As soon as the sun shows itself a little more often, we reach for the deodorant again in droves. For many, it has been a regular thing since puberty: lubricating, rolling or spraying against sweat odours. But what about durability? Can you choose that deodorant roller more green? Saskia dives into the world of sustainable deodorant and looks for variants that are better for you and the planet.
Is there a smell to deodorant?
You probably use it every day: deodorant. But have you ever wondered what it actually contains? Sweat doesn't smell very strong by itself. It is the bacteria on your skin that cause the familiar smell. That's why deodorants often contain ingredients that inhibit or kill those bacteria. According to the handy site WHERE IS IT.nl you'll quickly come across substances like alcohol, perfume, zinc oxide, and aluminium salts. What exactly do these substances do?
What's in deodorant?
Let's start with zinc oxide. It's a white powder whose name you might already know because it's also often found in sunscreen. It makes your skin more acidic, which slows down bacterial growth. Furthermore, deodorant often contains alcohol. Alcohol kills bacteria and dries out the skin. Perfume is a no-brainer: it's used to mask odours. For more on perfume, read this article. And then you often also have aluminium salts – remember this name. These are used in deodorant to reduce sweating. They lay a sort of layer over your sweat glands. Finally, preservatives are added so that your deodorant lasts longer. According to experts, deodorant, even from a cheap own-brand, is perfectly safe with normal use. So, does deodorant have a bit of a smell? If that were all, it wouldn't be too bad. But yes, many cosmetic brands put a lot more in. And that, yes, does smell of something.
Aluminium salt in deodorant
Aluminium salts are frequently discussed on blogs and social media. Not so much from a sustainability perspective, but rather from a health concern viewpoint. Warnings are often issued about potential risks, such as skin irritation or even an increased chance of breast cancer. That sounds serious, but according to the platform waarzitwatin.nl – an initiative by, among others, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) – these concerns are not substantiated with reliable scientific evidence. The claims about breast cancer are based on studies with shortcomings. Better-designed studies show no link between deodorant use and breast cancer.
The argument that aluminium salts cause skin irritation by definition also doesn't hold water. According to dermatologist Menno Gaastra (in Trouw): ‘it’s about how sensitive a person’s skin is and which deodorant they feel comfortable with. What the market claims about healthier deodorants without aluminium, we should let go of.’ He further emphasises that natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, can also cause irritation just as easily. In short: if you use a deodorant with aluminium salts and are happy with it, you don’t need to worry. But are there other things you can look out for if you want to make a more sustainable choice?
Are you a roller or a sprayer?
What is a sustainable tip though: try to avoid spray cans as much as possible. These are by far the least environmentally friendly. When used, they release propellants, mostly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to Milieu Centraal. These can contribute to smog and cause respiratory complaints. Not a very good idea. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives: opt for a deo you can roll, spray (without propellant) or lubricate.
Choosing sustainable deodorant: what to look out for
Okay, a small deodorant stick might not seem like a major culprit for the planet, but every little bit helps. Why would you apply something daily that's full of ingredients you don't need and that might also have been produced in a less sustainable way? Fortunately, you can easily find out exactly what's in your favourite deodorant. There are various free apps that allow you to easily check the ingredients. Handy to have on your phone are Think Dirty and INCI Beauty. You take a picture of the ingredient list on the packaging, and the app shows you what's in it and whether it's harmful or just fine.
You can choose your sustainable deodorant in several ways, but the packaging choice is the last thing you should look at when making a more sustainable choice.
A sustainable deodorant is one without microplastics
Many personal care products – including deodorant – contain microplastics. These are deliberately added to make the product easier to apply. However, they are anything but good for the environment, and it's not entirely clear what they do to our health. So, our advice is: it's better to avoid them. Fortunately, that doesn't have to be complicated at all. With the free app Beat the Microbead Check in a few seconds if your deodorant contains microplastics. Just like with the other apps, you take a picture of the ingredients list and the app tells you if there are plastics in it. Is your current deodorant full of microplastics? Just use it up and then look for a cleaner alternative. The tips in this article will help you get well on your way.
Sustainable deodorant with good labels
Want to save yourself some searching? Then choose a deodorant with an eco-friendly label. Some products even carry several. The organisations behind these labels impose strict requirements on the origin and composition of the ingredients. If you see such a label on the packaging, you know that the product is made of natural ingredients obtained in an environmentally friendly way. Microplastics are also excluded: they are simply not allowed in certified products. That way, you don't have to decipher the entire list of ingredients yourself.
Good examples are the EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, COSMOS and Natrue. You can find a handy labels guide with a complete overview. Note that there are also vague labels that look like a seal of approval but are not. Some manufacturers make up their own icon to make you feel good, while there is no independent verification involved. So stay critical.
Vegan and cruelty-free: what's the difference?
The terms vegan and cruelty-free you see more and more on personal care products, but they do not mean the same thing. Vegan means there are no animal ingredients in it, while cruelty-free indicates that the product has not been tested on animals. A product can therefore be vegan, cruelty-free, both or neither. Want to know exactly what these terms mean and what to look out for? Then read our comprehensive article: what is the difference between vegan and cruelty-free?
What about deodorant packaging?
Packaging is certainly not forgotten, but because it has relatively little impact compared to the ingredients, you shouldn't base your choice solely on it. Do you think plastic-free is automatically better? Unfortunately, that's a misconception. Glass, for example, requires a lot of energy to recycle, and paper isn't necessarily more environmentally friendly either. A deodorant in recycled plastic that is easily recyclable, on the other hand, is a better choice. Plastic a good choice? Yes, you read that right: plastic. However, with deodorant, it's a bit more complicated because deo – especially roll-ons – often consist of multiple types of plastic, which makes recycling more difficult. Want to know more about plastic packaging? Then check out this article on plastic packaging and sustainability.
Looking for a sustainable deodorant?
Want to know which deodorant brands are really more sustainable, with fewer and better sourced ingredients? We've compiled a nice list for you, where you won't find a spray can. Curious? Then check out our article featuring our favourite sustainable deodorant brands. Of course, you can also make your own deodorant! That way, you know exactly what's in it and save on packaging. Try our easy DIY recipe. Do you have any tips or discoveries of your own about sustainable deodorant? Be sure to let us know!
Photo credits: main image: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels). Other: thegreenlist.nl.
