Back in 2020 when I launched Summit Sustainable Goods, I was shopping around for local zero waste products to start my business, and almost by accident stumbled across a personal care product that I’ve never seen before - solid perfume. Out of curiosity, I decided to sample a few scents from local company Queen of the Meadow based in Fort Collins, Colorado, and I was instantly HOOKED.
So What is Solid Perfume?
Let’s get the first obvious question out of the way: What in the heck is solid perfume? Solid perfume, is, simply put, a salve that makes you smell really (really) good. Rather than the typical liquid medium of perfume that comes in (at best) some fancy glass orb or (at worst) a cheap, single-use bottle that sheds microplastics, this solid perfume was packaged in a little tin that was reusable and recyclable. With the consistency of a balm or a salve, it is a blend of ingredients (more on this later) that’s infused with essential oils and can be applied to the neck, back of ears, wrists, or anywhere else just like traditional perfumes. You even have more control than a typical spray perfume, so you choose exactly how much scent you wear. But there’s a lot more than different states of matter that differentiate solid perfume from the herd.
Wait - Traditional Perfumes and Colognes are Dangerous?
Yep, perfumes and colognes are, in fact, unsafe for human and environmental health. Up to 7,000 synthetic chemicals can comprise just one perfume. Recognizable dangers of perfumes include skin irritation, headaches, and asthma. However, accumulation of harmful toxins from perfumes have found their way into waterways, which in turn affects aquatic organisms. When other animals eat these organisms (like humans enjoying a salmon dinner), these chemicals are then moved through the food chain. Wastewater treatment facilities do not have the capability to filter out these chemicals, so they continue to permeate the water we consume and ocean life across the globe. Similarly, perfumes contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution, due to their nature as “volatile chemicals”. These volatile chemicals break down into smaller compounds when released into the air, but do not disappear altogether. Often, these broken-down compounds pose more of a risk. Add all these negative consequences to the ever-contentious topic of animal testing, and we’ll happily rule out perfumes and colognes for us, thanks very much.
Finding the Sweet Solution
Re-enter solid perfumes from Queen of the Meadow - the perfect solution to disrupt the perfume industry (while still making you smell fabulous). These innovative perfumes are a solid salve that you apply with a fingertip to your neck, wrists, or wherever you’d like (we’re not picky). It’s formulated with clean ingredients (rather than 7,000 different chemical compounds) that are safe for the environment and more gentle on your body. Made with organic coconut oil, organic sunflower oil, pure unrefined beeswax, and essential oils, it’s as simple as you can get. And because it comes in a little tin, it’s perfect for on-the-go and traveling.
From the first time I tried these perfumes, I was impressed with the complex scents and easy application. I now take one nearly everywhere I go - either thrown into a pocket, my purse, or my backpack. When I’m feeling like adding a bit more scent, I simply break it out, unscrew the lid, and dab a bit more onto my neck and wrists, and voila - smellin’ fine again! My partner and I even took our favorite scent (we’re big fans of the Patchouli scent) on our Europe trip this past summer, and loved how travel-friendly it was. As someone who has always appreciated scents, it’s been a game-changer.
Solid perfumes not only contain clean ingredients, the packaging is zero waste and plastic-free. The tins can be cleaned and recycled at the end of their use, or can be repurposed into any creative function you can think up. We’ll let you know what clever ideas we come up with when we finish our first solid perfume - over a year later and we’re still working through our current tin!
Solid perfumes come in several enticing scents, including vanilla, bergamot, jasmine, patchouli, and sandalwood. Flavor profiles are below, but to be honest, we had a hard time choosing a fav because they’re all so good.
Vanilla: Simple, sweet, and aromatic. No fuss to this one - it’s great for those who prefer softer, surgery scents.
Bergamot: Fruity and citrusy, with tangy notes. I personally am reminded of grapefruit every time I throw this one on in the mornings.
Jasmine: Delicate, sweet, and floral. Perfect for a gentle feminine scent, and will leave you smelling like a fresh bouquet. (This one is certainly a crowd favorite.)
Patchouli: Earthy with a musky hint. This one is a great gender-neutral scent, and my personal favorite that I wear often.
Sandalwood: Sweet, earthy, with woody undertones. Think soft, nature-inspired vibes.
Where To Find Solid Perfumes
Where can you find these unique and innovative solid perfumes? You know we’ve got you covered! Check out our website at www.summitsustainablegoods.eco or visit us at a local pop-up around town. (Info available through our website or socials.)
Summit Sustainable Goods is a zero waste and refill shop located in Denver, CO that is dedicated to helping you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle - without the intimidation. We curate sustainable household and personal care products and prioritize small, local businesses when possible. We vet all of our suppliers to ensure that all the products we sell are environmentally friendly and safe for you and the planet. We never push for perfection in the sustainable space (after all, we’re working within a larger system that prioritizes waste first) but encourage our wonderful customers to focus on their progress and feeling inspired to take small steps.
Want to follow our journey and learn about future zero waste events and happenings? Adventure with us by signing up for our email list or follow us on Instagram or Facebook to keep up-to-date on all things Summit.
Sources