An easy way to help save the planet? Try a deodorant subscription | Sali Hugues
First they came for your mattresses, then for your razors. Now they come for your pits. Deodorant might seem like the least compelling reason to allow direct debit, but I learned a lot from investigating deodorant services through your mailbox. I understand why they take off.
Traditional antiperspirant deodorants use aluminum to block sweat secretion. They meet UK safety standards, although a significant minority consider them harmful. So-called natural deodorants omit aluminum, aiming instead to absorb perspiration and neutralize bacteria-triggered odors at the source. These are noticeably less dry to the touch.
Where subscriptions come into play is by offering these natural (usually cruelty-free) deodorants in more sustainable packaging. The packaging for every consumer antiperspirant (and most deodorant) you've used probably still exists, because it's either made from single-use plastic or non-dividable components. Subscriptions get around the thorny problem of top-ups: people are more likely to use them when they're financially committed to a brand.
The best-known deo-disruptor is Fussy, a Kickstarter/The Dragons' Den project that did well. Fussy's deodorant stick comes in a starter pack including a refillable case (choose your colour) and a compostable deodorant cartridge (enough for six to eight weeks), for £13 (refills cost £5 thereafter).
Scents are lovely: Cloud Nine smells traditionally masculine, Night Tales like summer vacation, Wide Eyed oddly but pleasantly like my collection of schoolgirl gummies. There are others, and all of them last very well. I love the smooth glide of the applicator and have no complaints.
Those who sweat profusely will be wary, but London-based company AKT tested their deodorant balm on 1,000 professional dancers and athletes, with consistently positive feedback. AKT is a luxurious offer (£22 for three months). Although not refillable, the sleek, plastic-free package can be wrung out using the included metal key. Fingertip application will be off-putting to some, but to me it's a small price to pay for the glorious scent (I tried Halcyon Summers, a combination of cool mint, lemon, and hothouse) that lasts beyond bedtime.
after the newsletter promotion
Fussy convenience with a touch of AKT luxury, Wild compostable refills are also £5 (cases are £10). They come in a selection of pick 'n' mix scents, four of which don't include the standard baking soda, which some sensitive souls find irritating.
First they came for your mattresses, then for your razors. Now they come for your pits. Deodorant might seem like the least compelling reason to allow direct debit, but I learned a lot from investigating deodorant services through your mailbox. I understand why they take off.
Traditional antiperspirant deodorants use aluminum to block sweat secretion. They meet UK safety standards, although a significant minority consider them harmful. So-called natural deodorants omit aluminum, aiming instead to absorb perspiration and neutralize bacteria-triggered odors at the source. These are noticeably less dry to the touch.
Where subscriptions come into play is by offering these natural (usually cruelty-free) deodorants in more sustainable packaging. The packaging for every consumer antiperspirant (and most deodorant) you've used probably still exists, because it's either made from single-use plastic or non-dividable components. Subscriptions get around the thorny problem of top-ups: people are more likely to use them when they're financially committed to a brand.
The best-known deo-disruptor is Fussy, a Kickstarter/The Dragons' Den project that did well. Fussy's deodorant stick comes in a starter pack including a refillable case (choose your colour) and a compostable deodorant cartridge (enough for six to eight weeks), for £13 (refills cost £5 thereafter).
Scents are lovely: Cloud Nine smells traditionally masculine, Night Tales like summer vacation, Wide Eyed oddly but pleasantly like my collection of schoolgirl gummies. There are others, and all of them last very well. I love the smooth glide of the applicator and have no complaints.
Those who sweat profusely will be wary, but London-based company AKT tested their deodorant balm on 1,000 professional dancers and athletes, with consistently positive feedback. AKT is a luxurious offer (£22 for three months). Although not refillable, the sleek, plastic-free package can be wrung out using the included metal key. Fingertip application will be off-putting to some, but to me it's a small price to pay for the glorious scent (I tried Halcyon Summers, a combination of cool mint, lemon, and hothouse) that lasts beyond bedtime.
after the newsletter promotion
Fussy convenience with a touch of AKT luxury, Wild compostable refills are also £5 (cases are £10). They come in a selection of pick 'n' mix scents, four of which don't include the standard baking soda, which some sensitive souls find irritating.
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