By Catherine Moran
Until very recently, I was an antiperspirant girl. I’d tried almost every deodorant on the market, from Dove to Ban. But none of them worked for me, because I have very sensitive skin (No joke. My mum once changed the laundry detergent at home, and my sister and I broke out in hives. From then on, we didn’t make any changes to the brand we washed our clothes with). Every deodorant I tried made me feel itchy, even after using it for multiple days. Antiperspirant was the only thing (and one specific brand, in particular) that didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. So, antiperspirant it was.
Unfortunately, as time went on, I began to hear more and more reports that antiperspirant might be linked to breast cancer. Though no conclusive link has been proven, test results are worrisome, and I figure, why run the risk? I’ve been on the prowl for a good deodorant that works, and doesn’t make me feel itchy. Toms didn’t do it. I’ve heard crystal sticks are good, but have yet to try them. But crystal sticks are out for the moment, because I believe I have found the perfect, all-natural, and green solution. It also happens to be vegan, which is a definite plus.
Meow Meow Tweet sells a deodorant cream in a glass jar that can be reused (they also informed me when I asked about a jar return option that they are looking into selling a larger jar than their current 2.4 oz container, as well as offering a “refill” package). The ingredients are few, and almost all are certified organic: virgin coconut & jojoba oils, shea butter, baking soda, arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, lavender or tea tree essential oil. How can you go wrong, when all of the ingredients aren’t processed, and you can pronounce each one? I’ve been using the lavender scent for three weeks now, and I’m very pleased with it. It does tend to rub off a bit, so darker clothes with open areas around the armpits, like tank tops, might not be the best option to wear with this deodorant.
I couldn’t recommend Meow Meow Tweet more highly, but due to the flaky aspect, I do wear Alba when I’m doing physical activities, like yoga. Alba’s products are natural and hypoallergenic, but they do come in a plastic tub, which isn’t as eco-friendly as Meow Meow Tweet’s option.
I have yet to purchase more from Meow Meow Tweet (which is Brooklyn-based, so can feel good about buying local, to boot), but they sell bar soaps and shampoo bars, as well as hand soaps, candles, and other personal care items. Check them out: if you could prevent stinkiness and be good to your body, the earth, and animals all in one purchase, why wouldn’t you?
Be well, greenies, to yourselves and to the world around you.
Adventures in Greening is a column running on Kate-book.com every other Monday at noon. It is written by the very eco-conscious Catherine Moran. Follow Catherine on Twitter @folowbredcrumbs, or check out her excellent book blog.
Got a Kate-
