Diego Zertuche de los Santos is a Tulum-based entrepreneur and the founder of Cacau Naturals, a deodorant brand committed to spreading love through eco-friendly and toxin-free products. A lover of yoga, swimming, and exploring nature, Diego traded his career as a lawyer to start Cacau in 2018, aiming to offer toxin-free products with sustainable packaging. His brand uses local ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and supports community efforts in the Yucatan Peninsula, reflecting Diego’s dedication to giving back and making a positive impact on the world.
Name: Diego Zertuche de los Santos
Instagram: @diegozertuche @cacaunaturals
Website: www.cacau.mx
Title: Founder
City you live in: Tulum Mx
Most recent city visited… Vail, Colorado
A typical day in my life includes… Drinking tea, walking my dogs, working, doing yoga, swimming and cooking!
I was born… Monclova, Coahuila
When I was younger, I wanted to be… Architect
My first job was… at 7 years old I was a waiter at the family restaurant
My favorite thing about traveling is… Exploring the culture, the food, the people and the beautiful places each country has to offer. But my favorite is enjoying nature.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… I would get rid of fossil fuels, processed meats, slaughter houses, and would replace educational systems with one that can teach humans how to take care of ourselves and the world. A world ruled by only one rule: you are free as long as you don’t harm any living being on this planet.
The perfect day would be… Being in nature, hiking or swimming in the ocean.
My favorite place I’ve visited… The amazing country of Iceland.
My top 3 bucket list destinations: Indonesia, India and Italy.
My life…Is a gift, simply being alive is the ONLY gift we have. As long as I breathe, there is chance to start again, to celebrate life and to help others. My life is unique and irrepetible, my life has an expiration date so live the most while you are here!
How did Cacau start? Cacau was born in Mexico as an idea of creating effective and high quality deodorants that later transformed into a necessity. The very few or limited options the market offered back in 2018 were disappointing. So after being a lawyer I decided to drop everything off and pursue that dream I’ve always had of creating something with my hands that the world would need.
What makes you different from other deodorant brands? We care for the planet, the consumers and everyone involved in the process. It’s a triangular economy where everyone benefits. Our deodorants are toxin free and planet friendly. With the great formula that is waterproof, guarantees protection for all day and has an incredible smell, all those things make us unique. We either use recyclable materials in our packages or reused ones.
What is your brand philosophy? Our philosophy is simple, SPREADING LOVE. While creating 100% natural deodorants, plant-based ingredients, minerals and essential oils. Made by hand and in small quantities using only the best ingredients available.
How are you making Cacau earth-friendly and socially responsable? By using local ingredients only, eco-friendly packaging and by supporting a cause. We give a percentage of our sales to the humanitarian organization based in Tulum, Los Amigos de la Esquina A.C (LADLE) who focus on helping and taking care of the children and community in most need of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Where does the name come from? I think Cacao is food for the Gods, and while experimenting my first products back in 2018 with Cacao butter, I was amazed of all the amazing benefits this ingredient has to offer, as well as the excellent products that can be created with this ingredient.
