5 Green Alternatives to Aerosol Beauty Products

Aerosol beauty and personal care products are on shelves in every store. Almost everyone has heard of the ways aerosol products could harm the environment, yet not many people make a push for alternatives. Luckily, the market has moved in a more eco-friendly direction, providing their customers with more environmentally conscious packaging for their products. However, many people still lean toward aerosol products due to their ease and convenience.

Simply creating more environmentally friendly packaging isn’t enough to stop the havoc that aerosols wreak on the environment. The particles released by aerosol products can alter the atmosphere and mess with the climate by affecting rain cycles and the length of time that clouds hang in the air. Inhaling these particles can also damage the human body.

Here are some easy substitutions to make that can eliminate aerosols from your routine.

1. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo works as a replacement for shampoo itself, but you might need to find a substitute for the substitute. This product keeps your hair from getting too oily between washes, reducing the appearance of dirt. When you don’t wash your hair every day, dry shampoo can be a great tool to keep your hair looking clean.

Some alternatives to using aerosol dry shampoo have easier processes than you might think. Blotting paper is a worthwhile alternative, as it works just as well on your scalp’s oil as it does on your face. Baby powder is another great alternative to cut down on the oil. Finally, dry clay can strip oils from your hair and also potentially leave a fragrance.

2. Hairspray

When you complete challenging hairstyles, you want them to stick around, whether for an event or photos. Hairspray has always been integral to large, outgoing hairstyles. Since aerosol hairspray was invented in the 1950s, many hairstyles pivoted to be larger than life. Hairspray might be the most common aerosol product on the market.

Fortunately, there’s one fantastic alternative to hairspray used before hairspray was invented: hair gel. With varying strengths, hair gel comes in numerous forms and brands. It provides a thicker, stronger hold for your style, but you have to watch out for clumps.

3. Shaving Cream

Shaving cream serves as lubrication between hair growing from your skin and the sharp blade you use to shave it. The cream provides a more effortless glide and closer shave. You can choose to shave some areas dry, but it often results in undesirable conditions like razor bumps or ingrown hairs.

You’ll find plenty of alternatives to aerosol shaving cream, as just about anything can serve the same purpose. You may have on hand a hair conditioner, which can help you achieve a perfect shave. Coconut oil is also a great alternative, as it has the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that can nourish your skin after you shave.

4. Deodorant and Antiperspirants

Deodorants and antiperspirants are necessary for daily life, especially if you’re more of an active person. They stop sweat and foul odours in their tracks. When playing sports or exercising, deodorants and antiperspirants are necessary to keep yourself confident and comfortable.

Luckily, deodorants don’t have to come in aerosol form. Stick deodorant works just as well to repress unwanted smells. The only caveat you’ll find is that it may not dry as quickly and can leave a white residue on your clothes — but it may be worth it to eliminate aerosols from your life.

5. Body Fragrances

Whether you wear perfume out on a date, to work or on an outing with friends, you likely consume some form of aerosol fragrance on a semi-regular basis, if not more often. It’s always great to smell nice no matter where you go, as it makes you feel more confident and put together.

You don’t have to give up perfume entirely by eliminating aerosols from your daily life. You can find the same scent in certain kinds of scented lotions and shower gels, though the latter’s aroma may not last as long. You can also invest in a rollerball perfume you enjoy, which would be small enough to carry with you so you can reapply it on occasion.

Rid Yourself of Aerosols Once and for All

More and more aerosol products continue to be purchased, but the good news is that these aerosols probably aren’t a significant issue when used sparingly. You don’t need to throw out that perfume you like entirely — just be more conscious in the future of the products you buy and what effect they could have on the world around you.