This November, our 2nd 2×12 Reduction Challenge swap coincided with Thanksgiving. As we sat down to our first-ever vegan Thanksgiving dinner, we went around the table and listed the things for which we are thankful. Somehow, the following didn’t quite make the cut, but it is certainly something to be grateful for: this month, we finally settled on a nearly plastic-free deodorant solution! Keep reading for our “exclusive” DIY deodorant recipe.

It’s Been a Journey

Choosing a plastic-free deodorant has been a process, to say the least. At our starting point in February 2019, Nicole and I were both using aluminum-free deodorants made by Native and Schmidt’s Naturals. We loved the non-toxic ingredients in those products, but both still came packaged in the classic plastic twist-up deodorant tube. The trouble with those tubes, we learned, is that they are often made of several types of plastic. The tube itself is usually recyclable #2, 4, or 5 plastic. However, the screw dial, the cap, and the protective insert may be different materials and may not be recyclable.

Lush

We knew there was better out there, so we started looking. At Lush Cosmetics, we found two deodorant products that have nearly zero packaging. First was the T’eo bar, which is a crumbly, powdery bar with a wax base for handling. I had to apply it while leaning over the sink so that all the debris and powder could be easily cleaned up. Too messy. The 2nd Lush product was the Aromaco bar, which is purchased without packaging in chunks cut from a larger block. I took home a sample, but in the time it took me to finish the bar of deodorant I was using, the sample piece dried up. I have read that people remedy this problem by storing theirs in a sealed mason jar with a little water at the bottom to keep the bar moist and soft.

Meow Meow Tweet

Next, Nicole and I both tried Meow Meow Tweet deodorants. These come in push-up cardboard tubes, which is a great alternative to plastic packaging. I tried the Eucalyptus Lemon deodorant stick. Nicole tried two deodorants sticks, one with and one without baking soda. Our biggest complaint about these sticks is that they do not go on smoothly. Even though we live in a generally warm climate, the sticks require quite a bit of armpit warming. Otherwise, they are very sticky and hard to apply. The tubes are also quite small for the price, and they are a little difficult to push up. Not for us.

Our Solution

Enter Nicole’s mom, Gina, who makes her own deodorant and has been using it for years. She suggested we try hers. Lo and behold, it was better than everything else we’ve tried. It is simple, effective, and gender-neutral. Plus, the packaging of all the ingredients is nearly plastic-free. After two months of testing, Nicole is ready to call it her permanent solution. One of her favorite aspects is that it doesn’t leave residue on her clothing – no more embarrassing white pits on her black blouses! I’ve used it a few times now also, and intend to make the switch permanently once I’ve finished using up the Meow Meow Tweet stick.

We mix the deodorant recipe in a reused screw top plastic container (pictured above), but almost any container that you can fit your hand in would work well. Each morning, Nicole dips her fingers in the jar, scoops out a tiny bit, and applies it to her underarms. At first, we thought this would be super messy and a huge hassle. Turns out, it’s not. The mixture goes on easily and doesn’t leave a weird residue on your hands. A quick rinse in the sink and a dab with a cloth, your hands are clean and you’re ready to enter the world.

The Deodorant Recipe

Nicole’s mom always eyeballs the proportions, so what follows is an approximation of her creative process. We recommend following the proportions below for your first time. However, feel free to adjust it so that it works for you. For example, if your house is like ours and it gets warm in the summer, increase the proportion of baking soda to keep the mixture from becoming too liquid. Or if it’s chillier, then go a little heavier on the coconut oil.

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil. Purchase from Trader Joe’s in a glass jar, or find it at a refillery.
• 1/4 Cup Baking Soda. Purchase in a cardboard box. You can also use arrowroot powder instead – both are effective.
• 1/4 Cup Corn Starch. Purchase in a cardboard and metal tin (the one we found unfortunately has a plastic lid).
• 1/4 Teaspoon Essential Oil (Optional). Choose your own. Do you want to be a Peppermint Prince this month? Or a Lavender Lionheart?

Preparation

If the coconut oil is a solid, warm in the microwave until liquid. Mix the ingredients in the container and allow the mixture to set. Like our toothpaste recipe, it helps to put the mixture in the fridge and to stir occasionally as it sets. Remove from fridge and apply as needed. We recommend a pea-sized amount per pit. That’s it! Enjoy!

Good, Better, Best,

Mike