It is a solid piece of natural pink mineral salt, carefully shaped and polished for use as a deodorant. Unlike a spray, cream or roll-on, there is no liquid formula or added perfume. The stone is simply moistened before being applied to clean skin.

Each piece has its own natural blend of pink, peach, coral and white tones, so slight variations in colour, markings, shape and weight should be expected.

When the stone is moistened and glided over the skin, a very small amount of mineral salt dissolves and leaves behind a fine, invisible layer. This is intended to help keep unwanted body odour under control without covering it with a strong fragrance.

It is a deodorant rather than an antiperspirant. It is intended to help manage body odour, but it does not claim to prevent the body from perspiring.

This is worth explaining to your customers who are accustomed to conventional antiperspirants. They may still perspire naturally while using the stone.

Lightly wet the stone with cool water, or apply it directly to clean, damp skin. Glide it gently over the underarm area several times and allow the skin to dry before dressing.

For best results, it should be applied to freshly washed skin rather than being used to cover odour that has already developed.

After use, rinse the stone if required, dry the surface and store it somewhere well ventilated.

These stones are long-lasting, although the exact lifespan will depend on the size and shape selected, how frequently it is used and how carefully it is stored.

You can safely describe the product as a longer-lasting alternative to frequently replaced sprays and roll-ons.

The stone should be kept dry between uses. Natural salt gradually dissolves when left in contact with water, so it should not be stored in a wet soap dish, damp bathroom corner or sealed container while still wet.

A draining soap dish or dry bathroom shelf works well. This also creates an easy cross-selling opportunity with natural soap dishes and bathroom accessories.

The absence of added fragrance may appeal to customers who prefer uncomplicated body-care products. However customers should avoid using it on broken, irritated or freshly shaved skin, where the salt may cause temporary stinging. Use should be discontinued if irritation occurs.