Clean and effective deodorant solved by Sarah Ribner of Piper Wai
Written by Heather Anderson
In our conversation with Sarah Ribner, Founder of PiperWai, we delved into her inspiring journey of creating a natural deodorant that truly works. Motivated by a personal quest for healthier living, Sarah discovered the harmful ingredients in conventional deodorants and developed PiperWai using activated charcoal. As someone who was on a mission to find a safe, effective deodorant for my tweens, I was thrilled to discover PiperWai. After trying several brands that either caused irritation or weren’t truly clean, PiperWai was a game-changer for my stinky tweens and myself. Sarah's commitment to clean, effective, and sustainable personal care has transformed PiperWai into a leader in the industry, offering safe and reliable products while championing environmental responsibility and inclusivity.
Could you share what inspired you to create PiperWai, and what propelled you into the natural personal care industry?
It all started when I was trying to clean up my act at home. I was going through my bathroom cabinets, getting rid of all the toxic stuff I used to use, and I hit a major roadblock with deodorant. None of the natural options worked for me—they either didn't perform or they irritated my skin. That was incredibly frustrating because I was committed to living healthier, and yet, my options were so limited.
I decided to dig deeper into why deodorants were so problematic and was honestly startled. I discovered they're one of the most controversial products in personal care, packed with ingredients potentially linked to serious health issues like breast cancer and Alzheimer's. I couldn’t believe this issue hadn’t been solved so I set out to do it.
Finding a solution wasn't just about ditching harmful chemicals; it had to be effective too. That's where activated charcoal came into play. It’s excellent at neutralizing odors and absorbing wetness without the harsh effects on health. After lots of experimentation, we finally perfected PiperWai. It felt like a significant breakthrough—not just for me but for anyone seeking safer, effective natural deodorant options.
Developing the first effective natural deodorant with activated charcoal must have been challenging. Can you elaborate on the hurdles you faced, particularly in sourcing clean ingredients and ensuring their efficacy as you moved from small handcrafted batches to a larger scale?
Taking PiperWai from a small project in my kitchen to a product that could stand up to market demands was a huge leap. Initially, it was just about finding a formula that worked without all the nasty stuff you find in regular deodorants. We settled on activated charcoal because it was a natural powerhouse for absorbing moisture and neutralizing odor, but getting it right took a lot of trial and error.
Scaling up was a whole other beast. It was critical to source high-quality ingredients that maintained their integrity when produced in large quantities. We went through numerous suppliers to find the ones who could meet our standards for clean, ethical, and sustainable ingredients. Ensuring consistency batch after batch was a major hurdle too. When you’re handcrafting, you can control every little detail, but moving to mass production meant we needed processes that kept the quality just as high as those initial batches. It took time, patience, and a lot of persistence to get where we are today, but it was all worth it to provide a product that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives.
What were the specific challenges you encountered when transitioning from handcrafted small batches to larger scale production?
Scaling up really tested our commitment to keeping everything as natural and unaltered as possible. For instance, we use unrefined shea butter in our products, which is wonderfully effective but incredibly thick. This presents a real challenge in large-scale production because it's like working with a dense paste that doesn’t always behave consistently.
Then there’s the issue with activated charcoal and essential oils—both key ingredients in our deodorants. Activated charcoal is super absorbent and potent, which is great for deodorant but tricky to mix uniformly on a large scale. It needs to be dispersed evenly throughout the batch, or you end up with parts that are too concentrated and others that aren’t effective enough. Hand mixing allows for better control, which is lost somewhat in mechanized processes.
With essential oils, the challenge is their delicacy. They need to be mixed at just the right temperature. Too high, and you risk burning off their potency, which can alter the fragrance and effectiveness. We learned the hard way that not all manufacturers have the expertise to handle such sensitive ingredients, especially those who are more accustomed to working with synthetic components.
It’s been a learning curve, figuring out how to maintain our high standards while adapting our processes to meet increased demand. It’s about finding partners who understand the importance of handling natural ingredients with care and mastering the techniques that preserve their qualities, even on a larger scale.
“We started PiperWai because we wanted a product we could use without worrying about harmful ingredients or negative environmental impact. ”
PiperWai stands out for its commitment to clean ingredients and earth-friendly packaging. How do you ensure that this commitment does not compromise the product's effectiveness and customer satisfaction?
It’s really about balance and transparency with our customers. We started PiperWai because we wanted a product we could use without worrying about harmful ingredients or negative environmental impact. Ensuring our products remain effective while sticking to this principle means being really choosy about what goes into them and how they’re packaged.
