Suzannah Raff: Cleo&Coco

Suzannah Raff wanted to create products that were safe for the body and effective. When she couldn’t find a natural deodorant that kept her completely odor free, she experimented with different ingredients and essential oils to launch the Cleo&Coco Deodorant. Today her line has expanded from deodorants to dry shampoos and more. Read on to find out more about Suzannah’s journey: 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and why you started Cleo&Coco?

I am a New York native and mother of four who is committed to living an authentic life spiritually, physically, and professionally. Over the years I have earned both a Master’s degree in Business along with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Cleo+Coco was born out of a passion to learn more about toxic ingredients, the negative effect they have on our bodies, and the benefits of plant-based ingredients to create authentic products that are safe and effective. After years of listening, experimenting, teaching, and learning, Cleo+Coco’s next generation of naturals was born.

One of my motivations in developing Cleo+Coco products was to provide products that I felt were safe for my pregnant/nursing self and now my pre-teen children to use. That meant minimizing our exposure to toxic chemicals, synthetic fragrances, aluminum, and talc. It is interesting to note that my maternal grandfather was a chemist who came to New York from Europe as a holocaust survivor and built a very successful spice factory together with his brother. So, it seems that formulating is in my blood. Really, it’s in my fingertips and my nose. I can smell a new dish and recreate it by sensing the spices. Same with perfumes. And now I’m able to reformulate natural deodorants into what they should be, Clean+Confident, conscious, and pleasurable without compromise.

One of my motivations in developing Cleo+Coco products was to provide products that I felt were safe for my pregnant/nursing self and now my pre-teen children to use.

Why is it so important that people switch to clean deodorants? 

Your underarms house important glands and are near delicate breast tissues. We should be uncompromising about what we apply to this area. Antiperspirants and non-natural deodorants may contain potentially harmful ingredients such as Aluminum, synthetic fragrance, parabens, and phthalates which can potentially go into your bloodstream and glands. With the rise of breast cancer and infertility, we are realizing that what we are putting into our bodies is just as important as what we put into our bodies. Switching to a natural and clean deodorant is a very important step in protecting your health.

How does your deodorant truly detoxify the body? 

Our Charcoal Deodorants truly detox in two ways. Our bodies are made to naturally detox daily through our sweat glands. When we block our sweat glands with antiperspirant we blog a natural healthy process. So first, because we eliminate aluminum from our formula we no longer block a natural detox process. But we take it even further. The added activated charcoal and bentonite clay in our formula pulls out toxins from your body, aiding and supporting your body’s detox process, while eliminating odor throughout the day. It’s a win win.

Picture Courtesy: Cleo & Coco

There are so many clean and vegan deodorants on the market. How has your team gone about differentiating your product and brand?

Our products are differentiated from other natural deodorants in many ways. First, we have award-winning formulas because they work. Second, we use activated charcoal and bentonite clay in all of our formulas. Our formulas don’t stain your skin and go on creamy and smooth. We only use natural ingredients and never any synthetic fragrances and finally, we have re-branded to offer you luxurious packaging and User experience. We elevate personal care at every touch point.

Suzannah is an inspiration to women entrepreneurs. Don’t forget to check out her brand: https://cleoandcoco.com/