Author: Indiana Lee
Traditional production of deodorant involves chemical preservatives and compounds detrimental to the environment. Many deodorant manufacturers are moving away from using these ingredients. Instead, they are exploring all-natural alternatives. This enables deodorant manufacturers to provide eco-friendly products. Plus, it helps these manufacturers stand out from rivals.
As a consumer, you must have a clear understanding of the environmental effects of deodorant and its production. This helps you differentiate between traditional and all-natural deodorants. In addition, it may lead you to make eco-conscious buying decisions regarding deodorant moving forward.
How Deodorant Is Made
Traditionally, the deodorant manufacturing process consists of the following steps:
- Batching: Ingredients are mixed together.
- Filling: Deodorant sticks are filled.
- Finishing: Deodorant sticks are heated under infrared light, moved through a refrigeration tunnel, and solidified.
Deodorant manufacturers follow safety testing guidelines from the Cosmetics, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association. These guidelines are not mandatory. However, they help manufacturers take precautions to minimize the risk of safety issues during deodorant production.
Why Deodorant Manufacturers Are Exploring Environmentally Friendly Production Alternatives
The global deodorant market was worth $22.5 billion in 2018. It is projected to be worth nearly $30.8 billion by 2026. As this market grows, deodorant manufacturers must plan accordingly. They must explore ways to distinguish their products from those of their rivals. One such way to do that is to provide customers with eco-friendly products. Eco-friendly products are more in-demand than ever.
Along with driving sales and revenues, deodorant manufacturers can explore eco-conscious production alternatives that deliver long-lasting benefits across several areas.
1. Personal Health
Many people use deodorant every day. Deodorant can help you smell good and feel refreshed. Yet, it can inadvertently damage your health.
Research indicates some deodorant products may be harmful. For example, antiperspirant deodorant contains a high volume of aluminum, which may or may not contribute to breast cancer and other illnesses. This type of deodorant can also cause skin irritation.
Those who work in deodorant manufacturing plants face health dangers, as well. A manufacturing plant employee may handle various chemicals when producing deodorant. The worker can take safety precautions but still risk exposure to harmful chemicals. In these instances, inhaling chemicals can lead to symptoms like hives, headaches, and irritation — to name a few.
2. Plastic Waste
15 million pounds of plastic waste is created by the deodorant industry annually. This is causing many deodorant manufacturers to reconsider how they package their products.
Thus far, deodorant manufacturers are evaluating myriad eco-friendly packaging options. Some manufacturers offer refillable deodorants, which feature reusable cases and refillable inserts. Others are searching for ways to reduce the amount of plastic they use in their packages or eliminate plastic packaging altogether.
Deodorant manufacturers have made strides in their efforts to cut down plastic waste. As the push for eco-conscious packaging continues, these manufacturers may discover innovative ways to make their products more environmentally friendly than ever before. This could be good news for our oceans and landfills.
3. Air and Water Pollution
Deodorants contribute the same amount of air pollution as motor vehicles. Deodorants emit volatile organic compounds that can lead to fog. Fortunately, many deodorant manufacturers are aware of this issue and are working to address it.
Also, deodorant can contain triclosan, an antibacterial chemical that reduces bacterial contamination and prevents body odor. Triclosan is beneficial for those who wear deodorant to avoid smells, but those same chemicals are washed off the body during a shower or bath. In this instance, triclosan travels down the drain and into waterways. At this point, triclosan can sit on the water’s surface and harm aquatic organisms.
Why You Should Choose Environmentally Friendly Deodorant Over Traditional Options
Deodorant manufacturers are changing the environment, for better or worse. Certain manufacturers continue to follow traditional processes to produce their products. Meanwhile, others are considering eco-friendly options to produce quality products that won’t harm the environment.
It pays to know which deodorants are environmentally friendly. To find these deodorants, learn about the companies that produce them. Gain insights into how manufacturers create their products and what ingredients they include. From here, you can see if a deodorant manufacturer prioritizes sustainability.
Oftentimes, you can get information about a deodorant manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability directly on its product’s label. A manufacturer may include details about how it locally sources its product’s ingredients. Or, the manufacturer may provide information about its mission and values. This information gives you a good idea about a manufacturer’s commitment to helping the environment.
Keep an eye out for zero-waste deodorants, too. These deodorants are becoming increasingly available around the world. They may cost a few dollars more than traditional deodorants. Regardless, zero-waste deodorants may provide long-term environmental benefits that make these products exceedingly valuable.
The Bottom Line on the Environmental Effects of Deodorant and Its Production
Applying deodorant is a part of most people’s daily routine. If you want to get the most value out of your deodorant, learn as much as you can about it. Then, you can find out if your deodorant is environmentally friendly. If not, you can explore eco-friendly alternatives and choose a deodorant that serves both you and the environment well for many years to come.
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EuroScientist journal 