Body
Deodorant
What I use:
- Homemade deodorant lotion, based on this recipe. I alter the recipe a little to include extra coconut oil so the deodorant is softer (and sometimes I add some body lotion to make it even more creamy). So my recipe is like this: Mix together 4 Tbsp coconut oil + 1/8 cup baking soda + 1/8 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder + 1/8 cup body lotion (optional)+ 5 drops essential oil. Place mixture in a container and spread on underarms like thick lotion.
Other Options:
- Deodorant bars or creams from Etsy. I have tried several deodorant bars and creams that worked very well. Depending on where you live, you might be able to find these locally made too.
- Tom’s of Maine deodorant – the container is made of recycleable #5 polypropylene plastic.
- Salt deodorant (aka deodorant stone) – prevents bacteria and therefore reduces odors.
Lotion:
What I use:
- Homemade lotion – there are lots of recipes online. I have also found Alba lotion in bulk at my local grocery store.
Other options:
- Find a lotion that comes in a fully-recycleable container.
Makeup and facial products:
What I use:
- Sorry, but I don’t have much wisdom to offer here. I don’t use any makeup, nor any skin products. I did find that Burt’s Bees makes chapstick and lip gloss in recyclable #5 plastic tubes.
Razors
What I use:
- Preserve razor - has a recycled and recyclable handle - but the blade is still disposable (so I keep it).
Other options:
You could stop shaving. But if you aren’t there yet, here are some choices:
- Body Sugaring: I’ve tried this and it’s really not as bad as it seems. No, really! This is similar to waxing, but you can do it at home, and the ‘wax’ can be dissolved in water and washed away, so the cloths are reusable. A warning to men: I’ve read that waxing beards and mustaches is an agony best avoided.
- Non-disposable Safety Razor: This is similar to the toss-away kind, but it doesn’t get tossed, and it (allegedly) gives a closer shave. The blade is replaceable and recyclable.
- Straight Razor: I’ve found mixed information about the use of these on legs. Underarms are out of the question! But for men, with a little practice, this could be a great alternative to disposable razors. It’s expensive to buy your first kit, but if you buy a good one, it should last nearly forever. Here is more information about how and why to use straight razors.
- Electric Razor: Reusable, but I don’t want to own another appliance that could end up broken and in the garbage.
