One Of These Things (Pit Liquor) Is Not Like The Others.

One Of These Things (Pit Liquor) Is Not Like The Others.

Hate natural deodorant? So did we until we created Pit Liquor. Find out why other natural deodorants don't make the cut and what makes Pit Liquor different.
February 28, 2022 — Melanie Allen
Science of Stink

Science of Stink

Ever wonder why your pits smell so bad? We did too, and our founder Jason's research led us to a few discoveries about the science of stink. Prepare to be amazed.
February 15, 2022 — Jason and Erica Feucht
How To Refill Your Pit Liquor Bottles

How To Refill Your Pit Liquor Bottles

We know how much you love Pit Liquor, so why not get your fave on repeat? Purchasing a Refill of your favorite scent allows you to fill up your 50ml bottle SEVEN TIMES.
February 07, 2022 — Melanie Allen
5 Common Pit Liquor Questions Answered

5 Common Pit Liquor Questions Answered

Occasionally we hear from customers who are concerned there might be something wrong with their bottle of Pit Liquor. 99.99% of the time, the answer is “nothing is wrong!” Our small-batch, handmade process means that our product isn’t as “perfect” as one made in a tube or can in a factory—our all-natural ingredients produce slight variations at times. We’re perfectly imperfect and we're proud of it. But we understand you may have some questions, so here's a dive into our five most common WTF?? questions...
January 31, 2022 — Melanie Allen
Pit Liquor's Top 3 Sellers —The List May Surprise You

Pit Liquor's Top 3 Sellers —The List May Surprise You

Choosing a scent can be hard. So many choices and for now, at least, you can't smell through your phone or desktop. If you asked us what the best scent was you'd get a looong answer. We love them all like we love our children. (Pssst, ok, Whiskey Black Pepper is super dope.)

But don't listen to us, the sales data doesn't lie. If you're looking for a new favorite scent check out our top sellers from 2021 starting with...

January 10, 2022 — Melanie Allen
Breaking up with Body Odor for Good

Breaking up with Body Odor for Good

My mom took me to the pediatrician at seven years old because I had body odor. She was convinced something was wrong with me. Perhaps I was suffering from Trimethylaminuria (fish odor disease), or starting puberty very early. The doctor, who always handled my mother’s anxiety and late night phone calls with grace and gentleness, assured her that I just needed to scrub better under my pits because I was a bit smellier than the other kids. 

 

 

Obviously, the problem got worse once I hit puberty. No kid’s body odor situation deescalates from seven to thirteen. Plus, living in Central Florida isn’t exactly conducive to not sweating. The only time I got a break was one week in January when temperatures dipped below seventy degrees. So, instead of stuffing my bra, I stuffed my armpits with folded up paper towels to create a buffer between them and my light yellow uniform shirt. 


Middle school was hard enough, especially when you’re two heads taller than all the boys - and most of the girls. I had to get pit stains out of the mix if I was to survive. Eventually, the doctor put me on a prescription deodorant, of which 20% was aluminum. It was the early aughts-- tanning beds, Furbies, and Limewire were popular. No one knew any better.  

 

 

Fast forward to adulthood. My braces and nail biting habit were gone, but my body odor was here to stay. My friends (God bless them for their honesty) never failed to let me know that I needed a little refresh. I stashed deodorant sticks in every bag and would frequently visit the bathroom for a little bird bath when on a date. I could not get away with a natural deodorant product, despite my best efforts. 


I needed the chemicals and I needed them badly. Moving into a van didn’t help the issue. Roaming around solo for a year with no running water got me super comfortable with my body odor, but I can’t speak to how the gas station attendants, campground hosts, and unassuming baristas felt. I tried several popular natural brands, lemon wedges smuggled away from the bar caddy, and face toner. Nothing worked. At least I was never truly alone, with my armpit bacteria along for the ride. 

 


Like all of the best things, Pit LIquor came into my life unexpectedly. And honestly, I didn’t believe it would work for me. I mean, alcohol and some essential oils? Couldn’t I just concoct this by myself with a bottle of rubbing alcohol from the drugstore for $0.99 cents? Nevertheless, I tried a few sprays of my boyfriend’s Whiskey Vanilla. It killed my odor instantly, which was a pleasant surprise. But I wasn’t sold. 


I continued to use it over the next few days but returned to my regular travel size powder fresh (yuck, I know, but powder fresh was the only thing that smothered my typical lox-bagel-extra-red-onion scent). Like earworms and chia seeds, something about Pit Liquor was sticking with me. 


Then my deodorant spirit guides stepped in to facilitate a slow stroll past a shelf of Pit Liquor at the local market. Compared to my $2.99 travel size conventional stick, it was certainly a splurge. However, my pits had been drinking aluminum for the past seventeen years and I wasn’t a stranger to splurging on fun items that caught my eye - 4th of July costumes, a surfboard I’ve used once, etc. After a first, second, and maybe third thought, I grabbed the Coconut Lime variety and plopped it into my basket.


To say I’ve never looked back wouldn’t be entirely true. I forgot it last time I traveled and used a conventional roll on in a pinch. But 99% of the time, the pretty glass bottle comes along. I’m still genuinely surprised that it works so well, doesn’t make me smell like booze, and doesn’t stain my shirts. On particularly sweaty days, I’ll need a refresh toward the afternoon. But other than that, my pits are just good to go. I get to let my body sweat, like nature intended. I get to put healthy, effective ingredients on my body and rest assured they are doing no harm. I get to smell like real lavender, real oranges, or real vanilla. But most importantly, I get to do the wave at large events without assaulting neighboring nostrils. It really was that simple all along.  


But hey, Pit Liquor is all about transparency so I want you to know that I write for this company. You’ll see my name on some other blog posts, although none as personal as this. However, I started writing for them because I love their products so much. If I can shepherd others down the path to healthy, odor-free armpits, confidence in their bodies, and pride in the way they show up in the world, then hell yes—my English Lit degree wasn’t a waste afterall! I’m changing the world, Mom, one pair of pits at a time.

September 07, 2021 — Abigail Scott
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
Blasting the Boob Sweat

Blasting the Boob Sweat

Sunshiny time on a beach or by a pool can also mean pools of sweat. In the armpits, sure, but for many in the world there's another major problem area. Hint: They live between the pits. Or, for some of us, they used to. (Ugh, gravity works!)
May 28, 2021 — Laycie McClain
Dear Garden, Please Grow! 🥕🌻

Dear Garden, Please Grow! 🥕🌻

Distilled Bath & Body didn't select one of their bloggers for growing their organic ingredients. Find out the hilarious reasons why!
May 21, 2021 — Laycie McClain
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
Share in Your Pit Perfection

Share in Your Pit Perfection

It's awesome to find a truly natural deodorant that works! You kind of want to shout it from the rooftops, right? With arms confidently raised because YOUR PITS DON'T STINK!

Go. For. It. Sharing is caring because friends don't let friends stink. Here you'll find a fun launch list of 5 people in your life who need Pit Liquor in theirs!

May 07, 2021 — Laycie McClain