cleaning, washing windows, scrubbing toilets, washing dogs,
controlling dust mites, and killing ants and aphids. Now, that’s eighteen
uses right there, but customers have told us over time about many more
uses they have found for our soaps.
What does “Castile” mean? Is your bar soap also a castile soap
like the liquid? What is the difference between your bar and liquid
soaps?
In earlier centuries, an all-vegetable-based soap was made in the Castile
region of Spain from local olive oil. By the turn of this century, “Castile”
had come to mean any vegetable oil-based soap, as distinct from animal
(tallow) fat-based soap. “Pure-Castile” is now also your guarantee that
what you are using is a genuinely ecological and simple soap – not a
complex blend of detergents with a higher ecological impact due to the
waste stream created during manufacturing and the detergents’ slower
biodegradability. Unfortunately, many synthetic detergent blends are
deceptively labeled as “Liquid Soap” despite the fact that they contain
absolutely no real soap whatsoever. Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid and Bar
Soaps are both pure-castile, as they are all vegetable oil-based. The
difference between the liquid and bar soaps is that the liquid soaps use
potassium hydroxide to saponify the vegetable oils, while the hard bar
soaps use sodium hydroxide instead.
Which of your products are vegan? Do you test your products
on animals?
All of Dr. Bronner’s products sold in the U.S. and Canada
are Certified Vegan, except for our Organic Lip Balms and Organic
Body Balms, which contain organic beeswax. All of our products
carry the “Leaping Bunny” seal, which indicates that they are
cruelty-free and that there is no animal testing done with them.
Although our product lines are otherwise vegan, we do use certified
organic beeswax in our lip and body balms. We have not yet been
able to find a certified organic plant-based wax, and Sue Kastensen,
the creator of our balms, insisted that she had not found a plantbased alternative that could substitute for the amazing qualities of
natural beeswax. Based on her experience, and her extensive
training and mentoring under the Native American herbalist
Keewaydinoquay, Sue formulated her original lip balms with just
avocado oil and beeswax, because beeswax has natural antibacterial
and sunblock qualities and provides a superior barrier to keep
moisture in. We buy our certified organic beeswax from Zambia,
where we have confirmed that the queen bees are not killed each
year, a practice sometimes employed in conventional beekeeping to
maximize yields.
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FAQS
Are your tropical oils, including palm and palm kernel oils,
produced sustainably?
Some Dr. Bronner’s customers have been concerned that the
palm, palm kernel and coconut oils we use in our soaps may come
from plantations that were established on recently-cleared
tropical forestland or from operations that otherwise contribute
to environmental destruction. But rest assured, that is not the
case. As with any other crop, it’s not just what you grow,
it’s how you grow it. We purchase from growers who are all
certified organic. This means that no agrochemicals are used
(chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides) and soil fertility is
replenished by natural means such as compost, manure and
mulching with crop residues. The production of our oils also does
not contribute to deforestation, unlike palm oil grown on huge
plantations in Indonesia, for example. Our palm oil comes from
about 2,500 acres of smallholdings in Ghana that were
established decades ago, and our palm kernel oil from sustainable
small farmers in Ecuador. We support growers in improving palm
fruit yields – thus getting more oil out of the same amount of
land. Our coconut oil comes from about 500 small to mid-size
farms in Sri Lanka, most of which have been in the owner’s family
for generations. We encourage our growers to intercrop with
other beneficial species and supply organic fertilizer at subsidized
prices. This improves the soil fertility, yields and profitability of
small farms – and allows them to compete with larger
plantations. By having our entire supply chain certified fair trade
and organic, we also hope to demonstrate that one can produce
any crop – and the products made from them – sustainably.
Why is palm kernel oil now in the liquid soap? Is it
sustainable?
