Hiya Gorgeous,
Let’s talk B.O.!
Do natural deodorants really work? Why should we use them? Which ones are best?
As per usual, there’s more here than meets the nose! In this video and blog, I’m giving you the down and stinky scoop on deodorants and antiperspirants. Like many of you, I’ve been on the hunt for natural products that work for years, and now I’m gettin’ down and dirty to find the best natural deodorant. I finally tested over a dozen products and included the results in this (hilarious) video and awesome infographic below.
Pssst! Make sure you watch the entire video. You don’t want to miss my surprise guest—A GRIZZLY BEAR!
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it’s really good at absorbing what you put on it.
Think about it like this: when smokers want to quit, they slap on a patch that delivers nicotine right to their bloodstream via their skin, same deal with the birth control patch. There are even vitamin B12 patches! With your spongy epidermis in mind, it’s important we do our best to reduce our chemical exposure. Which includes what we put on our pits. I can’t wait to discuss this all with you. Let’s dive in!
To clear up our stinkin’ thinkin’ about, well, stinkin’, here are a few starting points about deodorants, antiperspirants and good ole sweat:
- Why do we sweat? Sweating is our body’s cooling mechanism. We sweat when it’s hot out, when we’ve been exercising, when we have a fever or when we’re anxious and stressed.
- Why does it smell bad? Actually, sweat itself doesn’t smell. That signature sweaty odor comes from the meeting of the bacteria living on our skin with the sweat escaping from our sweat glands.
- What are antiperspirants? Some people try to prevent body odor by using an antiperspirant to stop their bodies from sweating (yikes!). Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever find a truly non-toxic anti-perspirant because of the harsh ingredients necessary to prevent sweating—more on this in a moment.
- What are deodorants? Unlike an antiperspirant, a deodorant works on top of the skin, killing off the bacteria with an antiseptic ingredient, then covering any leftover odors with a scent. As with all personal products, it’s important to be an informed consumer to select a safe natural deodorant. The good news is that it’s possible!
Conventional Deodorants & Antiperspirants
What should you be looking for when you check the ingredients on your next stick? Here are a few of the potentially harmful things found in regular deodorants and antiperspirants. These are the guys you want to avoid. Take note: Some of these ingredients will be spelled out right on the label, and some won’t be, so you might have to sleuth a little further.
Talc
What does it do? Absorbent and colorant.
Why should you avoid it? It is considered a carcinogen if it contains asbesiform fibers. But there’s no way to know if the talc in your product contains asbestos. So stay away—better safe than sorry.
Triclosan
What does it do? Kills bacteria.
Why should you avoid it? Triclosan disrupts the endocrine and immune systems, can cause allergic reactions and can also build up in your tissues.
BHT
What does it do? Acts as a preservative.
Why should you avoid it? BHT can cause allergic reactions and has also been linked to cancer.
Propylene glycol
What does it do? Keep things from drying out. Propylene glycol is used in cars as an anti-freeze and in airplanes as a de-icer.
Why should you avoid it? It can irritate your skin (and gosh knows what else).
Parabens
What do they do? Used as a preservative, containing antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Why should you avoid them? Many parabens mimic estrogen in the body, and have been found inside breast cancer tumors. The widespread use of parabens in personal care products makes their potential link to cancer especially concerning. Most experts call for more research.
Fragrance
What does it do? This one is pretty straight forward: the synthetic chemicals listed as “fragrance” are included in products to mask body odor.
Why should you avoid it? There are an alarming number of chemicals (over 3100!) that fall into the fragrance category. According to the Environmental Working Group: “The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Among them are chemicals associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety in personal care products.”
Phthalates
What do they do? These chemicals are called plasticizers—they make products more spreadable.
Why should you avoid them? Phthalates have been found to be endocrine disruptors (chemicals that can affect your hormones).
