So Fresh and So Clean
Breathe easier with clean deodorants in eco friendly packaging
Sweat stinks, but so does polluting the earth with unnecessary plastic packaging or exposing yourself to potentially harmful ingredients. The thought alone is making us schvitz a little. Thankfully there are some fresh, clean deodorant options available in earth friendly packaging that will help rein in the stank.
Speaking of reining things in, there’s no question that we need to curb our dependence on plastic and the subsequent pollution it causes. Plastic has only been around for 60 or 70 years, but yet, according to the World Wildlife Foundation, it is estimated 130,000 tons of plastic will end up in the ocean EACH YEAR. Only 12% of plastic is actually recycled, and it takes hundreds and hundreds of years to decompose. That means that plastic isn’t going anywhere. And that means trouble for our waterways, wildlife and even us. Knowing this, it’s clear that it’s incredibly important to avoid plastic packaging, wherever possible.
The devastating impact of disposable plastic is undeniable. Plastic pollutes our oceans, beaches, waterways and takes hundreds of years to decompose, if at all. And though deodorant may seem to be of small consequences, considering millions of people use deodorant daily and throw out the plastic packaging, which is either not recyclable or has a very low chance of actually being recycled, when they are finished, we can see that waste from something that we tend to not even think of, is surmountable. Through this lens, we recognize the importance of our small effort to choose the deodorant packaged in an eco-friendly way. The sum of our small actions can yield a great impact. Until recently, there haven’t been many plastic-free options in deodorant, so we are especially excited about the great options becoming available now.
Packaging is not the only consideration when choosing a deodorant. Debates still rage on about whether traditional deodorants and antiperspirant ingredients may have a direct causation to a number of diseases including cancer, Alzhimers, autism and other inexplicable diseases. It is quite difficult, if not impossible, to prove direct causation given variations in human behavior and multitude of products that people use or are exposed to, so no doubt the debate will go on. In the meantime, we choose to steer clear of the ingredients that are suspected of causing harm, things like aluminum, triclosan, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, pesticides and chemical fragrances. There’s no denying that our modern lives are filled with many chemicals and substances that in small doses may be tolerable, but perhaps not with cumulative effect. Because so much that we are exposed to is out of our control, we do our best to minimize exposure to potentially dangerous ingredients and avoid them whenever we can.
Things to avoid in deodorant:
- Unnatural fragrance (unknown chemicals and possibly phthalates),
- Phthalates (may disrupt androgen function, the way body produces and uses hormone testosterone),
- Triclosan (could cause unusual hormone activity and could mess with your microbiome or general gene operation),
- Aluminum (could cause gene instability, which may cause growth of cancer cells or tumors),
- Parabens (may interfere with body’s production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones).
- Plastic packaging (avoid virgin plastic and single use plastic)
- Animal testing (cruelty free is always the way to go)
We’ve rounded up our favorite, the best of the best, earth and body friendly deodorants below.
Healthynest deodorant – $24
Plastic Free and made with organic ingredients, this deodorant was originally created with baby and mother in mind. Recognizing that many of the chemicals in traditional deodorants were showing up in mother’s milk and transferring to the baby and also considering the physical proximity of the baby to Mother’s armpits during nursing. HealthyNest deodorant was born. It’s the best one that we’ve found, whether you’re a mamma or not. The formula is created with natural, organic ingredients and infused with pre and probiotics to support a healthy skin microbiome and manuka honey provides natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties. It is free of aluminum, parabens, gluten and fragrance. The calming scent, made of bergamot and citrus top notes with wood base notes, is subtle and clean and naturally relaxes ones’ nerves, relieve stress, relax body, uplift mood. Packaged in a plastic-free, recyclable, biodegradable, FSC certified paper tube.
https://healthybaby.com/collections/shop-all/products/healthynest-deodorant
Ursa Major – Hello Hinoki Spray Deodorant – $20
This long-lasting aluminum and baking soda-free spray deodorant is made with natural ingredients and is vegan, cruelty free, gluten free and comes in a glass bottle. The formula contains no petrochemicals, SLS, SLES, parabens, synthetic fragrance or colors, glycols, silicones or PEGs. If that wasn’t enough, it also works! Using the plant derived Triethyl Citrate adjusts one’s PH balance and inhibits sweat. The Lemon Tea Tree and Sage essential oils and Japanese Hinoki in the mix soothe skin, prevent body odor and provide an uplifting scent. The Hinoki, which is a Japanese Cypress tree, even gives a relaxing ‘forest bathing’ effect.
https://www.ursamajorvt.com/products/hello-hinoki-spray-deodorant
Busy Co – get the funk outta here – deodorant wipes – $23.25 per pack of 45
Perfect for those on the go, who still want to keep things fresh. These wipes cleanse and deodorize, are all natural and really work. Truly the next best thing to a shower. These wipes are perfect for quick mornings, post-workout, post work or anytime you need a quick refresh. All Busy Co wipes are 100% compostable & biodegradable, crafted from recycled materials (carton to cotton it’s all made of either pre or post consumer recycled content), so you don’t have to sweat the waste issue. Busy Co products are made in the USA in a factory powered entirely by wind energy. Isn’t that refreshing.
https://getbusy.co/products/refresh-deodorant-wipes
Native plastic-free deodorant – $13
Paraben free, aluminum free, made with clean ingredients and available in a wide variety of natural scents. Native has become one of the most popular natural deodorants on the market. This naturally-derived and effective deodorant is so much better in plastic-free packaging. Native Plastic-Free Deodorant packaging is made from paperboard sourced from responsibly managed forests. The company claims the switch can help eliminate 169 tons of landfill waste each year. We feel calmer already.
https://www.nativecos.com/products/deo-plasticfree-coconut-vanilla
BeautyCounter Clean Deodorant – The Clean Deo
Packaged in a super-chic, refillable container, this deodorant is aluminum-free and free of synthetic fragrance. The reusable container reduces water waste, fossil fuel and greenhouse gas emissions 47% versus traditional single use packaging. Available in three essential oil scents, naturally derived fragrances (Clean Rose, Soft Lavender and Fresh Coconut). It’s chic and it works.
Peach not plastic – Grove Collaborative – $11.95
Another great refillable option. Certified B Corp, Grove Collaborative has created this little wonder. The size is really nice for travel or popping into your bag for on-the-go refresh. The deodorant promises a ‘clinically proven 48 hour odor protection.’ Fragranced only with essential oils and plant extracts, this deodorant is vegan, clean, EWG Verified, and certified cruelty free, It contains no aluminum, baking soda, paraben and phthalates free. 100% plastic free and recyclable packaging. Made in the USA.
https://www.grove.co/catalog/?category=peach-deodorantStory: A.Lynch