Natural Deodorant – The Down and Dirty
From crystals to creams, we have been on the hunt for a deodorant that is not only safer for our bodies, but one that actually works. In recent years, the buzz has been about ingredients used in deodorants and antiperspirants and the negative impact they may be having on our health.
Phthalates, parabens, and aluminum are typically the big offenders and what consumers are looking to avoid when purchasing a natural deodorant.
- Phthalates help a fragrance stick to your skin and also alter the way your body makes and uses testosterone. This could have a negative impact on fetal development and male reproductive ability.
- Parabens are used as preservatives in deodorants. They may alter the way the body produces and regulates estrogen. Applying parabens to the breast tissue (which extends under your arms) on a daily basis may promote cancer cell growth.
- Aluminum is usually found only in antiperspirants. It can cause changes in breast tissue that may promote the growth of cancer cells or tumors.
Although more scientific research is needed on all of these ingredients, if finding a more natural route is important to you, we have tried many and here is what we found.
[image_with_caption text=”Morton’s Essentials” image=”http://everandivy.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/mortons.jpg”]
Made with baking soda, arrowroot powder and essential oils, this product smells like the best spa you have ever been in. Since it is a cream, it comes in a jar with a cute little spatula to use for application.
Pros: The oils in the product really absorb well and make your skin feel smooth and moisturized. The scent of the product held up and by the end of the day, no stinky pits for me!
Cons: Figuring out how much to use. Despite absorbing nicely into your skin, if you use too much it will leave a greasy mark on your clothes. If you are sensitive to baking soda, be careful with this one as it can really irritate your skin.
[image_with_caption text=”Tom’s of Maine” image=”http://everandivy.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/toms.jpg”]
This doesn’t contain aluminum and uses hops to keep odor at bay. It comes in a stick or crystal roll-on and offers several all-natural scents. Tom’s does not use any animal products or do any animal testing.
Pros: Went on smoothly, wasn’t sticky and had a nice light scent that didn’t overpower. No animal testing – gotta love that.
Cons: The odor protection didn’t hold up throughout the day. Tried reapplying halfway through the day for the next few days and this solved the problem.
Lavanila – The Healthy Deodorant
[image_with_caption text=”Lavanila” image=”http://everandivy.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/lavanilla-deo.jpg”]
A 100% natural deodorant that comes in several vanilla based scents. Paraben and aluminum free in addition to being vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros: Smells great and feels dry going on. It comes in a travel size if you just want to try it out.
Cons: The scent is strong so if you are able to smell it before buying, make sure it is something you like. Despite the scent being strong, it didn’t last all day in terms of odor protection. Reapplication through the day was needed.
[image_with_caption text=”Herban Cowboy” image=”http://everandivy.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/herban-final.jpg”]
From a company that has been recognized by PETA and is committed to environmental and human health comes this vegan deodorant. This is a solid deodorant that comes in several scents.
Pros: Feels soft going on and makes your underarms feel smooth. The odor protection held up and I smelled great at the end of the day.
Cons: Only one scent designated for women – it smells very flowery and is not my cup of tea (note, I tested the “Mountain” scent – it smells manly but fantastic).
[image_with_caption text=”Schmidt’s” image=”http://everandivy.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/schmidts.jpg”]
Whether you pick the stick or the jar, all of the products from this company are certified vegan, gluten-free and cruelty free. Made from all-natural ingredients and no artificial fragrances.
Pros: I chose the Sensitive Skin Deodorant Stick (doesn’t contain baking soda and my pits are mighty sensitive). No irritation and no stink at the end of the day. Win! They also offer a deodorant subscription so that you never have to worry about running out.
Cons: Honestly, there weren’t any!
Overall, it may take a few tries to find an all-natural deodorant that works best for you. It took a minute to get used to feeling a bit sweaty (since these products don’t help with perspiration), but it did feel good to be using a product that was cruelty-free, environmentally friendly and didn’t contain any questionable chemicals. Here’s to a healthier environment and armpits!