Aluminum Chlorohydrate
What does it do? Aluminum chlorohydrate is a salt that prevents wetness, which makes it a very popular ingredient in antiperspirants.
Why should you avoid it? The continued use of aluminum chlorohydrate adds to the number of chemicals your body must eliminate and to your overall body burden (see more below).
How do these chemicals impact your health?
As our friend Heather White, the Executive Director of Environmental Working Group, put it so clearly during our Chat & Chew, we just don’t know what the long term effects of the buildup of these chemicals are, and the things we do know are pretty alarming. When EWG studied body burden, (the amount of chemicals stored in our bodies), they found the average person has nearly 300 different chemicals in their system, including PCBs and DDT, which were banned over 30 YEARS AGO in the US.
Natural Deodorant
But there’s good news! Lucky for us, there are natural ingredients that can be used in place of the chemicals. Remember that we all have different body chemistry. That’s why your best friend might swear by a certain brand, but that same formula might leave you wanting (and wafting). What works magic for me may or may not work for you.
Disclaimer: Read your labels tootsies! When you test your own deodorants, keep in mind that not all natural deodorants are created equal. And just because a product says “natural” on the package doesn’t mean it’s all good in the hood. If you can find products that are certified organic (not always possible), that may be the best way to go, since the labeling has a more stringent standard than “natural.”
My Natural Deodorant Rankings
I hope you enjoy my video (watch above!) and rankings chart, which cover a slew of sticks (and rocks, and sprays, and creams—whew!). The natural deodorants I tested are all free of the harsh toxic chemicals and are cruelty-free. I ranked the deodorants a few ways: How well they worked for me, how enjoyable they were to use (sticky? chalky? silky?), and how they rated at EWG’s Skin Deep database. Though I tested over 15 products, I only included the top 9 because many of the others ranked too high at skindeep (over a 3 rating). Download my Natural Deodorant Rankings chart below!
Have I mentioned that there’s a bear in today’s video? Don’t miss it!
Your turn: Have you found a natural deodorant that works? Share your successes (and failures) in the comments below!
Peace & healthy pits,
Violets Are Blue deodorant is the best of the many natural deodorants I’ve tried over the last few years. It seems to work for everyone!
Routine Cream (many vegan options)!
Thank you for posting this! I have tried Tom’s and some wipe on deodorant wipes and they both were horrible!!! So I am excited to try the crystal essence!
I used to sweat like crazy, and antiperspirant actually made it worse. I even got a prescription for some really strong Rx stuff. It kinda worked, but it was so painful to use .. probably because of all the nasty aluminum it was jamming into my pours. Then, I found this stuff and it’s changed my life: https://www.korinanaturals.com/product/natural-deodorant-cedar-tea-tree
I know that sounds like an overstatement, but going from wearing black literally every day to being able to wear light blue shirts in public. If your deodorant is not working for you, you gotta try this natural stuff!
Personally I like Granny’s Natural Deodorant. I’ve been using this for a few months. It’s an upstart little family owned company and the it’s all natural, organic and super creamy. It comes with a little spatula and it smells heavenly. It’s aluminum, paraben and gmo free and they even make the fragrance from their own natural herb garden and olive oil. I also like the fact a portion of the proceeds go to Charity. Can’t beat that. http://www.grannysnaturaldeodorant.com
Since I was a teenager I had problems with my smelly armpitts! I tried all kinds of products, but no use. As I grew up, I began to use deodorants that promise last 24 or 48 hours and they worked! However, I began to study the chemical composition of these products and got scared, so I chose not use them anymore.
I studied aromatherapy and some years ago, I developed a deodorant 100% aluminum and other chemicals free using only essential oils and natural components. The result was incredible! Yes, I got it! Something that really works! People who used my natural deodorant said they enjoyed because it is natural, lasts all day, promotes an incredible freshness, and yes, SMELLS GOOD! I’m very happy because I start selling my deodorant to my family and friends, and now, to people who wants to be smelly free using a 100% natural deodorant that really works for them!
