Hey there, natural beauty! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for personal care products that are not only good for your body, but good for the planet too. A few years ago, I made the switch to natural deodorant and let‘s just say it was a journey filled with pit stains and funky smells – until I discovered Paper Cosmetics.
Paper Cosmetics is a new-ish indie beauty brand that‘s shaking up the deodorant game with their line of sustainable, cruelty-free, vegan deodorants made with clean ingredients. But do they really work? I put Paper Cosmetics deodorants to the test to see if they live up to the hype. Spoiler alert: they totally do, and I‘m spilling all the details in this post!
Why I Switched to Natural Deodorant
Before we dive into the review, let me give you a little backstory on why I ditched conventional antiperspirants in the first place. For years, I used mainstream drugstore deodorants without giving much thought to what I was putting on my body. Then I started seeing more and more information about the potentially harmful effects of ingredients like aluminum, parabens, and phthalates.
Did you know that the aluminum in antiperspirants works by actually plugging your sweat ducts to stop you from sweating? While that may sound good in theory, blocking your body‘s natural process of releasing sweat can lead to a buildup of bacteria and toxins. No thank you!
Plus, conventional deodorants often contain synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin (been there, done that with the angry red rash). And don‘t even get me started on the plastic waste from all those empty deodorant sticks piling up in landfills.
I knew I wanted to find a natural deodorant that would be gentle on my sensitive skin, keep body odor in check, and have minimal environmental impact. Enter Paper Cosmetics.
What Makes Paper Cosmetics Different
On the surface, Paper Cosmetics looks like many other natural deodorants out there. It comes in a paper push-up tube, has a creamy consistency, and is made with clean ingredients. But there are a few key things that set this brand apart:
1. Sustainable Packaging
The Paper Cosmetics deodorant tubes are made from 90% recycled paper and are fully biodegradable. Even the labels and adhesives are eco-friendly! When you‘re done with the deodorant, you can toss the whole tube in your compost bin guilt-free. As someone who tries to reduce plastic whenever possible, this is a huge plus.
2. Simple, Safe Ingredients
Here‘s the full ingredient list for Paper Cosmetics deodorants:
Tapioca Starch, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sodium Bicarbonate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Magnesium Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Wood Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil*
*Organic, **Non-GMO
Nothing sketchy or unpronounceable here! Paper Cosmetics uses a blend of natural starches, clays, and waxes to absorb moisture and fight odor. Shea butter and coconut oil nourish sensitive underarm skin, while essential oils provide light, natural scents. And that‘s it – no fillers, no synthetic fragrance, no hormone disruptors.
I do want to note that Paper Cosmetics deodorants contain baking soda, which can be irritating for some people. If you know you‘re sensitive to baking soda, they offer a baking soda-free version that uses magnesium hydroxide instead.
3. Giving Back
Paper Cosmetics doesn‘t just talk the talk when it comes to sustainability – they‘re putting their money where their mouth is. The company donates 1% of their annual profits to the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, an organization working to propagate and replant old-growth trees like redwoods and sequoias. In 2021 alone, Paper Cosmetics donated over $7,500 to Archangel‘s reforestation efforts. Love a brand that thinks beyond their own bottom line!
My Paper Cosmetics Deodorant Experience
Alright, let‘s get into the juicy details – how did Paper Cosmetics deodorants actually perform IRL? I tested out their four main scents: So Hot Right Now (warm and spicy), Coastal Forests (fresh and woodsy), Bright Shiny Morning (citrusy), and Bare Naked (unscented). Here are my thoughts on each:
So Hot Right Now
Scent notes: ylang ylang, patchouli, sandalwood
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was hands down my favorite scent of the bunch! It‘s warm and subtly spicy without being overpowering – perfect for fall and winter. Most importantly, it kept me smelling fresh all day long, even through hot yoga classes and intense workouts. I found that I didn‘t need to reapply at all. If you like rich, earthy scents, definitely give this one a try.
Coastal Forests
Scent notes: cedarwood, cypress, bergamot
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Coastal Forests has a fresh, slightly masculine scent that reminds me of a walk in the woods. It‘s crisp and clean with just a hint of citrus. Performance-wise, I found that it did a great job combating odor, but I did need to reapply once in the late afternoon on particularly sweaty days. The scent also seemed to fade faster than So Hot Right Now. Still, a solid choice for everyday wear.
