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,
Kris, I have experimented with a cream called Lavilin that recently launched a much-easier-to-use roll on version. I’ve heard that Lavilin is all natural…do you know? or can you confirm? The story goes that monks use it and that it lasts up to 7 days with a single application. I’ve found that even with heavy workouts, i can successfully get 4 days of no smelling out of one application. You have to order it online. Would love to know what you think. Thanks….this was a super good video, one that i’m sharing with my teenage kids who have eschewed my natural deodorants in favor of nasty things like Ax and Speed Stick just to save them the teen embarrassment of being odorishous (?)
Siri – Lavilin is definitely all-natural! I have been purchasing Lavilin on Amazon for years and it’s fantastic! Considered one of the best all-natural brands out there!
I used Lavalin as well, the only thing I found was that the roll on type contains “Fragrance” that I can only assume is chemical/synthetic as it doesn’t specify otherwise, but I def think it’s better than antipersperants
Hi Dear Amazing Kris,
I just wanted to share with everyone, that I do not use anything for about 4-5 years now. 🙂
Although I have never been really the sweaty type, I could feel my odour at the end of the day or when I was stressed.
I first tried natural products – but I live in Hungary so I do not know whether you have them – then I started using himalayan salt – and that did the magic 🙂 After showering and in the morning, I just watered the himalayan salt soap a little, put some of it on my armpit and went along the day. The trick is just what you have written, that it killed the bacteria, that caused the smell.
Basically it was a little weird for about 2 weeks then my body got rid of the “addiction” and my odour went away. Of course not completely, but it is not disturbing and after one or two months I stopped using anything at all. Honestly, when I am a little stinky, it is not a bit worse than before, when I still used the chemicals – and when I do feel that maybe my smell is not perfect, then I spread some organic cream that is of orange and ylang ylang 100% essential oil in shea butter on my armpit.
Maybe I am a very lucky type, but it is worth a shot, it saves you a lot of money and the planet a lot of waste 🙂
Hugs and kisses,
Zita
Ditto! After 2 weeks of my armpits detoxing, I no long need anything at all!
I love paraben-free products. My favorite to use is the Sensé line Firming Body Lotion. The ingredients have a gently exfoliation process and allowing the skin to stay hydrated, which is important to keep the skin balanced. There is a lovely uplifting citrus scent. Refreshing, healthy, and so smooth for the skin.
I’ve been using Pristine Beauty’s “Take A Wiff” and have been very pleased. It feels so good going on, smells beautiful, and really works.
Hi Kris,
I use plain old Baking Soda with a few Lavender Essential Oil drops and apply it with a large make-up brush. It works great and really inexpensive too!
Hi Laura,
How do you mix the baking soda and essential oils together? Does it have to be a food grade oil if you’re applying it (almost) directly to the skin?
Tnx, Kris!
Unicorn did not test for (yellow) stains on clothes?
We like ‘the guv’ner’ by Lush; we have not checked it against EWG’ s standards yet
Fare well my friend
I use Weleda in rose and it works well.
I love that one too! The rose is my favorite but the citrus is also nice.
Weleda citrus deodorant spray has been my favorite for years. It can be drippy but I love the smell and it works.
Great video! Loved the ending!
I don’t use deodorant at home either, but do need it when I’m going to meetings and events.
I’ve used the Soapwalla cream and really liked it, but I couldn’t use it long term as I developed a reaction to something in it.
I’ve had a reaction to a few of the natural deodorants. I’m not sure why but removing the deodorant after work with warm water helps to clear up the irritation and after a couple of weeks the irritation resolved.
Greetings and thank you for the deodorant presentation. I personally used the rock for a period of time, but it burned my skin and turned it dark. I had used a cream called Lavilin made from Israel for over 30 years. You go for a weekend without putting anything on, shower, topically put the cream on and then wash it off in the morning. It would keep odor away for 10 days to two weeks. I have since started experimenting with other products as the efficacy of the product has since been seriously reduced while becoming pricier at the same time. Currently the coverage duration is about three to four days without reapplying. When I started it was $9.00 for a little cup, now it’s gone up and not as effective. ALSO, the design of the cup is not the content of the product. There’s a little insert where they put the product which is much less than you expect.
Kris, First of all–you are so darned cute (and funny)! I tend to slap on a little coconut oil (anti-bacterial) and/or a drop of therapeutic-grade peppermint essential oil. Sometimes I mix it up and use baking soda, corn starch or a clean baby powder with a drop or two of the peppermint oil. Or tea tree or lavender instead…
I can’t believe so many people still put toxic deodorants and antiperspirants under their arms. I hardly every go in a drugstore anymore but when I do, I’m blown away by the shear number of products.