As our company continues to grow, we are able to partner with
more and more organic & fair trade projects around the world,
thereby supporting organic farming practices, fair wages, and
economic development. Adding Organic & Fair Trade Palm Kernel
Oil to our soaps allows us to support the good work being done by
Natural Habitats in Ecuador, where small-scale farmers grow oil
palms sustainably and receive a fair price for their palm fruits.
Because the fatty acid profile of coconut and palm kernel oils are
so similar, they can be used interchangeably in soapmaking, where
they produce an identical rich and copious lather. No rainforest
habitat or wildlife is harmed in the production of their palm kernel
oil. Natural Habitats is certified under IMO’s “Fair for Life”
program, the most rigorous fair trade and sustainable certification
in the world, that also certifies Dr. Bronner’s existing fair trade
coconut and palm oil sister companies, Serendipol and
Serendipalm. Extensive careful evaluation and blind customer
trials have confirmed that using a small amount of palm kernel oil
alongside coconut oil results in no change to our soaps’
unsurpassed quality. Thus we are excited to partner with Natural
Habitats and small-holder farmers who demonstrate how to
produce palm kernel oil sustainably, and support their families and
communities over the long-term.
Can I use your soaps to shampoo?
Yes, absolutely, and many people do! However, it is important to
pair the soap with a lightly acidic conditioning rinse, such as Dr.
Bronner’s own Citrus Organic Hair Rinse. Our soaps clean hair
very well, but they can leave a tangly look and feel. So, use our
rinse to tamp down the cuticles in your hair and give it a smooth
and silky after feel.
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FAQS
Are your soaps safe for babies?
Dr. Bronner’s soaps are exceptionally mild and safe for babies,
however they are not tear-free, so it’s important to be very
careful and make sure that the soap does not get in your
baby’s eyes (or yours either!). For babies, we especially
recommend our Baby Unscented line, as their skin can be
sensitive to the essential oils that are in our scented soaps.
Most tear-free formulations on the market use some kind of
synthetic numbing agent. We have chosen to keep our soaps
free of any such chemical additives.
Do your soaps contain any foaming agents or
detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Absolutely not. Dr. Bronner’s soaps are 100% true purecastile soaps. The high-foaming lather of our soaps comes
from their high coconut oil content, which creates a more
luxurious and richer lather than any detergent could ever
produce. “Pure-Castile” is your guarantee that what you are
using is a genuinely ecological and simple soap – not a
complex blend of detergents with a higher ecological impact
due to the waste stream created during manufacturing and
the detergents’ slower biodegradability. Unfortunately, many
synthetic detergent blends are deceptively labeled as “Liquid
Soap” despite the fact that they contain absolutely no real
soap whatsoever.
We do have one product, Sal Suds, which contains Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, and Lauryl Glucoside. Sal Suds
is an all-purpose household cleaning product, and is not
intended for use on the body. It is a balanced formulation of
naturally derived surfactants that are mild and gentle on the
skin, cruelty-free and biodegradable.
How is your coconut oil made, and what is the difference
between your White Kernel and Whole Kernel oils?
Dr. Bronner’s Fair Trade & Organic Virgin Coconut Oils
(VCOs) are made using a “dry process” – after the coconuts are
harvested, nuts mature for three weeks on the farm or at the
factory. Then the outer, fibrous husks are removed, and the
nuts are processed into oil within two days. After shelling and
washing, the coconut kernel is ground and air-dried in a
fluidized bed dryer. Within twelve hours, the ground and dried
kernel is expeller-pressed. The oil then goes through a twostage filtering process to remove solids, producing a clear oil.
Our Whole Kernel oil – sold in the jar with the brown label – is
made from the whole coconut kernel, with the brown parings
(the soft inner skin) left intact. Our White Kernel oil is produced
from the kernel after the parings have been removed. The
Whole Kernel oil is somewhat more nutritious and has a slightly
nuttier flavor. Both oils can be used interchangeably for all
culinary and body care uses.
To learn more, see our Ethical Sourcing page, or download
our VCO FAQ
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