Making The Switch To Plastic Free Deodorant

Making your deodorant plastic free is one of the easiest switches to make. We have several options for you but first let's dive a little into why this is important.

Changing to plastic free deodorant is an easy switch to make to reduce plastic use and intake of microplastics and other harmful chemicals. Our skin is our largest organ, and what we put on it has a direct impact on our health and hormones.  

No, these deodorants are not antiperspirants. The antiperspirant bit is what makes most deodorants toxic. Sweating is an important and natural process of the body. But sweat and stank don’t have to go hand in hand!

To successfully make the switch to a natural deodorant, there is an adjustment period your body goes through (usually 2-4 weeks) as it detoxes the commercial chemicals. This period can lead people to think that natural products “aren’t working”. Here is a great DIY armpit detox to follow while you are making the switch from commercial deodorants to a more earth and body friendly option.  

Ingredients: 

1 tablespoon of bentonite clay 

1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar 

1-2 teaspoons of water 

Utensils: 

A glass bowl 

A spatula or spoon (non-metal) 

Instructions 

In a glass, combine the bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir with a non-metal spoon until you have a smooth paste. 

Apply the paste generously to your underarms.  

Let the paste sit on your skin for 5-20 minutes.  

Rinse the paste off with warm water, either in the shower or using a soft cloth.  

Repeat once a week for 2-4 weeks as you transition to natural deodorant. 

When choosing your natural deodorant, check ingredients and that are no synthetic fragrances as these are often full of parabens and phthalates. We carry two zero waste and locally made brands at Kindred Vancouver we recommend and offer one of them in our bulk refillery, so you don’t have to worry about harmful packaging.  

Verdant Wild deodorant sticks – are aluminum, baking soda and coconut oil free. They are vegan and a wonderful option for sensitive skin. They have an unscented option as well as three amazing scent blends, crafted with essential oils. Each is available in a paper tube making application easy and much like big-box deodorants you may be used to.

Fat & The Moon deodorant cream – this option is also available in our bulk refillery in both the regular formula and the sensitive formula (baking soda free). Free of harmful chemicals, this cream is crafted with essential oils, coconut oil, arrowroot powder and baking soda (not in sensitive). Clusters of lymph nodes live under the skin of your armpit, so massaging that area daily can actually assist in the lymphatic flow of your bod, which flushes out waste and rinses with immune cells.

We also carry all the ingredients to DIY your own deodorant cream! 

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup of coconut oil 

1/4 cup of baking soda - note that some folks experience a sensitivity to baking soda, if that's you, give zinc oxide a try! 

1/4 cup of arrowroot powder  

Essential oils (a few drops) 

Method: 

Mix coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder in a bowl until blended. 

Add a few drops of your chosen essential oils and mix. 

Store your cream in a reusable glass jar or metal tin. 

In your quest to find the perfect plastic-free deodorant, you'll ultimately just need to pick which one feels right for you. Be sure to consider your skin type, preferred scent (or not), when and how you'll be using your deodorant, etc. Keep a vigilant eye on hidden allergens, of course, seek those who invest in sustainable packaging.