Plastic-free, natural deodorants: we test six of the best available in Hong Kong
Growing health and environmental concerns around big-brand antiperspirants are leading to more deodorants made with naturally antibacterial ingredients and minimal packaging
Once the preserve of hippies and health food shops, natural beauty and skincare products are experiencing a boom. Now, alternatives to big-brand personal-care staples like shampoo, toothpaste, lotion and deodorants can be found in independently owned shops throughout Hong Kong, though larger cosmetics retailers seem to be slowing catching on.
Minimally packaged deodorants that emphasise ingredients with naturally sweat-stemming or antibacterial properties are becoming more popular and more widely sold. Instead of using synthetic fragrances and aluminium, “natural” products use essential oils for freshness, and often a mixture of baking soda and clay to minimise moisture.
In 2016, the worldwide natural and organic beauty market was valued at US$11.06 billion and is predicted to grow to almost US$22 billion by 2024, according to market research firm Statista. In a 2016 survey of 20,000 women worldwide aged between 15 and 70, nearly a third of respondents rated “natural or organic” as the most important feature of a skincare product.
Demand is growing particularly fast in China, where repeated contamination scandals have shaken consumer faith in traditional beauty brands.
Deodorants work to mask smells, or inhibit the bacteria that cause smells, while antiperspirants temporarily plug the sweat ducts to physically prevent the body from perspiring.
The latter are commonly made with aluminium, which has been linked to cancerous changes in cells and Alzheimer’s disease in numerous studies. However, the jury is still out on any solid causal link, so aluminium is still used with impunity by manufacturers.