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,
I have found “Primal Pit Paste” deodorant. It really works for me!
I’ve been using Herban Cowboy for about a month now, and so far I like it. I use the “powder” scent because the other one was a little too flowery for me. I’m still not wholly used to not having antiperspirant, but at least I’m not stinky. 🙂 It’s also not too sticky/ weird and doesn’t irritate my skin.
I have recently discovered Silver Shield Deodorant, which works amazingly well even in hot, humid weather! It contains Grapefruit seed extract and Nanosilver. It’s made in Austin by Silver Botanicals. This stuff truly works all day!
I guess you haven’t heard of Primal Pit Paste? It works great, I’ve been using it for about a year now.
My clean clothes began to retain an unpleasant body odor (even with the use of conventional products) so a quest for something more effective began. I found it after seeing Dr. Oz’s show about Colloidal Silver.
I spash a little on my hands and wet my underarms, side torso and under breasts. My body and the clothes are back to a fresh clean scent.
I use Primal Pit Paste and it is wonderful. A bit pricey, but to me it’s worth it. I’ve only tried the unscented, but also comes in lavender and more. I see that 100% Pure has a new line of organic deodorants, too, but haven’t tried it yet.
I use Salubritas All Natural Deoderant Balm (Pina Colada-scent). It’s the only thing natural that truly works for me and it smells great!
Kris,
Thank you for your product info.
I used to use the Thai crystal until it seemed that is became of lesser quality. When it first came out
the “rock” lasted forever, then it is seemed that it would crumble sooner.
These last 5 years or so I have been using the “Naturally Fresh” brand Deodorant Crystal.
I do leave the top off so it dries between uses. It is lasting very nicely. I am extraordinarily pleased with this product.
Marian Chase
Kris: You definitely need to try Ava Anderson Non Toxic. It is the absolute ‘cleanest’ and most effective one I have ever tried…and it lasts forever!!
I searched for 8 years for a natural Deoderant that worked and then I found Primal Pit Paste. It’s amazing!! By far the best.
Such perfect timing! I’ve been groping around trying to find a “natural” deodorant alternative (such not fun research … SO grateful for you taking on that burden! ;-)).
I LOVE Oyin Handmade’s Funk Butter. http://www.oyinhandmade.com/body/freshen/funk-butter-natural-deodorant-192.html
Comes in two yummy scents as well as unscented.
Oh, yeah…DO NOT USE coconut oil if you’re going to wear cotton. I used it, and then wore a cotton turquoise blue blouse. The photos of me from that evening look like the under arms of my blouse are wet with sweat, but it was the oil absorbed into the fabric. Luckily, it washed out. But, I learned my lesson.
“Life Stinks” made by the amazing Duggan sisters. Aluminum free, talc free sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and essential oils.
Hi kris,
I have a whole graveyard of natural deodorants that didn’t work!!! I tried tons of them until I purchased Ava Anderson Non Toxic Organic Deodorant and that one was the winner! It works for both me and my husband, smells great, lasts all day and does not contain any harmful chemicals. Have you had a chance to try it?
Loved your video! Clever, fun, creative and informative. Can you do a supplement to your and advise which of the deodorants featured are cruelty-free? Thank you!
I use a mixture of 1/2 lemon oil and 1/2 jojoba oil (to cut the harshness of the lemon oil). I sweat, but I don’t smell! Love it.
Coconut oil is also a natural deodorant, among other things. I use it every morning before work. It is also a natural sunscreen, although a not very strong one. I also use coconut oil in my hair, on my skin, in my smoothies, etc. It’s one of those all-around wonder foods. If you use it topically, I recommend washing it off at the end of the day, as it tends to clog the pores.
Wow! So many great options, Kris, from you AND the readers. Thanks for tackling this (what I consider) daunting search for the perfect deoderant. I’ve tried a few but haven’t found “the one” yet, but will have a go at some of the great suggestions.
Love the unicorn rating system!
I use Funk Butter by Oyin Handmade. It works better than any other natural deodorant I’ve tried, though I haven’t tried Soapwalla. The only downside is it’s pretty thick so it can get a little messy on clothes (though it washes out completely) and doesn’t work for sleeveless shirts. But overall I love it.