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FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got you. Whether you're new to synergistic, complimentary ingredients or just curious about how our bars work, this page is here to break it all down—no fluff, no confusion. From breakouts and BO to dry hair and sensitive skin, we’re all about helping you feel fresh, clean, and confident with products that actually do something.

Scroll down to find what you need—or reach out if you want to ask us something directly. We’re always here to help.

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General FAQs

We use Payfast's payment service, due to it's security parameters, making it 100% safe for consumers and because it takes an array of payment methods:

  • Your bank account;
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  • And many more.

You can read more on Payfast's website.

If we have stock, it will be shipped out within 2 days of you placing your order. See our delivery page for more info.

With preorders, you will be notified of the estimated delivery date when you place the order.

You can find all the specific ingredients on the individual products pages or go the applicable section below to see the science.

Overall, microsilver is the more skin-compatible and scientifically supported choice in skincare, especially for daily use or for people with sensitive skin.

Here are scientific sources supporting the safety differences between colloidal (nano) silver and microsilver (microparticle silver):

🧬 1. Colloidal Silver (Nano-Sized Particles) – Safety Concerns

  • Nano-silver can penetrate both intact and damaged skin; once inside, it may accumulate in various tissues, potentially causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cytotoxicity. Toxic effects are especially size-dependent, with smaller particles (<50 nm) being more harmful (scribd.com, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
  • The EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded there are “major data gaps” and insufficient evidence to declare nano colloidal silver safe for use in cosmetics, even at ≤1% concentration (health.ec.europa.eu).
  • Systemic absorption—even from topical use—can contribute to silver deposition in skin and tissue, leading to permanent discoloration (argyria). This isn't just theoretical: documented cases exist (en.wikipedia.org).

✅ 2. Microsilver BG (Microparticles, ca. 10 µm) – Safety Profile

  • According to manufacturer data and independent testing, Microsilver BG particles (~10 µm) stay on the skin surface and reside mostly in skin folds, avoiding deeper layers and systemic absorption (vetbiotek.com).
  • In vitro Franz cell tests show no particle diffusion through skin membranes, with only trace silver ions absorbed—even after prolonged use (scribd.com).
  • It is EPA-approved, Ecocert- and NPA-certified, used safely in medical products (e.g., eye drops, implants, oral care), indicating a well-established safety record (vetbiotek.com).

📌 Summary

  • Colloidal silver can penetrate skin, pose cytotoxic risks, and lacks sufficient safety evaluation in cosmetics. Regulatory bodies view it cautiously; concerns include potential systemic absorption and argyria (health.ec.europa.eu).
  • Microsilver has larger microparticles that remain on skin’s surface, minimise absorption, and have documented safety data, regulatory approvals, and successful use in sensitive or medical-grade products (vetbiotek.com).

📚 Additional Reading

About the NOBO bar

No. We care about silver so you don’t have to. Some forms—like nano and colloidal silver—are cheaper but may be unsafe for your body and the environment. That’s why we only use 100% pure metallic micro silver: safe for your skin, safe for the planet.

Unscrew the cap, twist the bottom part up if need be and swipe it under your arms. It will soften on contact with your skin and smear on easily.

NOBO has an unfragranced and fragranced options.

Fragrances available: 

Unscented (no fragrance added), 
Coco Loco (suntan coconut dream),
Pink Fizz (lime & grapefruit),
Mellow Melon (fun melon vibes),
Smokey Leather (musky tobacco),
Cedar Sophistication (cedar notes with earthy tones).

Because the NOBO bar contains no aluminium, it doesn't cause yellow marks on clothes. The yellow stains are mainly caused by a reaction between the aluminium-based compounds in antiperspirants and sweat, combined with body oils, over time.

Note though, that urea in sweat can in itself contribute to yellow stains on clothes. The best way to keep your clothing stain free is to ensure that you use a good detergent as well as perhaps employ the help of the likes of a pre-stain spray or soap (good 'ol Sunlight soap works well) after you've worn your light coloured clothing.

Yes, NOBO works for everybody. Men, women, young and old. Everyone perspires and develops some sort of perspiration smell from puberty.

NOBO bar is not a deodorant, but actually a preodorant – a regular deodorant disguises the odour of perspiration, whereas NOBO prevents this smell altogether.