Bright Shiny Morning
Scent notes: lemongrass, bergamot, orange
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟
If you‘re a fan of citrusy, invigorating scents, Bright Shiny Morning is for you! It definitely wakes me up in the AM with its zesty aroma. In terms of odor protection, I found it to be comparable to Coastal Forests – good for average days, but not quite as long-lasting as the warmer scents. I also noticed that the citrus oils were ever so slightly irritating on freshly-shaven pits, so keep that in mind if you have sensitive skin.
Bare Naked
Scent notes: none
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I know what you‘re thinking – why would anyone want an unscented deodorant? But hear me out. Sometimes you just want odor protection without any competing fragrances, especially if you‘re wearing perfume. Bare Naked fits the bill perfectly. No discernible scent, but kept me feeling dry and funk-free. I was pleasantly surprised! This would also be a good pick for people who are sensitive to essential oils.
How to Use Paper Cosmetics Deodorant
If you‘re used to mainstream stick deodorants, using Paper Cosmetics (or any cream deodorant in a jar or tube) can take a little getting used to. Here‘s how I apply it for best results:
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After showering, make sure your underarms are completely dry. Applying on even slightly damp skin can cause the deodorant to clump up.
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Gently push up the bottom of the tube to expose about half an inch of product.
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Swipe 2-3 times under each arm, going both directions to ensure even coverage. A little goes a long way – you don‘t need a thick layer!
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Give the deodorant a minute to absorb before getting dressed. This prevents those dreaded white marks on your clothes.
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If needed, reapply in the afternoon or before a workout. I find that I usually only need to apply Paper Cosmetics once per day, but your mileage may vary!
Paper Cosmetics vs. Other Natural Deodorants
Of course, Paper Cosmetics is hardly the only natural deodorant brand out there. How does it stack up against the competition? I put together this handy comparison chart:
| Brand | Scent Variety | Wetness Protection | Odor Protection | Sustainability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Cosmetics | 🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 | $14 |
| Native | 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟 | $12 |
| Myro | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 | $10 |
| Schmidt‘s | 🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟 | $9 |
| Meow Meow Tweet | 🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 🌟🌟🌟 | $14 |
As you can see, Paper Cosmetics holds its own in the odor protection category and blows the other brands out of the water in terms of sustainability. It is on the pricier side, but in my opinion, the performance and eco-friendly packaging are worth the extra couple bucks.
What Other People Are Saying
You don‘t just have to take my word for it – Paper Cosmetics deodorants have racked up hundreds of positive reviews online. Here are a few highlights:
"I‘ve tried so many natural deodorants and this is by far the best. It actually keeps me dry and smelling good all day long, even in the Texas heat. And I love that the packaging is plastic-free!" – Emily L.
"I was skeptical about natural deodorant, but Paper Cosmetics has made me a believer. It works better than any conventional antiperspirant I‘ve used, and I feel good about the ingredients I‘m putting on my body." – Mark R.
"The So Hot Right Now scent is my holy grail. It‘s the perfect balance of spicy and sexy. I always get compliments when I wear it!" – Jenn P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up, I want to address a few common questions about Paper Cosmetics deodorants:
How long does one tube last?
This will vary depending on how often you apply, but I find that one tube lasts me about 6-8 weeks with daily use.
Is the packaging really compostable?
Yes! The tubes are made from recycled paper and will fully break down in a home or industrial compost. Just remove the labels first.
Do Paper Cosmetics deodorants have a transition period?
Like with any natural deodorant, your body may go through an adjustment period as it detoxes from conventional antiperspirants. This can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Don‘t give up if you‘re a little extra stinky at first – it will pass!
What‘s the deal with the armpit detox mask?
Paper Cosmetics sells an Underarm Detox Mask that‘s designed to speed up the natural deodorant transition period by drawing out toxins and impurities. I haven‘t personally tried it, but I‘ve heard good things from friends. It‘s not necessary, but could be worth a shot if you‘re struggling with the switch!
The Final Verdict
So, are Paper Cosmetics deodorants worth the hype? In my opinion, 100% yes! Not only do they keep me smelling fresh and dry all day, but I can feel good about supporting a brand that prioritizes sustainability and gives back to environmental causes.
If you‘re thinking about making the switch to natural deodorant, I highly recommend giving Paper Cosmetics a try. Start with a mini size or one of their discovery sets to find your favorite scent. Trust me, your pits (and the planet) will thank you!
Have you tried Paper Cosmetics deodorants? What‘s your favorite scent? Let me know in the comments!
