Pit Liquor is Transparent. Co-Packing and Private Labeling are Not.

Pit Liquor is Transparent. Co-Packing and Private Labeling are Not.

Welcome to the wild world of personal care product manufacturing. We’re about to fill you in on some lesser known secrets of this world. Teaser: your pricey, “all natural” lip balm may in fact be a generic formulation used by bunches of other personal care product companies. It ain’t all that special. 

What is co-packing? 

Co-packing, or contract packing, happens across industry during the manufacturing and production phases of a product. At its core, co-packing can assist brands in saving money when they start to expand product lines. This happens across the food, cosmetic, and household goods industries, as well as many others. 


Essentially, a brand will bring its formulation to a contract packager in hopes that they will be able to produce the product and package it for less cost than the business could do on its own. Co-packers are able to keep costs down for a variety of reasons that might inadvertently impact the companies that work with them. Co-packers often have long-tenured ties with ingredient and packaging companies that allow them to source items on the cheap. If personal care product companies want a certain brand of coconut oil because of its sustainable practices or desire a recyclable deodorant twist stick, the contract packager may not be able to deliver cost-effective options. 


Additionally, co-packers take on many brands that often make similar products. A co-packer is a business as well and will run in a way that makes it a substantial profit. If a product isn’t a top money maker for the co-packer, it may get placed further down the production schedule. This drastically impacts the loyal customer base that fuels small companies and can make it tricky to deliver high quality products, consistently. 

What is private labeling? 

Private labeling companies provide a book of formulas from conventional all the way to certified USDA organic that personal care brands can choose from when expanding their product lines. When looking to expand their deodorant scents or lipstick flavors, the cosmetic or personal care product company will select a formulation created by the private labeling company and then slap their own label on it. It’s easy for well-known brands to make even more money this way because of the trust given by a dedicated client base. The trusted brand isn’t required to disclose whether they made the formula or not. The buyers trust that they will like, believe in, and use the product because of their loyalty to their favorite brands. 

Why can co-packing be a bad thing?

Businesses who choose to co-pack may be looking to cut corners on costs. In doing so, they hand over control of their formulation and filling process. Ultimately, their name is on the final product, but they are not overseeing any part of their product’s creation. While a co-packing facility may claim to operate sustainably, pay workers well, or use the utmost care in sanitary practices, there seemingly is no way to tell. 

Both can be rather opaque. 

Luxury brands often dupe the very people they aim to serve by using standard formulations, created by private labeling companies. They may make it their own by tweaking a flavor or scent variety - if the private labeling company allows them to do so. Then, the brand will slap their label across it and push it out to their loyal following. That drugstore leave-in conditioner that costs $7 may be the exact same formula sold at a high-end salon for $37. 


In a similar vein, co-packing is often chosen because of its cheap nature. Co-packers need to make money as well and may seek to shave costs off medium to large-scale production runs, so they will choose the lesser quality, less costly packaging option. Usually, this doesn’t mean sustainable, recyclable, or biodegradable. 


It’s no secret that cutting costs most often negatively affects the entry level bracket of employees and the customer base while rarely impacting C-suite members. Co-packers abroad and stateside may not pay a living wage for the area in which their employees live. Production line manufacturing is no cake walk and, if co-packers promise short lead times, their employees must pay the price. 

Does Pit Liquor co-pack or private label? 

We’ll give you one guess. We don’t. Now, we’re not trying to knock companies that do. Many co-packing facilities and private labeling companies prioritize employees health and well being, conduct impeccable procedures, and have high standards for protecting intellectual property rights of the brands they work with. 


However, it’s inherently risky to pass off something as your own when it actually isn’t.  It’s a lesson we learned in sixth grade after copying the math homework only to find that your friend has no idea how to multiply fractions. 

We let it all hang out. 

Meaning, we keep our process out in the open. Our Pit Liquor deodorant is formulated and filled in the same facility, by actual people whose names we know and birthdays we celebrate. We are friends with our ingredient suppliers and pay a living wage that allows our team members to take care of their kiddos, buy quality food, and pay the rent. 


Our bottles are clear, like our conscience. When we say that our customers are supporting sustainable practices by purchasing Pit Liquor, we know this is true. We don’t have to grit our teeth and cross our fingers. We know where and how our waste, recycling, and compost gets disposed of. We know who is mixing our deodorants. 