With NOBO, smell does not stand a chance, because the bacteria, responsible for the smell, are inhibited naturally. In an antiperspirant the active component (aluminium) closes off the pores, and in combination with fragrances, the smell is masked, instead of prevented.

And most natural deodorants don't work (sorry!) as they don't tackle the problem of bacteria. They simply try to mask the odours and/or try keep you dry, but fail to do that the whole day.

It is important to explain the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant. A deodorant attacks the smell and an antiperspirant attacks the fluids. Most deodorants are also antiperspirants. NOBO bar is primarily a deodorant and therefore attacks the perspiration smell, and to a lesser degree the perspiration fluids.

Perspiration fluids are the result of your body trying to cool down. This fluid is odourless, but is usually considered, especially if you perspire a lot, unpleasant.

The active ingredients in antiperspirants block your pores, which results in less perspiration. However, this disturbs your internal temperature management and toxins are not able to leave your body via your armpits.

When you stop using an antiperspirant your pores will no longer be blocked, which means, that especially in the very beginning, you might perspire more than before when you start using the NOBO bar. The gel-plugs that had been blocking your pores for years are slowly leaving your body. This can take a while. For many people this is an uncomfortable experience and they assume NOBO isn’t working for them so they switch back to their old deodorant. Our advice: give it some time!

🩶 Microsilver

MicroSilver stands out as a safe, effective, and regulated silver-based ingredient for skincare, thanks to:

  • Microparticle form that stays on skin surface (no deeper penetration) - not the same as colloidal or nano silver.
  • Certified natural/organic profile (ECOCERT, COSMOS, NPA).
  • Demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-balancing effects.
  • Broad applications—from sensitive care (atopic skin, neurodermatitis) to anti-acne, oral hygiene, wound care.
  • Strong manufacturing and regulatory credentials (ISO, REACH, EPA).

Read more here.

Dipropylene Glycol

Widely used as a solvent and texture enhancer in cosmetics. Evaluated and deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, with low irritation potential. Generally non-irritating, though patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin; not carcinogenic.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Commonly called aloe vera gel—hydrating, soothing, with some wound-healing effects. The CIR Expert Panel approves it for cosmetic, topical use.

Citric Acid

Citric acid in deodorants is typically present at very low levels (well under 1%), just enough to keep the formula’s acidity in the optimal range for skin health and product preservation.

Sodium Benzoate / Potassium Sorbate

Used as preservatives. Generally regarded as safe in typical concentrations; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. 

Sodium Sulfite

Typically used as antioxidant/preservative. Potential for mild irritation, especially near eyes or sensitive skin.

Tapioca Starch + Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Combines a natural absorbent (tapioca starch) with a silicone-like polymer (Polymethylsilsesquioxane) for texture and oil control.

Tapioca Starch is non-toxic, non-sensitising, and food-grade—making it safe for use even on sensitive skin. It’s widely approved by ECOCERT and COSMOS for use in natural cosmetics.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the EWG Skin Deep database as having a low risk of irritation when used topically.

Both ingredients are too large in particle size to penetrate the skin and remain on the surface where they perform their function.

CIR Safety Assessment – Polymethylsilsesquioxane

EWG Skin Deep – Tapioca Starch

Aqua/Water/Eau

Essential base ingredient; inherently safe for skin use.

Sodium Stearate

Emulsifier; generally safe with minimal irritation.

Saccharomyces Ferment

Yeast-derived ingredient used for bioactive properties; typically safe, though rare allergic reactions possible.

Cyclomethicone

A type of cyclic silicone used as emollient/emulsifier; generally safe and non-allergenic for skin.

Phenoxyethanol

Common preservative. Phenoxyethanol is approved in both natural and conventional cosmetic formulations; ECOCERT and COSMOS permit its use in certified products at restricted levels.

It’s often paired with other gentle preservatives, like caprylyl glycol (below), to enhance protection without raising the concentration of either ingredient.

Caprylyl Glycol

Dual humectant and preservative booster; low irritation risk; generally considered safe.

Octyldodecanol

Fatty alcohol used as emollient; well-tolerated, non-comedogenic, safe for most skin types.