For the ingredients, we stick to what works and what’s safe. It means a lot of testing and being okay with going back to the drawing board if something isn’t up to par. This isn’t just about mixing the right natural ingredients; it’s about how those ingredients work together to perform as well as, if not better than, traditional options.
As for our packaging, we've moved towards materials that have less impact on the environment. This wasn't an easy switch; it involved a lot of research and understanding the lifecycle of packaging materials. We had to make sure that whatever we chose wouldn’t just be good for the planet when it leaves our hands, but also maintain the quality of what’s inside until it’s used up. We’re constantly learning and adapting based on feedback, which really helps us improve and stay true to our values without compromising on quality.
Your appearance on Shark Tank catalyzed unprecedented demand for PiperWai. How did this experience transform your business, and what strategies did you employ to scale up effectively, especially during the pandemic?
Shark Tank was a real roller coaster. It wasn't just about the moment we appeared on TV; the real challenge started the next day when we realized just how many people wanted our product. The demand skyrocketed overnight, and honestly, it was overwhelming but exciting. We had to scale up fast, which meant not just increasing our production but making sure we didn't drop the ball on quality or our values.
For scaling, it was about building a strong team quickly and streamlining our production without cutting corners on the ingredients or process. We leaned heavily on our existing relationships with suppliers and worked to build new ones that could handle the increased volume without compromising our standards.
Then, the pandemic hit, and that threw another wrench in our plans. It was a test of our resilience and adaptability. We had to tweak our logistics, deal with supply chain disruptions, and at the same time, ensure our team was safe and healthy. We kept open lines of communication with our customers throughout, letting them know about delays and how we were tackling challenges.
It taught us a lot about patience and the importance of being transparent with our customers. They’ve been incredibly supportive because they value what we stand for, and they stuck with us through those growing pains.
As a leader in sustainable personal care, how do you envision influencing broader industry trends towards natural ingredients and sustainability?
At PiperWai, we're dedicated to not just leading but also educating. We're actively setting a precedent by offering detailed insights through our blog and social platforms, tackling topics like the importance of maintaining a healthy underarm pH and the potential risks associated with aluminum in deodorants—such as its links to health concerns like breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. By sharing this knowledge, we empower consumers to make informed choices.
Furthermore, our collaborations with other forward-thinking brands are amplifying our impact. Together, we're pushing for an industry-wide shift towards more natural and sustainable practices. It’s about creating a movement where good health and environmental responsibility are not just ideals, but standards for all personal care products.
Being a Black, female-owned business that values diversity is central to PiperWai's identity. How does this core value influence your company culture, product development, and community engagement?
As a Black, female entrepreneur, I've built PiperWai with a deep commitment to inclusivity and diversity. This commitment shapes everything we do, from the composition of our team to the products we develop. We strive to create a company culture that is not only welcoming but also represents a broad spectrum of perspectives, which enriches our decision-making and creativity.
In product development, we ensure that our products are suitable for everyone, regardless of gender, age, or skin type. We're mindful about how different skin types react to ingredients and aim to develop products that are universally safe and effective. Community engagement is another area where we actively promote diversity. We collaborate with organizations and initiatives that support underrepresented entrepreneurs and engage in community outreach to educate and empower a diverse audience.
Ultimately, our goal is to reflect the world we live in and to show that PiperWai is a brand for everyone.
With PiperWai leading the way in innovation, what future innovations or expansions can we expect, and how do you see your company evolving?
Innovation is at the heart of PiperWai, and we’re continuously exploring how we can improve and expand our product line. One of the most exciting developments we’re looking forward to is the launch of our scentless cream deodorant. This new product is designed for those with extra sensitive skin—it’s formulated without essential oils and baking soda. It incorporates mandelic acid and kaolin clay, maintaining the effectiveness that our customers expect.
Looking ahead, we’re not just thinking about new products but also about how we can enhance the ones we have with even more sustainable practices and materials. Our goal is to lead not just in product quality but also in environmental responsibility. We see PiperWai growing into a brand that sets the benchmark for both effectiveness and sustainability in personal care.
Additionally, we’re aiming to broaden our reach. This means not only expanding our online presence but also exploring more retail partnerships and international markets. As we grow, we want to ensure that our values of inclusivity and sustainability are embedded in every aspect of our business, from how we make our products to how we connect with customers worldwide.
For aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make a positive impact, what advice would you share from your own journey with PiperWai?
For those starting out, my key advice is to remain authentic and patient. Even if you’re dedicated to making a positive impact, the journey can present many challenges to your mission. By staying true to your values and committing to sustainable growth, you can create an enduring business that genuinely contributes positively to society.
To learn more about Sarah Ribner's journey and explore PiperWai’s innovative product line, visit www.piperwai.com or connect on her Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn account. Join us in making personal care more sustainable and effective.