I agree Kris. People take deodorant either to lightly or refuse to switch because they cannot give up there favorite that may be making them toxic.
What about lotions and perfume. I gave up perfume about a year ago. I don’t miss spending the money and now when I’m around someone who is wearing a commercial brand (that I use to love) I nearly gag.
Don’t you think you smell less ‘stinky’ when you eat less meat and more plants?
Love to hear your feedback.
Thanks so much for doing this, kris! 🙂 Love you, honey!! 🙂 I’ve been working to find a decent and safe one for the past 10 years and yes, some are certainly more effective than others. I’ve felt much safer in this time, but sometimes I’ve had to reassess after feeling less than “fresh” which is not fun! Science experiments can be challenging in unexpected ways!!! 🙂 Ha!
Love and Blessings to you and your team and keep on keepin’ on!!
MJ xoxo 🙂
Check out Primal Pit paste. I love it!
Hi Kris!
I use Arbonne deodorant and it works really well. It contains baking soda, mint, lemongrass, sage and tea tree.
can you please share the ingredients – unable to find online. thank you.
So many Arbonne products are toxic. Can you please show the WHOLE list of ingredients in their deodorant? I can only find the natural ingredients online, not the others. Thanks!
Can you tell me which ingredients Arbonne uses that are toxic? Thanks!
I have been using Arbonne deodorant for about a year & really like it. Works good for me, but not for my husband. Have to re-apply sometimes, but I’m not a heavy sweater. I haven’t seen it reviewed, was hoping it would be listed.
Coconut oil and a couple drops of lavender essential oil!
I found what works best is a mixture of aluminum free baking soda and cornstarch or arrowroot and you can add a little tea tree oil or lavender. I also make a homemade deodorant from Wellness Mamas blog that uses coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch or arrowroot and essential oil of choice. Works great!
We’ve been using pure coconut oil lately. We aren’t completely sold on it yet, but we’re starting to believe it works better the longer you use it. My husband notices that it lasts longer than his aluminum based deodorant, but once it wears off, it can be tricky. So you’d want to find a nice jar to carry some around so you can apply more in a bathroom.
I also use Mbeze products. The “deodorettes” are the size of a lipstick tube, but they really work! They can be sticky, so I use the Mbeze “dabber dust”, which is powder to help with the stickiness.
I’m still searching for something less expensive than the Mbeze products and less messy than coconut oil. has anyone tried the new 10o Percent Pure deodorants. I use their lotions and body washes.
Hi Karen!
I use coconut oil too, but I mix in some aluminum-free baking soda and cornstarch, and a few drops of essential oil like tea tree. I’ve found it works great for me, and my partner (who is a big, sweaty, athletic dude) says it’s the best thing he’s ever tried! Good luck finding something that works for you!
Woops- I didn’t read the entire thread. Many people have already said this!
Thanks for the info. I posted again upthread in response to someone mentioning an article that indicates the body needs a week to adjust. I stopped using the oil after a week or so, but my husband continued and we felt the coconut oil was beginning to work better and better the longer he used it. I will mention your post to him since he’s stopped using it due to turning solid from the colder weather. He prefers a spray and was able to spray the oil on when it was liquid. Meanwhile, I will begin using it again. I bought some essential oils and tea tree oil, but didn’t like the smell, so I may just stick with the unscented.
Thanks again!
Karen, to make it liquid again, just put the bottle is some warm water, it does not take that long, that is what I do with the coconut oil that I take orally in the morning
Gosh, that is so obvious, I should have figured it out! Thank you!
Karen, I found a great bottle to carry my coconut oil in. You can find them at CVS, possibly other drugstores too. The brand is Go Gear, they are small triangular shaped silicone bottles. When the oil becomes solid just run hot water over them.
I switched from Krystal deodorant (because it did not work and I was not wild about some of its ingredients ) to Ava Anderson Non Toxic Deodorant a year ago when they launched their all organic deodorant . It works amazing . I am surprised it is not on your list of recommendations . You need to check it out , I now sell it to my friends and family please feel free to visit my website if you decide to try it and are not completely satisfied , I will buy it back from you : ) thanks for this informative article !
I love the Weleda rose spray deodorant. It really works and smells wonderful.. flower
Me too, it’s my favorite 🙂
Great article and list! Thanks!. Have you tried Ava Anderson Non Toxic?
Yes, I’ve been using Ava Anderson non-toxic products for over a year now and the deodorant from that line is terrific and effective. The whole line is amazing, actually. I’ve also used Soapwalla which I agree works well but I hate having to dip my fingers in the jar and applying the cream without an applicator. I’d be interested in trying the Lavanilla a few posted about.