Saje Wellness products

Saje Natural Wellness is a Vancouver success darling. Founded in 1992 with just one store at Lonsdale Quay, Saje has exploded across Canada as demand for its line of 100% naturally-derived products continues to grow.

Saje Wellness products

After learning about the harmful side effects of additives like parabens, glycols and other synthetics, I’ve been choosing my beauty regime products more carefully. Not only does Saje make most of its goods locally, they’re one of the more affordable natural wellness brands out there.

With over 500 product offerings, there’s something for everyone on your gift list this holiday season.

And in case you’re looking for some shopping inspiration, Saje recently sent me three delightfully interesting items to test drive: Peaceful Warrior Deodorant Spray, Sentiva Soothing Body Lotion and Konjac Kare Green Tea Enriched Cleansing Sponge.

Saje Wellness products

Peaceful Warrior Deodorant Spray

Saje’s line of natural deodorants incorporate mineral salts to neutralize odour rather than to rely on aluminum and nasty chemicals that temporarily plug sweat gland pores. They’re available in three spray scents – Exotic (spicy/sweet), Floral (light/fresh), Peaceful Warrior (warm/earthy) – and an Au Natural crystal stick. 

I love the light, musky scent of the Peaceful Warrior spray, derived from sandlewood, patchouli, fennel and vetiver. The scent evokes the base notes of my favourite perfume but is also neutral enough to be used by both sexes. I was a little worried because I exercise vigorously several times a week and hoped that I wouldn’t send my gym mates fleeing for oxygen masks. 

Since this product is a deodorant, it didn’t prevent me from perspiring, but an après-exercise armpit sniff test allayed my fears about killing nearby daisies. A minor drawback: you have to allow a few minutes after application for the spray to dry. An extra blast from my hair dryer during my morning routine does the trick.

Saje Wellness products

Sentiva Soothing Body Lotion

Saje’s lotions are formulated for different skin-care needs, to comfort from head to toe. Sentiva is blended with rich shea butter, nourishing olive oil and hydrating rose water, creating an intensive moisturizer with a hint of fragrance. 

This lotion absorbs quickly into the skin, is neither sticky nor greasy and its scent dissipates just as fast. After each application, my skin feels soothed, fresh and bedewed. 

Saje Konjac Kare Green Tea Enriched Cleansing Sponge

Konjac Kare Green Tea Enriched Cleansing Sponge

The Konjac Sponge has become my favourite Saje product. I’m a fan of exfoliation but most scrubs contain microbeads, an environmental hazard due to the fact that they escape wastewater treatment filtration. Konjac is a potato-like plant of Asian descent. The sponges are derived from the vegetable fibre of the konjac potato making it 100% biodegradable. 

These sponges endure about 100 uses, lasting two to three months. Once done, you can compost the sponge or put it under the soil of a potted plant to help retain moisture. Saje offers four enriched varieties with differing benefits: green tea, bamboo charcoal, yam extract and aloe vera.

The Green Tea Konjac supports “the skin’s ability to defend against dehydrating and damaging environmental influences.” Out of the package, the sponge is dry and hard. Soak it in warm water for three to five minutes until completely saturated and softened. The sponge expands to almost twice its original size once it’s ready. 

Using the flat side, in a circular motion, I was amazed at the gentle texture of the sponge. With or without an added cleanser, my face felt refreshed and renewed after each use. Once finished, a thorough rinse and hearty squeeze and my konjac sponge is ready to be hung up for its next use. 

All of the above products performed wonderfully, justifying Saje’s huge, loyal following. Saje Natural Wellness stores can be found across the Lower Mainland, including Robson downtown, Metrotown, Coquitlam Centre and Guildford Town Center. Visit their website for updated product info.

Photos by Cora Li.

About Our Contributor Cora Li

Cora Li

Cora dabbles in arts, technology, food, and travel. She loves that Vancouver offers a vast playground for exploring all of her passions. Cora’s most memorable job to date was working with VANOC during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

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