When I initially began to explore reducing my plastic use, I learned the biggest issues with plastic is all the single-use products we use daily.
Single-use plastic packaging accounts for more than 50% of plastic waste and while recycling is good, only 9% of the plastic worldwide actually gets recycled. Clearly consumerism is the culprit in the plastic pollution crisis. 300 million tons of plastic is produced annually with half of that being single use.
Single use plastic is ANYTHING that is designed for you to use and when it’s empty, you toss in the garbage.
One of the first things I read and actually took to heart about going plastic-free was that you were not solving the problem by throwing all your plastic out in mass and replacing with other plastic-free options. The more pragmatic approach is to simply use up your single use products and then replace with a plastic-free or multi-use product.
This led me to deodorant/antiperspirant…
There are a vast array of options for “clean” deodorant options. I started by using my social media to find companies that offered refill options or plastic-free. I was fortunate to really like the first option I tried.
I am now using deodorant by Humankind. Here are a few things I was looking for when choosing a deodorant:
It may be a bit basic but their brand aesthetic really appealed to me. It’s clean and simple. I believe that your brand is an extension of your culture and authenticity. If you are truly clean and natural – your brand will represent that.
I wanted a roll-on type deodorant. Not basic but a bit strange – I don’t want to use a cream or product I have to dip my fingertips in and rub into my armpit. (This has a high gross factor for me.) by Humankind offers a refillable container you can purchase of which a portion of the proceeds go to efforts to remove plastic from the ocean.
The refills are easy to load into the container and are packaged in simple, recyclable materials. There is a small piece of plastic but according to @byhumankind, they are working to develop a plastic-free solution to this.
I wanted to find something that used thoughtful packaging options. Their product shipping in a simple recycled paper package that used glue instead of tape to close.
I wanted it to work!
Notes on Chemical-Free Deodorant & Antiperspirants
Many people speak to the dangers of chemicals (aluminum, triclosan, parabens, steareths, fragrances, and more). I could not find any scholarly sources that unequivocally determined these dangers are proven. I’m also not saying it’s not possible, there just aren’t any scientific studies to date that has the research to back the theories. I was not switching for this reason but was not opposed to making the switch to a more natural option so it wasn’t a major concern for me either way.
One of the most concerning things was the time to adjust, “detoxing” from aluminum antiperspirants, and it not working. One thing I found really interesting and read at multiple sources was that aluminum effects your natural sweating process and tends to plug sweat ducts.
I have been using natural deodorant for approximately 4 weeks and have experienced no terrible, unspeakable issues in the adjustment period. I’ve noticed I do sweat more at the gym and sometimes I may have some minimal odor after a day of activity – but nothing that is embarrassing.
It is important to note that everyone’s body chemistry is different and will react differently.
I highly recommend the deodorant by Humankind. They carry shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash, and cotton swabs. I’ll definitely try out each of those products when I run out of my existing product and seek new plastic-free options.
NOTE: This is not a paid advertisement or partnership with by Humankind or any other product, service, or site mentioned.