Plant Based Deodorant Crafting in Eco Friendly Tubes
Plant Based Deodorant Crafting in Eco Friendly Tubes
Blog Article
Ariane Asano from La Fille de la Mer Handmade Soaps in the Magdalen Islands, Quebec, Canada, demonstrates the process of making stick deodorants in paperboard push-up tubes. These containers are compostable and biodegradable, making them an excellent choice for environmental sustainability.
The core ingredient in this naturally derived deodorant is odor neutralizer pellets from Miss Doyle, sourced from the castor seed and known as zinc ricinoleate. This ingredient is gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation. Many natural deodorants use baking soda, which is effective but can cause a burning sensation when used in excess. As a result, an all-natural vegan stick deodorant has been formulated using candelilla wax—a plant-based wax sourced from Windy Point Soap—and a touch of local nettle.
Naturally Sourced Ingredients and Their Benefits
Nettle, used as an infusion in the oils and butters, adds mild deodorant properties. The formula also incorporates cocoa butter from Paris Fragrance USA and unrefined cupuaçu butter for a silky, moisturizing texture. The main mixing container holds hot cocoa, shea, and coconut oil infused with nettle, combined with other oils, butter, odor neutralizer, and candelilla wax for texture and firmness.
Blending & Smoothness
The mixture is blended thoroughly to ensure even consistency, then split into three portions to create different deodorant varieties. Kaolin clay is added for a drier, less oily feel.
Essential Oil Choices
Essential oils are selected based on recommendations from Cheryl at Miss Doyle, who teaches about odor neutralizers. The first blend features lavender, palmarosa, and geranium for a relaxing and balancing effect.
To avoid clogged pipes, wipe the stick blender with a paper towel while still warm, then compost the towel instead of rinsing oils down the drain.
Pouring and Finishing Techniques
Care is needed when pouring the mixture into the paperboard tubes, as spills can permanently stain the cardboard. Pouring is done over a clean area with plenty of space. The second blend uses white kaolin clay, Canadian glacial clay, and essential oils of patchouli, mandarin, and tea tree. If sinkholes appear in the poured sticks, a heat gun is used to remelt the surface and fill voids. The third batch is scented with rosemary, sage, and litsea cubeba essential oils.
For those interested in eco friendly packaging options, empty deodorant containers bulk are available for larger scale or retail needs.
Once the deodorant sticks have solidified, the outer tubes are wiped with a clean paper towel to remove any residue, then capped. The lids are tight-fitting to prevent accidental opening.
Labeling and Display for Retail
Demo sticks are prepared for display, allowing customers to open and smell the scents without using a full product. Labeling is completed using leftover stripes from the main labels as tamper-evident seals. The labels themselves are printed on biodegradable, compostable craft paper, with background images personally photographed—lavender from a home garden, nettle from a local herbalist, and beach scenes from the Magdalen Islands.
| Blend | Main Ingredients | Essential Oils | Label Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender, Palmarosa, Geranium | Cocoa butter, Cupuaçu butter, Kaolin clay | Lavender, Palmarosa, Geranium | Lavender from home garden |
| Patchouli, Mandarin, Tea Tree | White kaolin clay, Canadian glacial clay | Patchouli, Mandarin, Tea Tree | Sea and beach from the islands |
| Rosemary, Sage, Litsea Cubeba | Infused nettle oils, Cocoa butter | Rosemary, Sage, Litsea Cubeba | Nettle from local herbalist |
The middle of the label is aligned with the seal, then affixed so that usage instructions, ingredients, and the expiration date—updated with every new batch—are clearly visible. Since these deodorants are oil-based, they do not support mold growth, but oils may go rancid, so an expiration date is included.
Usage Tips and Considerations for Summer Shipping
The finished deodorant is opened by breaking the seal, removing the cap, and pushing up the base to dispense. Adjustment is made by pushing or pulling, as there is no twist mechanism. Due to the oil and butter base, these deodorants are not listed online during warm months to prevent melting during shipping, especially to hotter regions like California, Texas, Arizona, or other warm parts of Canada. The same precaution applies to other oil and butter-based products.
To learn more about making solid or water-based deodorants, resources and community support can be found at Miss Doyle and through her Facebook group, which provides further guidance on odor neutralizing products and sourcing supplies.