How can I reuse or recycle a unwanted solid deodorant bar from Lush?

Kathryn has emailed us asking about reuses for a solid deodorant bar:

I recently bought a solid deodorant from Lush (this one). It smells nice, but it’s not right for me. Other than using it to keep my sock drawer fresh, could I do anything else with it? The ingredients are listed as including chamomile vinegar, bicarb and essential oils, so I’m thinking I might be able to use it in some other cleaning function… crumble it into the washing machine?

Any thoughts?

Lush has a full ingredients list – and info about each ingredient – on their website — can any cosmetics experts give us their reuse opinion based on those? Most of the key ingredients are also used in their soap bars but I’m wondering if the combination of astringents in this bar might get in the way of cleaning power… anyone know?

I like the sock drawer idea – I also wonder if it would be cut in half and used as a deodorant in undesirably aromatic trainers. Any other reuses to take advantage of the nice scent?

What would you do with it?

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10 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle a unwanted solid deodorant bar from Lush?”


  1. It would probably work as fabric softener because of the oil content and the propylene glycol, and it could be melted to mix with potpourri or something if you like the smell. I think it would be too oily to clean most things.

  2. anna says:

    I keep all my not yet used Lush items in my drawers and wardrobe – they make them smell so nice.
    You could even cut the deodorant bar (if it’s not one of those more talc type) to smaller pieces, and wrap them in paper etc, then use them anywhere in your closets to give them a nice scent.
    Or would it work for your feet? Or as a shoe deodorizer?
    Or you could ask if any friends etc would like to have the bar for its original, intended use.

  3. Bobby says:

    The shoe deodorizer ideas are great (assuming you have smelly feet!). Could it just be used as a general fragrant object/pot pourri type thing? Leave it on the coffee table..

  4. melanie says:

    How about using it as a solid perfume? You could cut it to size and store in a small tin to put in your bag and just rub on your wrists when out and about – i am a little biased as i love the patchouli scent and would quite happily smell of that all day long!

  5. Olia says:

    It has ornament, so can be used as stamp. to decorate stationary, walls and other items.

  6. Uluska says:

    Place it next to conditioner system for fresh smell in the house.

  7. Olia says:

    Wrap each separately into Christmas paper and add to the stockings fillers.

  8. Anonymous says:

    If you’ve only used one side of it, simply cut that side off and pass it on. The other little bit could be grated and mixed with hot water to melt it down. I imagine it would be very useful to make a drain smell better, or get that annoying tomato/curry/any other strong food smell out of tupperware.

  9. Spider says:

    Also, I’ve noticed this seems to be one of the big love hate products of Lush. Some people really seem to get on with it, others hate it. I hated the smell at first, but after a while got used to it, and now really like it!

  10. Kathleen says:

    store inside your suitcase….the next time you travel, it will smell sooo good!



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