I’ve been using truly’s natural deodorant (http://www.trulysnaturaldeodorant.com/) and I love it. I recently tried Primal Pit Paste ( primalpitpaste.com) and I can’t choose which I like better. The biggest advantage to Primal Pit Paste is your can find it in some stores now and they offer different scents and strengths.
Am trying to find a chemical free Antiperspirant, but all I get is chemical free Deodorants….they are not the same thing! Does such a thing exist?
Hi Maureen, I don’t believe there is no such thing as an aluminum-free/non-toxic antiperspirant. It’s the clogging of the pores that keeps you from sweating, and release of toxins from your pores (i.e. sweating) is exactly what natural deodorant is designed to do. But, I can’t recommend Real Purity’s Roll-On deodorant enough! I use it myself and it keeps me clean and dry – I don’t know how, but even when I do sweat, it seems like it’s less and I never smell. If you want a free travel size let me know and I’ll get ya one
You should try Pure Pitz. It is all natural and organic and it really works! No harmful chemical or toxins and it is never tested on animals! http://www.purepitz.com
I have found nothing better since using granny’s natural deodorant. It stands the test. I have been using it for 2 years now, and I wouldn’t leave home without it. Now the high school football coach and his football players are all using it.
Have you tried dr. Mercola’s deodorants?
This one works great :http://piperwai-natural-deodorant.myshopify.com/
I use to use Purely Great but found I had to reapply. I now use My Common Scents. It is new on the market and available through their website. http://www.mycommonscents.com. It smells wonderful and honestly, I dont have to use it every day which is great because I rarely get the shower every day with 5 kids. Great product!
Dr. mist deodorant is the best so far
I have tried a few brands and some made me smell really bad! I decided to make my own and I utilize clay. It works to draw out toxins and if you have to reapply it doesn’t seem to “cover up” and try to making smelly smell better, it actually takes away the stink! http://www.someessentials.com
Help! I’ve been using Ava Anderson Non toxic deoderant and I love it except for the red sore bumps it’s been giving me. Anyone else have this problem? Should I be using a spray instead? Is it clogging my pores? Need some advice please!
What does the NR stand for in the EWG rating? Thanks.
Thanks so much for all of your great articles. You’re such an inspiration! Thought I would add my personal fav…Real Purity Natural Roll-On Deodorant. It is the ONLY one I’ve tried (and I feel like I’ve tried thousands 😉 ) that doesn’t leave me smelling like a goat!
Lisa, I am Real Purity’s Marketing VP – thank you so much for mentioning our product! We just introduced the travel-size deodorant, have you tried it yet? Let me know if you want to and I will send you one 🙂 rachael at realpurity dot com.
has anyone tried piperwai? the owners were recently on the tv show Shark Tank. I finally decided to investigate a non-toxic deodorant, so I went to order some and it was so popular that they are now on backorder so I haven’t tried it yet.. It gets a rating of 2 on the Skin Deep site, (thanks to the reader below who referenced this site that I have never heard of!) I have to admit that the fact that it’s a cream is a turn off but wanted to know if anyone has tried it. I am a cycling guide and work a lot in europe so I sweat for a living if you will, and often need to be able to whip it out real quick for a fresh application and a cream seems harder to do that with.
I have limited choices in the EU so I’d like to find one that works before I head over again. thank you, kris, for this article and to your readers for all the great comments
I’m using purebodyscent deodorant which is excellent in fighting body odor. I love the scents they offer too. No allergic reactions. Best of all no aluminum or other toxic ingredients. This deodorant definitely lasts for more than 48 hours with one application. 🙂
I have been using the Ava organics products for awhile now. The deodorant stick works pretty well. Once in awhile I get small reactions to it but all in all it works well. I put warm water on it before use to soften it a bit. It is lasting forever as well. A slight chocolate peppermint smell..