When you buy Pit Liquor, you’re not supporting some far away co-packer or private labeling making the same item for countless other brands. You’re supporting a small-scale lavender farm. You’re supporting working moms who want to raise families and make good, healthy products. You’re supporting the longevity of this spinning blue dot we all call home. So, what are you waiting for? Get some Pit Liquor!
August 20, 2021 — Interns Distilled
Your Effortless Underarm Skincare Guide

Your Effortless Underarm Skincare Guide

When did armpits become a go-to descriptor for some of the worst places in the world? New Jersey, Florida, even Battle Mountain, Nevada have all been referred to as “the armpit” to denote some intangible terrible-ness that wafts off them. 


We’re looking to upend that narrative - for New Jersey and armpits alike. It’s time we celebrate our pits for all the marvelous things they do. Use this underarm skincare guide to treat your pits to some pampering. 

1. Suds up

Every now and then, treat your pits to a proper sudsing, for you and for the people closest to you. A natural soap eliminates bacteria and the dirt, grime, and savory sweat they feed on. You don’t need to scrub the skin off - a gentle lather will do just fine.

2. Exfoliate your way to silky smooth pits

Just like your face, knees, elbows, and feet, your armpits can use a little exfoliation from time to time. Product, sweat, and dirt can build up here - clogging pores and leaving you with painful ingrown hairs. Since your underarms don’t often see the light of day, the skin underneath is sensitive. Exfoliating with a gentle cleanser (like one made for your face) works wonders in unclogging pores and removing built up dirt and grime.

3. Moisturize, maybe 

We’re not going to suggest you overhaul your entire evening skincare routine with our underarm skincare guide. Pits are obviously our top priority and while we like to sing them sweet lullabies before bed, we understand that you may not. Those with particularly sensitive skin can consider moisturizing their pits after shaving or in dry, cold weather. Armpits are more sensitive than we ever give them credit for and we even tend to beat up on them, poor little guys. Use an unscented lotion and apply it post shower, every week or so. If you're prone to razor burn or breakouts, stick with a moisturizing toner that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. 

4. Detoxing is less complicated than you think

Ditch the charcoal detox paste that stains your entire bathroom counter if you even look at it the wrong way. Your armpits are well-oiled machines that actually do the detoxing for you. If you’ve been using aluminum deodorant, making the switch to natural can take a few weeks. Your pits will breathe a huge sigh of relief at not being poisoned anymore and will revel in the glory of being their true, sweaty selves. It’s 2022 after all, don’t we just want to be the people that mother nature made us to be? Ok, ok, we’re getting off the soapbox. For detailed information about detoxing your armpits and what to expect, check out this guide.

5. Pit Liquor to the rescue

Choosing the right deodorant that doesn’t dry out or irritate pits is key to taking care of your underarms. You don’t want to sabotage all the hard work you’ve put in caring for your pits by slapping some chemicals and irritants back on. Pit Liquor is here to help. Our organic formulations are free from irritants (we’re looking at you, baking soda), aluminum, and other toxic chemical agents, like formaldehyde and antifreeze. 


No wonder your armpits need some TLC. They’re basically living in an episode of Snapped day in and day out. With Pit Liquor, they will relax and do their thing, releasing sweat without the smell. Denatured alcohol kills the bacteria while teas and arrowroot powder create an inhospitable environment that discourages bacteria. Essential oils leave a gentle, natural aroma for you to bask in all damn day. Some people have even reported that Pit Liquor helps clear up eczema. Pit Liquor can be your hero.


Go ahead, treat yourself.
August 14, 2021 — Abigail Scott
Win Pit Liquor and Prizes with our “That Stinks!” Program!

Win Pit Liquor and Prizes with our “That Stinks!” Program!

Pit Liquor’s “That Stinks” program is an ongoing contest in which down-on-their-luck-denizens can submit a story in which they came up bust, tried and failed, or completely shat the bed. Every month, we’ll choose a winner and reward said hopeless hero with enviable prizes.
July 12, 2021 — Abigail Scott
Your Pit Liquor Questions Answered

Your Pit Liquor Questions Answered

Pro tips for how to use (and how not to use) Pit Liquor natural deodorant! Plus fun discoveries shared in a caring community of friends who won't let friends stink.
May 14, 2021 — Laycie McClain
5 Toxins Lurking In Your Body Products

5 Toxins Lurking In Your Body Products

Come along for a fun "info binge" as we get nerdy about deodorant. Do you know what's in yours?
April 16, 2021 — Laycie McClain

The Truth About Armpit Detox

Some people claim that you have to detox your pits before a new natural deodorant really works. Is that true?

May 07, 2019 — Jason and Erica Feucht