Deodorant: healthy and sustainable alternatives
Last fall while at a Husker tailgate I was talking with friends about alternatives to the standard stick deodorant. We discussed different options, mostly refillable deodorant sticks that cut down on the amount of waste generated. The following week I did a some research into different products and read reviews but was never really satisfied with the options as a zero waste alternative. The refillable deodorants were still shipped in plastic wrap or the cardboard alternatives were more money than I wanted to spend. My research led me to better understand the harmful effects of regular deodorants, alternatives available to buy, and an easy and effective option to make at home.
What's in Your Deodorant
For me I wanted to switch to a zero waste deodorant because I am trying to cut down on the amount of waste I create. For others you may be convinced to switch after you learn all the chemicals and alarming products put into a standard stick of deodorant. For starters I had no idea aluminum was a prominent ingredient. Below are harmful ingredients in standard deodorant:
Parabens: These have been linked to breast cancer according to a 2004 study and can disturb the body's hormonal balance.
Aluminum Compounds: These are included to clog your sweat ducts so you sweat less. They can also absorb into your skin and cause the same harmful effects of parabens.
Silica: This is a known skin irritant.
Triclosan: This can also irritate skin and is considered a pesticide by the FDA.
Phthalates: While this helps deodorant stick to your skin it also can mess with the way your body produces and uses testosterone.
Alternatives for Purchase
Now that you are armed with the knowledge that your deodorant is actually causing you harm in addition to wasting tons of plastic each year, what are your options? The following are natural alternatives that can be purchase online or in some local retailers. They offer mostly zero waste alternatives, or a less wasteful option than plastic disposable deodorants. They are all free of the above mentioned harmful chemicals. Most rely on baking soda as the base ingredient, but some companies offer alternatives for buyers with skin sensitivity. Sustainable Jungle goes into more detail on each product with a number of environmental and sustainable measures.
Crystal Deodorant Stone
Crystal deodorant is essentially potassium alum, a mineral salt. Potassium alum has been used in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years to prevent odor causing bacteria. When sold as deodorant it comes in a stone, roll-on, or spray. To use the stone you run it under water then spread it on your underarm until your skin is dry. The stones can last several months to several years making them really cost effective.
Cardboard and Paper
Brands like Dirty Hippie Cosmetics package their products using compostable recycled paper. Rainwater Botanicals also offers a compostable paperboard tubes. Compostable options are only really beneficial if you participate in a compost program. Meow Meow Tweet offers their product in either stick or cream form with biodegradable packaging or glass. Companies like Suds and Salve use all cardboard and paper from packaging down to shipping, extending the sustainable benefits.
Glass
Booda Organics, ZWBA, Schmidt's and The Natural Deodorant Co. package their product in plastic-free glass jars. Glass is recyclable and its production is much less harmful to the environment than plastic. These deodorant options are creams and balms which require spreading with your hands.
Refillable
A number of companies offer refillable deodorants with a subscription service. This is where I started looking when I sought a less wasteful alternative. Your first purchase includes the refillable container, then each time you run out you order a package of refillable product. Myro and Humankind are two popular brands. Its best to check the refills come in cardboard or paper instead of wrapped individually in plastic.
Making Your Own
After doing plenty of research I decided to try making my own deodorant. It was really easy, cheap, and is working out great. I have actually found that switching to my own homemade deodorant is working better than any extra strength, sweat proof, or other promise laden store version. I switched over for a week before telling my husband to test whether it was actually working or not (he is very honest with me about whether I smell). He never mentioned a smell and since there have been very few instances where I thought I smelled an odor myself. If you want to go down the homemade route the recipe I use is simple. Mix the following ingredients together:
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 cup coconut oil
10-20 drops of essential oil (I used orange, but lavender is common too)
It works best if the coconut oil is a little soft, but not completely melted. Pop it in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds. I store mine in a small mason jar. It requires that you use your finger to wipe it on, but its just some cornstarch and oil that washes off easily or just rubs into your hands. The heat of your underarm helps soften it to spread. Other recipes exist for making deodorant in stick form to save you from wiping it on yourself if that is a deterrent.
